“The Monster Squad” (ドラキュリアン), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1987, Illustrated Design, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) R1 A

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster produced for the 1987 Japanese release of The Monster Squad, directed by Fred Dekker, co-written with Shane Black and distributed in Japan by Nippon Herald Films.

Measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm, this atmospheric design combines towering blue monster portraits, richly coloured character illustration and bold Japanese typography. Its deep purple-black background and brilliant yellow lettering capture the film’s distinctive mixture of horror, humour and childhood adventure.

Film background

Released in Japan on 12 December 1987 under the title 「ドラキュリアン」—“Draculian”, The Monster Squad follows a group of young horror enthusiasts who discover that the monsters they admire are real.

When Count Dracula arrives seeking an ancient amulet, the children confront a gathering of legendary creatures, including the Wolfman, the Mummy and the Gillman, while finding an unexpected ally in Frankenstein’s monster.

The cast includes André Gower, Robby Kiger and Ryan Lambert, with Duncan Regehr as Dracula and Tom Noonan as Frankenstein’s monster. Creature effects by Stan Winston’s studio helped give the familiar monsters fresh identities for a new generation.

Poster design

An enormous blue-toned portrait of Dracula dominates the upper half, flanked by Frankenstein’s monster, the Mummy, the Wolfman and the Gillman. Their faces emerge from a star-filled night sky, creating a theatrical backdrop to the young heroes below.

The boys gather around the front of a car, equipped with lanterns, a bow and improvised monster-hunting gear. Warm highlights distinguish them from the cool blue creatures looming overhead.

The English THE MONSTER SQUAD logo appears in yellow with deep red shadows. Beneath it, the Japanese title stretches across the lower edge in jagged white lettering, red shading and an electric-blue glow, with a bat silhouette incorporated into the design.

The yellow promotional copy announces:

「百年の眠りからご存知モンスター軍団が今目ざめた！」
“After a hundred years of slumber, the familiar monster army has now awakened!”

A smaller green line supplies the children’s defiant response:

「来い！ボクらが相手だ。」
“Come on! We’ll take you on.”

Cultural significance

Now celebrated as a cult favourite of 1980s horror-adventure cinema, The Monster Squad combines affection for classic screen monsters with the camaraderie of a childhood adventure.

This Japanese release poster expresses both sides of that appeal through dramatic monster imagery and an energetic ensemble composition, making it a striking piece for collectors of vintage horror and illustrated film advertising.

Condition

Near Mint. The poster retains rich colour, deep background tones and crisp printed detail, with only very light signs of handling. The imagery and lettering present beautifully. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from 1987.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 39 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.