If you’re a fan of the original The Munsters TV sitcom, or remember the strip that ran in TV Century 21, then there’s a new pinball machine – offered in various editions – that may well appeal, from Stern Pinball, Inc.
As you can imagine, the machines aren’t cheap, but they look incredible!
Celebrating the iconic US TV hit sitcom, players will be transported to 1313 Mockingbird Lane, joining the entire Munsters family on this haunted pinball adventure. Featuring Herman, Raven, Lily, Spot and Grandpa, players will work their way towards Munster Madness in this frightfully funny and action-packed pinball world under glass.
Created by Allan Burns and Chris Hayward, The Munsters TV show starred Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster, is a Frankenstein’s monster-type creation, alongside Yvonne De Carlo as wife Lily, Al Lewis as vampire Grandpa, Butch Patrick as son Eddie and, initially, Beverly Owen then Pat Priest as daughter Marilyn.
Debuting in September 1964, one week after The Addams Family on US TV screens. It ran for two seasons, spinning off into Musters, Go Home feature film and enjoying wide popularity overseas, including the UK, where TV Century 21 ran a tie-in comic strip.
“The Munsters” as featured in British comic TV Century 21
There was an animated film in 1973, too, The Mini Munsters, and an attempt at revival in 1981 with the TV movie The Munsters Revenge, but let’s gloss over those. The 1988 revival, The Munsters Today with an all-new cast may not be as popular as the original, but it enjoyed a longer run, lasting until 1991. There have been other TV movies, too (including Bryan Fuller’s troubled take, Mockingbird Lane).
Another reboot was announced in 2017, with Odd Mom Out creator Jill Kargman, executive produced by Seth Meyers and Mike Shoemaker, from Universal TV.
The Munsters Limited Edition Pinball Machine from Stern
The Munsters pinball machines will be available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models.
“The Munsters are iconic and timeless, and it was time to create a pinball experience around this freaky-fun family. With beautiful artwork inspired by the supernatural family, this theme is perfect for a pinball machine,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.
Detail of the The Munsters Premium Edition Pinball Machine from Stern
Stern’s The Munsters Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models feature stunning and distinctive hand-drawn art. Each game features a custom sculpted Herman bash toy with magnetised ball catch, highlighting Herman multiball. In addition, all models include a pop-up Spot bash toy hidden under the left ramp, a custom sculpted Drag-U-La toy car featured near a left shooter lane kicker, as well as a metal turn-around, flip-up ramp.
The Premium and Limited Edition models both feature Grandpa’s laboratory, a lower playfield that features two mini flippers, two ramps, a Grandpa bash target, a digital number display, and a multiball feature. The Premium model features an exclusive black and white custom art package in homage to classic black and white TV.
The Limited Edition – only 500 units globally – includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, anti-reflection pinball glass, shaker motor, exclusive custom art blades, a custom autographed bottom arch, a sequentially numbered plaque, and exclusive custom casket-themed cabinet artwork.
Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations on the high-definition video display. SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing. The state-of-the-art electronic system also powers a high-fidelity three-channel audio system that is three times more powerful than audio systems of previous generations.
• Check out The Munsters Pinball Machines here on the Stern Pinball web site
• Horrorpedia has a great overview of The Munsters and its spin-offs here
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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