CROM Update: 019 with Guest Artist Jason Schoonover

Artistic Alchemy: Blending Fine Arts with Sword and Sorcery in Crom the Barbarian Comic Books

In the 19th episode of the Crom Updates Podcast, hosts Kurt Kurt and guest artist Jason Jason delve into the creative process behind Jason's pin-up art for the revised edition of "Crom the Barbarian" comics collection. The conversation begins with Kurt expressing admiration for Jason's dedication to sharing his artistic journey on social media platforms, highlighting the collaborative nature of this project aimed at revitalizing the Crom the Barbarian series. The dialogue also touches upon building a community around the project that transcends the conventional sword and sorcery genre, aiming for a broader appeal.

The discussion further explores the integration of fine arts into comic book storytelling, with both Kurt and Jason sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate their journeys and realizations about the impact of fine arts on themselves. They reflect on their experiences with modern art and its ability to evoke strong emotional responses, a principle they aim to apply to the Crom project. This segment highlights their ambition to make Crom not just a visually appealing comic but an emotionally resonant work that leverages the depth and sophistication of fine arts. The conversation underscores the importance of humanizing artwork, a theme echoed in their admiration for artists like Cy Twombly and Robert Rauschenberg, whose works challenge perceptions and evoke deep emotional connections.

Towards the end of their conversation, the focus shifts to the specifics of Jason's artwork for Crom, inspired by a Renaissance painting of David with the severed head of Goliath, by Guido Cagnacci, which Jason encountered at an arts event. This inspiration aligns with the podcast's theme of fusing classic fine art elements with the dynamic storytelling of comics. Jason details his creative process, including the challenges and problem-solving aspects of translating such a classical reference into the context of a sword and sorcery comic. The dialogue emphasizes the synergy between traditional art influences and modern comic storytelling, aiming to elevate Crom beyond its genre constraints. Kurt and Jason's exchange not only sheds light on the artistic direction of the Crom project but also reflects on the broader potential of comics as a medium for rich, multi-layered storytelling that bridges the gap between fine arts and popular culture.