Of course these pictures are creepy—that’s surely the intention of dressing up on Halloween, isn’t it? Scaring the bejesus out of family, friends and strangers?

Back then, in what some call simpler times, Halloween was all about making a costume from bits and bobs—cardboard, paper and what old clothes parents left lying around—bobbing for apples, trick or treating and telling ghost stories. These homemade costumes may make some of the revelers look like the offspring of Leatherface but the effect was most probably rewarded with candy, not screams.

Some of these photographs of kids and grownups in their Halloween costumes from way back when may not be acceptable now—in particular the black face—but there’s a great sense of innocence, joy, and an adventure to be gained.
 

 

 

 
More vintage scary monsters and super-creeps, after the jump…

 
Last week Tara McGinley posted about a “fully functional” vagina mask. Well, just to show what’s good the goose is good for the gander? Anyway, here’s a penis mask to exteriorize your inner dickhead.

This decidedly non-functional latex willie/bell end/gerry helmet/penis mask is up-for-grabs on eBay and costs £15.99—around $20. According to the seller—this knob job is the perfect mask for Halloween, or a bachelorette party, or maybe for wearing to that job interview or on that really important first date. One potential use is would be a Kick-Ass style DIY superhero (“The Dickhead” or “The Erector” come a bit too obviously to mind as possible names).

Anyhow, you can get yours here or in the US here...before they sell out.
 

 

 
More bell-end, after the jump…

 
A photo floated across my desk yesterday of a costume being sold by national chain party-supply store, Party City, which is a generic gothic rocker outfit.

What was remarkable about this typically lame attempt at subculture commodification for normies to play dress-up-like-a-weirdo for Halloween, is the fact that they went all deep-cuts for the title on the package.
 

 
“Romeo’s Distress” is the eighth track on Christian Death’s seminal 1982 death-rock masterpiece Only Theatre of Pain. Personally, I consider “Romeo’s Distress” the best song on the best goth album of all time. Your mileage may vary. Still, I’m impressed that some designer working for this particular costume company went there with the authenticity in the titling, even if pre-packaged Halloween costumes always look somewhat LESS than authentic.
 

 
With Halloween over, these things are bound to be on sale, right? Find one on discount now and plan ahead for your next occasion warranting a fake goth look. Be sure to pick up some clove cigarettes to complete the ensemble.
 
Here’s the real deal. Rozz Williams and Christian Death performing “Romeo’s Distress” live:

Previously on Dangerous Minds:
‘80s ‘sicko, freako’ goth band hilariously hardtrolls this kooky conservative TV host
Propaganda: The aesthetics of evil and why GOTH was a thing that had to happen