Avid Collector Creates Online Marketplace Without Hassles—and Without Attitude

Kevin King’s Personal Collection

Horror is a multi-generational hobby, and for many it’s a downright obsession. In addition to the thousands of films available to casual fans and aficionados, there’s a huge industry dedicated to toys, masks, models, and a multitude of other horror-related memorabilia.

But while communities of hardcore collectors are easy to find, some are nonetheless difficult to break into. Among those who have been in “the game” for years or decades, there’s a sense of entitlement and superiority that sometimes discourages younger collectors. Kevin King, a collector out of Niagara Falls, NY, told me: “Some horror groups that have been around for a while really don’t treat newer or less-knowledgeable members with the kindness and respect they deserve.”

But instead of simply complaining about the cliques, Kevin did something much more productive: He created his own online horror marketplace, a community where collectors can meet to show off their wares in an atmosphere of camaraderie.

About 10 months ago, he launched: HoRRoR mOVieS MaSKs aNd tOyS on Facebook.

Kevin: “It was a direct response to being treated rudely in a few other well-known groups whose members don’t want to take the time to help newer members in the hobby. Another motivation was to help myself and others avoid how greedy eBay is getting: eBay fees, PayPal fees, etc.”

And as for offering advice and guidance to those just getting their collections started: “I have no problem sharing my knowledge of horror movies, toys, and masks. I really enjoy it.”

In addition to collectors, members of the HoRRoR mOVieS MaSKs aNd tOyS group include well-known artists and even a celebrity or two. Ari Lehman, the actor who played young Jason Voorhees in the original Friday the 13^th sells autograph machetes and other related items. You can also find the work of JD Morgan whose masks were recently featured on The Blood-Shed. Other indie mask and prop makers include: Nick Mulpagano from Handiboy, Chris Morgan from Wikid Mask Productions, and Vic Grimes from CrateDivizon.

Kevin has every right to be proud of the community he created, and his commitment is apparent; when discussing the group, it really sounds as though he’s created a family.

Kevin: “I like to take pride in the fact I have an overall cool and calm group of members and we all try to help each other out and share knowledge. Our page may not have 10,000 members (like other groups, even though 9,500 of them are not active or post anything) but the members we have are all cool and have no problem contributing and helping out other members when they are looking for a certain item, or need a question answered.”

In addition to being a place where you can score specific items, HoRRoR mOVieS MaSKs aNd tOyS, is someplace where original items can be commissioned.

Sound like a group you’d like to be a part of? Kevin likes to keep a close eye on who he lets in; he’s careful to keep the gates closed to those who have a bad reputation for online sales and, so far, hasn’t had any issues with dissatisfied customers or scammers. As a vendor, your best way in would be to contact Kevin directly and take it from there. As for collectors, anyone is free to peruse the items up for sale; if you see something you like, you can contact that person directly.

In addition to being the group’s founder, Kevin is also perhaps their greatest beneficiary having amassed 90% of his sizable collection since the site was launched. He also sells his own custom jack-o-lanterns, modeled after those that appear in the opening credits of the Halloween movie franchise.

As if HoRRoR mOVieS MaSKs aNd tOyS isn’t already a Mecca for horror fans and collectors, Kevin likes to hold contests for free giveaways. The next one is set for Friday February 13^th and includes Jason themed merchandise donated by several of the group’s members. Go ahead and enter yourself: HERE.

While we report on horror news from all sources, we at The Blood-Shed take special pride in identifying and acknowledging spirited independent artists and filmmakers from around the world. For his efforts in creating an open, inclusive, and honest site for horror collectors (new and established) Kevin King certainly deserves recognition.

Does HoRRoR mOVieS MaSKs aNd tOyS sound like a group you’d like to be a part of? Sound off in the comments section!

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