CROM Update 068 | Jamie Barrows & the 2nd Issue of Brutal Blade
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In this episode of the CROM Updates Podcast, Kurt Brugel welcomes back Jamie Barrows to celebrate the release of Brutal Blade of Crom #2 on August 18, 2025. Jamie, as project lead, shares details on assembling a diverse team of creators and managing the anthology. The issue includes new and returning contributors such as Joseph Leo Leonardo, Grimathy Ripper, Jake Quirk, Matt T., Alan Robinson, and Claude, with Kurt and Jamie even collaborating on the back cover. They describe the excitement of managing deadlines, creative freedom, and the momentum gained through community enthusiasm.
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Kurt and Jamie emphasize how Crom’s public domain status allows creators to play freely with the character, experimenting without copyright restrictions. They highlight Crom’s flexibility—whether as a youthful warrior, a godlike figure, or a mythic adventurer. They also compare their work to the traditions of Savage Sword of Conan, reflecting on Gardner Fox and John Giunta’s original stories. This creative liberty, coupled with Crom’s name recognition, provides fertile ground for indie sword & sorcery comics.
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Two deeper conversations emerge in the discussion: first, the role of collaboration and community in keeping indie projects alive, with Instagram group chats, conventions like IC3, and platforms such as Powerpulp Comics driving momentum. Second, the passion-driven nature of indie comics, where creators balance limited time and money with relentless creativity. The episode closes with announcements of future projects, including more Brutal Blade issues and Jamie’s upcoming Blood Maidens anthology for 2026, plus Kurt’s work on the massive CROM Anthology mock-up.
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Watch the CROM Update 068 video on YouTube:
Educational Highlights
How public domain characters like Crom empower indie creators with both freedom and recognition.
The organizational strategies for managing multi-creator anthologies (deadlines, group chats, collaboration).
The importance of indie comic communities and conventions (like IC3 and Powerpulp) in sustaining momentum.
Use these links to find out more about Jamie Barrows.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
!SHIP ONLY in the US!
The Brutal Blade of Crom #1 is a sword and sorcery anthology comic that brings the mighty Crom to life in a gritty, black-and-white format reminiscent of classic Conan tales. With contributions from a talented indie creator lineup, this issue features intense battles, dark magic, and barbarian fury, all in a beautifully illustrated magazine-style presentation. Fans of classic sword and sorcery will enjoy the immersive world of Crom as he fights his way through brutal enemies and mystical forces. Perfect for collectors and lovers of action-packed, retro-inspired comics.
The creators listed for The Brutal Blade of Crom #1 are:
Jamie Barrows - Writer, Artist, and Cover Artist
Alan Robinson - Artist
Matthew Grant (Matt Chee) - Writer and Artist
Nathaniel J. Potts - Writer and Artist
Jake Quirk - Writer
!SHIP ONLY in the US!
Paperback | 52 Pages | Printed in Greyscale
The legend of Crom continues! The Brutal Blade of CROM #2 is an action-packed sword & sorcery indie comic anthology showcasing raw energy, dark fantasy, and the power of independent creators. This second volume delivers tales of blood, steel, and sorcery in a striking greyscale magazine format.
Featuring Stories & Art By:
Joseph Leonardo (Leo) – A Tale of Young Crom
Grimothy Ripper – Human Crom to God Crom
Jake Quirk – The Lion Lord Omra + front cover art
Jamie Barrows – Blizzard of Vengeance (Project Lead / Editor)
Matchee – City of the Ape God
Allen Robinson – Song of the Temptress
Claude – Sequential debut following his teaser from Issue #1
Kurt Brugel & Jamie Barrows – Back cover collaboration (IC3 2025)
Why You’ll Love It
Crom the Barbarian is one of pulp’s earliest sword & sorcery heroes—now reimagined by today’s most passionate indie voices. Each story offers a unique vision of Crom, from underground grit to mythic grandeur, making this anthology a must-have for fans of Conan, Savage Sword, and independent fantasy comics.
