A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FUN WORLD STAMPED 'WEEPING' GHOST MASKS
Demand for the Weeping ghost mask has motivated collectors to distinguish different mask types by their unique characteristics and production styles. This can be difficult among the earliest masks that share a "Fun World Div" stamp under the chin because they derive from the same original sculpture. This makes their differences intricate and subtle. We hope this guide can help collectors identify their mask and make safe informed purchases. For the sake of demonstration, our guide focuses on the earliest glow in the dark black shroud mask types: Gen 1, HN, Splotch, and Gen 2.
All four early Fun World Div stamp masks derive from the original source sculpture to varying degrees. This is proven by markings shared on all four early types (Gen 1, Splotch, HN, Gen 2). While they are all nice vintage pieces, collectors prioritize them based on many factors such as age, relevance to the Scream film franchise, quality, and shape. Each is considered highly collectible.
Some sculptural markings found on all four mask types demonstrating their familial relationship.
GEN 1
The first generation masks are considered the grail of Scream & Fun World collecting for their place in history and superior quality. Their rarity and franchise significance give them a high dollar value for being the original mask that birthed an icon.
EARLY-90S STYLE GEN 1
The earliest Gen 1 masks have thick firm vinyl, larger flat nose and eye paint, and cotton shrouds.
MID-90S STYLE GEN 1
By the mid-90s, production quality changed. The paint was more form fitting (notably tighter nose, eye, and mouth paint) and the vinyl was cast thinner and more flexible. This is the style mask seen in Scream (1996).
LATE-90S STYLE GEN 1 (POLY SHROUD)
In the late-90s, the Gen 1 molds saw their final use with polyester shrouds, "vanilla" pvc scent, and purple "Fearsome Faces" header cards. They have also been found as Scream Stalker costume masks with bib-style cloth.
Early-90s masks are found on Fantastic Faces header cards with classic pink 'party orb' style.
Mid-90s masks continued the Fantastic Faces header cards with classic pink 'party orb' style.
Late-90s masks featured a redesigned header card with a purple 'bat & moon' theme and new Fearsome Faces moniker.
There are three easily recognizable markings we've come up with to identify a Gen 1 mask. Each defect we've defined represents one of the three original molds. All three share details that unify them as "Gen 1" masks (details not present on the later masks we'll discuss) but each also features unique imperfections and flaws specific to each mold. For easy demonstration, we name them by their unique mouth defects ("multi-dot", "second dimple", and "small dot").
MULTI-DOT
SECOND DIMPLE
SMALL DOT
A Gen 1 mask will feature one of these mouth defects (not multiple or all).
All three first generation molds have been found in early, mid, and late 90s production style. For this reason, “Gen 1” does not refer to an era or look, but this specific set of molds. Some markings shared on the three Gen 1 molds include:
Raised "tick marks" on temples and forehead of Gen 1.
Specific double circular abrasion on the left side of mouth.
Do not think of the three molds as separate mask types, but easy markings we can use to identify a Gen 1.
Some late Gen 1s even feature qualities typically associated with other mask types, like heart shaped nose paint or exposed perimeter lines.
Example of multiple perimeter lines discovered on an unshrouded late-90s Gen 1 mask.
Some mid and late 90s masks from the "small dot" mold appear to have indented dimples in the right temple, possibly demonstrating wear to the molds.
*Gen 1 masks have been found as #9206 black and white cotton shroud glow masks, #9207 fluorescent masks with cotton shroud, #9223 All-in-One costumes with sewn on gowns and painted white faces, #8919 droop collar masks with hoods, #9974 Scream Stalker costume non-glow masks with bib, and #9206 polyester shroud glow masks.
SPLOTCH
Splotch masks are not Gen 1s. Missing markings that the three Gen 1 molds share (such as the same circular abrasions and raised tick marks) and production quality variances (often floppy distorted vinyl, and all matte paint instead of gloss) demonstrate they were from a separate factory or assembly line. Though it derives from the same sculpture, the missing markings prove it comes from a different master and set of molds. Splotch masks have indented tick marks and various splat-like abrasions across the surface. They often lack detail or appear bloated, especially in the cheeks. Surface and production inconsistencies show us Splotches were not made with the original three Gen 1 masks. The paint is often imperfect, and the cotton material varies frequently. Though some copies look nice and somewhat resemble Gen 1 masks, they are often very warped and unable to reshape with heat.
Indented tick marks (instead of raised Gen 1 marks).
Additional "splotch" abrasions on the mask's face, cheeks, and temples indicate it was likely a consequence of the molding process.
We have noted three different splotch molds:
PRE-SPLOTCH
SPLOTCH
DEEP TICK
The "Pre-Splotch" mold features a round hole indent instead of the more common splat-like shape. This is the only splotch we have seen with glossy paint. Other splotch markings on the cheeks and temples appear as circular divots instead of the usual splat shapes as well. We have only seen one of these masks and hope to observe more. If you have one, please reach out.
The holes were seemingly filled in, leaving a residual splat-like shape which we've nicknamed "splotch". Most Splotch masks are wonky shaped and heavily warped.
The deep tick mark is carved longer and deeper on some masks. Masks from the "Deep Tick" mold appear to be superior quality to other Splotch type masks (nicer shape, vinyl, and cleaner paint).
This "Pre-Splotch" mask features an unusual glossy paint style with very large eyes and a more skeletal nose. We would like to see more Pre-Splotch copies to learn from. Contact us to help.
Though some Splotch masks are nice in quality, most are somewhat deformed and bloated compared to Gen 1s. We have examined enough of these masks to know how to spot a Splotch face before even seeing its signature mouth defect (the way many recognize the difference between a Gen 1 and 2 with ease). Splotch masks have a "look" or "vibe" that is unique.
Examples of "Splotch" masks.
Splotch masks have only been found on Fantastic Faces header cards with the classic pink party orb style.
*Splotch masks have been found as #9206 black and white cotton shrouded masks, and #9207 fluorescent masks (with no eyeliner).
HN
Another early factory variant was the HN, identified by a small raised "H" or "HN" letters inscribed under the chin. They produced both black and white cotton shrouded masks. White shroud masks no longer appeared in the 1995 catalog, leading us to believe these are a very early variant. “HN” is a familiar term for Scream mask collectors because these letters would appear on many later sculpts. We believe it may mark a particular factory, along with other stamps such as MK, T, N, and TD.
HN masks have only been found on Fantastic Faces header cards.
HNs have only been found on cotton shrouds so far. They often have sloppy paint that goes outside of the lines, sometimes pointy heart shaped noses, and an odd production quality. The vinyl often has a dense feel, usually poured inconsistently making some parts of the cast thicker in areas. The eye mesh is cut as large rectangles, instead of the cut-to-shape mesh seen on most masks.
Example of mask with "HN" letters, and two examples of the "HN" chin stamps.
Rectangular eye mesh on HNs.
Example of raised "H" stamp mask with no "HN" letters.
"HN" seen on barcode of raised H stamped mask.
The "HN" letters are usually found above the FWD stamp. Some masks have a raised "H" but no HN letters. Both "H" and "HN" markings may vary mask to mask in drawing and placement, which is curious and may mean they were added through an unusual process or multiple molds in use. Both versions have also been found with white shrouds. We know the raised "H" is a signifier of the HN factory because masks have been found tagged (with HN on the barcode) with that trait.
Here are examples of other HN factory ghost masks:
Examples of other HN ghost masks with the raised "H".
*HN masks have been found as #9206 black and white cotton shrouded masks.
GEN 2
Gen 2 was not the "second generation" of molds, but a nickname given by fans during a time early FWD stamped masks were seen as a binary. Early speculation wrongly mythologized that the "Gen 1 mold had broke" and that the Gen 2 was "masterfully re-sculpted" to take its place. We now know this is incorrect, proven by poly shroud Gen 1 masks and cotton shroud Gen 2 masks, showing both mask types were produced in the mid and late 90s. We also now know there was not only one Gen 1 mold, but three, so if one had broke there would be others. Like Splotch and HN, Gen 2s have direct lineage to the original sculpture and could not have been new sculpt. Gen 2 molds were likely created to increase production after the success of Scream accelerated demand for Fun World's masks. As told to us by former employee Brigitte Sleiertin-Linden "when the company increased prodution to meet demand after the mask got popular, they had multiple factories making the same item. The new molds were made from old masks, so it would pick up the imperfections as well as become a bit larger in the process". The "heart shaped" nose paint, straight stenciled eyes, and wider flat sewn jaws give them a distinct look.
GEN 2 (COTTON SHROUD)
The earliest Gen 2 masks feature a cotton shroud.
GEN 2 (SCREAM 2 STYLE)
Masks similar to the type seen in Scream 2 (1997) have less flashing cut off the sides, causing a noticeably larger jawline that reveals more outer edge and "perimeter lines" along the exposed area.
GEN 2 (POLY SHROUD)
Late-90s copies featured a polyester shroud (as all Fun World's shrouded ghost, skull, phantom, and demon masks now had).
Cotton shroud Gen 2 masks have been on classic Fantastic Faces header cards.
Scream 2-style Gen 2 masks have also been found on Fantastic Faces header cards.
Late-90s poly shroud Gen 2s have been found on three different header card styles.
Exposed perimeter lines on "Scream 2 Style" Gen 2 masks. This same quality change occurred on other ghost characters (like Happy and Silly). The perimeter lines are actually present on most Scream masks, even Gen 1s, but are usually covered up by the shroud, or cut off directly along the line. We believe this line was used as a guide to cut the perimeter of raw casting clean.
Visible remnants of the older Gen 1 perimeter line are covered up on Gen 2s. This may indicate something about the process in which molds were created from old masks.
"Scream 2 Style" Gen 2 Happy Ghost with deep jaw and exposed perimeter lines
Here are a few Gen 2 molds we have discovered so far.
*Note, the "Textured Mouth" may not just be in the mold, but an affect of the grainy matte paint used on those types.
UPPER DIMPLE
CHEEK DENTS
TEXTURED MOUTH
DOT
A Gen 2 mask may feature one of these mouth defects (not multiple or all).
While many masks fit into the above classifications, we have found some that don't. In the meantime, we consider "Gen 2" a catch-all term for masks that do not fit into other mask types outlined in this guide. This section will update as we learn more.
*Gen 2 masks have been found as #9206 black cotton shrouds, #9207 fluorescent masks with cotton shrouds, #9223 All-in-One costumes with a sewn on gown, #8919 droop collar masks, #9219 Instant Disguise costumes with droop collar and sewn on cape, #9206 masks with polyester shrouds, #9207 fluorescent masks with polyester shrouds, and #9974 Scream Stalker costume non-glow masks.
ODDBALLS
Late 90s mask type nicknamed "Oddball 1"
Late 90s mask type nicknamed "Oddball 2"
There are two Fun World Div stamped masks that do not derive from the original sculpture. They are nicknamed "oddballs", not only for their unusual faces, but because all late 90s masks were stamped "Easter Unlimited Inc". Why these masks featured Fun World Div stamps is strange considering the era they were released. All other Fun World Div stamped masks derive from the original master sculpture.
*Oddball masks have only been found as #9206 polyester shroud glow in the dark masks, with the late 90s "ASIS" tag.