The first issue of Little Shoppe of Horrors I purchased was # 8, which had originally come out in May of 1984. It was probably closer to the mid ’80’s to late ’90s when I picked it up. The main reason was because I was starting to go nuts over Hammer Films and The Vampire Lovers was one of my favorites, and issue # 8 was all about the Karnstein trilogy, so of course I had to get it. And from that issue on, I started to get the latest copy of Little Shoppe of Horrors every time one came out. It really was a Hammer Films fan’s dream come true, because it was so damn informative about not only the films, but those that were involved in making them.

And now, after over 5 decades and 53 issues, it is finally coming to an end. Issue # 53 will be released next month and has a cover story of the making of The Abominable Snowman (1957) by Bruce G. Hallenbeck, as well as an interview with Clive Dawson on the un-filmed Snowman, and an interview with star Forrest Tucker by David Aquino & George Stover. There is also a feature on the making of The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) by John Hamilton, an article by Stephen R. Bissette on John Gillin’s The Gamma People (1956), as well as other amazing pieces such as interviews with Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and Anthony Hinds.

But one bit that I’m really interested in reading is The Legacy of Little Shoppe of Horror, which has 17 key mentors, authors, artists, and readers, all commenting on the history and influence of this amazing magazine. I know I have pulled out the back issues so many times over the years, each and every time I was going to be doing a piece on Hammer, because I knew I would get some great information in there. And while I have gotten rid of most of my magazine collection, these issues of Little Shoppe of Horrors will continue to have a place (a very large place) on my Hammer section in my library.

It will be with much sadness when this last issue hits my mailbox, but I also know that, like the movies we love, these issues will always remain to show us the true love and passion of these films that creator Richard Klemensen showed us for more than half a century. I’ve had the honor of meeting Dick a few times over the years and always enjoyed my conversations with him. When he reviewed my own book within the pages of LSoH, I felt like that was an honor above and beyond of what I had ever thought possible. Such an incredible honor.

While the magazine will be over, hopefully Dick and his wife Nancy can really enjoy all that free time they will find on their hands! Plenty of time to watch more movies, and re-re-rewatch all those amazing Hammer Films even more! As always, you can order your copy from their website. Just click HERE.