CROM Update 060 with Drawnsword, Rom Parsons & the Art of Collaboration
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In this 60th episode of the CROM Updates Podcast, host Kurt Brugel welcomes back indie comic artist Drawnsword for his ninth appearance to discuss CROM the Courageous, an 11-page comic for the CROM Anthology #1. The story, scripted by fantasy writer Rom Parsons, originated from Drawnsword’s initial hesitation to contribute, which evolved into an inspired collaboration. Drawnsword shares how he pitched a basic concept—about a village feeding a protective giant who turns against them—and Rom transformed it into a rich narrative. The two developed a workflow where Rom outlined each page while leaving visual interpretation up to Drawnsword, resulting in a dynamic and visually tight comic experience.
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The podcast delves deeper into the realities of modern indie comic production. Both creators emphasize how deadlines, collaboration, and a shared creative vision help them stay accountable and push their work forward. Kurt and Drawnsword reflect on the flexibility and openness of the CROM universe, a public domain property, which invites a variety of creative voices. They discuss publishing logistics like using A4-sized Bristol boards, affordable printing techniques, and self-stapling for distribution. Drawnsword also talks about redesigning his original character Karnok and his plans for a new 24-page comic tied to the same universe as Scoundrel’s Dread.
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A particularly insightful segment explores Kurt’s plans for a larger shared fantasy map inspired by Gardner Fox’s stories and prehistoric Earth. Kurt and Drawnsword consider how overlapping fictional geographies—like those of Kothar, Kyrik, and Crom—can build a mythological world that evolves as contributors add stories. They touch on the history of sword & sorcery fiction, the importance of imagination over rigid canon, and how stories should remain fluid and escape-driven. The episode ends with encouragement for artists and writers to collaborate and contribute to the growing CROM mythos.
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Watch the CROM Update 060 video on YouTube:
Educational Highlights
Collaborative Storytelling Techniques – How artists and writers can balance creative input with mutual respect for pacing, visuals, and narrative.
DIY Indie Publishing Strategies – Methods for affordable, hands-on comic production (Bristol boards, A3 layouts, stapled zines).
Worldbuilding Through Shared Mythology – Building a dynamic, evolving map and mythos inspired by public domain characters and classic pulp traditions.
Use these links to find out more about Drawnsword
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.
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ISBN-13 979-8-9910745-0-6
Theme: ACTION!
8-Pages
Children of Thogyu follows Crom, a fierce Aesir barbarian, and Ka’Zhul the Unyielding, the indomitable chieftain of the Cymri apemen, as they unite against the alien invaders known as the Children of Thogyu. These grotesque, elephant-headed beings raid the Cymri lands, sacrificing themselves in relentless waves to gather precious gemstones hidden in rivers and caves. With the help of Crom’s cunning sister, Lalla, who uses the fertility mask of the Cymri goddess Omdre to rally the defeated Cymri warriors, the heroes discover the aliens’ secret hoard of jewels. As the Children of Thogyu unleash their mind-controlled shaggy tuskers in a final, devastating assault, Crom and Ka’Zhul turn the tide with fire and ferocity. But even as they triumph, questions linger about the true purpose of the gemstones and whether the Children of Thogyu’s threat is truly at an end—or if a greater danger looms.
