CROM Update 067 | Anthology #1 | LIVE August 2025 - Inking John Molina's Crom
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In episode #67 of the CROM Updates Podcast, Kurt Brugel delivers a relaxed yet informative update to the Crommunity while live inking page 3 of Crom the Barbarian in the Serpent’s Lair by John Molina. Kurt praises Molina’s Amerimanga style and shares his inking process, including the use of Zip-A-Tone textures, multiple inking pens, and a strong desire to preserve the character of the original pencils. While working, he interacts with live viewers, discusses the broader Crom Anthology #1 progress, and celebrates how over 95% of submissions arrived on time, contributing to the now 228-page project. He reiterates his commitment to keeping this a no-stress, creator-owned endeavor.
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A major announcement during the stream is that Brutal Blade of Crom #2 will be officially released on August 18th, 2025, with Kurt planning a future interview with project lead Jamie Burrows. He also announces that Jim Gullett’s CROM Collection—reprinting four stories originally published by Lucky Comics—is now available at www.cromthebarbarian.com. These books can be purchased directly from Kurt or through Jim Gullett’s site. Kurt mentions that Brutal Blade #3 is nearly finished for a fall release and praises the brotherhood of creators behind the Brutal Blade series, noting the high quality and passion of their work.
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As the livestream continues, Kurt reflects on the state of indie comics and sword & sorcery’s legacy. He reminisces about watching Conan the Barbarian on his birthday every year, shares his admiration for Michael Moorcock's Elric, and speaks on the challenges of adapting such complex characters. He praises the renaissance of unhinged, escapist storytelling in comics, stressing that CROM and its contributors prioritize fantasy over moral messaging. With passion and humor, Kurt ties it all back to the Crommunity’s mission: to keep creator-owned sword & sorcery storytelling alive—stress-free, collaborative, and inspiring.
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Watch the CROM Update 067 video on YouTube:
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Educational Highlights from the Podcast
DIY Inking Techniques – Kurt walks through the use of Zip-A-Tone overlays, screen tones, and multi-pen approaches for balancing penciled detail with ink clarity.
Print-on-Demand Workflow – A practical discussion on how Lulu’s drop-shipping enables global access to comics, with insights into pricing, production timing, and mock-up strategy.
Creator-Owned Publishing Philosophy – Kurt emphasizes a no-Kickstarter model, stressing the importance of pre-completion before sales and creator rights.
Limited Time to Purchase a copy of the CROM Anthology Mock-up
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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.
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ISBN-13 979-8-9910745-0-6
