The Muppets - Super Unofficial Fan Guide!

Have you seen those magazines at newsstands and book stores showcasing pop culture franchises and wished there was one for The Muppets?

Well, there finally is! "The Muppets - Super Unofficial Fan Guide" is now available showcasing all three major Muppet families.

A Furry Phenomenon. We’re celebrating decades of the Muppets bringing laughter, joy and learning to the world. It’s been 50 years since the Muppets made the jump from kids TV to a prime-time variety show, and since then Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang have become beloved cultural icons. We’re celebrating the furry creations of the visionary Jim Henson with a look back at the franchise, from the early years on a regional Saturday morning puppet show, to Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock and more.

In this special issue, we talk to a Sesame Street Muppeteer about what really goes on behind the scenes, and spotlight the most beloved Muppets, as well as little-known characters, the best movies, video games, and memorable celebrity guest stars.

As you can see from the cover, the issue doesn't just cover The Muppet Show Muppets, but the Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock Muppets as well. 

There's even an interview with Sesame Street performer Marty Robinson (dubbed a Muppeteer).

You can order a copy "The Muppets - Super Unofficial Fan Guide: 50+ Years Of Fun & Laughs" here. 

Breaking: Muppet Vision 3D Closing - Muppets Taking Over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!

Sad news as the rumors circulating around the fate of Muppet Vision 3D were confirmed today as the long running attraction is set to close and be replaced by Monsters Inc. land. 

However, in the same announcement Disney Parks announced that The Muppets would be taking over "Rock N Roller Coaster" currently headlined by classic rock band Aerosmith.  

The official announcement from Disney Parks Blog:

Get ready to open the door because Mike and Sulley are coming to town!

That’s right, humans will be able to enter the world of Monsters, Inc. when it is added to the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Building off the exciting announcements from last summer’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the new land will include the coaster we’ve all dreamed of – a suspended ride recreating the door vault scene – plus dining and shopping and a whole new theater show.

To make way for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! But there’s more to the story: The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!

We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!

In the meantime, there’s still enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and catch Muppet*Vision 3D again before their final curtain calls.

As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.

No doubt there are a lot of new adventures planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we’ll have more details to share next year. For now, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more rockin’ updates!

As you can see in the artist's rendition, the entire area that was once known as Muppets Courtyard is going to be rethemed. 

That means that not only is Muppet Vision 3D going away, but the ever shrinking Muppet fountain, PizzaRizzo, Gonzo's Royal Flush, and the Stage One Company store (which has been closed since 2020) will be gone as well. 

Original Muppet Vision Fountain

How the fountain looks today

If your not familiar with this area of Hollywood Studios, you can see more photos at Muppet Wiki. 

Looking ahead, it's great to know there will still a major Muppet presence in the park, but is definitely sad that Muppet Vision, Jim Henson's final film, will be closing for good in the coming months.

The following bits from the press release does give us fans some comfort:

"As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future."

Not sure how you can experience Muppet Vision 3D without being in the theater as it explodes around you, but I'd love for an official home video version to be released. 

What we can look forward to is more Muppets being featured in the new ride.

"We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure .."

Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem weren't featured in Muppet Vision at all, while characters like Waldo and Bean Bunny, haven't been utilized much, or at all, since. This is a good opportunity to showcase many new fan favorites. 

And then there's this little tidbit...

"and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard!"

Muppet Vision 3D is one of the ONLY Disney Park attractions that doesn't exit directly into a gift shop. 

I'm hoping  the Imagineers move some of the interiors from the Stage One Company Store, like The Muppets Take Manhattan lockers, and Happiness Hotel motifs, and add new elements from Muppet Vision, and other Muppet easter eggs. 

No date for the closings have been announced, but Muppet fans NOW is the time to not just go see Muppet Vision 3D, but the entire "Muppets Courtyard" area before it's gone.... FOREVER.

Muppet Stuff - The Muppets Take Mahoning 2024!

Join me as I head to the Mahoning Drive-In as the Muppets, once again, Take Mahoning! 

Tickets and Info: The Mahoning Drive-In Theater: https://www.mahoningdit.com/

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Elmo Goes on a "Chicken Shop Date"!

He may only be 3 years old, but Elmo is the latest celebrity to go on a Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenberg.

Check out their playdate below:

"Your Studio is a Wonderland"...John Mayer and McG Set to But Henson Lot!

John Mayer and McG are under contract to buy The Jim Henson Company lot.

After the Henson's put the lot up for sale, a rumor circulated that the Church of Scientology had purchased the historic studio.

A Henson spokesperson said at the time "In regards to recent rumors about the sale of the La Brea studio lot, the Henson family is not in any business dealings with the Church of Scientology, and that organization is not in consideration as a potential buyer of the property. It is still the family’s intention to move The Jim Henson Company to a new location it can share with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, but at this time the family is not in escrow with any buyer.”

However, now it looks like there is a buyer and it's Grammy-winning singer, Mayer, who has offices at the Jim Henson lot and filmmaker McG, known for the Drew Barrymore-Cameron Diaz-Lucy Liu Charlie’s Angels movies and many more action-centric films.

The studio has along history and a variety of owners. Originally built by Charlie Chaplin who sold it 1952 to a real estate development firm that rented it for productions  like George Reeves’ Adventures of Superman. Red Skelton purchased the lot in 1960, and by 1966, it was in the home of A&M Records.

The Henson Company plans to rent the space until they find a new home big enough to hold their production company and Creature Shop in one facility.

New OniPress 4-Issue "Sesame Street" Comic!

OniPress has a new 4-part Sesame Street comic book.

Each issue has multiple variant covers including a coloring book version.  

The first 3 issues are available in comic shops now with the 4th issue coming later this month. 

Below is the press release about the series and a synopsis of the first issue. 

Oni Press, in collaboration with Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, is proud to present a whole new way to visit your friends Big Bird, Grover, and more in SESAME STREET #1 (of 4)– a brand-new comic book series made for the young and young-at-heart! The series features a rotating cast of fan-favorite comic talents across all four issues – beginning with writer Joey Esposito (Batman: Urban Legends) and artist Austin Baechle (Rick and Morty: The Coloring Book). See the iconic characters from one of the most famous streets in the world as they explore, learn, and play in the first of many new monthly adventures to come, available in comic shops everywhere August 28th!

 

“Oni Press, a premier publisher of comic books, blends imaginative narratives with vivid graphic artistry,” said Gabriela Arenas, SVP of Global Licensing, Sesame Workshop. “We’re so pleased to team up to introduce kids and fans to visually innovative and fun stories featuring everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.”

 

“We are incredibly excited and grateful to be able to partner with the incomparable Sesame Street, who has been at the forefront of children’s education since its inception in 1969,” said series Editor Megan Brown. “As someone who grew up with the likes of Big Bird, Elmo, and more, it’s been a joy to be able to enter this world and add to its comics legacy. We hope that readers of all ages will enjoy the wonderful and heartwarming antics of Grover, Bert & Ernie, The Count, Cookie Monster, and all the other residents as they take a trip down Sesame Street!”

Grover wakes up to another beautiful day on Sesame Street! But he soon discovers that his friends each have a problem to solve before they can enjoy it. Read along in this brand-new comic book as Grover does what he does best: lends a helping hand. After all, the most fun on Sesame Street comes from working together! Featuring covers from colorful creators Austin Baechle (Rick and Morty: The Coloring Book), Erin Hunting (The Loud House, Catkwondo), and JustaSuta (My Little Pony), revisit the most celebrated neighborhood in the world when SESAME STREET: GROVER LENDS A HAND, the comic book, arrives August 28th!

Talented writers Stephanie Williams (Wonder Woman: Black and Gold) and Mary Kenney (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) join the fun with self-contained stories in the series’ four-issue run, with magical artists Beth Hughes (Nat and Cat), Michela Cacciatore (Hades: I Am The End), Sean Dove (BroBots), and Alison Acton (The Books of Clash) bringing all your friends on Sesame Street to life!

 

OniPress's Sesame Street comic is available now at your local comic shop. 

Muppet Stuff - Last Thrift with Retro Rest Stop?

Join me and Dave (Retro Rest Stop) as we search for Muppets and more at Jake's and Fensty's Flea Markets together for the last time?

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

RSVLTS Gets Into the Holiday Spirit with "The Muppet Christmas Carol"!

RSVLTS has added some holiday spirit to their Muppet line with The Muppet Christmas Carol inspired shirts!

Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol "Feels Like Christmas" and in Womens

Overflowing with seasonal spirit, the crimson KUNUFLEX™ you see before you features a pair of hilarious hecklers, some very festive frogs, everyone’s favorite rubber chicken tycoon, and more merry Muppets in all their holiday splendor. This is one Christmas party we’d love to be present at.

Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol "The Storytellers" and in Women

This KUNUFLEX™ button down features Disney’s Gonzo (or is that another famous yarn spinner?) and Rizzo talking and walking us through the transformative tale you know and love while window cleanin’, post leanin’, and, of course, creating a little scarcity.

Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol "Spirits of the Season" and in Women:

Past, present, and future phantoms collide on this Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol KUNUFLEX™ featuring a trifecta of transcendent spiritual guides, plus a side of sarcastic specters for good measure. Man, even in the afterlife, those two dudes are off-the-chain hilarious.

You can see RSVLTS entire Muppet collection here and order their Muppet Christmas Carol shirts using the links above.