Roberts, Chollie - Baby Thid

There has been a cult following for the character known as Baby Thid. The creator of this character, Charlie "The Patron Saint of Popeye" Roberts, has led a life away from the spotlight. Ever since he read "A Catcher in the Rye", he thought about starting a minor league baseball career as a catcher for the Rye, NY baseball league. Instead, he had a ham on rye sandwich and has since led a monastic life in the style of J.D. Salinger.

Little has been known about Baby Thid, but we are glad to be able to lift the veil of mystery a bit, as Mr. Roberts discusses his character in his own words: “Over the years people have asked me various questions. The following seem to be of most interest:

1. How was Baby Thid created?
2. Which artists were the biggest influence on your exquisite work?
3. What type of pen do you use?
4. Can you loan me $ 5 until my brother gets back on his feet?
5. Will you send me a free drawing to put on Ebay ; if it doesn't sell, will you pay the fees?
6. Do you plan any Gallery Shows?
7. Any plans to do a Live-Action movie?
8. I don't like Baby Thid, but can we still be friends?
9. I don't like you, but do like Baby Thid.

Please don't call or e-mail me. Like I used to tell Alex Raymond "Please .......I'll Be Glad To Drive, Just Chip in for Gas!". Seriously, these are all important queries that deserve an answer. Except for that incident with my jacket malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl, I've tried to maintain a low profile. The letters keep piling up, as do requests for interviews from CNN , PBS, and print media, as well as possible lectures at prestigious institutions ( Wal-Mart openings etc.).

Back in the 1940's I decided to wait until I could reach the broadest audience possible and now, thanks to my gracious friend Robert Stolzer, I have the possibility of enlightening two or possibly three people who might stay awake long enough to read this. If the following answers might help keep just one child from eating too many french fries, or get one 50 year old art collector to move out of Irvington, New Jersey then my many years at the drawing board will have been worthwhile. If not, I guess it's the proverbial "Tough Titty".

1. The character is loosely based on the inner child in all of us; a sense of wonder, awe, confusion, and soiled undergarment.
2. The line work in "Baby Thid" has been compared to the finest ink work of masters like J.C.Coll, Norman Lindsay, Winsor McCay, Frank Frazetta, and Mell Lazarus. While not readily noticeable to Mr.or Mrs. John Q. Public, those of you who are artists or even common fan-boys can appreciate the time involved with delicate feathering and the chiaroscuro technique employed in each and every original.
3. I find the # 2 Windsor Newton Sable Brush Crowquill Bic most versatile.
4. Go to your room.
5. What's an E-Boy?
6. I find such affairs boorish. I'll be glad to bring a suitcase of originals if someone wants to meet me at the local "Taco Bell" and pay for lunch ( the fajitas are a particular >favorite). I don't need a soft drink.
7. If I had a dime for every script I've been sent to review, I'd have twenty cents more or less. Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise; any of the three would be Perfect as "Thid" but I won't sell the rights for less than $ 40.
8. Yes. Do you like "Taco Bell" too?
9. I hope this has been of some interest to you. I'm off to San Simeon to supervise the installation of the "Baby Thid" tapestry at the Hearst Castle. I understand "Popular Mechanics" magazine is going to feature a centerfold on this most worthwhile endeavor.”