Dan Thorsland of Mighty Kingdom

Chuffed – a new Aussie word for me (thanks, Dan). I had the pleasure of meeting Dan last November when he spoke at our Inventor and Innovation Conferences. You can’t help but smile when you are talking to or even just corresponding with Dan. His big heart and love of life, people and industry comes through with Thor-like thunder (like his name). His experience runs deep and wide in our industry from comic book editor to apps for Shopkins and more. And, speaking as the food-centric person that I am, how can you not love a guy who compares his day to a very tall club sandwich that is tasty with lots of ingredients!

WHY AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE TOY AND GAME INDUSTRY?

I had a sideways path to the toy business. Prior to my current career in mobile games, I had worked as a comic book editor, commissioning and managing the comics for characters like Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern.

In the early 90’s, I was editing an Aliens series based on the films, and Kenner approached me to do a set of little mini comics that were bundled with Colonial Marines action figures. It was my first interaction with a toy project, and I learned a lot about how the market worked, and was amazed they were doing a toy line on an R-rated film franchise. It was an interesting experience.

Later, I wrote a set of R2-D2 and C-3PO stories that were sold at Toys R Us, and one of the characters (C-3PX) ended up as a Kenner toy! I was chuffed.

WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE IN TOYS OR GAMES THAT EXCITE OR WORRY YOU?

I’m equally excited and worried about the impact of social gaming on mobile. Watching my 10-year old sit with her friends and not look at each other while they play Minecraft is eerie. The way they collaborate and communicate with each other within games like Minecraft and Animal Jam, however, is very exciting. At Mighty Kingdom, our big ideas are all around bridging digital and physical product experience, so kids are playing with each other as much as a tablet.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO INVENTORS WHO ARE PRESENTING NEW TOY OR GAME IDEAS TO YOU?

I’m actively looking for a toy with a world behind it. I’m a storyteller. I want to build a world around a toy and give inventors a platform to connect kids to the story of their toy.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY OR GAME AS A CHILD?

Micronauts! Marvel Comics had a great series based on the toys by Bill Mantlo and Michael Golden, and I loved the figures. My first taste of a Japanese toy line, which led to many other forays into that arena.

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

My day looks like a very tall club sandwich. Tasty, lots of ingredients.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Currently, a young man named Ethan with severe cerebral palsy. He’s asked me to teach him how to make games, and his creativity and determination are mind boggling.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

Tuxedo, New York.

WHAT IS ONE MISTAKE YOU’VE MADE, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

I’ve learned more from what my Dad and Grandpa said 30 years ago than I learn from anything today. Shoulda paid attention back then!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GADGET, APP OR PIECE OF SOFTWARE THAT HELPS YOU EVERY DAY?

My entire life is in Dropbox.

HOW DO YOU JUMPSTART YOUR CREATIVITY WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF STALLED ON A PROJECT?

Talk to my amazing colleagues at Mighty Kingdom. Every one of them has dozens of ideas every day. Failing that, ask my daughter. Kids have no fear when it comes to creativity.