One of the overriding themes at Design Planet Laboratory and, in fact, a qualification for hire, is the interest in Retro Science Fiction. "Science fiction is the thread which runs through all of our product lines here at DPL" says Head Design Scientist In Charge, Jeff Mardis. "And, to be more specific, all of our scientists share a love of classic science fiction movies, especially those made in the 1950's. The Day the Earth Stood Still, Kronos, I Married A Monster from Outer Space, The Monolith Monsters and X the Unknown are just a handful of some of the great black-and-white classics that immediately come to mind. Films like these are a prime source of inspiration for our work and we're not afraid to admit it." Not only do vintage sci-fi pictures play a major role in fueling the creativity behind the legion of designers at Design Planet Laboratory, but early pulp science fiction art and classic sci-fi movie posters also act as a catalyst for their product ideas. "We love the retro look of the old sci-fi movie posters and pulp mags", Jeff affirms, "and we try to imitate that look, feel and style while still retaining a look all our own."

Another common consent held by the gang here at Design Planet Laboratory is their appreciation of Japanese monsters and giant robots. "We're all big fans of the original ULTRAMAN series!" said one scientist excitedly. For those who aren't aware, ULTRAMAN was a live-action Japanese television series created in 1966 by Eiji Tsuburaya, the master director of special effects for the original GODZILLA and dozens of other Japanese sci-fi films. The star of "Urutoraman" was a human who transformed himself into a giant, humanoid alien warrior and saved the Earth from a colorful horde of space monsters every week. "Ultraman was just awesome." Jeff says, "I saw the program in reruns on American television in the mid 70's and it has had a huge impact on our work here at the lab." DPL has created a variety of products which bare the mark of Japanese pop culture influence, namely its colorful line of "Giant Robot Fighters" (see picture at right). "I'm proud of the work we've done which reflect this genre," states Jeff, "the guys here at the lab have really worked hard and, most importantly, they've had fun doing it. I hope this attitude is reflected in our final products, I think it is. Giant Robot Fighters

On June 24, 1947 a civilian pilot named Kenneth Arnold was flying his single-engine plane over the Cascade mountains in Western Washington State, when he unexpectedly encountered nine shiny objects flying in single file at an estimated speed of 1,600 miles per hour (nearly three times as fast as any known aircraft at that time). Arnold later reported that the unidentified flying objects "flew like a saucer would if you skipped it across the water." This famous incident would go down in history and mark the beginning of the modern age of "flying saucers". Since that fateful day in '47, the UFO phenomenon exploded across the globe, leaving in its wake millions of additional sightings, dozens of Hollywood "Saucer" movies and enough silly UFO merchandise to choke a monkey. "We're very much aware of the UFO phenomenon here at the lab," Jeff said, "and the staff is especially fond the 50s sci-fi movie aspect of flying saucers. The very first movie about flying saucers was simply called The Flying Saucer and it premiered in theaters in January of 1950. However, the best classic movies about UFOs are pictures like Day the Earth Stood Still, Earth vs. the Flying Saucers and Forbidden Planet. These films are all big hits here at the lab and many of our specialty products reflect this. One of my favorite saucer tees advertises the declassified warning that 'Guns don't kill people. Flying Saucers from Mars Kill People.' It's a riot."

Traversing the stars by rocketship or flying saucer has been a dream of man for many, many years. And though the scientists at Design Planet Laboratory commute from work to Earth regularly, they still realize that the vast majority of Earth's population has never, and will never, have the opportunity to take such an exhilarating ride through space. "You never get used to it," admits one designer, "I mean, getting to see Jupiter or Saturn during a flyby is a thrill you never get over. I love my commute to work, it's one of the great perks of this job." This extraordinary experience of the DPL associates gave their Head Designer an idea. "I thought it would be cool if we designed a series of vintage-style luggage labels which commemorate and capture the exotic element of space travel. This is a slow-growing series, but the guys have done a bang-up job," Jeff said with enthusiasm. DPL's Retro Sci-fi Luggage Label Magnet Series currently showcases five 2"x 3" luggage labels with plans to add more in the future. "So far we've got Trip to the Moon, Trip to Mars, Trip to Saturn, Trip to Venus and Trip to Neptune. We'll be adding other destinations to the set as soon as one of the guys comes up with another great idea. I don't like to rush these things. I believe their creativity should flow naturally." Retro Sci-fi Luggage Labels

Design Planet Laboratory sells a variety of T-shirts and other pieces featuring classic, space-toy-type designs. "Yes, vintage space toys hold a special place in our repertoire of products offered here at DPL," says one design scientist. "Tin toy robots, plastic space men action figures, sparking ray guns, spaceships and rockets - especially those dating from the 1940's through the 60's - heavily influence our designers," states DPL's Head Scientist, "these classic toys are works of art and the original designers and reputable toy companies like Archer Plastics, Johillco, Tudor Rose, Bandai and others are all held in high esteem by many of our employees." Mr. Mardis also stated that not only does he love the look of vintage space toys, but vintage space toy box art and packaging is also an alluring aspect of the genre. "It's all art," he said without hesitating, "and beautiful art at that. One look at the 'Rocket Ships' coloring book cover by Stephens Publishing or a Rip Foster Picture Puzzle and you'll see what I mean."
Space Toy Designs

Being fans of classic science fiction movies, I guess it was only a matter of time before the crew at Design Planet Laboratory discovered that classic sci-fi movie trailer slogans make fun and witty T-shirts. DPL's Head Design Scientist In Charge, Jeff Mardis, reported; "Most all classic sci-fi movies and their accompanying posters contain these funny and exploitive sayings. We wanted to capitalize on this so I suggested to the guys that we create our own slogans. They thought that that was a great idea so they ran with it." They ran indeed. Design Planet Laboratory has 12 T-shirts which belong to its "Classic Sci-fi Movie Trailer Slogans Collection" and they contain such retro-clever sayings as; "They Said it Could Never Happen! Not Here! Not like This!" and "They're HERE! Scream ... Scream While You Still Can!" Why not grab one of these cool tees while YOU still can - they come in both b&w and color versions - and, do I need to remind you, they're only available from Design Planet Laboratory.
Classic Sci-fi Movie Trailer Slogans Collection

Since the beginning of recorded history, mankind has had a fascination with monsters. From serpent-headed women spawned from Greek Mythology to historical records of "giants" recorded in the King James Bible, monsters have always been there, seemingly hidden, just on the edge of reality and out of the direct sight of man. However obscure, this has not affected their popularity. From books to movies, to toys and T-shirts, monsters are a popular theme in pop culture. "It's funny," states Jeff, "when I was a little boy I was terrified of monsters. Today, however, monsters play a large role in the product line offered here at Design Planet Laboratory. Monsters are strange things - and I don't mean that as a pun. Sure they're ugly and scary, and many times revolting, but at the same time they're fascinating and alluring. It's the monster that makes many of the 50s sci-fi movies attractive. And the classic Japanese super-hero shows like ULTRAMAN that are so popular with our design scientists are popping at the rubber-suited seams with space mutants and monsters. Here at the lab we offer a variety of monster themed T-shirts and specialty gifts including our popular vintage-style horror/sci-fi line known as the Official Horribly Scary Monster T-shirt Series."
Official Horribly Scary Monster T-shirt Series

In November of 1966 and for the next 13 months following, Point Pleasant, West Virginia was visited by strange, unexplained phenomena, lights in the night sky and mysterious men dressed all in black. To this day it is not known "what" exactly happened there, but many of the local citizens will never forget the bizarre, flying phantom that birthed an American urban monster legend ... the MOTHMAN! For the internet's largest selection of Mothman related specialty merchandise like all-original, custom T-shirts, bumper stickers and magnets visit Design Planet Laboratory's sister store The Mothman Lair.

This concludes your virtual tour of the Design Planet Laboratory facility. Why not visit our Cafepress specialty merchandise outlet and see 200+ t-shirt and gift designs. Retro science fiction t-shirts and art prints, vintage ray guns, rockets, space monsters, giant robot and tin space toy designs, novelty space toy ad t-shirts, sci-fi movie trailer slogans, TRON T-shirts, and much more.

Thank you so much for visiting and please come again soon.

Jeff Mardis
Head Design Scientist In Charge
Design Planet Laboratory