The Adventures Of Chuck Chance with Mike Boldt
STORY: Chuck Chance is a private eye. In his first adventure (graphic novel in production / preview pages: 1/2/3/4/5/6) you will see him working on a very mysterious case. Though he's not easily amused, or fooled, he's a straight shooter in a rather crooked town and trusts his "gut" above most common sense. = For more story you can check out the Chuck Chance blog @ chuckchance.blogspot.com
And Chuck is making the transition from 2D-comic to 3-dimensional toy figure. CHUCK CHANCE is designed by Mike Boldt and sculpted by Joshua Singh. There is currently no fixed schedule, quantity nor price determined for Chuck - but the "plan" is to have at least one limited variant, eventually made available via Mike's website (and whomever else will want to carry it).
TRE had the opportunity tointerrogate and grill have a cyber-chat with Mike, about all-things-Chuck = CLICK THRU TO READ (Including development images!).
TOYSREVIL: You mentioned Chuck's graphic novel is still in production - are the 6 pages of artwork posted on the blog a part of it? And did Chuck start out (or will start out) in print form? Or was he ever an online comic before? (And do pardon my ignorance of Chuck's existence :p)
MIKE BOLDT: The graphic novel is in it's early stages, I am putting the finishing touches on the storyline. Then I can get to the meat of it. The 6 pages on the blog were and are the beginning of the same story called "Trip for Biscuits", though they will be getting a re-working. Originally Chuck Chance was just going to be a webcomic, but the story and characters were evolving and I decided that a print form graphic novel would do the story more justice. The story style I call "a not too serious - serious comic".
(oh and don't worry about not knowing Chuck Chance existed, most of the world still doesn't ;)
TOYSREVIL: Hopefully not for long buddy! Pardon me for being intrusive, but what made you decide to self-produce your toy, instead of engaging a producer per se? How has the experience been thus far?
MIKE BOLDT: I've been around the print industry for a few years. I have nothing against working with publishers and producers of toys and books. However, at this time, I have decided to take a crack at self publishing in print form on a few projects I am working on, and so it seemed natural that I take the same path with a toy. That and the toy world is so new to me I really have no idea how it works ha ha. Also, you have to really believe in what you are doing to self publish as you take on the risk of no return on everything you are spending.
My experience so far has been great. Joshua Singh, the sculptor, literally fell into this project for me. We were discussing another project I thought I would be needing his services for, and just keeping in touch when I mentioned roughly what I was thinking of and before I knew it I had a 3d sculpt of Chuck. He's been such a pleasure to work with and I am so awed by what he did with Chuck that I cannot wait to see what he comes up with for the Baron Villainov. We always want things to get done asap and that is no different than me, but because I am new to this world I want to make sure I do some homework and see what people really want in a toy. I believe in the idea and character. Now I just have to figure out the best path to take him to the end product.
TOYSREVIL: You are currently looking for feedback on the size (and even color) of Chuck [HERE] - any current decisions thus far? Oh man, looking at your turnaround drawings - Baron Villainov is going to be huge! (So i can understand your dilemma - Sorry that's not a question, and im not helping you, am I? heh). What is your current preference and why?
Would you mind if TRE-readers weighed in on their preferences?
MIKE BOLDT: I would love to have your readers do a poll or give their input on the size and color schemes to use. Even what they would prefer as a material that I use (Vinyl or Resin - or anything else for that matter). I am a big believer in hearing people out, and straining through their opinions and advise for nuggets of gold - it's always in there. In the end I will always evaluate anything against who Chuck's character is and see if it still fits, that and it also has to fit in the budget.
MIKE BOLDT: So far my preference is the Classic Chuck, only because that was the way he was first colored and designed in the comic, but I've recently been thinking about the Classic with a red tie. I only hesitate because the "red tie look" is a bit over done. Obviously there are a couple schemes there that are more for fun (Tracy and Eisner) and more of a tribute to some influences in my life, but others are there to be considered for a limited version (the sepia, and noirish ones). I haven't made any decisions yet. I'm would like to wait to see how the Baron turns out first before I move forward with the first. Ideally, I want to create the entire character line in this form and so I want them all to compliment each other and be consistent with the comic.
TOYSREVIL: I realized that Chuck is currently in 3D-rendered form? Or has the sculpting started?
MIKE BOLDT: Good eye on the 3d renders. They are not prototypes at this point as I want to figure out the size and options that I can include. I am also waiting on some production quotes from various companies. There are a lot of good options out there these days, and some offer more services than others, so that means I cannot just compare apples to apples - company to company. And I respect that. I don't agree with farming quotes around either, I'll just go for what works best in the end. Any heads up on solid companies would also be appreciated.
TOYSREVIL: Will Chuck be articulated? Can his hat be removed? (I'm a sucker for articulation LOL)
MIKE BOLDT: As far as articulation goes and I'm not sure. As always, cost does have a role to play, but I am also looking at other options. I would like to at least have his head able to turn. But ideally I'd like to also include a second set of arms that you can interchange for different looks. The second set of arms will most likely have his hands in his pockets, so this is going to be a sculpting challenge for Josh. But it is a very Chuckish typical stance and will then allow the toy to have six different poses ranging from "Nonchalant PI" to "Mr. Business" and a couple degrees in between. I have not planned for a removable hat at this time, I would rather arm variations and head rotation. Oh, and one thing I should mention is that the pedestal from most of the pictures is not going to be a part of the Toy. Josh added that as a little display.
TOYSREVIL: So Chuck's gonna be free-standing? Cool. (The base kind of made Chuck look like a "display figurine" moreso than a "toy" tho, IMHO :p). Let's go back to the beginning (I do lurve an "origin story") - How did Chuck come about? (And how does The Baron play into it?)
MIKE BOLDT: Who is Chuck Chance? That is a loaded question haha. Well, Chuck and I go way way back to high school. He was originally created as a secret agent and Baron Villainov was his Arch nemesis. Then a number of years ago I took him to his current status at Private Eye and I had to bring Villainov along with him as I've always believed that the best heros are defined by their villains who have to be equally as good or better. The Baron was actually the perfect piece in the development of the new story I had already been creating.
MIKE BOLDT: Chuck Chance is a private eye who used to be a part of the police department. When the the major crime bosses took over the city they also took over (most of) the force, and Chuck left rather than become corrupt, but has a bit of a chip on the old shoulder. So as a "good guy" business is not so great, but he doesn't care as it's actually a cleaner and less dangerous job this way. So that is where you start off with him in the book, well you sort of find that out early into it so it's not a spoiler for me to let you in on it. As far as the Baron goes, I can't say too much, but he does have a major role in the story. His name doesn't leave a lot for guessing, so his mystery is wrapped up a bit in his appearance as an Elephant with Rabbit ears. And why rabbit ears is an even longer tale.
TOYSREVIL: Another tale for another day, perhaps! What is the current status of Chuck Chance the toy?
MIKE BOLDT: The current status of the toy is still in rendered form only. As I said earlier, I am still looking at the production options I have so far. Also, I want to wait for Josh to finish the Baron Villainov sculpt and he's taking some well deserved holidays at the moment. When he gets back though I hope that this process will start to accelerate and so I am working to line up my ducks accordingly. I would love to get production started before the end of summer and at the latest have both of the first two toys out before Christmas. So we'll see.
TOYSREVIL: Looking forward to further developments, Mike! Here's another loaded question for you: What do you hope for Chuck to do in the world of toys?
MIKE BOLDT: What do I hope for Chuck to do in the world of Toys? Most of all I want him to be enjoyed. I really want to make sure he turns out, and is good quality, so that those who purchase him will be very happy with seeing him on their shelf. I hope that if they also get into the comic that he will bring a bit of life and attitude to them in person as well, and if they get a little more mystery solving, gut trusting action out of it that's great too!
TOYSREVIL: Cheers for your time and trouble for this Q&A, Mike. In closing - please do share with the TRE readers - Who Is MIKE BOLDT? And what you do?
MIKE BOLDT: Who am I? Well, I typically go by Mike Boldt (though a few others do too). I live with my beautiful family in Canada where I am currently invested in self publishing in one form or another. I generally love most of the same things kids love - comics, funny kids books, cartoons and toys. I also love working on those types of things for kids of "all" ages.
And Chuck is making the transition from 2D-comic to 3-dimensional toy figure. CHUCK CHANCE is designed by Mike Boldt and sculpted by Joshua Singh. There is currently no fixed schedule, quantity nor price determined for Chuck - but the "plan" is to have at least one limited variant, eventually made available via Mike's website (and whomever else will want to carry it).
TRE had the opportunity to
TOYSREVIL: You mentioned Chuck's graphic novel is still in production - are the 6 pages of artwork posted on the blog a part of it? And did Chuck start out (or will start out) in print form? Or was he ever an online comic before? (And do pardon my ignorance of Chuck's existence :p)
MIKE BOLDT: The graphic novel is in it's early stages, I am putting the finishing touches on the storyline. Then I can get to the meat of it. The 6 pages on the blog were and are the beginning of the same story called "Trip for Biscuits", though they will be getting a re-working. Originally Chuck Chance was just going to be a webcomic, but the story and characters were evolving and I decided that a print form graphic novel would do the story more justice. The story style I call "a not too serious - serious comic".
(oh and don't worry about not knowing Chuck Chance existed, most of the world still doesn't ;)
TOYSREVIL: Hopefully not for long buddy! Pardon me for being intrusive, but what made you decide to self-produce your toy, instead of engaging a producer per se? How has the experience been thus far?
MIKE BOLDT: I've been around the print industry for a few years. I have nothing against working with publishers and producers of toys and books. However, at this time, I have decided to take a crack at self publishing in print form on a few projects I am working on, and so it seemed natural that I take the same path with a toy. That and the toy world is so new to me I really have no idea how it works ha ha. Also, you have to really believe in what you are doing to self publish as you take on the risk of no return on everything you are spending.
My experience so far has been great. Joshua Singh, the sculptor, literally fell into this project for me. We were discussing another project I thought I would be needing his services for, and just keeping in touch when I mentioned roughly what I was thinking of and before I knew it I had a 3d sculpt of Chuck. He's been such a pleasure to work with and I am so awed by what he did with Chuck that I cannot wait to see what he comes up with for the Baron Villainov. We always want things to get done asap and that is no different than me, but because I am new to this world I want to make sure I do some homework and see what people really want in a toy. I believe in the idea and character. Now I just have to figure out the best path to take him to the end product.
TOYSREVIL: You are currently looking for feedback on the size (and even color) of Chuck [HERE] - any current decisions thus far? Oh man, looking at your turnaround drawings - Baron Villainov is going to be huge! (So i can understand your dilemma - Sorry that's not a question, and im not helping you, am I? heh). What is your current preference and why?
Would you mind if TRE-readers weighed in on their preferences?
MIKE BOLDT: I would love to have your readers do a poll or give their input on the size and color schemes to use. Even what they would prefer as a material that I use (Vinyl or Resin - or anything else for that matter). I am a big believer in hearing people out, and straining through their opinions and advise for nuggets of gold - it's always in there. In the end I will always evaluate anything against who Chuck's character is and see if it still fits, that and it also has to fit in the budget.
MIKE BOLDT: So far my preference is the Classic Chuck, only because that was the way he was first colored and designed in the comic, but I've recently been thinking about the Classic with a red tie. I only hesitate because the "red tie look" is a bit over done. Obviously there are a couple schemes there that are more for fun (Tracy and Eisner) and more of a tribute to some influences in my life, but others are there to be considered for a limited version (the sepia, and noirish ones). I haven't made any decisions yet. I'm would like to wait to see how the Baron turns out first before I move forward with the first. Ideally, I want to create the entire character line in this form and so I want them all to compliment each other and be consistent with the comic.
TOYSREVIL: I realized that Chuck is currently in 3D-rendered form? Or has the sculpting started?
MIKE BOLDT: Good eye on the 3d renders. They are not prototypes at this point as I want to figure out the size and options that I can include. I am also waiting on some production quotes from various companies. There are a lot of good options out there these days, and some offer more services than others, so that means I cannot just compare apples to apples - company to company. And I respect that. I don't agree with farming quotes around either, I'll just go for what works best in the end. Any heads up on solid companies would also be appreciated.
TOYSREVIL: Will Chuck be articulated? Can his hat be removed? (I'm a sucker for articulation LOL)
MIKE BOLDT: As far as articulation goes and I'm not sure. As always, cost does have a role to play, but I am also looking at other options. I would like to at least have his head able to turn. But ideally I'd like to also include a second set of arms that you can interchange for different looks. The second set of arms will most likely have his hands in his pockets, so this is going to be a sculpting challenge for Josh. But it is a very Chuckish typical stance and will then allow the toy to have six different poses ranging from "Nonchalant PI" to "Mr. Business" and a couple degrees in between. I have not planned for a removable hat at this time, I would rather arm variations and head rotation. Oh, and one thing I should mention is that the pedestal from most of the pictures is not going to be a part of the Toy. Josh added that as a little display.
TOYSREVIL: So Chuck's gonna be free-standing? Cool. (The base kind of made Chuck look like a "display figurine" moreso than a "toy" tho, IMHO :p). Let's go back to the beginning (I do lurve an "origin story") - How did Chuck come about? (And how does The Baron play into it?)
MIKE BOLDT: Who is Chuck Chance? That is a loaded question haha. Well, Chuck and I go way way back to high school. He was originally created as a secret agent and Baron Villainov was his Arch nemesis. Then a number of years ago I took him to his current status at Private Eye and I had to bring Villainov along with him as I've always believed that the best heros are defined by their villains who have to be equally as good or better. The Baron was actually the perfect piece in the development of the new story I had already been creating.
MIKE BOLDT: Chuck Chance is a private eye who used to be a part of the police department. When the the major crime bosses took over the city they also took over (most of) the force, and Chuck left rather than become corrupt, but has a bit of a chip on the old shoulder. So as a "good guy" business is not so great, but he doesn't care as it's actually a cleaner and less dangerous job this way. So that is where you start off with him in the book, well you sort of find that out early into it so it's not a spoiler for me to let you in on it. As far as the Baron goes, I can't say too much, but he does have a major role in the story. His name doesn't leave a lot for guessing, so his mystery is wrapped up a bit in his appearance as an Elephant with Rabbit ears. And why rabbit ears is an even longer tale.
TOYSREVIL: Another tale for another day, perhaps! What is the current status of Chuck Chance the toy?
MIKE BOLDT: The current status of the toy is still in rendered form only. As I said earlier, I am still looking at the production options I have so far. Also, I want to wait for Josh to finish the Baron Villainov sculpt and he's taking some well deserved holidays at the moment. When he gets back though I hope that this process will start to accelerate and so I am working to line up my ducks accordingly. I would love to get production started before the end of summer and at the latest have both of the first two toys out before Christmas. So we'll see.
TOYSREVIL: Looking forward to further developments, Mike! Here's another loaded question for you: What do you hope for Chuck to do in the world of toys?
MIKE BOLDT: What do I hope for Chuck to do in the world of Toys? Most of all I want him to be enjoyed. I really want to make sure he turns out, and is good quality, so that those who purchase him will be very happy with seeing him on their shelf. I hope that if they also get into the comic that he will bring a bit of life and attitude to them in person as well, and if they get a little more mystery solving, gut trusting action out of it that's great too!
TOYSREVIL: Cheers for your time and trouble for this Q&A, Mike. In closing - please do share with the TRE readers - Who Is MIKE BOLDT? And what you do?
MIKE BOLDT: Who am I? Well, I typically go by Mike Boldt (though a few others do too). I live with my beautiful family in Canada where I am currently invested in self publishing in one form or another. I generally love most of the same things kids love - comics, funny kids books, cartoons and toys. I also love working on those types of things for kids of "all" ages.
