Pete Johnson’s Monster Series has had a remarkable run on our Packaging Awards list, and he returns once again with The Michael. Named for the knife-wielding, mask-wearing Michael Myers of John Carpenter’s Halloween movie franchise, this year’s release featured half of the white-faced Myers paired with a blood red knife on the 666 dress boxes, an excellent artistic take on the motivation for this year’s Monster release. While the bands are nearly identical to previous years’ save for the royal blue color scheme, the dress boxes are immediately recognizable by seemingly anyone even remotely familiar with the movies.
In addition, the knife handle features the number 10, signifying this as the 10th release in the Monter Series.
While not part of the consideration, the non-dress boxes did a respectable job as well, with the knife design used as the primary identifier.
The line has always been spot-on, but ever since The Mummy, Johnson has been nailing the Monster Series packaging and The Michael is no exception; it’s one of the most immediately recognizable and identifiable designs on this year’s list and a fitting addition to the collect. — Patrick Lagreid.
