02.10.2016 ANYTHING GOES: THE QUEST FOR PEACE!!! With SCOTT ROGERS!
MONSTER PARTY GOES FOR IT!
JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD return to a show format that could quite possibly end all wars! Well, at least the one with your inner monster kid. It's a cavalcade of clever conversation, we're calling... ANYTHING GOES: THE QUEST FOR PEACE!!!
As you long-term listeners may recall, our "Anything Goes" episodes are exactly what they sound like—a freewheeling, spontaneous gab-fest where practically any subject is allowed. Sure, we'd prefer they be genre-related, but a good egg salad recipe would definitely not be off limits. Well...
We don't want to give too many episode details away, but if you're into customizing action figures, Gorilla Suit Day, superhero-themed half bathrooms, bucket list cosplay planning, theme park gripes, and a bit of Disney bashing, you might want to give this baby a listen!
Joining us for this challenging charcuterie of chat (or chatcuterie) is a return guest and loyal MONSTER PARTY supporter! However, if that is not enough for you, he's also an acclaimed game designer, author, teacher, lecturer, former Disney Imagineer, and a huge Batman fan! Please welcome back our old chum... SCOTT ROGERS! (LEVEL UP! THE GUIDE TO GREAT VIDEO GAME DESIGN, SWIPE THIS! THE GUIDE TO TOUCHSCREEN GAME DESIGN, RAYGUNS AND ROCKETSHIPS, PANTONE THE GAME, ALIEN: FATE OF THE NOSTROMO, I DO MY OWN STUNTS, GAMEMASTER)
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. AND IF YOU CAN'T DO THAT, HOW ABOUT A NICE EGG SALAD? LARRY?
Guest(s)
Scott Rogers:
Follow Scott: Scott Rogers (@mightybedbug) • Instagram profile | mr boss' design lair | Scott Rogers: Game Designer
Key Topics Discussed
The Evolution of Comic-Con: Scott Rogers discusses his personal history of attending major pop culture events since the 1970s and how his role has evolved from a young fan to a professional industry veteran.
The "Anything Goes" Cosplay Philosophy: The group shares personal stories about building costumes like the Gorn and Snake Plissken, discussing why they prioritize deep-dive characters and creative passion over high-budget perfection (but, when you can, you do get that special costume piece!).
Vintage Monster Toy Nostalgia: The hosts dive into their obsession with retro Halloween collectibles, specifically the charm of Ben Cooper masks and a certain figure company that replicate that "dimestore" aesthetic with release after release!
Theme Park Craftsmanship vs. Technology: A spirited discussion on the design of classic attractions, highlighting why old-school theatrical "tricks" often outperform modern digital screens and motion simulators.
The "Batman Bathroom" Collectible Debate: Scott reveals his meticulously themed half-bath filled with original DC artwork, sparking a hilarious debate over the ethics and safety of displaying rare art in a restroom.
Timestamps
00:03:50 – Returning Guest Scott Rogers is introduced as an accomplished board game and video game designer and author.
00:04:53 – Scott shares his personal history as an attendee of major pop culture conventions since the 1970s.
00:07:43 – The group discusses the shifting culture of cosplay and Scott's recent experience dressing up with his daughter.
00:19:57 – The Monster Party crew explores the passion and effort that go into creating cosplay costumes.
00:26:18 – The crew discusses the history of National Gorilla Suit Day and the quest for the perfect articulated mask.
00:33:41 – A deep dive into vintage Halloween collectibles, specifically the nostalgia of Ben Cooper costumes.
00:47:18 – Scott reveals his meticulously themed "Batman Bathroom" and the original DC artwork he displays there.
01:06:01 – The discussion moves to Disney Imagineering and the craftsmanship behind classic theme park attractions.
01:18:37 – The team "vents" about modern theme park changes and compares old-school theatrical tricks to digital screens.
01:49:16 – Listener shout-out and a final toast to guest Scott Rogers.
Resources/Links Mentioned
Films
Star Wars: Scott mentions the 1976 Comic-Con presentation.
Batman: Discussed in the context of Scott's themed bathroom and the character's legacy.
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life: Larry jokes about dressing as Mr. Creosote.
Logan's Run: Referenced for the Sandman and Runner costumes worn by Shawn and Gina.
Zardoz: Referenced for its unique Sean Connery costume design.
Jurassic Park: Referenced for the John Hammond character and costume.
The Incredibles: Referenced for a family cosplay seen at a convention.
Alien: Matt discusses his dream of owning the white environmental space suit.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes: Discussed regarding the gorilla soldier makeup and the steam bath scene.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes: Cosplay suggestion of Cornelius in a bathrobe costume.
The Fog: Mentioned for a specific Captain Blake action figure found at retail.
The Party: Matt references a Peter Sellers scenario.
Return of the Living Dead: Referenced for the Tarman character and related collectibles.
Godzilla: Mentioned regarding a themed store in Tokyo and a simulator ride.
Steamboat Willie: Mentioned regarding the silent movie theater on Main Street in Florida.
Finding Nemo: Discussed as a submarine ride experience the hosts find disappointing.
Alice in Wonderland: Mentioned regarding grandfathered building codes in the park.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Discussed extensively regarding the seasonal Haunted Mansion overlay.
Peter Pan: Discussed regarding ride modifications and cultural representation.
The Princess and the Frog: Mentioned for the Tiana's Bayou Adventure retheme.
Brave: Mentioned as a Pixar property represented in California Adventure.
Moana: Referenced as a recent IP featured in the parks.
Hercules: Referenced in a discussion about missed opportunities for Greek-themed rides.
Tangled: Referenced as an IP fans would like to see more of in the parks.
Frozen: Mentioned regarding the popularity of its rides in Japan and Florida.
Human Centipede: Referenced as a joke regarding potential future rides.
Night of the Lepus: Mentioned in the listener letter regarding Jaxxon and the crossover that the world needs to see!
Yentl: Mentioned in a closing joke about Mandy Patinkin.
What's Up, Doc?: Referenced as a film the hosts enjoy.
MegaForce: Referenced toward the end of the show for the "Ace Hunter" quote.
Funny Girl: Mentioned in the context of Barbra Streisand movies.
Television
Kamen Rider: Matt shares his obsession with the 1971 series and his quest for a perfect replica costume.
Star Trek: Discussed regarding the types of cosplayers and "Monster Kids" found at early 1970s conventions.
The Three Stooges: Referenced for the specific "articulated" gorilla suits used in their classic shorts.
Planet of the Apes (TV Series): Mentioned regarding the 1970s television expansion and related Mego action figures.
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: Referenced for the vintage Collegeville costume Larry gave to Shawn.
The Flintstones: Mentioned regarding the vintage Fred Flintstone costume Larry gave to James.
Ultraman: Referenced for the specific design of the vintage gold mask costume.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Discussed regarding the modern line of high-end collectibles and NECA costumes.
Batman: The Animated Series: Referenced for the Bruce Timm character designs found in Scott's bathroom artwork.
The Questor Tapes: Scott discusses the environmental suit/costume.
The Imagineering Story: A Disney Plus documentary series discussed for its behind-the-scenes look at park construction.
The Mandalorian: Mentioned regarding the inclusion of Grogu and modern characters in theme park experiences.
Books, Comics, etc.
Your Turn! The Guide to Great Tabletop Game Design: A book authored by Scott Rogers regarding the design of board games.
Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design: A book authored by Scott Rogers focused on video game development.
Ambush Bug: Referenced early in the "bookshelf" segment where Scott points out the figure.
Golden Age Batman (1940s-1950s): Scott describes this as his "dream costume" because it is "very blue" and features the "black bat on the chest."
Superman (Silver Age): The era referencing the specific character, Lori Lemaris, who inspired Scott's daughter's costume.
The Watchmen: The comic book series mentioned for the character Dr. Manhattan.
Mad Magazine: The humor publication credited with inventing National Gorilla Suit Day.
Creepy: A horror comic magazine referenced for a classic Frank Frazetta painting of Dracula fighting a werewolf.
Batman, The Dick Sprang Era: Scott specifically highlights Sprang's artwork, mentioning he has a Dick Sprang print hanging in his themed bathroom.
The Dark Knight Returns: The graphic novel by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley mentioned as a signed collectible.
Star Wars #8 (Marvel): The "Eight for Aduba-3" storyline featuring the first appearance of Jaxxon.
Star Wars #9 (Marvel): The continuation of the Jaxxon and the "Star-Hoppers" story.
