Mars Attacks: Slaughter in the Streets

Peace talks appear to be out of the question

• Mars Attacks: Slaughter in the Streets
  Model kit diorama
• Screamin' Products, Inc.
• For ages 10 to adult
• MSRP $89.95

ars Attacks was originally a bubble gum card set published by Topps in 1962. The set depicted the invasion of Earth, in horrifying detail, by death-ray-wielding Martian shock troops. As part of a continuing revival of this gory phenomenon -- which includes a new card set, comic books, novels and a forthcoming movie -- Screamin' Products has created a series of 1/8 scale model kits of the Martians carrying out their deadly attacks.

Slaughter in the Streets is one of the largest and most intricate of these models. It has two main parts: a Martian in an armored space suit with jet pack and pistol, and a diorama base. The base shows a street corner with a portion of a smashed storefront, a fire hydrant, and a mailbox. The body of a police officer is draped across the mailbox, the recent victim of a slicing ray. His guts and gore splay across the ground, while his half-eaten doughnut lies in the gutter. Nearby lies a small dog that has also been blasted, its hind quarters brutally twisted from its front.

To begin building the model, the individual pieces must first be prepared -- extra parts cut away, seams filed down and everything washed. Also, the base must be filled with plaster of paris or wax. Next, the parts are glued together with cyanoacrylate (Super Glue). Once dry, the model is ready to be painted. Screamin' Products recommends using water-based acrylic paints. First the model should be base coated, then highlighted with dry brushing. Finally, details such as pupils, kidneys, etc. are painted and a coat of spray fixative applied.

For the newcomer, this model might be a challenge, but Slaughter's complexity is also its great strength. The Martian's limbs, for example, fit together ball-and-socket style, allowing total control over positioning (although this takes a lot of gluing). Painting these kits well also takes practice, since the model is made of two kinds of material: vinyl and resin. While paint applies to the vinyl fairly well, it vehemently resists sticking to the resin. Thick paint is required, which tends to fill in the finer details.

Fortunately, Screamin' has created an excellent set of instructions that are nicely laid out and provide clear, straightforward guidance. There are also many added touches that make the model fun, such as a tiny newspaper whose headline proclaims "SLAUGHTER IN THE STREETS." Best of all the entire Martian's head glows blue!

Like any artistic endeavor, model-making takes practice to become proficient, and beginners might want to consider one of the simpler kits Screamin' offers. But for those ready for a challenge, Slaughter in the Streets faithfully captures the mood of the original Topps cards and will provide many hours of fun.

It's cool, but would I display it in my living room? -- Brooks

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