For all those who grew up ordering novelties from comic books and magazine ads, House of the Unusual presents this video in order to rekindle that youthful nostalgia. Join us as three avid mail-order novelty collectors reveal their most prized possessions and journey back to a time when mystery spurred imagination.
Video Cast Host:
Joe Pavlansky aka Crypt of Classics
Thom aka DrSab
Thom aka Dr. Sab’s interest in magic started when he inherited his uncle’s magic collection in the late 1960s. Around the same time, he received a hand-me-down box of DC and Marvel comic books from his cousin, spurring his interest in collecting mail order items from Honor House and Johnson Smith. His current collection consists of magic, jokes, puzzles and novelties from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. He enjoys uncovering the science behind these mail order mysteries.
Thom’s going to be focusing on Franco American Novelty Company items.
Tod Machin aka King of the Sea Monkeys®
As a child, the comic book ad that captivated Tod’s imagination the most was the tiny family of “Instant Life®” pet Sea-Monkeys®. That early memory became a lifelong obsession — resulting in the largest collection of mail-order novelty items by the Sea-Monkeys® creator, Harold von Braunhut. Tod’s dedication to the brand has lead to an ongoing relationship with the family-owned-business responsible for this iconic item in the toy and novelty industry.
Eddie Guevara aka The Maestro of Mail Order Mysteries
Eddie came from Cuba in 1968 and grew up reading comic books. While his mom was at work, a young Eddie stayed in the apartment and learned to order mail order items, his first being the 7 foot ghost. Once it came in the mail Eddie knew he was destined to become the collector extraordinaire he is today. Eddie owned a magic shop in 1989 and also started the original Fun Factory, the latter of which became House of the Unusual.