Hello!
Today, I thought I’d share a little bit of insight for you all. The difference between early and later Chuck masks.
“Later masks”, I hear you thinking and picturing those ugly Road Stage masks covered in cheap satin instead of terrycloth, “I know the difference, that isn’t PTT”. You may be surprised to learn that even early on, there were differing mask versions with clear changes between the end of 1979 to 1981. A lot changed in just those short and early years.
(To preface, we’re ignoring the first Chuck prototype, despite its unique ears, muzzle shape, and usage of the Gen2 vest fabric)
EARLY MASK (Pre-1981)
This is an example of an “early” Chuck mask.
LATER MASK (Early as mid-1981)
This is an example of a “later” mask.
On the surface, there doesn’t seem to be much difference. The main head base is identical - the difference is in the muzzle and jaw pieces.
The largest giveaway (shown below) is Chuck’s dimples. Early masks will have TALL dimples that curl upward, giving the mascot a beaming smile. There seems to be no clear reason as to why the design was changed, and I personally think the early (tall-dimpled) look served the character best, as it gave him an approachability despite his rough attitude. It also makes the character’s expression easier to read from a distance, which these figures were always at.
The now shorter and outwardly angled dimples, at least to me, read as an awkward, uncomfortable, and almost disgusted in expression.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
The jaw piece is a little more subtle. It may seem to be identical, as it still sports the large red lip, which is also a hallmark of these early jaw pieces. The EARLIER jaw pieces, if you look closer, are shaped differently, being slightly less wide than the later masks. Sometimes you’ll notice mixed and matched pieces in photographs, such as earlier jaw pieces on later masks, or vice-versa.
And lastly, the nose.
Nose placement always varies, as these costume pieces were assembled by hand, but by and large, early muzzle pieces have the nose positioned just a little bit higher, only an inch or so; it is hardly noticeable and sometimes varies depending on which artist constructed the piece.
POST MID-81’ MASKS
Post-81’ masks have their own distinct features, which were set in stone from that point on, even in the much later (and much uglier) Cyber masks used on Road stages and such.
To start, Chuck’s dimples are much less distinct and lack the upward curl that gave the character a smile, instead favoring a subtle smile or possibly a neutral expression, allowing the wide eyes to carry more expression.
And as explained above, the jaw piece changed only very subtly. Though a few years later, the larger, red, theatrical lip would become less distinct. This is around the same time the brown vests were being swapped out for red vests to match the company logos and key art. Many locations also swapped the vests while keeping their original early masks, which can create some confusion.
Now you’re schooled and ready to spot and date any early Cyberamic Chuck mask you look at!
