Kogar, the Swinging (Styrene) Ape!

Bob Burns is a Hollywood institution-- his boundless knowledge of film history and his in-house museum of movie props are astonishing. In certain circles, Bob's annual Halloween shows are the stuff of legend. And, for decades, Bob donned a gorilla suit and performed as Kogar the Gorilla. As such, Bob is part of a long line of unsung movie "gorilla men" (like actor/sculptor Charlie Gemora) and Bob helped keep the line going by helping to inspire the modern gorilla king, makeup artist Rick Baker. Bob's hirsute appearances on shows like "Laugh-In" are always delightful, but my personal favorite instance of him aping-out is as "Kogar the Swinging Ape" in Ray Dennis Steckler's RAT FINK A BOO BOO. (Bob also appeared in other Steckler movies like THE LEMON GROVE KIDS MEET THE MONSTERS.)

Now, Bob-- a toy collector, himself-- can add himself to his collection. Moebius Models has released a salute in plastic to Bob-- a model kit of The Mighty Kogar, featuring three heads: Kogar's scowling mug; the very un-threatening Tracy (complete with beanie), Bob's character from the 1975 kiddie tv series, "The Ghost Busters"; and Bob's own amiable visage. There is also a deluxe version of this kit, featuring a figure Bob's wife, Kathy. The kit was designed to match the scale of Aurora Models' "Monsters of the Movies" kits. Topping all of this off is the great Vincent Di Fate's box art-- some of the best in its field since James Bama quit doing cover paintings.

This kit is a fitting tribute to Bob in so many ways. For monster-lovers everywhere, I recommend it highly.

For more information about Moebius' line of monster kits, visit their website at www.moebiusmodels.com.