World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch
Photo by Dinu J Nair on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when we pay homage to the monster that brought vampires to the masses, the Count himself: Dracula.

As you can imagine, Dracula has sparked imaginations countless time since Bram Stoker’s novel was first published in 1897. The number of onscreen adaptations alone could keep you occupied for a lifetime. But today we’re focusing on a few of the products that have made it to market over the years– apologies if you have the sudden urge to start scouring flea markets and online ads…

Dracula Cha-Cha, 1960

The cover art alone makes this album by Bob McFadden worth seeking out…

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Dracula Cha-Cha
More info here

The Dracula Cookbook, 1978

Featuring “authentic Transylvanian recipes” by Marina Polvay. Not gonna lie– I want a copy.

(Someone posted a few shots of the book on instagram, including a recipe for Veal Roast. Take a look here.)

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, The Dracula Cookbook by Marina Polvay
More info here.

The Dracula Cookbook of Blood, 1993

If you’re looking for something more along the lines of what Dracula himself would eat, Ardin C. Price’s recipes all feature blood. I wouldn’t say no to this one, either (although I don’t think I’d make any of the recipes.)

(There are also shots of this book on instagram, including a recipe for Totoga– Roasted Pig Organs. Take a look here.)

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, The Dracula Cookbook of Blood
More info here.

Genuine Soil from Dracula’s Castle, 1979

One gram of soil in a coffin amulet, and it comes with a certificate of authenticity. Just in case Dracula needs to crash at your place and doesn’t have any native soil on him.

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, genuine soil from Dracula's castle

Dracula Statuette, 1930s to 1940s

Commissioned by Bela Lugosi himself to give to friends, it’s rumoured that only 25 were made, and of those only a few are left. Happy hunting!

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Bela Lugosi commissioned statuette
More info here.

Dracula: A Toy Theatre, 1979

Based on Edward Gorey’s original designs for the set of the 1977 theatre adaptation of Dracula. An updated version of the toy theatre is still in print.

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Edward Gorey Dracula theatre
More info here.

I Vant to Bite Your Finger: The Dracula Game, 1979

I actually got to play this once when I was a kid, and I’ve got to say it’s pretty fun to get a vampire bite– even if it is only red marker dots on your finger. There are other Dracula games out there, but there might not be any better ones.

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, I Vant to Bite Your Finger, Dracula board game
More info here.

Dracula Model Kit, 1962

Made by the Aurora company, these were meant to be assembled and painted. Some people like model planes, some like model monsters.

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Dracula model kit, Aurora model kit
Partially painted
World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Dracula model kit, Aurora model kit
A completed version. More info here.

Dracula Dolls, 1980s to 1990s

These are probably the easiest items to find; it would be fun to collect as many variations as possible.

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Dracula doll
Travellers doll, 1985. More info here.
World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Dracula doll
1980s. More info here.
World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Dracula doll
Moving doll, 1990s. More info here.
World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. Dracula, Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, vampire, vampires, Dracula products, Dracula memorabilia, Dracula merch, Dracula doll
Animated doll, 1990s. More info here.

Do you have any of these? Which would you want to get if you could? Share in the comments…

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

The Count isn’t the only fanged fiend out there– download my books now and meet some new monsters…

Aspasia S. Bissas books: Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Magic, Tooth & Claw, book, books, free book, free books, freebies, freebie, free ebook, free ebooks, vampire, vampires, dark fantasy, dark romance, historical fiction, gothic fiction, gothic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, horror, dark reads, indie author, indie fiction, strong female protagonist, aspasiasbissas.com

Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books

If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

🧿

And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To…

This is Doug Jones:

And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires

You might not recognize his face, but you probably know him from such roles as…

And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires, Pan's Labyrinth
Pan’s Labyrinth
And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires, Star Trek
Star Trek: Discovery
And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires, Buffy, the Gentlemen
And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires, Buffy, the Gentlemen, Hush
Buffy the Vampire Slayer

He also plays Baron Afanas on What We Do in the Shadows. I’ve raved before about how good his makeup is when we first see him, but it gets even better.

Spoilers Ahead

When we’re first introduced to Baron Afanas, he’s a looming figure– a terrifying, ancient vampire coming to check on the progress of Nandor and crew in conquering the New World for vampire-kind. When his coffin opens and we get a glimpse of the Baron, you’d swear you’re looking at a prop, not a person. When he moves, its a thing of beauty; the makeup and prosthetics move with him naturally. Although WWDitS is a comedic show, there’s nothing cheesy or jokey about how the Baron looks. It’s amazing to watch.

And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires

Later the Baron is burned by sunlight and apparently dies. The vampires bury him in the garden and move on. Weeks later they hear a voice coming from his grave, and dig up the very-much-alive Baron, although there’s not much of him left, and what is left is pretty crispy. The makeup is different, but just as good. He looks exactly what you’d expect a charred partial vampire to look like. I think the reason he always looks so good is because the focus is on practical effects and makeup instead of CGI. I wish more effects departments would do the same.

And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires, the Baron burned, the Baron burnt

Finally the Baron is healed in time for Nandor’s wedding. Not only healed, but also rejuvenated– he’s back to looking like himself in peak condition (much to Nadja and Lazslo’s delight). The makeup is a lot lighter, but just as skilfully applied. The Baron looks creepy but also compelling. If you saw him on the street, you’d instantly know he was a vampire. I can’t wait to see what they do with him next.

And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires, Nandor's wedding
And the Award for Best Effects Makeup Goes To... blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. What We Do in the Shadows, Baron Afanas, The Baron, Doug Jones, vampire, vampires, Nandor's wedding

Of course the Baron wouldn’t be half as interesting without Jones’s performance. He’s a talented and nuanced actor, and you know you’re going to get something good when you see his name in the credits.

Speaking of credits, here are the members of the makeup department, a group that too often go unnoticed (I copied it from IMDb; clicking on individual names will take you to their IMDb profiles):

Daniel Curethair department head
Randy Daudlinspecial makeup effects artist
Suzanne Diazmakeup department head (as Suzy Diaz)
Emma-Lee HiltonProsthetic lab technician / prosthetic lab technician/artist
Chris Lyonsspecial effects teeth
Carol Mitchellhair stylist
Lukas Pressassistant hair stylist
Luke Stalker-Switzermake-up effects
Karlee Morseprosthetic lab technician (uncredited)
Ken Niederbaumerkey makeup artist (uncredited)
Brad Proctorspecial makeup effects technician (uncredited)

This will probably be my last What We Do in the Shadows post, unless someone has a suggestion for a topic they’d like to see? Otherwise, let me know what you think of Baron Afanas, or any other vampire. Who do you think looks most authentic? Share in the comments…

Can’t get enough vampires? Download my books:

Aspasia S. Bissas books: Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Magic, Tooth & Claw, book, books, free book, free books, freebies, freebie, free ebook, free ebooks, vampire, vampires, dark fantasy, dark romance, historical fiction, gothic fiction, gothic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, horror, dark reads, indie author, indie fiction, strong female protagonist, aspasiasbissas.com

Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books

If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

🧿

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day. blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." Vincent Van Gogh

When you’re not busy working on great things, take a break with one of my books…

Aspasia S. Bissas books: Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Magic, Tooth & Claw, book, books, free book, free books, freebies, freebie, free ebook, free ebooks, vampire, vampires, dark fantasy, dark romance, historical fiction, gothic fiction, gothic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, horror, dark reads, indie author, indie fiction, strong female protagonist, aspasiasbissas.com

Love Lies Bleeding: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books, Amazon
FREE Blood Magic: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books

If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

🧿

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. "I think we all have a little bit of that beautiful madness that keeps us walking when everything around us is so insanely sane," Julio Cortazar

Explore my madness– download my books now…

Aspasia S. Bissas books: Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Magic, Tooth & Claw, book, books, free book, free books, freebies, freebie, free ebook, free ebooks, vampire, vampires, dark fantasy, dark romance, historical fiction, gothic fiction, gothic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, horror, dark reads, indie author, indie fiction, strong female protagonist, aspasiasbissas.com

Love Lies Bleeding: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books, Amazon
FREE Blood Magic: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books

If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

🧿

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com "Where there is no imagination, there is no horror", quote by Arthur Conan Doyle

Download my books and spark your imagination…

Aspasia S. Bissas books: Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Magic, Tooth & Claw, book, books, free book, free books, freebies, freebie, free ebook, free ebooks, vampire, vampires, dark fantasy, dark romance, historical fiction, gothic fiction, gothic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, horror, dark reads, indie author, indie fiction, strong female protagonist, aspasiasbissas.com

Love Lies Bleeding: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books, Amazon
FREE Blood Magic: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: SmashwordsBarnes & NobleKoboApple Books

If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

🧿
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