CROM Update 056 with Jason Schoonover’s Penciled Pages for Cromdahar

Feb 24

In the 56th episode of CROM Updates, host Kurt Brugel and indie artist Jason Schoonover discuss Jason's progress on the seven-page indie comic Cromdahar, a sword-and-sorcery tale inspired by the legend of the Kandahar Giant. Jason shares insights into his artistic process, his struggles with penciling, and how he refines his approach through feedback. Kurt, acting as an art director, gives suggestions on refining characters’ identities and making layouts clearer for inking. They discuss Jason’s tendency toward minimalist pencils and how adding character model sheets and clearer compositions will help maintain visual consistency.

Beyond the art itself, the conversation delves into today’s publishing landscape and the struggles of indie creators. Kurt shares his perspective on self-promotion, distribution, and the importance of networking in the independent comics scene. He emphasizes how artists today must juggle creative work with the business side of comics. They also touch on the influence of different artistic mediums, such as fine art and film, in shaping their storytelling approaches. Jason draws inspiration from David Lynch's non-linear storytelling and Frank Miller's visual framing techniques, which influence his page layouts.

Kurt and Jason discuss the broader implications of indie publishing, the saturation of mainstream comics, and the need for fresh perspectives. They criticize the over-reliance on legacy franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and X-Men, arguing that true artistic evolution comes from blending unique inspirations. The episode highlights their shared vision of pushing the boundaries of sword-and-sorcery storytelling, encouraging artists to embrace unconventional influences. They also plug upcoming projects, including Jason’s YouTube content, his work with Crom Anthology, and Kurt’s free script offerings for aspiring creators.