Question:

[Randy Bowen]

I'm putting together a proposal for a new license with a company that has a huge line-up of animated characters.

Generally speaking: would you prefer to see my versions of the characters/ villains, or the characters as they were originally depicted?

[neon2102]

I'd probably want versions of how they were depicted in the animation. Although, depending on the character your version could make a great companion piece. I'd say your interpretations would make good CC exclusives or variants for this type of line.

[spy-d]

How 'bout a poll?

K.

[Supermn619]

Yes!!!! that would be awesome!!!! any tiny hints of whom the license if for:scared:???? I think this will be great so you make others characters, That I'm sure we will all like!!!!!!

[hoofs]

Have to know what company your talking about first.

[agent of weapon x]

Can you do both?

[The Cleaner]

I'll Start. Early '80s cartoons.
G.I JOE
Thundercats
Transformers

[agent of weapon x]

I'll Start. Early '80s cartoons.
G.I JOE
Thundercats
Transformers

Hell yeah.

[Grimlocki]

Is it Disney?

I hope it's transformers.

My preference is to see characters as they were originally depicted but also love to see your artist interpretation of certain characters.

[Helder M.]

depending on the character your version .

[Supermn619]

I think this is exciting!!! it could be anything.... What company has a lot of Characters??? Hanna Barbara, Gi Joe, Transformers, Disney, Ect:crazy::crazy:!!!!!!!!

[inkfire00]

thundercats!!!!!!!!!!

[Fawlty]

I'd probably want versions of how they were depicted in the animation. Although, depending on the character your version could make a great companion piece. I'd say your interpretations would make good CC exclusives or variants for this type of line.

I concur with Neon.

[Helder M.]

I think its Hanna Barbera :cool:

[Fawlty]

I think its Hanna Barbara :cool:

Herculoids...Jonny Quest...The Impossibles!!!

Be still my heart!!

[Helder M.]

The Impossibles would be PHENOMENAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SD Rum]

I think loyal fans of that particular animated series would favor the sculpts of the character as they were originally depicted.

You can probably do your own version of a particular character as a limited edition & see how people respond to it.

One reason why your Marvel line is so popular is because you stay true to majority of the characters based on how they were originally portrayed in the comics.

[Fawlty]

The Impossibles would be PHENOMENAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Damn skippy!!

Shazzan ,Dino Boy...wait I'm breaking out my Jonny Quest Soundtrack CD..

[MKS]

If it is classic characters that people are very familiar with, you would need to stay very close to the original depiction. As you are going to 3d from 2d you probably have some room to impart your own level of detail while still sticking close to the source.

[ant-man]

Randy...it would help to know what characters...generally im thinking true to the source, no interpretations...

[Helder M.]

bird man whit a transparent ( acrylic ) shield FS and MB also lets not forget the galaxy trio AHHHHHHH !!

[ant-man]

hold on now...everyone take a deep breath..and relax...for all we know...he could be talking about a smurfs line of pieces?

[batman1180]

I would want them as originally depicted.

[Fawlty]

hold on now...everyone take a deep breath..and relax...for all we know...he could be talking about a smurfs line of pieces?

Don't even think it!!!:sad::scared:

[Fawlty]

The Impossibles would be PHENOMENAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Coil Man might be a challenge!

[dEnny!]

I'll need some examples. :D

[phnx75]

Guess it depends on the characters/company in question. I like your interpretation of classic characters. Taking some liberties to help the translation/interpretation of a comic/cartoon character to a 3-d sculpt can be a good thing. As long as it has the essence of the character and their personality I am fine with your take on a character.

[Mandragora]

I think your style would be way better

[dEnny!]

I'm putting together a proposal for a new license with a company that has a huge line-up of animated characters.

Generally speaking: would you prefer to see my versions of the characters/ villains, or the characters as they were originally depicted?

In all seriousness on a lot of your mini-busts you took the artistic style of a specific artist and adapted it into a mini-bust. The Black Bolt statue quickly comes to mind. I'd think for mainstream appeal the original look would be preferred, but if you want to set your product apart maybe have a blend of your style with the original animated look.

[Googam]

I like to see the original depictions. That is how I see your Marvel line, and why I think it is so successful.

:foom:

[Helder M.]

Mighty Mightor ...

[Fawlty]

Mighty Mightor ...

Forgot that one...the memory fades....

[The Cleaner]

Space Ghost anyone?

[touche22]

The main thing to me in this issue is: "How many depictions of these characters are there already?" For a company like Disney, a large percentage of their characters have had MANY sculptures and figurines already, so a unique interpretation (Jim Shore for example) might serve well. But if the license is for a line of characters not really out there in this medium(like the Hanna Barbera heroes), then a truer representation of them could be the way to go.

[Fawlty]

Mighty Mightor ...

Back when cartoons were cartoons...not that politically correct pablum now seen on Saturday morning!! :-x

[Fawlty]

Sinbad Jr.

[Helder M.]

Samson and Goliath by Mark Newman :cool:

[Fawlty]

My faith in mankind has been reaffirmed due to no mention of Josie and The Pussycats!!

[Fawlty]

Although the theme song WAS rather catchy!!

[Helder M.]

Jonny quest by Mark Newman !

[Helder M.]

yeah I like that too !!

My faith in mankind has been reaffirmed due to no mention of Josie and The Pussycats!!

[Fawlty]

yeah I like that too !!

I am in denial about ever watching that ,but my subconscious says I did..:roll:

[Helder M.]

actually I like them a lot :cool:

http://artcomics3d.zoomshare.com/album/Drawings/images/3fe32ddfaff50a2182835d4ff2d6ede0_11239948430/image.png

[Fawlty]

actually I like them a lot :cool:

http://artcomics3d.zoomshare.com/album/Drawings/images/3fe32ddfaff50a2182835d4ff2d6ede0_11239948430/image.png

I was visualizing them from the original version,however you have won me over with your use of persuasive (very!) imagery!!! :surrend:

[Nitefall]

GENERALLY speaking and I think I am in the minority here because people usually like what they are used to, I would go for the interpretive piece. I find them more special and am often attracted to them for their uniqueness as well as artistry. The most recent example by Mr. B is a purchase by me of the Decapitator. :beer::beer::beer: Suck, suck, kiss, kiss, bow. (Sounds like a good title for a song.) :):boogie:

[Helder M.]

I like The Herculoids too :twisted:

http://artcomics3d.zoomshare.com/album/Drawings/images/3fe32ddfaff50a2182835d4ff2d6ede0_11239940000/image.png

[touche22]

Hey Helder...I can only imagine what you drew the Galaxy Trio doing!!!!:twisted:

[Fawlty]

I like The Herculoids too :twisted:

http://artcomics3d.zoomshare.com/album/Drawings/images/3fe32ddfaff50a2182835d4ff2d6ede0_11239940000/image.png

You know,as hard as I try.I can't remember Tara looking like that on Saturday morning...as hard as I try..and I am trying!!!:lol:

[Trowt]

originally depicted.

[Helder M.]

I like the idea :twisted:

Hey Helder...I can only imagine what you drew the Galaxy Trio doing!!!!:twisted:

[Fawlty]

Hey Helder...I can only imagine what you drew the Galaxy Trio doing!!!!:twisted:


Be careful..be very ,very careful.

[Fawlty]

We'll all be damned disappointed if this isn't a Hanna Barbera license!

[CromVABeach]

The main thing to me in this issue is: "How many depictions of these characters are there already?" For a company like Disney, a large percentage of their characters have had MANY sculptures and figurines already, so a unique interpretation (Jim Shore for example) might serve well. But if the license is for a line of characters not really out there in this medium(like the Hanna Barbera heroes), then a truer representation of them could be the way to go.

I agree. If it is a true classic property that has product out for ages, a new interpretation could work well. Star Wars comes to mind. Imagine the demand for statues in your style. While the majority of fans might like a straight interpretation of an actor, there are so many fans out there that a new look would appeal to them. G.I.Joe is another example. They have changed their look a lot over the years and still managed to find massive success.

I would love for you to get the Hanna Barbera license, especially the Herculoids, but I think DC Direct would have first shot.

[Tyler]

I think it is dependant on the company you're talking about. Personally, I always welcome your interpretations as a sculptor. I think probably what everyone would want is a good sculpt that does the character justice. I actually think sculptures of animated characters that look exactly like their cartoonish counterparts are boring and a bit childish. My brother has a bunch of the Electric Tiki "mini maquettes", for example, and they look identical to they way they do in cartoons and I think they look like they belong in a nursery or at a day-care center. So, yes, I'd want your interpretation.

[nexus]

Also posted this at SF:

Depends on the license in question and the characters in question. For the sake of argument, if this is Disney and we're talking about thier older, more cartoony properties, I'd say that if you want to appeal to the broadest audiences, stick with the classic versions, but come up with some kind of treatment that's never been done before -- this could be scale, perhaps 1:4, 1:3 or 1:2, medium/mixed medium, build a diorama. If you do an interpretation of a well established brand (let's say Mickey Mouse), you're doing an "artistic" interpretation that is only going to appeal to a narrow audience. Interpretations of anthropormorphic characters like Disney's Micky Mouse or Warner's Looney Toons would be virtually impossible to pull off IMO.
That said, the Disney fairy tales and newer properties (Snow White, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid) are a different story. Disney already has a highly detailed porcelain line, that has a following among the kiddies and old ladies. So there's no reason to try to go after that audience. Going the route of the more original interpretation could have some legs. In those instances, you are still moving somewhat away from the Disney cartoony interpretations and closer to the source materials (i.e. a more Persian looking Aladdin and a powerfully muscular blue genie; a more sensual/older fantasy-like mermaid; a more realistic looking Beast, a 14-year-old Peter Pan and 35-year-old Captain Hook) but you bring it back home by putting them in Disney-inspired costumes/color schemes. Now, in this case you could really have something. It will appeal to your established audience, and there are probably many folks who grew up on the movies who would find the fresh interpretations uber cool. Disney could just come up with a cool name for this "grown-up" line and sell them online and at Disneyworld. As far as your pitch, I'd compare it to the success of POTC.
Now if the license is something like Hanna Barbera and the likes of Space Ghost, Johnny Quest(?), the Herculoids, etc., then I'd say definitely go for the interpretation, as this would be a good extension of your established house style, and you already have a following among a demographic that matches up well with those characters. I think there is a little more latitude in that case, and while you might have a percentage of purists, there is a huge audience that would be open to seeing more realistic and updated interpretations of those characters.
Hope this all makes sense.

[Fester74]

In all seriousness on a lot of your mini-busts you took the artistic style of a specific artist and adapted it into a mini-bust. The Black Bolt statue quickly comes to mind. I'd think for mainstream appeal the original look would be preferred, but if you want to set your product apart maybe have a blend of your style with the original animated look.

Or maybe a mix of both. The Masters of the Universe brand had new life injected into it a few years back with a new blend of style while staying true to the original toyline/animated look. . . that seemed to have been successful for a while.

[chaline2k4]

Wow! :o possible new line...thrilled, excited, pumped, and I pray it's the line I've been hoping to see you do...I'm leaning towards traditional but would be very curious to see your creative interpretations on the characters too...I'd like to see both if at all possible....It probably would depend on who your sculpting and since we can't know that right now I'd have to say traditional if I had to chose...I know I would for sure buy pieces this way...hard to say the other way without seeing the finished product first.

Thanks!

[CromVABeach]

My guess is something like the Gargoyle Randy did that was originally a Disney Gargoyle. Disney is a tough one because their big name characters have constantly adhered to one look. I don't know what other properties they have that allow for personal interpretations.

If you did your version of Beauty and The Beast based on Disney's movie, what's the point? You could make your own Beauty and The Beast, it is a classic fairy tale which Disney doesn't own.

[Professor Oreo]

I wanna see you put your own spin on them. I think people really trust your vision so they'd pay to get the Bowen slant on their favorite characters whether it's 100% true to the original design or not. :D

So Just like the Gargoyle statue you did, if you did a full line of Disney's gargoyles in a more realistic fashion like that I think it would sell like hotcakes even though it wasn't 100% true to their original designs.

I always like to look at the Ninja rurtles an the dozens of different ways they've been interpreted over the years. So long as it works for the characters and looks cool people will accept the change.

[Fawlty]

I wanna see you put your own spin on them. I think people really trust your vision so they'd pay to get the Bowen slant on their favorite characters whether it's 100% true to the original design or not. :D

So Just like the Gargoyle statue you did, if you did a full line of Disney's gargoyles in a more realistic fashion like that I think it would sell like hotcakes even though it wasn't 100% true to their original designs.

I always like to look at the Ninja rurtles an the dozens of different ways they've been interpreted over the years. So long as it works for the characters and looks cool people will accept the change.

The question is,will the corporate suits Randy is dealing with trust his vision and his possible interpretation of their property?

Corporate types are notoriously conservative when dealing with a property they own.

[Tyler]

I really don't want to see a "Goofy: The Statue" by Bowen Designs, so if this is in regards to a Disney license I hope the plans are to do characters like Gargoyle and others that allow for more felxibility in regards to appearance. I think going down the Micky Mouse and Donald Duck road would be a big mistake and certainly not the best demonstration of your abilities.

[Fawlty]

Look how long it took for Warner to restart the Superman and Batman movie franchises!!

[dr.doom]

originally depicted for me

[hawkeyethearcher]

I really don't want to see a "Goofy: The Statue" by Bowen Designs, so if this is in regards to a Disney license I hope the plans are to do characters like Gargoyle and others that allow for more felxibility in regards to appearance. I think going down the Micky Mouse and Donald Duck road would be a big mistake and certainly not the best demonstration of your abilities.

couldnt disagree more. i am looking forward to his disney characters. sure it is possibly he could get whatever he wants but i would go with disney on this since it is the only license he has mentioned he is looking into recently.

make them look like disney characters in your own setting. dont just take a scene from a movie and recreate it.

course with a movie coming out i hope he is looking into a line of G I Joe FS statues as well. plenty of characters to chose from there. just look at this pic and this is only the joes the cobra line up is bigger then this

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/betaray38/comic%20pics/GI_Joe_001.jpg

[Professor Oreo]

Look how long it took for Warner to restart the Superman and Batman movie franchises!!


There's a reason for that. $100 million movies are MUCH bigger investments than licensed statues.

Plus if Randy putting his own spin on the characters wasn't a possibility from a corporate standpoint I'm assuming he never would have mentioned it. ;)

[sambofred]

I would go with a mix. Nexus makes some great points in his response.
As for a poll, well, Al will take care of that as soon as you announce what license you got :lol:

[Uncle Jake]

It depends on the license.

Batman has been around longer than ever and has been tackled by so many artists that a Bowen take would be great!

But a property like the Thundercats is really limited to the cartoon/toy designs. I would prefer an original take on Panthro.

ANy hints on the license yet?

[Trajan]

Honestly, whichever way ended up being the most aesthetically pleasing would be my preference.

Some properties have good design principles, but need better execution. If it was a situation where a Bowen Designs artistic interpretation was going to bring something to the table, I'd be all for it.

So, in all honesty, for me it depends on the property and, in some cases, even the specific character.

I've seen enough of your artistic choices though, Randy, to know that you have good judgement on what works best for a sculpt, so as long as it looks good I'm in.

[Mr. Yac]

i'd prefer them to stay as close to their common looks as possible, but a bit of Bowen touches here and there are always nice

I really don't want to see a "Goofy: The Statue" by Bowen Designs, so if this is in regards to a Disney license I hope the plans are to do characters like Gargoyle and others that allow for more felxibility in regards to appearance. I think going down the Micky Mouse and Donald Duck road would be a big mistake and certainly not the best demonstration of your abilities.

while i'm not against seeing Mickey, Donald, Goofy and the gang i too hope if it were to be disney he'd have fairly free reign so he could touch on the movie people and especilly the disney afternoon ones because Darkwing Duck and his rogues would be awesome pieces

[Grumpy]

Man, talk about an issue over which I am torn. On the one hand I am a strong supporter of keeping to the original, historical and creator concept. On the other hand I am a strong Bowen supporter and know your take would be in every way complementory and in no way disrespectful "artistic licence". Randy, do whatever gets you the contract. We, your devoted fanboys (and girls), will support what you do. If I can be so bold as to speak for others.

[Tyler]

couldnt disagree more. i am looking forward to his disney characters. sure it is possibly he could get whatever he wants but i would go with disney on this since it is the only license he has mentioned he is looking into recently.

make them look like disney characters in your own setting. dont just take a scene from a movie and recreate it.

course with a movie coming out i hope he is looking into a line of G I Joe FS statues as well. plenty of characters to chose from there. just look at this pic and this is only the joes the cobra line up is bigger then this

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l49/betaray38/comic%20pics/GI_Joe_001.jpg

G.I. Joe statues would be much better than Goofy and Mickey. There is enough Disney product out there to fill the Grand Canyon. I'm glad some people want a Bowen Designs Goofy statue (just thinking about that makes me a little nauseus), but as long as you keep doing superheroes Randy, I'll be happy no matter what else gets produced.

[XSE]

Depending on what the license is I would say a mixture of both.

[Cardiac]

I hope the new license is gi joe,how cool would that be.I know sideshow is doing some joes but thats only for 12"figures for now.

[Helder M.]

Don't be , I think it is, at list I hope !! :cool:

We'll all be damned disappointed if this isn't a Hanna Barbera license!

[Grayskull]

If it's mostly animated characters I'd like to see them as they were originally depicted.

If it is the Hannah Barbera liscense...then...give me a Tom and Jerry in their original style (when Mammy Two Shoes still had her original voice and Tom was called Jasper) :) Of course, there's many characters I'd love to see from HB. I thoght the Herculoids, Space Ghost figures were all excellent! Statues, busts of them would rock!

[KidEternity]

I am torn on this. If it's Disney, seeing Bowen's interps of some characters might be cool, like the villains or secondary characters. (As a fan of Disney animation, I would support him either way ).

[Meteor Man]

I think its Hanna Barbera :cool:


Galaxy Trio!!!

Herculoids!!!

Space Ghost!!!

Mighty Mightor!!!

Samson & Goliath!!!

Jonny Quest!!!

The Impossibles!!!

Frankenstein Jr.!!!

Shazzan!!!

Moby D1CK!!!

Atom Ant!!!

Secret Squirrel!!!

:rock::rock:

[Meteor Man]

bird man whit a transparent ( acrylic ) shield FS and MB also lets not forget the galaxy trio AHHHHHHH !!


I've waited for over fourty years for maquettes and MB's of the Galaxy Trio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! METEOR MAN!!!!!!:rock::rock:

[Meteor Man]

Mighty Mightor ...

:thumb:

[Meteor Man]

Space Ghost anyone?


Yes please!!!!

[Meteor Man]

Jonny quest by Mark Newman !

:boogie:

[Hypersom]

Galaxy Trio!!!

Herculoids!!!

Space Ghost!!!

Mighty Mightor!!!

Samson & Goliath!!!

Jonny Quest!!!

The Impossibles!!!

Frankenstein Jr.!!!

Shazzan!!!

Moby D1CK!!!

Atom Ant!!!

Secret Squirrel!!!

:rock::rock:

Birdman!!!
Blue Falcon!!!

[Achiever]

I'd like to see classic sculpt in the style of the animation. But what could it be?!?!?!

[Meteor Man]

Birdman!!!
Blue Falcon!!!

YEAH!!!! Bring em on!!!!!:D

[StoneDMyT]

As I stated on SF, whatever style that fits the Gargoyle you did (which I so desperately want), that is the style I would like to see you go with. GO BOW!!!

[Armitage]

I'm crossing my fingers it involves GI JOE.
I wouldn't mind seeing Herculoids,Blue Falcon, Space Ghost,Birdman etc. etc.
And if that's the case I'd like to see RB's interpretation.

[TomBelandTSSTG]

Randy... serious... big question for you.

Why is it that I cannot wait for my Pop Tart to cool off before I bite into it?? I end up scalding my mouth from that lava they call strawberry. I know that when I put them into the toaster, I'm going to burn myself... and I tell myself to remember the last time... and then... ARRRGHH... BURNED MY FRIGGIN' MOUTH AGAIN!!!

I'll take my answer off the air, thanks.

[Tigershark]

This has me very curious.


If it's Disney there's not much I would buy.

If It's Hanna Barbarra.........all thos mentioned are cool what about...the Hair Bear Squad...JabberJaw....Great Ape....Wasn't the Banna Splits part of HB????

[bobilero]

I'm putting together a proposal for a new license with a company that has a huge line-up of animated characters.

Generally speaking: would you prefer to see my versions of the characters/ villains, or the characters as they were originally depicted?

Depends on the characters, but usually i preffer as they were originally depicted

[Tigershark]

If it is HB...and you do Johnny Quest....please do the invisable ghost thing that ate electricty....they covered with paint.

That episode gave me the scares for weeks........


What if the new liscence is.........

SOUTH PARK????

[rome]

Randy, in my humble opinion this is a no brainer.
You've built your company into the #1 company that it is because you depict the characters as they were originaly created.
why would you mess with that formula?
IMO, people want what they know and fell in love with.
your interpretations, however masterful, will lose a great deal of connection with that audience.

[TomBelandTSSTG]

If it is HB...and you do Johnny Quest....please do the invisable ghost thing that ate electricty....they covered with paint.

That episode gave me the scares for weeks........

I'm so fucking with you on that, brother. My favorite episode of the series. The music was so perfect for that... and it's an influence on a project I'm currently working on. Points to you for bringing this up.

[Fawlty]

I'm so fucking with you on that, brother. My favorite episode of the series. The music was so perfect for that... and it's an influence on a project I'm currently working on. Points to you for bringing this up.

That episode gave me nightmares for a week..Annoyed my parents to no end!

[Hyperion]

All depends on who the license is for??

Some I would love to see artist versions...others are meant to be left in their original form.

[James UK]

I'd love to see all the cars and drivers from Wacky Races!!

[Shanester]

It would really depend on the license for me. However, I really like your work RB.

[ca35]

If it's Space Ghost or Birdman.........then I'm in for your version.

[Meteor Man]

I'd love to see all the cars and drivers from Wacky Races!!

I'd love to have the Wacky Racers as well!:thumb:

[Meteor Man]

If it's Space Ghost or Birdman.........then I'm in for your version.

I think he should do the original versions first, and then spice them up with some of his own takes...

[NewBraunfelsSculptor]

I think even if the characters are depicted as the were in the media they first appeared in, they will still have that Bowen essence to them, as most all Bowen pieces do with Randy at the helm of Art Director.... Just my 2 cents


Chris

[Hypersom]

I think even if the characters are depicted as the were in the media they first appeared in, they will still have that Bowen essence to them, as most all Bowen pieces do with Randy at the helm of Art Director.... Just my 2 cents


Chris

Agreed.

[Trajan]

Randy, in my humble opinion this is a no brainer.
You've built your company into the #1 company that it is because you depict the characters as they were originaly created.
why would you mess with that formula?
IMO, people want what they know and fell in love with.
your interpretations, however masterful, will lose a great deal of connection with that audience. Change scares you, doesn't it? :p