Zubby Newsletter #105: Thumb’s Up, Seattle!

Posted by Jim Zub on March 12, 2025 Leave a comment (0) Go to comments

Last week I mentioned that I hoped Emerald City Comic Con would lift my spirits and, thankfully, it did that and a whole lot more!

The convention was hopping, with a ton of readers and retailers stopping by to chat about superheroes or sword & sorcery and the social scene was as strong as ever, with both small and focused chatter and big party blowouts. The world can feel divisive and cruel right now, but there’s also a lot of kindness if you seek it out and share it with others.

There was a nice balance of quick signatures and hearty handshakes alongside more in-depth conversations. After MegaCon, some of my industry friends joked that I’ve become “Everyone’s Dad’s favorite new comic writer” thanks to Conan the Barbarian and if that’s true it’s a badge I’ll wear with pride. Hearing so many heartfelt stories from collectors who are back in comic shops after 20+ years thanks to the series feels incredible.

I was also able to do some sketches for fans, which can throw some people off if they only know me from my writing work. Over the years I’ve done a few variant covers on series (notably Samurai Jack, Rick and Morty) and it’s something I’d like to do more of as time permits, but for now these quick ones at least make sure rust doesn’t build up on my drawing basics.

The March sprint continues with plenty of events and deadlines, and Seattle proved to be just the boost I was looking for. Thank you to all the friends and fans who stopped by.

This weekend is Toronto Comicon and I’ll be there on Friday and Sunday. My grandmother is turning 95 and there’s a big family get together on Saturday for her, so I won’t be at the convention that day.

The new SKULLKICKERS Collection campaign on Zoop has crossed the funding line and we still have 2 weeks left, so it’s definitely happening and you can join in!

Get this new printing of my first sword and sorcery story at a great price or get the books and other spiffy extras like signatures, sketches, original art, and other add-ons – It’s also a perfect gift for the sword & sorcery fan or TTRPGer in your life, so please check it out and share the link far and wide!

Talking Skullkickers All Over The Place

Plenty of Skullkickers-related interviews popping up in and around the Zoop campaign:

• I spoke to the Comic Book Yeti about my career in comics and there’s a big piece in there about balancing work and personal stuff, including my teaching career alongside freelance writing.

• I spoke to Geek Vibes Nation all about Skullkickers and the potential found in the digest format for bringing in new readers.

• I spoke to True North Country Comics all about Comps Con, convention season, Skullkickers, Conan the Barbarian, Savage Sword of Conan, tabletop gaming, and more.

• I spoke to The Comic Source all about the history of Skullkickers, growing up playing Dungeons & Dragons, how making comics are like a time capsule and more!

Current + Upcoming Releases

Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 1 TPB – released January 14th.

Conan the Barbarian Vol. 4: Frozen Faith TPB – released February 19th.

Conan the Barbarian #18 – released February 19th.

Thunderbolts: Winter Soldiers – released March 4th.

Conan the Barbarian #19 – releases March 19th.

Conan: Battle of the Black Stone TPB – releases April 1st.

Rick and Morty VS Cthulhu – Deluxe Edition – releases April 1st.

Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 2 TPB – releases April 8th.

Conan the Barbarian #20 – releases April 16th.

Upcoming Appearances

Just announced – I’m going to INDIA for MUMBAI COMIC CON on April 12-13!
Rob Den Bleyker (Cyanide & Happiness) and I are International Guests at the show and it’s going to be an incredible adventure.

Mar 14+16, 2025	Toronto Comicon	Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Mar 20-23, 2025	Gary Con XVII	Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA
Apr 12-13, 2025	Mumbai Comic Con	Mumbai, INDIA
Apr 24-27, 2025	Calgary Expo	Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
Nov 3-14, 2025	D&D in a Castle	Castle Lumley, Newcastle, UK