In 2024, Canadian-born artist Gregory Taylor took on a project that perfectly fused his traditional artistry with emerging digital production methods: translating the characters of Norman Comics’ The Goodlums into tangible, collectible figures. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and experimental workflow, Taylor’s work has always balanced hand-crafted sculpture with modern tools — making him the ideal collaborator for this ambitious venture.
“The challenge was simple but daunting,” Taylor says. “How do you take hand-drawn characters and make them three-dimensional without losing the personality that made them special?”
From pen to print
The process began in Taylor’s studio with hand-drawn concept sketches and clay maquettes. Each figure was carefully sculpted to capture the quirky, mischievous expressions and distinctive silhouettes that define The Goodlums. Once the physical forms were established, Taylor used digital sculpting tools to refine the character features, adjust proportions, and prepare them for final production.
“Working digitally allowed me to explore different materials, lighting, and surface textures,” he explains. “It’s like giving the characters a second life — but in a way that’s still true to the original drawings.”
The figures themselves
Taylor’s figures were not just toys — they were collectibles with narrative depth. “Each Goodlum has a personality,” he says. “Their eyes, posture, even tiny imperfections in the sculpt tell a story about who they are and the world they live in.”
Technology meets creativity
3D scanning, digital sculpting, and open-source design tools played a crucial role in Taylor’s workflow. These methods let him preserve the charm of handmade work while refining shape, pose, and finish with precision. By combining traditional and digital art, the figures maintained the authenticity of clay sculpting while benefiting from the consistency of modern production.
“The tech is just a tool,” Taylor emphasizes. “It doesn’t replace the artist — it expands what’s possible.”
Launch and reception
When the Goodlums figures were revealed, collectors responded immediately to their expressive design, tactile charm, and finely rendered details. Larger 14-inch special editions became centerpiece display items, while smaller 3-inch figures were celebrated for their intricacy and accessibility.
Fans of Norman Comics — along with curious newcomers discovering the characters for the first time — praised the project for breathing physical life into a stylized comic universe. Many noted that the figures carried the same humor and attitude found on the page.
Legacy and future
For Gregory Taylor, The Goodlums represents more than a commission — it’s a statement about what collectible art can be in the modern age. Hand-crafted, digitally refined, and grounded in narrative personality, the figures occupy a space between sculpture, character design, and playful storytelling.
“This was about pushing boundaries,” Taylor says. “I’ve always believed that the gap between comics and toys isn’t a barrier — it’s an opportunity. The Goodlums show that characters can live off the page and into the hands of collectors, while keeping their heart and soul intact.”
As independent artists like Taylor continue to blend traditional sculpture with digital techniques, the line between comic art and physical collectibles continues to blur — and The Goodlums are leading the way.
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