Interviewed by Sullivan Exonia

Sullivan Exonia- I first interviewed you, what? Like two years ago?

Charlie Beck- Yeah, that sounds about right.

SE- At the time you discussed two major new projects you were working on, neither of which have seen the light of day even now. What’s the deal, loser?

CB- Wow, you’re a jerk.

SE- I’m attempting a new, more aggressive journalistic style.

CB- I see.

SE- But honestly, what happened?

CB- Well, Socratic Comics was really on its way. I had a collaborator lined up, I started on art for the first installment… it was going.

SE- And?

CB- He backed out at the last minute.

SE- That’s unfortunate.

CB- And I had already invested this time to what was morphing into something very different from my original intention. And I realized I just wasn’t ready to do it the way I think it needs to be done. So we’ll see. I intend to go back to some day… but not for awhile, I’m sure.

SE- Alright. And Man of the Century?

CB- Well, Kevin’s in grad school.

SE- Kevin Fedewa, the artist?

CB- Yeah. And he’s really busy and he lives in Indiana now. It’s just hard for him to try to work on that right now. Again, I intend to return to it some day. But not right now.

SE- The other major project you talked about in our last interview was the much-delayed Collected Transparent Life Volume 2 book, which is finally out.

CB- Yeah, I’m really glad that’s done now. That was a long, frustrating story.
CB- Nope.

SE- Oh. So what have you been doing? Why the long pause? I mean, I was as excited as the next guy to see the site finally relaunched, probably more excited actually, but still. What have you been working on?

CB- Not much actually. We were very busy. The Global Street Journal recently published a new chapter of the History of Undertoad detailing the hostile takeover attempt from OmniGrip Inc. and my subsequent marriage. <pause> Wait, didn’t you write the History of Undertoad?

SE- Yes.

CB- So why are you asking?

SE- For the readers. And my aggressive new journalistic style.

CB- You’re such a jerk.

SE- Alright, well what’s coming up then?

CB- That’s a better question. Well, I have a few more short things lined up first. Then something very exciting is happening- I am currently working on my first full-length long-form Transparent Life graphic novel. It will probably weigh in at around 300 pages, though it's hard to say right now as I'm still in the writing process

SE- Really?

CB- Yeah, really. It stars Ben Parman as Marvin from the recent comic “Fashionistastic” and the very first Transparent Life comic “Circles”. It will also star Alicia Wierschke as Claire, the lead character from the silent comic “Goldilocks” from a couple years back.
    Its title is 1000 Miles, which is a little ironic because it takes place entirely in 2 apartments. It's mostly about the dichotomies between disappointment and hope, despair and joy, self-loathing and love as represented by two characters. Pretty par for the course for me, actually. Claire and Marvin are good friends who really don't know where they stand with each other... spending most of their time together but never anything concretely romantic. You know "friends with benefits"? They're a "couple without benefits."
    Marvin inherits some money at the beginning and in spite of his good fortune, makes himself miserable. Shortly after, he begins receiving anonymous letters and packages that slowly unravel into a mystery.
    That’s about all I’m going to tell you right now.

SE- Sounds exciting but I’m really not holding my breath. You’ve made all kinds of promises. I’ve been hurt before.

CB- Well, I’ve already written the first draft if that’s any consolation. And we’re scheduling shoots in May right now. Baring some unfortunate accident, this one is definitely happening.

SE- So then how will you put that online? In chapters? One giant post?

CB- We’re planning on serializing it as 2 or 3 pages a week for the next two years or so. That way the fans will have plenty of updates, and I’ll have time to work on some other big projects.

SE- Such as?

CB- I don’t want to say too much about them because they’re not definite yet, but I’m looking at doing another graphic novel right away, one that I draw, a non-Transparent Life piece. And I’m sure I’ll do a few shorter Transparent Life pieces in there too. And I’ll probably be working on a play soon…

SE- I’m salivating in delightful anticipation.

CB- That’s disgusting.

SE- Now I do have a few more questions on decidedly different notes-

CB- Fire away.

SE- First, I’m wondering if you could tell us a little bit more about the Vote Chaz campaign.

CB- Well, Chaz Beck is the ideal candidate to lead this great nation into a new era of unimagined splendor and prosperity.

SE- Who is Chaz Beck?

CB- Chaz Beck is everything you want in a politician.

SE- No really, is he your brother or something?

CB- Chaz Beck is me.

SE- But your name is Charlie.

CB- Chaz Beck is my political name. It’s got more zing and pizzazz and it’s easier to remember.

SE- I see. So what’s the idea behind the Vote Chaz campaign?

CB- Chaz Beck is working hard to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Because that’s what the people want. Chaz Beck is a politician without all the politics. Chaz Beck is amiable and flexible, he’s willing to do anything for his country. That’s why Chaz Beck is running for all political offices simultaneously.

SE- Is Chaz Beck on the ballot?

CB- Getting on the ballot is a lot of work. Chaz Beck is asking America to write in Chaz Beck for all positions of office.

SE- Why does Chaz Beck constantly talk in the third person?

CB- Chaz Beck is interested in aiding memory retention of Chaz Beck’s undoubtedly dynamic name.

SE- I see. Well, before we finish up here I have one more admittedly strange question.

CB- Shoot.

SE- How do you respond to the persistent rumors that you and I are actually the same person?

CB- That’s ridiculous. How could I interview myself?

SE- Well said.