Jason Voorhees: Uber-Slasher... and Merchandiser?

by The Horror Czar
(Athens, TN)

Jason Voorhees of the Friday the 13th horror franchise is, hands down, my favorite horror movie character. With the release of Friday the 13th 2009 (in theaters Friday, February 13, 2009, Friday the 13th Review on BHM Here) Jason is thrust out of the realm of my personal classic horror shelf and dark midnight viewings to the stark spotlight of a new Hollywood release. In today merchandising generation Jason is more than just a horror icon as his image is seen everywhere. Interesting thought as he’s a homicidal serial killer…

I got some feedback from Kevin Stecko, CEO of 80sTees.com for some thoughts on Jason and the horror franchise from the perspective of a merchandiser.


BHM: What do you think of Jason?

Stecko: There are some characters from 80's movies that make a quick appearance and then disappear into the shadows of obscurity – ie. Kenny Hampson from Terror Train. On the other hand, Jason Voorhees hasn't left the nightmares of school children for nearly 30 years. I remember being in elementary school and kids dressed up as Jason. I doubt they were even allowed to watch the movies at such a young age, but that's how well known the character is. Whether that's because of creative marketing, continuously successful sequels or simply the use of the hockey mask, the fact remains that the Friday the 13th franchise is doing something right. Jason's mask has become so much of a cultural icon that it's recognized far beyond the realm of horror movie fans.

BHM: How is merchandising playing a part in all this?

Stecko: Mainstream aside, Friday the 13th has come to take on its own cultish following, which keeps throwing big dollars at box offices, video stores and merchandising outlets. You can find T-shirts, hats, cardboard cutouts, lunchboxes, posters, figurines, costumes, books, video games, and anything else you can think of dedicated to Jason. Fans that are infatuated with the movie go nuts over the merchandise wave that precedes and follows the release of a next chapter.

BHM: What are you seeing in terms of merchandise sales now?

Stecko: Here at 80sTees.com, we've noticed a pretty sharp spike in sales of our Friday the 13th merchandise as the release gets closer. People seem to be really excited about this newest installment and they want Friday the 13th T-shirts more so now than ever. Even people who don't really like horror movies in general seem to be drawn to Jason – I wonder if the same would be true if he wore a different sport accessory other than the mask. For some reason I don't think a murderer wearing a bicycle helmet or a psychopath in swim goggles would have the same effect.


I too am a victim of Jason merchandising and am in proud possession of two Friday the 13th T-shirts. I don’t have a hat though… but I think that one would look good on the head of a horror freak farmer while he’s plowing the fields on a John Deere. Hmmm.

Jason will continue to be one of the most popular horror icons of all time, and the recent remake will bring him into the hearts and nightmares of a new generation of horror freaks. Who else can slash panty-clad lovelies with a machete and still get invited to all the best parties? Yes, it’s true…

Jason Rules!