CROM Update 066 | Anthology #1 | LIVE July 2025 - August Checklist Breakdown
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Kurt outlines the major production progress on CROM Anthology #1, aiming for completion by the end of August. He discusses his decision to upgrade all print copies to premium quality due to Lulu’s printing limitations on standard black and white—despite loving the tactile feel of newsprint. The transition brings sharper visuals and a vintage magazine flair. Kurt also breaks down the massive collaborative effort behind the anthology: from hand-lettering with Ken Landgraf to manga-style art by John Molina and scratched tone-work with Jim Gullett. He previews stories like Crom and the Serpent’s Lair, Crom-dahar, and Lalla and the Time Machine, and features pinup galleries and bonus color material.
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The episode is not just an update, but a deep dive into the mechanics of assembling an anthology—covering copyrights, ISBNs, table of credits, printing specs, international shipping, and contributor rights. Kurt emphasizes transparency and accessibility for all collaborators, offering free downloadable scripts, QR-code integration, and encouraging fan-created comics. He honors the legacy of Gardner F. Fox and highlights the spirit of community in the “Crommunity,” which now includes artists like Jason Schoonover, Dexter Jones, Drawnsword, and Dean Kotz. The episode ends with a passionate shoutout to Brutal Blade of Crom and encouragement to stay involved in this low to no-stress, creative movement.
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Watch the CROM Update 066 video on YouTube:
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Checklist: To Complete the CROM Anthology #1
Finalize copyright assignments per story
Generate and assign ISBN numbers
Insert and finalize all QR codes
Write and format the 4-page creator commentary
Finalize “Table of Credits” section
Ink and texture 10 pages of Crom and the Serpent’s Lair
Tone & texture for 6 pages of Crom Jr. and LaLLa & the Time Machine
Finalize hand-lettering for 4 pages of Crom & Duvanis (Drawn/Inked by Ken Landgraf)
Re-illustrate and color Rogan of the North cover
Letter and create effects for Spawn of Afgorkon by Ric Frane
Complete all spot illustrations (30 images) for Crom of Klarn
Finalize 2-page story adaptation of Stephen Sonneveld’s Crumb le Barbarian cartoon
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3 Educational Highlights from the Podcast
Print-on-Demand Troubleshooting – Listeners learn how to navigate print specs and ink coverage issues using services like Lulu, especially when switching between standard and premium print formats.
Anthology Logistics – Kurt offers insight into the step-by-step process of assembling a creator-owned anthology: contracts, layout, collaboration, and creator credit structures.
Creative Collaboration Models – The episode showcases how artists and writers can contribute to an anthology with flexible models (e.g., pin-ups, scripts, zines, and resale rights), empowering indie creators to retain their voice.
Limited Time to Purchase a copy of the CROM Anthology Mock-up
!SHIP ONLY in the US!
This is the 13th Copy!
Get an exclusive sneak peek at the sword-swinging, spell-scorched world of CROM Anthology #1 with this limited-edition printed mock-up—a 228-page, magazine-sized artifact celebrating the raw power of indie Sword & Sorcery comics.
Curated and edited by Kurt Brugel, this mock-up contains early layouts, penciled pages, grayscale experiments, and finished pieces by a global lineup of underground comic creators. Featuring original contributions and adaptations from artists like Jim Gullett, Ken Landgraf, Jason Schoonover, Dean Kotz, and Dexter Jones, the anthology also includes reprints of rare Golden Age works, manga-influenced storytelling, and even a full photo comic based on Gardner F. Fox’s iconic characters.
This mock-up is a work-in-progress collector's item, created to test design, layout, and page flow—offering fans and contributors a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a fantasy comics epic. Once the final anthology is printed, this version will never be reprinted.
Own a piece of the process. Celebrate the legacy of CROM the Barbarian and the rise of a new era in Sword & Sorcery comics.
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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.
Secure your copy today and join CROM in his legendary quest!
ISBN-13 979-8-9910745-0-6
