CROM Update 061 with Guest Indie Comic Artist Adam Bennett
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In Episode 61 of the CROM Updates Podcast, Kurt Brugel welcomes indie comic artist Adam Bennett, a long-time creative contact who has returned to the comic book scene after a period of personal struggles. Adam shares how he began exploring public domain characters like Crom around 2019, eventually producing a short Crom comic that was printed on Lulu. His passion for comics stems from his youth, and despite having no formal art training, Adam poured his heart into creating. His journey into comic-making included phases of intense productivity followed by burnout, as he struggled with depression and anxiety. After taking time off to seek treatment, he’s back—reinvigorated and ready to contribute to the CROM Anthology project with both older and new material.
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Throughout the podcast, Kurt and Adam reflect on the collaborative and therapeutic nature of comics. Kurt emphasizes the community-driven ethos behind the CROM Anthology, highlighting that it is not a high-pressure publishing endeavor but a low-to-no-stress creative outlet. He encourages Adam to rework his initial Crom story, explore a new 7-page contribution, and even re-release previous works with improved presentation. They discuss the importance of revisiting old projects with fresh eyes, embracing imperfection, and staying open to collaboration. Kurt also reassures Adam that having a small, niche fanbase is not only valid but powerful, especially in the micro-genre of indie sword & sorcery comics.
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The conversation ends on an optimistic note as Adam expresses excitement about joining the Crommunity again and focusing on a new Crom comic while also considering releasing his past work in PDF format. Kurt proposes adding Adam’s material to the anthology as a spotlighted creator, complete with a QR code linking to his site, and reiterates that there are no hard deadlines—just encouragement to find joy and consistency in creation. The episode champions both creative freedom and personal healing, making it a meaningful listen for any indie comic artist navigating their path back to art.
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Watch the CROM Update 061 video on YouTube:
Educational Highlights
Creative Recovery: The value of returning to old projects with new energy and perspective.
Mental Health and Art: How depression and anxiety can impact creativity and how art can aid recovery.
Collaborative Publishing Models: Using anthologies and public domain characters to encourage indie creators.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
Theme: Crom Myth
13 Pages
Water Waif Summary:
After heroically saving a village from monstrous invaders, Crom the Barbarian is betrayed and poisoned by the villagers he protected. Beaten and discarded, he is discovered and healed by a mysterious water spirit, the "Water Waif," who brings him back to life with a kiss and sacred water. Upon returning to the village to reclaim his promised reward, Crom is paid grudgingly. However, the greedy villagers plot to capture the Water Waif and exploit her healing powers. Crom witnesses their cruel ambush and murder attempt on her. Enraged, he avenges her by slaughtering the attackers and trying to revive her, but she dies in his arms. Crom buries her and exacts final vengeance by burning the village to the ground with a flaming arrow, leaving no survivors to tell the tale.
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ISBN-13 979-8-9910745-0-6
