Retroist

Would love to see these in person.

In 1987, the news program 20/20 did a story about fears around kids watching horror films at home in a segment called, VCR Horror. This report is both an argument between generations about how to perceive genre and an example of moral panic reporting. www.retroist.com/p/vcr-horror...

I've compiled my Monster Cereal Bar recipes into a single post over on my website! Be sure to read my entire life story broken into SEO-friendly paragraphs before actually getting to the recipes. spacemonkeyx.com/2026/09/21/m...

Dreams really do come true. I have acquired a gigantic Doritos/Pepsi Monster Bash store display from the early ‘90s. My mission is complete.

On an all new episode of the Retroist Podcast I am diving into the history of the tv show, Dark Shadows. It turned a daytime soap opera into gothic horror. Vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and wild storylines kept viewers hooked, and its flaws were part of its charm. www.retroist.com/p/retroist-d...

Make sure to put a safety patch on the back of your clothes while out trick or treating.

Act now! The number of pumpkins that will accomodate your punch bowl is shrinking fast.

Still plenty of time to get ready to make a Pumpkin Patch Pie for Halloween. Here is the recipe.

For the latest Retroist Podcast show over on Patreon I am finally taking a look at the history of the comics/TV and films series, Tales from the Crypt. It is an incredible franchise that deserves more attention. So I hope you give the show a listen. www.patreon.com/retroist/pos...

Sad that my local supermarket hasn't put up their giant soda can box pumpkin this year. It always made me smile.

It's a Dracula night.

It's subtle, but can you spot the cooler dad?

You are getting ready for Halloween in 1980? Which of these masks are you choosing?

Dracula branded oranges are the best type of oranges.

Feels like a good night to watch Transylvania 6-5000 (1985).

GUYS! Someone made a 100% free fake TV network out of Archive.org content with a TV Guide channel-like viewing experience. Ya’ll need to bookmark this right now: Spelunkr.TV Credit: /u/thetalkinghawk on Reddit

Pumpkin leaf bags might still be around in some capacity, but in the early 90s, it seemed like they were EVERYWHERE. An underappreciated part of the Halloween aesthetic. (1991)

Fleer Pac-Man Stickers (No. 14 of 54) Pac-Man: For Challenge Call. www.retroist.com/p/fleer-pac-...

The eighties were filled with toy lines that lasted only a year or two. Infaceables used vacuum suction to change a figure's face. It might not have been a robot, but it was a fun take on the transforming toy craze. I wrote about their history here. www.retroist.com/p/infaceables

I am always surprised that while the movie, Fade to Black, has a following, it is not more popular. On an all new episode of the Retroist podcast, I talk all about this gem of a film. I hope you check it out or rewatch it this month. www.retroist.com/p/retroist-f...

While frequently dismissed, maligned, and often confused with other cheese-like foods, some people, myself included, love American cheese. On the Retroist, I take a look at the history and composition of this versatile and tasty food product. www.retroist.com/p/a-history-...

The TV show, That's Incredible, did a story about a Haunted Toys R Us in Sunnyvale, CA. It is a segment that many people remember when they think about the show and it is certainly the best TV coverage of a haunted Toys R Us from that era. www.retroist.com/p/the-haunte...

In 1974, select McDonald's in Cleveland OH gave away a set of McDonaldland Character trading cards promoting local educational landmarks. This set features some of the earliest giveaways of each character... it even refers to Grimace as "THE GRIMACE."

Over on Patreon I did a podcast about the history of Nerf. From a simple safe ball to a line of gun-like blasters, Nerf has been in our lives for decades. www.retroist.com/p/retroist-n...

I had only one Manglor toy, Manglord, and my dog made short work of him. Still the concept of a toy you could mangle and put back together has always seemed cool to me. Here is a history of the short lived toy line. www.retroist.com/p/manglors

In 1982, a World's Fair came to Knoxville, TN and it would be the last "successful" one in the United States. On today's Retroist Podcast I talk about the history, accomplishments, and controversies surrounding this early 80s event. www.retroist.com/p/retroist-1...

Fleer Pac-Man Stickers (No. 13 of 54) Pac-Man Headquarters: Counseling Available. www.retroist.com/p/fleer-pac-...

Fleer Pac-Man Stickers (No. 12 of 54) Pac-Man For President. This is one of my favorites.

A few years ago, I got to go to the Funspot arcade in Laconia, NH. I got there early and for a litte bit I was the only one on this floor and I snapped this photo of paradise.

I know a lot of use are going to buy too much Monster Cereal. Here is a great way to use it.

Over 50 years ago, Carnation Breakfast Bars hit shelves and for decades afterwards they were used by many as breakfast on the go. I loved them because I thought I had found a "candy for breakfast" loophole. Let's look at their history. www.retroist.com/p/carnation-...

Fleer Pac-Man Stickers (No. 11 of 54) Slide Out The Side Door & I'm Cookin’ Now

This art really flips the script on Pac-Man and the Ghosts. Here he is a nightmare monster gobbling cowering ghosts that stay "alive" inside his cavernous spherical body.

Fleer Pac-Man Stickers (No. 10 of 54) Waka! Waka! & Here Comes Jaws!

The brief annual meeting of watermelon season and pumpkin season.

I picked up Forbidden Solitaire on Steam. A solid independent video game that is perfect for this time of year. Solid solitaire fun with a meta horror game story that unfolds as you play. greyaliengames.com/forbiddensol...

Fleer Pac-Man Stickers (No. 09 of 54) Waka! Waka! Waka! Waka! GULP!

You are headed to Toys R Us after the release of Empire Strikes Back and can only pick 3. Which are you choosing?