Do you remember the thrill of the 1980s and the iconic toys that defined a generation? For many, My Pet Monster stands out as a uniquely lovable and slightly spooky creature that captured the imaginations of kids everywhere. Like many, I always longed to have my own My Pet Monster, drawn to its “gross and scary” aesthetic that my mom, understandably, wasn’t too keen on.
Fast forward to today, and my childhood wish has evolved into a passion for collecting these nostalgic figures. However, a nagging feeling persisted – what if My Pet Monster received a premium upgrade, a proper rerelease worthy of its legacy? The attempts in 2001 and 2007 simply didn’t capture the original magic. This sparked an idea: instead of modifying an original 1986 My Pet Monster, a collectible in its own right, I decided to embark on a journey to create a custom head with enhanced features. This initial concept soon snowballed into a full-blown project, driven by the desire to sculpt hands and feet that moved beyond the plush “oven mitts” of the original design.
The foundation of this My Pet Monster transformation began with an armature, built up with butcher paper, foil, and tape to establish the core shapes. Areas intended to be fur-covered were left rough, while exposed parts received meticulous refinement with foam clay and a detailed epoxy putty skin. The eyes, a crucial element, were 3D printed with sculpted depth, carefully sanded, painted, and sealed with layers of UV resin for a lifelike gleam.
Drawing inspiration from ape-like proportions, I envisioned a My Pet Monster that was both familiar and refreshingly different. The iconic red tuft of fur took on a new life as an 80s-inspired mullet mohawk, a playful nod to the character’s enduring coolness, even as he enters his “forties.” This reimagining adds a layer of humor and personality, suggesting a monster still trying to stay hip.
After what seemed like an eternity of fur application, sculpting, and detail painting, the upgraded My Pet Monster was finally complete. The effort was undeniably worth it, resulting in a figure that captures the essence of the original while elevating it to a new level of artistry. The addition of the classic shackles and custom-mixed “booger tinted” resin slobber, complete with drool effects, brought the monster to life, ready to unleash nostalgic nightmares on a new generation.
And as a final, slightly unsettling touch, the eyes glow under blacklight, adding an extra layer of creepiness that’s perfectly in line with the My Pet Monster spirit. This project was a labor of love, a journey back to childhood nostalgia, resulting in a unique collectible that honors the legacy of the original My Pet Monster while forging its own monstrous path.
