CROM Update: Can CROM Sell 100 copies without Kickstarter?
In this special episode of the Crom the Barbarian Comics Collected Updates podcast, hosts Kurt Brugel and Jake Jacobs delve into the topic of selling 100 copies of CROM Collected 2024 Revised Edition without using Kickstarter. Jake kicks off the discussion by introducing Kurt’s project, highlighting the importance of utilizing public domain characters like Crom the Barbarian, originally created by Gardner Fox, and how Kurt has reimagined and expanded the character’s story. The conversation emphasizes the value of bringing forgotten characters back to life and repackaging them with new material, while also inviting collaborations from artists and writers who share a passion for sword and sorcery.
Kurt discusses the challenges of running a successful crowdfunding campaign, especially for creators who are relatively unknown. He argues that platforms like Kickstarter can often divert potential traffic away from creators' own websites, which is why he has opted to sell directly through his site, cromthebarbarian.com. Kurt shares insights into his marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of SEO and building a dedicated audience who will continue to support the project beyond a single campaign. He also touches on his collaborations with various guest artists and the potential for future works if the current project meets its sales goals.
The podcast concludes with a discussion about the historical context of Crom the Barbarian, its connections to Conan, and Gardner Fox’s broader contributions to the sword and sorcery genre. Kurt and Jake reflect on the collaborative nature of comics and the enduring appeal of creating and reviving characters within the public domain. They encourage listeners to engage with the project, either by purchasing the comic or contributing their own creative work, and tease future discussions and projects within the Turbo Pitfighter universe.
Watch the CROM Update Special Edition 002 video on YouTube:
Educational Values
Encourages creators to explore and utilize public domain characters for new projects.
Offers insights into independent publishing strategies, particularly in bypassing traditional crowdfunding platforms.
Highlights the importance of collaboration and community in the comic book creation process.
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.
