CROM Update: 033 with Contributing Editor Jake Jacobs
In the 33rd episode of the Crom the Barbarian Comics Collected Updates Podcast, Kurt Brugel and Contributing Editor Jake Jacobs discuss the recently completed Artist Proof of the CROM Collected 2024 Revised Edition. They begin by reflecting on the history and development of Crom the Barbarian, including its origins in the 1950s and Kurt’s artistic journey from ballpoint pen drawings to adding detailed gray values with various mediums. Kurt shares his excitement about receiving feedback from Jake, as this will help him finalize the comic for its public release on August 1st, 2024.
Jake provides detailed feedback on the Artist Proof, starting with a critique of the Times font used, suggesting alternatives like Garamond to avoid a generic look. They discuss the importance of collaboration and public domain characters, highlighting how Kurt has reinterpreted and modernized Crom the Barbarian. They delve into the technical aspects of the comic's production, including the use of newsprint feel paper and the addition of gray values to enhance the artwork. Jake appreciates the overall aesthetic but notes areas for improvement, such as adjusting margins and refining the gray value system.
The conversation shifts to the contributions of guest artists and the collaborative nature of the project. Kurt praises the work of artists like David Molina and Drawnsword, emphasizing their unique styles and contributions to the anthology. They discuss the importance of balancing DIY aesthetics with professional quality, aiming for a final product that resonates with both collectors and new readers. The episode concludes with Kurt expressing gratitude for Jake’s input and their ongoing collaboration, particularly on their other project, Turbo Pitfighter.
Watch the CROM Update 033 video on YouTube:
Educational highlights:
Importance of font choice and its impact on a comic's aesthetics.
The collaborative process in comic creation, emphasizing feedback and contributions from various artists.
Technical aspects of comic production, such as paper quality, gray value additions, and layout adjustments.
Utilizing public domain characters for new creative projects.
Balancing DIY aesthetics with professional quality in publishing.
Jake Jacobs is the co-host, writer, and penciler with Me (Kurt Brugel), inker and co-author on the Making Turbo Pit-fighter Podcast.
Use these links to find out more about Jake Jacobs
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
