Comics veteran Paul Castiglia on the ROBOT MONSTER anthology
The Archie’s Weird Mysteries writer talks about the upcoming comic book collection celebrating the alien invader that’s a gorilla in a diving helmet.
“It’s a combination of my love of classic sci-fi, horror, and comedy films being able to be manifested in this one project.”
Over the past few weeks, Monster Complex has talked a few times about the in-the-works comic book anthology Robot Monster Comics in 3-D. The project involves a number of writers and artists creating new stories inspired by the movie. (It should be noted that my wife and I are two of the creators involved with the project.)
The hardcover collection of ROBOT MONSTER stories will feature the continuing (mis)adventures of Ro-Man and Great Guidance, along with Johnny, Carla, Alice, Roy, Mother, and the Professor. The project also will involve the last remaining cast member of the film: Greg “Johnny” Moffett, who played the boy Johnny in the movie, is providing story plots and autographed bookplates.
For this post, Monster Complex interviewed the book’s editor, Paul Catiglia. A veteran writer, editor, and historian who has worked for Archie Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse, and more, Castiglia talked about the new project in the official press release:
“What happened to Ro-Man before the events of the movie… and what happened after? Did he go on to conquer other worlds? Did he retire? Did he find true love? And what of the family? The possibilities are endless, and we’ll be presenting some of those ‘what ifs’ here.”
The Kickstarter campaign for the book Robot Monster Comics in 3-D is running through May 9. Find out more about the Robot Monster comics anthology campaign here!
Paul Castiglia is a veteran comic book creator, having written and edited several comic books as well as compiling trade paperback collections. He has also written pop culture articles and essays for magazine and book publications, and done research for special projects related to vintage entertainment. His past forays into horror-comedy include providing a chapter to the book MIDNIGHT MARQUEE ACTOR SERIES: VINCENT PRICE about the comedic horror films that Vincent Price co-starred in with Peter Lorre, and writing the comic book series ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES.
In the interview below, Castiglia talks to Monster Complex about his role with the Robot Monster graphic novel anthology, what about the collection excites him the most, and more.
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ABOUT ROBOT MONSTER
The 1953 sci-fi horror movie Robot Monster has captured MST3K fans with its tale of an alien invader that’s a gorilla in a diving helmet. In the movie, the invader Ro-Man has already destroyed humanity—except for one family of survivors. Ordered to finish the job, the alien finds himself attracted to one of the women...
The film was shot in 3-D. It also boasts a score by Elmer Bernstein, better remembered for scoring movies like The Magnificent Seven, Ghostbusters, and Michael Jackson’s music video for the song “Thriller.”
Over the years, the Robot Monster movie has imprinted pop culture. Robot Monster has been heckled by both Mystery Science Theater 3000 and RiffTrax. There were references in the movies Megamind and Looney Tunes: Back in Action. There were references on TV shows Rocko’s Modern Life, Milo Murphy’s Law, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Power Rangers Zeo.
Last year, the Robot Monster movie was reissued as a 3-D edition on DVD and Blu-ray. Robot Monster: 70th Anniversary is jammed full of bonus materials, including audio commentary, trailers, and much more.
And now on the way is a Robot Monster comic book anthology hardcover made by a number of writers and artists…
Comics veteran Paul Castiglia on the ROBOT MONSTER collection
Q: What is your role with this ROBOT MONSTER book?
I am editing the book, contributing some scripts, and doing some behind-the-scenes work including promotion, working in a “producer/art director”-type role with our 3-D design director, and facilitating and running the Kickstarter campaign.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about your involvement with this ROBOT MONSTER anthology?
It’s a combination of my love of classic sci-fi, horror, and comedy films being able to be manifested in this one project; and as always, wonderful opportunities to collaborate not just with some terrific colleagues I’ve known for a while but some amazing new talents, too.
Q: What about this collection excites you the most?
The anything-is-possible “what if?” concept that’s baked into it: “What happened before the events of the film, and what happened afterward.”
Q: What are your current or upcoming projects that fans should also check out or watch for?
These days in the world of comics I write and edit a lot of “custom comics,” meaning comics designed to promote a particular product through fleshing out storyworlds or otherwise communicating a product or service.
I’ve been writing a series for Chap Mei toys based on their “A.C.I.D” line of action figures. I have another project coming soon that’s built around gaming. (This hasn’t been announced yet so it’s still confidential, but it’s great fun and will appeal to many.) And there’s a possibility of others ahead that are aimed everywhere from a comic designed for H.A.M. Radio enthusiasts to one educating patients on new health aids.
I also have my ongoing book project, SCARED SILLY: CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD HORROR-COMEDIES brewing in the background when I have downtime from bill-paying gigs. That’s my book on 1930s through mid-60s films where comedians like Abbott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy, the Three Stooges, the Little Rascals, the Bowery Boys, and a host of others get mixed up in spooky situations.
Q: What are the best ways for fans to keep in touch or watch for updates about what you’re doing?
Fans can Google my name online—there’s always something floating around about me. They can also check out the blog connected to my Scared Silly book: scaredsillybypaulcastiglia.blogspot.com
Find out more about the Robot Monster comics anthology campaign here!
Related links
Film archivist Bob Furmanek on getting ROBOT MONSTER more attention—including comics!
14 Significant Sci-Fi Movies with Robots—From the Amazing to the Weird
Comics Crowdfunding: ROBOT MONSTER COMICS and more projects we love! (Comics Beat)
Robot Monster 3D Comic Kickstarter! (Classic Horror Film Board)
With Further Ado #294: Robot Monster 3-D Comic (Pop Culture Squad)
Robot Monster Movie Gets Graphic Novel (Previews World)
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The Rondo Awards honor the best in classic horror research, creativity and film preservation. This year's winners include the reissue of ROBOT MONSTER, the movie GODZILLA: MINUS ONE, the TV series WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, and more! Find out the details here.