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  • NEWS
    • Biography
    • COLLABORATORS
    • Awards
  • FAQ
  • Store
  • MUSIC
    • Heart~Shaped Wound - FULL ALBUM
    • Raised by Bats - FULL ALBUM!
    • BiTrektual - FULL ALBUM!
    • Riding A Black Unicorn... FULL ALBUM!1
    • Hate Lives in a Small Town - FULL ALBUM!
    • To The Bottom of the Sea - FULL ALBUM!
    • ABOUT - Raised By Bats CD
  • BOOKS
    • The Legend of Candy Claws
    • Call of the Jersey Devil
    • CHI-CHIAN
    • DEADY
    • What Is Goth?
    • Paint It Black
    • Deady Webcomic
    • Photos
  • ON-CAMERA
  • TOYS
    • TOY GALLERY
    • CUSTOM TOYS
    • TOY DESIGNS
    • Drawings
  • Photo Gallery
    • Show Fliers
  • Contact
    • LINKS
  • Calendar
  • FILMS
    • Chimerascope Films
    • Live Action
    • Stop Motion
    • Stop-Motion Reel
  • The Black Labyrinth

CHI-CHIAN

A Cinderella story for the 31st century

The books:

Chi-chian began as a 6 issue comic book mini-series written and drawn by Voltaire and published by Sirius Entertainment in 1997. In this Cinderella story for the 31st century, an orphaned young girl named Chi-chian must fight against giant robots, enormous mutant insects, a race of zombie monks and her own twisted family to restore her father's name and take her rightful place in the family. Chi-chian (pronounced: CHEE chan) lives in Manhattan in the 31st century. After the New York/ New Jersey war, Manhattan is sold to a Japanese company called Mimitsu to be used as a testing ground for organic technology. Her father, Soma Mitsui had ushered in a new golden age for New York city with his many environmentally and spiritually advanced inventions. But years after his death, when things start going horribly wrong, Chi-chian, a lowly Wormtrain wrangler, must fight against all odds to prove her father was not a "psychopath" intent on destroying the world. In the process, she learns some important things about herself in this coming of age story.

      Images from the Chi-chian comics. Click to enlarge

Voltaire is presently working on compiling the 6 issues into graphic novel form. No release date is set as of yet.

 

 

The statue:

      

Click on photo to enlarge

In 1998, premiere Japanese action figure, model kit and statue company, Fewture Models/Artstorm, produced a rare Chi-Chian cold cast porcelain statue.  It was sculpted by SHIGERU YAMAZAKI  and limited to only 200 pieces worldwide. It's a rare find, when you find one.

 

The webseries:

 

You can now see them right here on www.voltaire.net (one episode per week will be uploaded starting on Tuesday, March 29th)

JUST LOOK UNDER "FILMS"

In 2000, The Sci Fi Channel commissioned Voltaire to write and direct a 14-episode animated webseries for www.scifi.com. Wanting to incorporate stop-motion in some way into what was a then nascent Flash animation program, Voltaire, with a team of experts, devised a way to make a Flash series that looked photographic instead of drawn. To that end, a model building team sculpted and cast all of the characters in silicone and foam rubber just as would be done for a stop-motion film. The models were then posed and photographed and then cut up in Photoshop into digital "paper dolls". The animation was then done using a technique similar to how South Park was created. At the crest of what would be the first wave of internet animation, Sci Fi spared no expense in what was possibly one of the most expensive web-series ever created. A fantastic animation team as well as voice acting team was assembled with the main character of Chi-chian being beautifully voiced by well known actress, Bai Ling. The series won the Flash Forward Film Festival's People's Choice Award in 2000. While Flash Forward and critics hailed its inventiveness and creativity, being ahead of its time proved to be a hurdle for the production. Average episode file sizes of 4 megabytes lead to long download times for the average internet viewer many of whom had excruciating slow dial-up connections. Nonetheless, the series found a fiercely loyal fan base, amongst them legendary horror writer and filmmaker, Clive Barker. In an interview Barker says of Voltaire and his creation...

"...the man is a god... I'm a huge fan... It's a wonderful creation and my husband can do a perfect impersonation of Chi-Chian saying, "Why can't everybody be nice?...We love that world! David and I would be sitting, watching... waiting to see the further adventures of Chi-Chian."

The Chi-Chian animated web-series continued to be viewable on SciFi.com for years after its inception. However, once they changed their name to "Sy FY" all of the links to this wonderful story were lost forever.

*******You can now see them right here onwww.voltaire.net (one episode per week will be uploaded starting on Tuesday, March 29th)

JUST LOOK UNDER "FILMS"  ******

The webseries: STORY

The story told in the Chi-chian webseries is called "Chi-chian: The Black Seed" (though that title was never publicly announced). The events take place where the comic book mini-series left off. With Sora and most of the Mimitsu elders out of the way, the dreaded Patahn Pahrr take over Manhattan. But plans to rule the city are not enough for the insect masters that guide them. They create a city-ship to infest the world with their kind. Chi-chian's non-violent ways are put to the test when she and the ones she loves are threatened by the evil menace. Together with Sebastian and her friends, the cockroaches, she sets out to put things right.

Scenes from the Chi-chian webseries. Click to enlarge

These images also happen to appear in the Chi-chian calendar and regardless of whether you are in the 21st or 31st centuries, you can get one anytime at Cafepress.com.  

Find one here:  http://www.cafepress.com/voltairenyc.95903121

 

The Role Playing Game:

Chi chian role playing game cover

The popularity of the Chi-chian webseries on the Sci Fi Channel's website lead to some other fun projects for Chi-chian including a role playing game made by Aetherco. This Dungeons and Dragons style RPG uses simple rules, a source book and dice to allow players to create characters in the Chi-chian universe and with the help of a great dungeon master (and some sample adventures in the book) battle giant robots, mutated insects, zombie monks, government forces or each other in pursuit of the treasures to be found in Chi-chian's world.

 With entries for every character that appears in the webseries as well as the comic books, this book doubles as a bible for the Chi-chian universe and is a must have for any serious Chi-chian fan, or any game developer looking to bring her adventures to the little screen.

Released in 2005 by Aetherco

Retail price: $29.95

Hard to find. Best bets are Amazon or Ebay

 

The Chi-chian Hotwheels cars

 

In 2007, Voltaire was invited to Japan to be the artist guest of honor at the Osaka Hot Wheels Custom Car show.  Part of his duties included designing the official 2-car set for the show. Voltaire chose to make one a hearse inspired by his character, Deady and the other car was a Dairy Delivery truck dedicated to Chi-chian. That Hot Wheels car was called the "Chi-chian Worm Wrangler".  The two car set was available exclusively at the show in Osaka and needless to say they are now buried in the vaults of serious Hot Wheels collectors across the land.  A variant of the Chi-Chian Worm Wrangler was made by Hot Wheels for sale to their Collector's Club members on-line.  Only 1,200 of those cars were made and they sold out within seven minutes of them being available on-line. They retailed for $39.99.

Click to enlarge images

 

The Chi-chian Sci Fi Channel Station ID

After issue number one of the comic book series had been drawn but before it had been published, Sci Fi Channel gave the old girl a shot in the arm. Around 1996, Voltaire had directed a Halloween station ID. Shortly thereafter, the head of on-air promos at Sci Fi , Ken Krupka, asked Voltaire to come up with a ten second station identification piece for the channel. Voltaire pitched a stop-motion spot featuring his newly born heroine, Chi-chian. Ken, who was a fan and supporter of Voltaire's work green-lit the piece. In doing so, he gave Chi-chian the boost she needed to become a published comic. For that Ken Krupka will always be remembered as a visionary and friend. Sadly, Ken passed away long before his time. This spot is dedicated to him.

 

 

 

The Live Action Feature Film?

Chi-chian has twice been optioned to be developed into a live action feature film (and video game). The first time, it was optioned by a company called Lonetree in 2002. That signing prompted this write up in the Hollywood reporter:

   Sci Fi heroine hits big screen

Article from: Hollywood Reporter | October 28, 2002 | McIntyre, Gina |

Plucky comic-book heroine Chi-Chian is taking her mission--to save 31st century Manhattan from giant insects, secret police and samurai robots--to the big screen.

Independent production company Lonetree Entertainment has acquired the exclusive film, television, publishing and game rights to the comic book and animated series from its creator, New York artist and animator Voltaire.

 

Chi-chian was optioned again in 2009 by Framelight Productions. That prompted this cover story in the Hollywood reporter:

Link to story :

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/framelight-ramps-chi-chian-90559

 or read below:

  

      Framelight ramps up 'Chi-Chian'

          12:00 AM 10/28/2009 by Steven Zeitchik, AP

Production banner Framelight is ramping up. The company has optioned rights to the cult comic "Chi-Chian" and will develop it as a feature.

The fairy tale-tinged "Chi-Chian" is set in a dystopian New York -- the city has lost its independence and become a prefecture of Japan -- and centers on a seemingly ordinary young woman who has been tapped as a heroine and must fight samurais, robots and zombies to protect her loved ones.

The property, which began life as a six-part comic book from the Cuban-American musician Voltaire, spawned a set of digital episodes for Syfy and Syfy.com as well as a role-playing game.

Voltaire, whose full name is Aurelio Voltaire, is an artist and musician who has developed a following for avant-garde storytelling and artistry. Jeffrey Erb and Robert Robinson Jr. will produce "Chi-Chian" under their Framelight banner."

 

Sadly, both option agreements expired without coming to fruition and Chi-chian has yet to find a production team that can bring this rich, vibrant and emotional story to the big screen.

 

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING SHOWS!

Previous events

Aurelio Voltaire in Athens, GA at The Labe at Ciné!

Aurelio Voltaire in Athens, GA at The Labe at Ciné!

Saturday, September 30Sat, Sep 30

The Labe at Ciné, Athens, GA

18+ $15 doors at 9:30pm Followed by a dance party with DJ Goth Dad!!!

$15

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Aurelio Voltaire in Poznań, Poland at  Projekt LAB

Aurelio Voltaire in Poznań, Poland at Projekt LAB

Saturday, September 23Sat, Sep 23

Projekt LAB , Grochowe Łąki 5 Postal code: 61-752 City: Poznań , Poznań Poland

Date of event 23rd of September, 2023 Name of Venue Address of venue street: aleja Niepodległości 30 Postal code: 61-714 City: Poznań Country: Poland Google Maps PIN: https://goo.gl/maps/CmUsNB2X8jsmCSZF6

ticket price advance: 80 PLN at the venue: 100 PLN discount code (-20 PLN): GothicHomemaking discount is limited to 100 uses, first come, first served!!!

age policy: 18 and up

facebook event page https://fb.me/e/1nnX4iqvY

linkedin event page https://www.linkedin.com/events/aureliovoltaire-thekingofvillai7079402926586105856

link for advance tickets https://bkb.pl/100372-f6713

See description for discount code!

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Aurelio Voltaire in Warsaw, Poland at Fair Play Club!!!

Aurelio Voltaire in Warsaw, Poland at Fair Play Club!!!

Friday, September 22Fri, Sep 22

Fair Play Club, Warsaw Postal code: 02-677

Date of event 22nd of September, 2023 Name of Venue Fair Play Club Address of venue street: Taśmowa 1 Postal code: 02-677 City: Warsaw Country: Poland Google Maps PIN: https://goo.gl/maps/Zn75VyrvajvwVDZK9 ticket price advance: 80 PLN at the venue: 100 PLN discount code (-20 PLN): KingOfVillains discount is limited to 100 uses, first come first served!!! age policy: 18 and up

facebook event page https://fb.me/e/tsaYvJWgx linkedin event page https://www.linkedin.com/events/aureliovoltaire-thekingofvillai7079401480360706048

link for advance tickets https://bkb.pl/100370-9fad4

See description for discount code

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Previous events

Aurelio Voltaire in Athens, GA at The Labe at Ciné!

Aurelio Voltaire in Athens, GA at The Labe at Ciné!

Saturday, September 30Sat, Sep 30

The Labe at Ciné, Athens, GA

18+ $15 doors at 9:30pm Followed by a dance party with DJ Goth Dad!!!

$15

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Aurelio Voltaire in Poznań, Poland at  Projekt LAB

Aurelio Voltaire in Poznań, Poland at Projekt LAB

Saturday, September 23Sat, Sep 23

Projekt LAB , Grochowe Łąki 5 Postal code: 61-752 City: Poznań , Poznań Poland

Date of event 23rd of September, 2023 Name of Venue Address of venue street: aleja Niepodległości 30 Postal code: 61-714 City: Poznań Country: Poland Google Maps PIN: https://goo.gl/maps/CmUsNB2X8jsmCSZF6

ticket price advance: 80 PLN at the venue: 100 PLN discount code (-20 PLN): GothicHomemaking discount is limited to 100 uses, first come, first served!!!

age policy: 18 and up

facebook event page https://fb.me/e/1nnX4iqvY

linkedin event page https://www.linkedin.com/events/aureliovoltaire-thekingofvillai7079402926586105856

link for advance tickets https://bkb.pl/100372-f6713

See description for discount code!

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Aurelio Voltaire in Warsaw, Poland at Fair Play Club!!!

Aurelio Voltaire in Warsaw, Poland at Fair Play Club!!!

Friday, September 22Fri, Sep 22

Fair Play Club, Warsaw Postal code: 02-677

Date of event 22nd of September, 2023 Name of Venue Fair Play Club Address of venue street: Taśmowa 1 Postal code: 02-677 City: Warsaw Country: Poland Google Maps PIN: https://goo.gl/maps/Zn75VyrvajvwVDZK9 ticket price advance: 80 PLN at the venue: 100 PLN discount code (-20 PLN): KingOfVillains discount is limited to 100 uses, first come first served!!! age policy: 18 and up

facebook event page https://fb.me/e/tsaYvJWgx linkedin event page https://www.linkedin.com/events/aureliovoltaire-thekingofvillai7079401480360706048

link for advance tickets https://bkb.pl/100370-9fad4

See description for discount code

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Aurelio Voltaire in St. Augustine, FL at Ancient City Con!

Aurelio Voltaire in St. Augustine, FL at Ancient City Con!

Saturday, September 16Sat, Sep 16

World Golf Village, St Augustine, FL

More info here: https://www.ancientcitycon.com/ Look in the After Hours section!!!

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Sep9

Aurelio Voltaire in Kansas City, MO at Vivo Live

Saturday, September 9Sat, Sep 9

Vivo Live, 7300D W 119th St , Overland Park, KS 66213

Saturday September 9th, 2023

Venue: Vivo Live

Address: 7300D W 119th St | Overland Park, KS 66213

Ticket Price: $25

Advance Ticket Link: coming soon

Age Policy: All-Ages

Ticket Link: https://tinyurl.com/34hpcyrz FB Event Page: https://tinyurl.com/3mdn259y

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Aurelio Voltaire in Atlanta, Ga at Dragoncon!

Aurelio Voltaire in Atlanta, Ga at Dragoncon!

Sunday, September 3Sun, Sep 3

Marriott Lower Lobby, Atlanta, GA

The Aurelio Voltaire booth will be open from approximately noon to 7pm in the Marriott in the lower lobby

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Aurelio Voltaire at Dragoncon in Atlanta, GA!

Aurelio Voltaire at Dragoncon in Atlanta, GA!

Saturday, September 2 @ 11:00PMSat, Sep 2 @ 11:00PM

Hyatt Regency- Centennial Ballroom, Atlanta, GA

Aurelio Voltaire's big ball room show for this year at Dragoncon will be on Saturday night at 11pm in the Centennial Ballroom of the Hyatt

Performers: Aurelio Voltaire Time: Sat 11:00 pm Location: Cent. II-IV Hyatt (Length: 1 Hour) Followed by The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Aurelio Voltaire booth will be open from approximately noon to 7pm in the lower lobby of the Marriott

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Aurelio Voltaire at Dragoncon in Atlanta, GA!

Aurelio Voltaire at Dragoncon in Atlanta, GA!

Friday, September 1Fri, Sep 1

Marriott Lower Lobby (booth), Westin Peachtree 1 and 2 (Goth panel), Atlanta, GA

Today's schedule:

The Aurelio Voltaire booth will be open in the lower lobby of the Marriott from approximately noon to 7pm today

Release the Bats Goth panel at The Westin at 5:30pm

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Aurelio Voltaire in Orlando at The Abbey

Aurelio Voltaire in Orlando at The Abbey

Saturday, August 26 @ 7:00PMSat, Aug 26 @ 7:00PM

Orlando, FL

More info coming soon! ALL AGES!

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Aurelio Voltaire in Tampa at New World Brewery!

Aurelio Voltaire in Tampa at New World Brewery!

Friday, August 25 @ 7:00PMFri, Aug 25 @ 7:00PM

Tampa, FL

18+

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Aug19

Aurelio Voltaire in Williamsburg, OH at All Hallowe's Eve- Terror Town

Saturday, August 19 @ 7:00PMSat, Aug 19 @ 7:00PM

All Hallow's Eve/ Terror Town, Willamsburg, OH

Terror Town is a haunted attraction about half an our from Cincinnati, Ohio Terror Town website: https://www.allhallowsevellc.com/ Advance ticket link and more info coming soon.

$35 includes Aurelio Voltaire concert and all of Terror Town

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Aurelio Voltaire in Richmond VA at Fallout!

Aurelio Voltaire in Richmond VA at Fallout!

Saturday, July 29 @ 8:00PMSat, Jul 29 @ 8:00PM

Fallout, Richmond, VA

DOORS: 8pm SHOW: 9pm ENTRY: 18+ with ID COST: $20 Advance , $25 At The Door DJ/Dance Party After The Show! With special guests, Ego Likeness! FB Event: https://fb.me/e/1lXBv6GMi Eventbrite: https://VoltaireRVA23.eventbrite.com

$20/$25

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Aurelio Voltaire in Indianapolis, IN at Black Circle!

Aurelio Voltaire in Indianapolis, IN at Black Circle!

Saturday, July 22Sat, Jul 22

Indianapolis, IN

Tickets and info https://www.eventbrite.com/e/626402375367

https://facebook.com/events/s/stranger-attractions-presents-/758821672491765/ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/626402375367

https://facebook.com/events/s/stranger-attractions-presents-/758821672491765/

Venue website: https://www.blackcirclebrewing.com/ ALL AGES!!! $18adv $20dos

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Aurelio Voltaire in Springville, IN at Community Unity Fest

Aurelio Voltaire in Springville, IN at Community Unity Fest

Friday, July 21Fri, Jul 21

Camp Midian, Springville, IN

This event takes place in a "primitive campground" Please prepare accordingly. Festival website: https://www.midianevents.com/

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Aurelio Voltaire in Phoenix AZ at Rebel Lounge

Aurelio Voltaire in Phoenix AZ at Rebel Lounge

Saturday, July 8Sat, Jul 8

Phoenix, AZ

Name of the venue – Rebel Lounge time doors open – 7PM Aurelio Voltaire showtime -9:30pm 21 and up (Minor allowed in with an adult, legal guardian) Ticket prices - $16/$20 Link for advance ticket sales - https://www.seetickets.us/event/AURELIO-VOLTAIRE/533211? Facebook event page- https://www.facebook.com/events/6266764603334576

$16 ADV /2$0 DOS

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Aurelio Voltaire in Houston, TX at Avant Garden!

Aurelio Voltaire in Houston, TX at Avant Garden!

Sunday, July 2Sun, Jul 2

Houston, TX

Venue name and address - Avant Garden Houston age policy: All Ages Ticket prices $20 at the door.. $15 Prepay. Ends Friday before the show Advance ticket link : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/havok-presents-voltaire-live-dj-whisperwish-and-more-tickets-549367522047 Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/1357836238311958 Facebook page for more info. FB.com/clubhavok FB.com/DJwhisperwish

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Aurelio Voltaire in Austin, TX at Elysium

Aurelio Voltaire in Austin, TX at Elysium

Saturday, July 1Sat, Jul 1

Elysium, Austin, TX

Aurelio Voltaire @ Elysium Saturday, July 1st, 2023 Doors open at 9:00 pm Elysium is located at 705 Red River, ATX 78701 General Admission, 18+ Price includes tax and fees. You can purchase a paper ticket at Secret Oktober (5318 Menchaca Road, ATX) and get a $2 discount with credit/debit, or $3 discount with cash.

$16.99

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Aurelio Voltaire in Los Angels at Bar Sinister!

Aurelio Voltaire in Los Angels at Bar Sinister!

Saturday, June 24 @ 10:00PMSat, Jun 24 @ 10:00PM

Bar Sinister @ Boardners by La Belle, 1652 N. Cherokee Ave, Hollywood, CA

ATTENTION: This club has a VERY STRICT dress code"to En'Trance this Hidden Tomb from 10pm til 2:3am!" Aurelio Voltaire has no pull, no sway and no say in that dress code, so PLEASE read the dress code closely to insure you are not turned away at the door!!!

$15 Admission Every SATURDAY upon Your Arrival in... (DRESS CODE) Gothic-Gaultier-Chic, Alternative/Upscale Black, Fab~Fetish or Futuristic Attire No Blue Jeans, Khakis or Flannel~ No Sports, Street or Beach Attire, White Sneakers or Flip Flops

21YRS OLD & OVER ONLY! Doors at 10pm/ Aurelio Voltaire at 11pm NO advanced tickets for this show/ Tickets at the door only

Venue website: https://www.barsinister.net/calendar

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Aurelio Voltaire in Las Vegas, NV at Scarlet (Artifice Club)

Aurelio Voltaire in Las Vegas, NV at Scarlet (Artifice Club)

Saturday, June 17 @ 7:00PMSat, Jun 17 @ 7:00PM

Artifice, Las Vegas, NV

Doors at 7pm/ Aurelio Voltaire at 8:30pm SHARP! Scarlet gothic dance night immediately after the concert Scarlet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scarletgothlv

No advanced tickets for this show/ tickets at the door only

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Aurelio Voltaire in London at The Garage

Aurelio Voltaire in London at The Garage

Sunday, May 21Sun, May 21

The Garage, London, UK

Sun May 21 2023 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM The Garage 20-22 Highbury Corner London N5 1RD Under 16s with an adult Ages 14+ With Special Guests Rosegarden Funeral Party

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