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LUANN FAN: Podcast and Puddles in 3D!
Published 6 months ago • 3 min read
Greg and Karen at the NCS Reuben Awards
Dear Reader,
Fall is in the air and dogs are on our minds, perhaps because Greg and Betty's dog, Charlie, managed to swallow a peach pit and need emergency surgery last month just in time for Betty to miss out on attending the annual National Cartoonists Society's conference and Reuben Awards in Boston. Don't worry, Charlie is 100% a-okay. And we still love pets, as evidenced by our recent storyline in support of Remember Me Thursday which promotes pet adoption.
Further proof we love dogs: we debuted a one of a kind, hand crafted Puddles figurine at San Diego Comic Con and fans loved him! The story is below and, if you are inclined to acquire one of these limited editions yourself, you can do so here.
We also had the fun opportunity to be guests on the Comic Lab podcast, with fellow cartoonists Dave Kellet and Brad Guigar. We discuss origin stories, tools, and coworking strategies as well as have a few good laughs! Greg also shares some of the process behind the Puddles figurine: how DO you turn a 2D character into a 3D object? Listen to the podcast at comiclabpodcast.com
Luann's dog, Puddles, has been in the strip since the first year, though he didn't show up until towards the end of 1985. Over the decades, he's changed size but has stayed loyal to Luann, despite the sometimes annoying and less-than-princely treatment he receives. Whether being Luann's confidant, responding to Bernice's comments, playing in the park, seeking his latest meal, or putting up with humans, Puddles has remained an essential piece of the Luanniverse.
To celebrate 40 years of LUANN in 2025, this Featured Collection showcases Puddles in a Sunday strip from every year!
From Curiosity to Collectible: Meet the 3D Puddles!
It all started with a spark of curiosity.
After retiring, local professional sculptor Tony Newman was searching for a fresh creative challenge. As a long-time fan of LUANN, he found himself wondering: What would it take to bring these beloved 2D characters into the 3D world?
Tony invited Greg to his studio and together they spent countless hours solving unusual design puzzles — like: What do the backs of Puddles’ eyes look like? Where exactly IS his mouth — his muzzle, his chest, his shoulder?
Armed with clay, creativity, and a 3D printer, Tony sculpted an irresistibly adorable, holdable version of Puddles. He was just too cute not to share — so they decided to make a few more for fans to enjoy!
To celebrate LUANN’s 40th anniversary, we're releasing a limited run of just 40 Puddles figures — each one lovingly hand-assembled, hand-sanded, and hand-painted. Every sculpture is made from 13 custom pieces, with Greg personally adding Puddles’ signature freckles and signing each one.
Each exclusive collectible includes:
A mini dog dish
A numbered certificate signed by Greg
And yes — adjustable eyes. (Awww!)
These little guys take hours to complete and are truly one-of-a-kind. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!
In this engaging conversation, Greg and Karen Evans reflect on their 40-year journey with the comic strip Luann. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of the submission process, the evolution of their characters, and the importance of collaboration in their creative process. The conversation also touches on their experiences at Comic-Con, the significance of reader interaction, and the unique challenges of adapting 2D characters into 3D models. Throughout, they emphasize the joy of storytelling and the impact of their work on fans and the cartooning community.
Takeaways
40 years of Luann is a tremendous achievement.
The early submission process was filled with frustration.
Character development is crucial in storytelling.
Collaboration has enhanced the creative process.
Reader interaction has shaped the strip's evolution.
Comic-Con provides a unique opportunity for connection.
3D modeling presents new challenges for cartoonists.
Aging characters allows for deeper storytelling.
The importance of humor in everyday life.
The joy of creating and sharing stories with fans.
Greg and Karen would love to send you insider info, news, and special updates! We do an email newsletter about once a month. We do not rent, sell, or otherwise share your info.
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