CROM Update 066 | Anthology #1 | LIVE July 2025 - August Checklist Breakdown

Jul 26

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.

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.

Watch the CROM Update 066 video on YouTube:

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

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