Chad Rugola

Based in Pittsburgh, Chad Rugola founded Monster Worship in 2008 to collaborate with other artists who share his “religious” interest in kaiju, cryptids, and Japanese toys.

Chad previously published hardcore music fanzines and operated an indie record label which instilled a DIY ethos long before the internet age. So with the DIY ambitions and inspired by small toy companies like Secret Base, Super7, and Gargamel, he decided to begin making vinyl toys, t-shirts, and other art.

So far, Monster Worship’s toy offerings include beaK’s Kusogon, Jeff Lamm’s Greasebat, Johnny Ryan’s Cannibal Fuckface from Prison Pit and Chad’s own Altar Beast. Martin Ontiveros, MCA, Galaxy People, Velocitron, and the talented sculptors Chauskoskis and Monster 5 are also among the artists who have worked with Monster Worship. In addition to appearing at SDCC, NYCC, Superfestival, and gallery shows at FOE, Rotofugi, and elsewhere, Monster Worship has also been a regular presence at the annual Mothman Festival in nearby West Virginia.