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We are glad to have one of the most famous modelers, Digger Mesch, to talk to us. Digger is one of the founders of the toy manufacturer Art Asylum. It may not be well known, but in the 90's, most of the prototyping of the 6-inch Toybiz figures were contracted out. Art Asylum was one of them. Art Asylum made a popular Minimates series in 2002. Many readers may be just like the writer, who have had many US toys made by Digger. 5 years ago, Digger set up and new company, Dig Deep Entertainment in HK. Popbox will be the dealer of the Civil War series made by Dig Deep and Diamond Select Toys.
 
Like many artists, Digger doesn't like to be tied up with all those kinds of limitations. However, whenever he deals with Marvel for prototyping, he has to follow the preset Style Guide from Marvel. If the prototype doesn't fit, he has to redo it. This time, Digger is getting the rights for Asia area. So there will be a limit of 2000 pieces of products. Digger said, it would be a lot easier in US. Digger did say credits are to the authors as he is following their designs. Unlike US, Hong Kong gives all credits to author.
Digger wants to explore new markets in Asia. So he picks this popular Civil War series to begin with. However, it is not going to be a piece to piece making, but about the concept. Say Juggernaut, who never appears in the comic series, will come up as one of the products. Digger told us about the usual process that Marvel produces figures. First of all, he picks a character to sculpt. After approval, Digger gets three artists to draw the Control Art and he will pick the best one to the further stages. Usually they tend to use simpler designs for easier sculpting later on. After approved by Marvel, he starts both sculpting and the packing design. Of course, both require Marvel's approval before getting into production. It takes 4 to 5 approval before getting into the real work. So it does take time. Actually, there are some tricks while designing packing. For Japanese products, those with English wordings on them are more attractive. And for US products, those with Japanese characters win it most.
 
Digger actually uses the red clay for the Civil War as the first set of sculpture. He points out that most sculptors like to do the Two-up Prototype, which is actually a bigger size of the original product. He adds that it is a lot easier to sculpt and to keep the details. Then with Xerox Copt Theory, the smaller ones are just a direct copy from the larger sculpture. While dealing with action figures, joints are first added into the skeleton before doing the real work. However, these are not fixed procedures. Sometimes Digger does make prototypes of original size. And he exclusively told us that he is making a 7-inch Marvel Zombies Action series for Diamond Select Toys using the original size sculpture. In Hong Kong, he has 4 full time sculptors and some freelance artists. Digger keeps the manpower fresh to make the firm competitive and fill it with new concepts. This is the one, Dig Deep, of his own brand name.
 
Digger said he was crazy about the 3.75” Star Wars figures. But honestly, the faces look crappy. He is one of those of the same generation. And by that time, productions of toys were just like secret. Without real help or guidelines, Digger made himself famous with his talents. He wishes his toys can go to real toy-lovers instead of falling into a wrong market. Remember the four 2-foot Kiss figures? These were one of the most famous products from Digger's hands. But he didn't really keep a set for himself. So, only eBay will be one of the sources. And of course, the price would be sky high!
Digger thinks that McFarlane latest 3D moive posters are some kind of breakthrough. But the Lost series could be one bad choice as Digger believes not many people want to have a figure from TV series. Basically TV series can be boring like hell to Digger. With McFarlane and NECA are already taking up this sector, he is not going to work with them. Big firms always push and he doesn't want to be pushed.
 
Digger said Michel Gagne is one of those he likes most. Michel did the Twisted Rabbits series for Sideshow some while ago. With this extra-ordinary designs, Michel is fabulous. LOBO's Simon Bisley is Digger's most favorite comic writer. Skottie Young, who did Spidey and Venom before, is another one, while his graffiti style is the most attractive part. So it is obvious that Digger likes Venom the most! While he first sculpted, it was so impressive like having the first sex. But he is not going to pick any character intentionally for challenges. Sculpting for some characters he's never done is already a challenge to him.
Endnote:
We are thrilled that Digger exchanged a lot of ideas and experiences with us. He is such an easy-going person while we can just work with him so well. Digger actually takes part in some cult movie productions, like Ultra Violet. He ends up giving us each a Mini-mates Special San Diego 2004 Edition. We are gonna keep them well. And we wish we can talk to Digger again and visit his workshop in HK.
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