Special CROM Anthology #1 Update LIVE also Talking about Attending IC3 & Pre-Ordering for IC3
In this special episode of the CROM Updates Podcast, host Kurt Brugel announces his attendance at IC3 (Indie Creator Comic Con) on March 15, 2025, in Connecticut. He encourages attendees to pre-order comics to help him bring the right quantity to the event and explains the financial and logistical challenges of independent comic book printing and distribution. Pre-orders offer free shipping and a discount. He also highlights his excitement to reunite with Jake Jacobs, his longtime collaborator on Turbo Pit-Fighter, and emphasizes the importance of supporting independent creators at IC3, where attendees can directly engage with comic artists rather than vendors or cosplayers.
Kurt then provides a detailed progress update on CROM Anthology #1, listing contributors and their work. Notable names include David Molina (The Last Dryad), Jason Schoonover (Kromdahar), Dexter Jones (The God Crom), John Molina (Crom the Barbarian in the Serpent’s Lair), and Ron Parsons & Drawnsword, who are collaborating on Karnak and Crom the Courageous. Additional contributions come from Ken Landgraf, who is drawing Crom the Adventurous, and Ric Frane, who is collaborating with model Zoe to create an 8-page photo-comic about the cosmic forging of Skullbiter, Crom’s sword. Kurt highlights that CROM Anthology will feature a mix of new comics, classic sword-and-sorcery tales, and experimental styles, including manga-inspired and photo-based storytelling.
Finally, Kurt shares his broader vision for the CROM community, which includes free downloadable comic scripts for aspiring artists, fostering collaborations among creators, and encouraging new interpretations of Crom the Barbarian. He touches on upcoming CROM Anthology sequels, his goal of licensing classic pulp material for future issues, and a project called Crom Jr., a cartoonish take on the character. He also teases new creative endeavors, such as expanding CROM stories through illustrated scripts, republishing classic material, and experimenting with public domain comics. Throughout the episode, Kurt emphasizes community building, independent creation, and keeping the sword-and-sorcery genre alive through artistic collaboration.
Watch the Special CROM Update video on YouTube:
Click here to goto the YouTube to watch the Video.
Educational Highlights from the Podcast
Independent Comic Publishing Challenges – Kurt explains the costs and logistics of self-publishing, including print-on-demand, budgeting, and marketing.
Creative Collaboration – The importance of building a creative community, pairing artists and writers, and encouraging different storytelling styles.
Comic Book Production – Insights into inking, penciling, lettering, storytelling techniques, and experimenting with formats like photo-comics and manga adaptations.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
