The Life and Death of
Mel Birnkrant presents:
MAXx FX IS BORN
Copyright Acknowledgment: All images of MAXx FX and other Products and Images, created by Mel Birnkrant, are Copyright
(c) BIRNKRANT KISCOM/ The OBB
(c) BIRNKRANT KISCOM/ The OBB
MAXx FX began life as “Max Miracle... Master of Make-Up and Special Effects” That was at least the “working title”. It was later shortened to MAXx FX. The concept was such a “natural” that, in fact, the only Miracle was that it had not been done before.
Throughout the following pages all copy in san-serif type is quoted verbatim from the Original Presentation:
Throughout the following pages all copy in san-serif type is quoted verbatim from the Original Presentation:
Who is MAXx FX? He’s an 11 ½” fully articulated action figure, capable of assuming a multitude of fantastic identities through the magic and illusion of Make-Up and Special Effects. The MAXx FX MONSTER Make-Up System is a series of instant Make-Up Cassettes that contain everything necessary to transform MAXx into incredible Movie Monsters. The unique Snap-on appliances change MAXx’s identity in a snap... Right before your very eyes! MAXx, is both a Movie Star and a Crime Fighter. He travels the city in his Miracle Productions Mobile Movie Van, using his Magic Make-Ups and Fantastic Special Effects to fight crime. His Secret Make-Up Formula miraculously bestows upon him all the Super Powers and Unique Abilities of each Character he portrays. Who is MAXx FX? Anyone he wants to be!
MAXx FX was born on this desk in 1988/89. He was made of a once wonderful material called Super Sculpy that made sculpting seem easy. Alas, the formula has since been changed, and it is crap today. His body-doubles were G.I. Joes, harvested from flea markets. Already a collectors item then, each was adorned with a new Super Sculpy head. Here are all seven characters, newly completed , waiting to be decorated.
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Here are the finished prototypes in their “official” presentation case, cradled in red velvet, and ready to be shown. Incredibly, I still have this case in tact 30 years later. The presentation also included several illustration boards offering suggestions for Accessories and a rather elaborate Slide Show; all of which can be seen in the following pages.
Clothes adapted from GI Joe’s, along with Kens old dinner jacket, and one striped custom knitted sweater became MAXx’s Hollywood wardrobe. Make-up, courtesy of Liquitex acrylics, and bits and pieces of fake fur provided the final touches.
Here they are, the presentation figures finished, appearing all together on my desk for one time only! At this point in time, no eyes but mine had seen them. They were ready for their close-up; just Click the Images to Enlarge them.