Meet Phil Meenan: Inside the Collection

Take a look at this haunted mansion of monstrous memorabilia!
Oct. 19, 2025
Phil's monster collection is head and shoulders above the rest, with more than a thousand items celebrating the iconic Frankenstein monster. His devotion to the creature covers every inch of wall space in his home—and nearly every inch of his head, with Franken-themed tattoos.
His love of horror began when he watched these movies as a kid. He treasures the story of Frankenstein and the idea of bringing a loved one back to life. Collecting is a passion he never tires of—guess you could say it’s like electricity that keeps him alive.
Take a look at this haunted mansion of monstrous memorabilia!
1. Bernie Wrightson Bust

This is one creepy character! Phil was inspired by Bernie Wrightson, who created the first full illustrations for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The bust was sculpted by special effects artist Dan Platt.
According to our expert, Wrightson is a legend—known throughout the comic book world in the late 1960s. He worked with DC Comics and co-created Swamp Thing.
This design stands out because Wrightson’s take on Frankenstein’s monster was truly unique and this high-end bust was based on his haunting vision.
It’s also a rare find. Phil discovered it on eBay; it originally came as a blank, unpainted kit, but he had a friend bring it to life with a stunning paint job.
Our expert noted that the paintwork adds significant value. While around 500 were planned for release, he believes fewer made it to collectors.
He valued this monstrously detailed piece at $1,800—a shocking deal for any Frankenstein fan!
2. Screen-Used Wire from 1931 Frankenstein

This is an actual piece of wire from the equipment used in the 1931 Frankenstein. It comes from the scene where Dr. Frankenstein brings the monster to life with electricity. The original equipment was later cut into small pieces and sold to collectors.
This small wire has a mighty history. Finding props from Frankenstein is rare because of the film’s age and because most original items were discarded long ago.
Phil discovered this piece in the ’90s. It was included in trading packs, and only the luckiest collectors would find one. This particular piece is 14 of 50, making it extremely rare.
Our expert said he had never seen one before in all his research. He valued it at $4,000 because of its scarcity.
3. Vintage Frankenstein Mascot Head

Frankenstein is larger than life, and this piece proves it! It’s a vintage Mardi Gras head, used during the famous New Orleans celebrations.
This piece was made in the ’70s. Phil wears it to conventions often, and this head turns a lot of heads.
According to our expert, these heads are extremely scarce—and scary, of course.
Originally marketed as mascot heads, they are made of fiberglass, so many didn’t hold up like this one has.
Our expert has only seen two and estimates this one’s value at around $1,000.
This piece is truly electrifying and a shockingly rare find for any horror fan!
4. Son of Frankenstein Autographs

This is a framed, signed photo from the 1939 Son of Frankenstein. For Phil, it’s one of his favorite pieces.
The photos were purchased separately and even from other countries. He has signatures from Bela Lugosi and many more.
All together, Phil probably has around $900 invested. These autographs are worth quite a bit—especially Bela’s. The piece is also beautifully framed for something so monstrous.
Our expert valued it at $3,000. This piece is truly a killer collectible!
5. Lon Chaney Jr. Oil Painting

This is a beautiful—and very scary—piece! The masterpiece was created by artist Daniel Horne, a comic book artist and sculptor.
It depicts Lon Chaney Jr.’s Frankenstein. Of all the actors who played Frankenstein, Phil’s favorite was Glenn Strange.
This painting was a commissioned piece from Daniel Horne, but Phil had to make a trade to acquire it, making it a perfect fit for Collector’s Call.
Today, if Horne were to paint it, the piece would be valued at around $4,500. It’s a monster of a collectible and a terrifyingly impressive work of art!
6. Jacob's Ladder

This item is called the Jacob’s Ladder. It’s a biblical term, referring to the ladder Jacob climbed to reach heaven. The name also comes from the “ladder effect” the electricity produces.
Phil got this from a prop maker, and it’s especially meaningful to him—you can’t imagine Frankenstein’s lab without one of these. It beautifully demonstrates the power of electricity used to create the iconic monster we know today.
Our expert has never seen one in person. According to him, the company that produced it was Tombstone Studios, which builds props for Disney, Lucasfilm, and NASA. Their creations are always limited and highly special.
Our expert valued this piece at $6,000. This piece really brings Phil's collection to life—quite literally!
7. The total value of Phil's Frankenstein collection:
