CROM Update 059 with RJ Shaw talking Crom the Destroyer
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In Episode 59 of the CROM Updates Podcast, host Kurt Brugel interviews indie comic creator RJ Shaw, the writer and producer of Crom the Destroyer, a sword and sorcery comic inspired by Celtic mythology and Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian. RJ discusses his creative motivations, particularly his love for mythological storytelling, and how his version of Crom is rooted in Celtic deities like Crom Cruach. His comic follows an unnamed king who undergoes a transformation, ultimately becoming a symbol of Crom. The comic blends traditional heroic values with mythic world-building, set in a pre-Herculean, monster-filled age where steel is good and sorcery is evil.
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RJ shares his experiences running crowdfunding campaigns on Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Although Crom the Destroyer faced production delays due to artist changes, RJ emphasizes the quality of the art and the dedication to backers. He offers the book in multiple formats, including full-color comics and black-and-white magazine editions. The campaign also includes bonus material like side stories and maps. Kurt and RJ delve into the challenges of publishing in today’s decentralized indie comic world, acknowledging the lack of a central hub for sword and sorcery fans and creators.
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The conversation deepens into the value of myth, oral storytelling traditions, and the philosophical approach to fantasy storytelling. Both creators agree that a website presence is essential beyond crowdfunding platforms and discuss the revival of old-school link exchanges as a community-building method. RJ also outlines his future plans, including digital-first projects and manga-inspired works, while Kurt shares his vision for CROM Anthology, which will feature creator teasers and double-page artist spreads. They both express enthusiasm for continued collaboration and supporting the growth of indie fantasy comics.
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Watch the CROM Update 059 video on YouTube:
3 Educational Values of the Podcast:
Teaches indie creators how to navigate crowdfunding platforms effectively.
Demonstrates how to root comic storytelling in rich mythological traditions.
Promotes sustainable community-building models for independent fantasy creators.
Use these links to find out more about RJ Shaw.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
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Kurt Brugel's Virgin Cover Edition of the 2024 CROM Collected Comic is a must-have for fans and collectors alike. This special edition features an exclusive, stunning cover art by Kurt Brugel himself, showcasing his unique vision of CROM the Barbarian in all his glory.
Inside, you'll find 140 pages of intense, black and white sword and sorcery adventures that transport you to a world of epic battles, fierce warriors, and ancient magic. This magazine-size (8.5x11) comic book is meticulously crafted to deliver an immersive reading experience, staying true to the raw and untamed spirit of classic fantasy comics.
What makes this edition truly special is there is no waiting for weeks to get your hands on this collector's item. By purchasing Kurt Brugel's Virgin Cover Edition, you not only own a piece of unique comic art but also support the continuation of CROM's epic journey and the talented artists behind it.
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ISBN-13 979-8-9910745-0-6
Theme: Time-Travel
In this comic book adventure, museum clerk Gavin Trevayne stumbles upon an ancient, skull-adorned sword hidden in a crate labeled “UNKNOWN SWORD.” Drawn by the promise of quick profit, he secretly removes the artifact—Skull-Biter—from the museum. But the sword’s eerie hum and glow repeatedly teleport him to a barbaric alien realm, where savage Aesir warriors mistake him for their prophesied champion, Crom the Barbarian. Forced into battles and entangled in the fate of his own sister Bernice, also trapped in this brutal world, Gavin wrestles with both his greed and the sword’s unpredictable magic. His dangerous actions anger Skull-Biter’s mystic power, which threatens to destroy him if he continues misusing it. Eventually cast back to the museum, Gavin realizes this unknown sword is no mere relic—it’s a force beyond human control, and its true purpose may well be a judgment on his own heart.
