Discover Ancientz, faith-based toys reimagining Hebrews 11 heroes as armored warriors. Join Howard Chang’s journey from Ninja Turtles to inspiring the next generation with faith-driven action figures.
Ancientz: From Ninja Turtles to Faith-Based Toys for a New Generation
**Ancientz** is more than just a toy line—it’s a bold, faith-driven mission to inspire the next generation through the timeless stories of Hebrews 11 heroes. In a recent episode of *The Graceful Warrior Podcast*, host Monica Hansen sat down with Howard “Quiggly” Chang, the creative genius behind iconic action figures like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to discuss his journey from designing global toy phenomena to launching **Ancientz**, a revolutionary line of **faith-based toys**. Here’s a summary of their inspiring conversation, filled with insights into Howard’s creative process, spiritual transformation, and vision for impacting young hearts through play.
From Blockbuster to Toy Legend
Howard’s story begins with a summer job at Blockbuster Video, but his artistic talent quickly led him to Varner Studios, where he became a lead toy concept artist. At just 18, he found himself sketching designs for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a franchise that became a cultural juggernaut in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Howard’s creativity didn’t stop there—he contributed to Star Trek toys, McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, Flash Gordon, and Exo Squad, shaping childhoods worldwide. His nickname, “Quiggly,” coined by his boss from *The Jetsons* cartoon, became a badge of honor, sticking with him for over 30 years. Howard’s early career was marked by a love for drawing and a knack for turning gritty comic book characters into three-dimensional action figures. He described the challenge of balancing the source material’s essence with mass-market appeal, ensuring toys were both collectible and playable. His favorite Turtle? The basketball-themed Turtle, complete with a Reebok Pump-inspired detail and a nod to number 23, reflecting his playful yet precise approach to design.
A Leap of Faith: From Turtles to Manufacturing
At the height of the Ninja Turtles’ success, Howard made a surprising decision—he walked away from the toy industry. Driven by ambition and a desire for new challenges, he ventured into manufacturing, starting 25 businesses, a few of which succeeded while others served as learning experiences. This period of exploration, though, was not without struggle. Howard candidly shared how his spiritual walk was inconsistent during this time, attending church sporadically but not fully surrendering to God. It wasn’t until a personal crisis—a divorce and the challenges of raising three young children—that Howard experienced a profound encounter with God. During a time of prayer, he began receiving visions of robotic warriors inspired by biblical heroes. This marked the genesis of **Ancientz**, a project that would combine his artistic talent with a kingdom purpose.
Ancientz: Faith-Based Toys with a Purpose
**Ancientz** reimagines the heroes of Hebrews 11—figures like David, Gideon, and Sarah—as armored, robotic warriors battling darkness with faith, not physical might. Howard’s vision is to create **faith-based toys** that kids will clamor for at Christmas, not because parents push them, but because they’re undeniably cool. Drawing inspiration from franchises like Robotech and Pokemon, these figures feature intricate details, light-up features, and biblical verses etched on their chests, making them both collectible and meaningful. Howard’s favorite character, David, embodies the underdog spirit of facing giants with courage and faith, a theme that resonates deeply with his own journey. Other characters, like the Canaanite army captain Sisera and upcoming designs for Moses and Pharaoh, expand the **Ancientz** universe into a vibrant ecosystem of spiritual warriors. The project’s timing feels divinely orchestrated. After 12 years of refining the concept, Howard and his wife, Gloria, launched **Ancientz** at Comic-Con, securing a coveted booth through miraculous circumstances. A pastor at Comic-Con, moved by Howard’s story, later shared it with his congregation, highlighting the project’s potential to spark curiosity about biblical stories. Howard envisions **Ancientz** toys prompting kids to ask, “Who’s David?”—leading parents and children to explore scripture together.
Overcoming Creative and Spiritual Battles
Howard’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a creative, he grappled with perfectionism, delaying **Ancientz** for years in pursuit of flawlessness. Gloria’s simple advice—“It doesn’t have to be perfect”—freed him to trust God’s timing and move forward. He also faced skepticism from advisors who doubted the viability of a faith-based toy line in a secular market. Yet, Howard remains unshaken, trusting that **Ancientz** is God’s business, not his own. For Howard, designing with a kingdom purpose brings a liberating peace. Unlike his earlier work for corporate franchises, **Ancientz** allows him to create freely, guided by divine inspiration rather than Hollywood’s demands. He hopes these toys will inspire not just believers but also non-believing families, planting seeds of faith through play.
A Call to the Faith Community
The **Ancientz** Kickstarter launched on August 19, 2025, offering affordable options like $35 keychain figures alongside larger collectibles. Howard and Gloria are calling on the faith community to support this movement by backing the campaign, spreading the word, and praying for its success. Their Instagram, IG@ancients_official, and website at http://ancientz.com provide updates and ways to get involved. Howard dreams of seeing **Ancientz** billboards in Times Square, movies, and video games, amplifying its message to a global audience.
Inspiration for Creatives and Warriors
Howard’s story is a powerful reminder that God can use any skillset for His glory. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or parent, his journey from Ninja Turtles to **faith-based toys** shows that no creative gift is too commercialized for kingdom impact. For those hesitant to step into their calling, Howard’s advice is clear: let go of perfectionism, trust God’s timing, and take the leap of faith. As Monica Hansen concluded, “Grace and grit work together when you’re fighting for eternal impact.” **Ancientz** is a testament to this truth, equipping the next generation to wield faith as their sword in a world that desperately needs heroes. Join the movement, grab your armor, and support **Ancientz** in redefining play with purpose.
*Listen to the full episode on The Graceful Warrior Podcast to hear Howard’s story in his own words and dive deeper into the vision behind Ancientz.* —https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-4wehf-193a5b5 or watch on our Youtube Channel here –https://youtu.be/Wd6lzq6fyv8
Thanks for joining me and Let us know what Robot You have your eye on… Me? I like Debra!
Monica Hansen
