MONSTROUS MASK REVIEWS: Classic Sock Skull by Zagone Studios
Zagone Studios has oftentimes been the first to introduce a particular type of mask. In this case it is the moving mouth masks, also known as sock masks. The concept is that the latex mask is attached to a black sock that fits over your head. The jaw is separate from the rest of the mask and when you open and close your mouth, the mouth of the mask also moves as you do. In addition, this style of mask allows for great visibility and breathability.
When I was doing my yard haunt in the 80s and 90s, this mask was always popular with my actors. The sock acts a buffer for the actor’s skin to the latex adding to the comfort. The material of the sock also helps prevent getting hot and sweating while wearing the mask. Zagone Studios has always produced a great variety of skull masks, and a moving jaw was a great way to add realism to the character.
There is a lot of versatility with the CLASSIC SOCK SKULL as well. You can just be a skull, a grim reaper or any other kind of character that has a skull, The sculpture is very well done and to be honest, skull masks are touch and go in my opinion. They either seem to be really good or lacking something. Though this is not anatomically correct, the sculpture has a lot of personality, which an anatomically correct mask would lack. The paint job is very subtle with subtle shading and yellowed highlights.
As mentioned before, buying from Zagone Studios is a no brainer. Their masks are made in the United States and you can buy in confidence that what you see on their website is exactly what you will receive. In these days of living during a pandemic, seeing something in person before buying is not always possible.
Personally I have been doing business with Zagone Studios since around 1985, when I bought my first mask, which was the SHRUNKEN HEAD mask, at a time when the company was called Be Something Studios. Doing the math, I have been getting their masks for 35 years; I wouldn’t do that if I wasn’t always 100% satisfied!
To buy your own copy of the CLASSIC SOCK SKULL, just go HERE. To check out everything this amazing company offers, just click HERE. Make sure to check out my other entries in my MONSTROUS MASK REVIEWS series.
~David Albaugh
