CROM Update 071 | Anthology #1 | LIVE - Final Push Toward Completion + Brutal Blade #3 Release
Click to Watch the Video Podcast
In Episode 71 of the CROM Updates Podcast, Kurt Brugel shares how close CROM Anthology #1 is to being finished, emphasizing the final push toward completion. He announces that Brutal Blade of Crom #3 released on September 21, 2025, and is now available at cromthebarbarian.com. He also highlights the continued growth of the Crom community, including collaborations, contributor projects, and special editions like Scoundrel’s Dread and Jeff Lafferty’s Berserkonaut. Kurt notes the limited availability of mock-up copies, calling them collectible artifacts once the final anthology is published.
Click to Watch the Video Podcast
Kurt discusses three major updates: first, the development of Crom Jr., a light-hearted, cartoony story that explores Crom’s youth while providing comic relief and expanding his mythology. This project also serves as a testing ground for color work and storytelling techniques. Second, he details his progress on the full-color cover, explaining how color experimentation with paint markers and colored pencils helps him refine techniques before tackling larger, more complex illustrations. Third, he addresses artistic challenges, particularly maintaining consistency of character design across panels, and how test pages and iterative adjustments are helping him achieve a polished final look.
Click to Watch the Video Podcast
Additionally, Kurt explores the importance of storytelling rhythm and panel pacing, describing how smaller-format experiments with 5x7 panels improve narrative flow and composition. He reflects on influences like Simon Bisley and shares how mixed-media techniques — gouache, spray paint, and colored pencils — help him shape a distinctive style. With only the cover and final spot illustrations left, Kurt anticipates showing a completed version within 10 days and releasing the anthology in early November 2025. He encourages fans to grab remaining mock-ups, support indie sword & sorcery projects, and contribute their own stories and art to future anthologies.
Click to Watch the Video Podcast
Watch the CROM Update 071 video on YouTube:
Click to Watch the Video Podcast
Educational Highlights
Color Experimentation Techniques – Insight into layering paint markers, pencils, and gouache to achieve dynamic comic pages.
Panel Flow and Storytelling – How smaller-scale compositions improve pacing, panel relationships, and reader engagement.
Character Consistency – Strategies for maintaining a cohesive character design across multiple panels and pages.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
