MFTV #21 AVAILABLE NOW!

LATEST NEWS (2/20/06):

     Where's the new issue of Monsters from the Vault? Read on and you'll find out. On 2/10/06, I dropped off shipping instructions for the new issue to my printer and happily discovered that the new issue was ready early. My happiness was short-lived, though, as I immediately noticed the cover had a cloudy (almost frosted), swirling effect on it (which had to have happened in the lamination process subcontracted by the printer, because at my press check the cover looked great, as did the text). Also, several pages were mangled inside, which totally ruined the photos; this had probably happened when the signatures were folded. Finally, the top edge of the magazine was rough with some loose paper fiber hanging off---probably due to a dull blade being used in the trimming process.
     I think the cloudy cover was due to the aqueous coating that was applied in error when the cover was printed. An aqueous coating is used if a cover won't be laminated; it serves as the protective coating that seals in the ink. Issues #14-#19 had an aqueous coating, but they weren't laminated. I raised a flag about this during my press check, as I thought the mistaken aqueous coating might prevent the lamination from adhering properly. My printer assured me it wouldn't be a problem; it now appears they were wrong. Because of the cover, crimped signature, and mangled trimming, I returned all of the issues to my printer on 2/13/06 with a request to reprint the entire issue; however, since doing so would of course cost my printer a lot of money, they want to try to salvage as much of the issue as possible. Their idea is to reprint the cover and the crimped 16-page signature, take each issue apart by hand and insert the new 16-page signature and cover, and then trim an additional 1/16 inch from the cover.
     The printer thinks the problem can be resolved this way. I, on the other hand, think the whole issue needs to be reprinted, and I have no confidence that the printer can disassemble and reassemble the issues without causing more damage. At the printer on 2/17/06, I found that they had reprinted one side of the cover and were waiting for it to dry before printing the other side; they were also reprinting the 16-page signature. They plan to disassemble some of the issues and replace the 16-page signature and cover by the middle of next week and want me to look at them before they proceed any further. While I have no doubt that they can fix a couple of copies to show me they look fine, I have no confidence that they can fix all of the copies to my satisfaction. So, I anticipate a difference of opinion on how to rectify the situation. If they proceed with trying to fix the issues, it will probably be the beginning of March before the issue is ready; if they end up reprinting the whole issue, it will probably be the second week of March. Unfortunately, since the error is theirs and they're losing money on the deal, they're in no hurry to correct the problem. When all is said and done, what usually takes 10 days will probably take close to a month, and it will probably be another 7-14 days before I get copies of #21.
     Bottom line: I'll be looking for another printer for MFTV #22 (due in late June/early July). I used my current printer with little or no problems for issues #9 through #13; however, when I returned to them to print issue #20 I found out weeks after the issue shipped that more than 50 copies had duplicate pages. I was able to track most of them down and replaced them at my cost (including shipping to and from), and I was supposed to be compensated financially for the problem with my bill for this issue, which didn't happen---so much for compensation! Once again, I'm sorry for the long delay and I appreciate everyone's patience, but I refuse to accept and pass on to you an issue that doesn't match the quality you've become accustomed to and expect from Monsters from the Vault. I'll post here again when I get the issue from my printer, and I'll get the new issue in the mail to everyone as soon as possible.
     For the second time in as many years, Marian and I plan to attend Wonderfest in Louisville, Kentucky, on Memorial Day weekend. We had such a wonderful time hanging out with many old friends (most of whom are regulars in The Old Dark Clubhouse at Ron Adams' Monster Bash Convention) and meeting many new ones that we've decided to make Wonderfest an annual event for us. This year, many more of our friends are planning to attend, and we hope many of our readers will also attend the show. In my opinion, Wonderfest is second only to Monster Bash when it comes to great family entertainment for Monster Kids and their families. For more info, click on the Wonderfest banner below.
     Finally, I hope to see many of you at Monster Bash (click on banner below) in June, where the next issue (#22) of Monsters from the Vault is set to premiere. Because of the lateness and problems with MFTV #21, and an upcoming busy travel schedule with my "real" job, it's time to get right to work on the issue so we can meet our deadline. Look for a sneak peek at the cover here in a few weeks, and as always, thanks for your continued support!