Zubby Newsletter #158: Fifty

Posted by Jim Zub on May 18, 2026 Leave a comment (1) Go to comments

And here we are at that big one – Today I turn 50 years old.

I know.

I was surprised too, even though it’s the next logical step after 48 and 49, and the alternative would be much less exciting.

Stacy made me a Lemon Castle Birthday Cake and it was gooood~

The weekend was Birthday-riffic, a get together with friends on Saturday and then a family barbecue on Sunday. A slew of people from different times in my life who have seen me grow and change over the years while also kind of staying the same. It was nostalgic and surreal and also quite wonderful.

I seem to be fully embracing the silver-haired pulp writer part of my development and that’s a very fun phase to be in, so deep thanks to all of you for reading, sharing, and supporting my efforts, year after year. My 40’s were quite transformative, and I don’t just mean in terms of gray hair and aches and pains. I have more confidence in who I am, what I value, and a better sense of the future I’m trying to build.

And love. So much love from Stacy and the rest of my family and friends. Yesterday, before blowing out the candles, I said that I wouldn’t be anywhere without them, and it’s as cliche as it is true.

The rest of the year looks exciting and the adventure continues! Thank you for being a part of it.

On these big number moments people expect you to have extra wisdom to impart, so I’ll try to sum a bit of life advice in 3 quick points:
• Cherish your loved ones and tell them often.
• Big moments go quickly but little moments are easy to find and also worth celebrating.
• Be patient with everyone, especially yourself.

Off I go into the second half of this century!

My Birthday, But YOU Get a Gift

The CONAN: TIDES OF THE TYRANT-KING Prelude from Free Comic Book Day is now on Titan Comics’ website for FREE, so click through, read and share far and wide!

CONAN OF CIMMERIA believed that THULSA DOOM’s evil had been banished forever, but the Atlantean necromancer’s dark power stirs once more and, if it cannot be stopped, the dead shall overtake the living! The Tyrant-King of Atlantis returns and all shall suffer, unless Conan and his brave allies can turn back the tide!

Confronting Crom

Last week I was on a livestream with Evan from Stygian Dogs, Dan from the Conan Chronology, and Lion from the Sword and Sorcery Book Club.

Over 2 hours, we covered a ton of different questions and bantered a lot about the stories I’ve written so far and future plans. Make sure you check it out.

More Exile Adventures

My mirthful adventures in Conan Exiles Enhanced continued on Friday night, with another liveplay where I once again answered fan questions while not not paying close attention to the game’s interface or tutorials.

Not sure if I’ll be able to maintain this pace or not, but expect more to come in the weeks ahead.

Current + Upcoming Releases

MAD About DC – released Apr 1.
Skullkickers: Compact Attack Edition Vol. 3 – released Apr 21.
Conan: Tides of the Tyrant-King Prelude – released May 2.
Manga Classics: Journey to the West Prelude – released May 2.
Savage Sword of Conan #14 – released May 6.
Conan: Scourge of the Serpent TPB – released May 6.
Conan the Barbarian Vol. 7: The Conquering Crown TPB – releases May 20.
Conan the Barbarian #31 – releases May 27.
Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 4 TPB – releases May 27.
Stranger Things VS Dungeons & Dragons HC – releases May 27.
MAD About DC – 2nd printing – releases June 2.
Conan the Barbarian #32 – releases June 17.
Conan the Barbarian #33 – releases July 29.

Upcoming Appearances

The day after Howard Days wraps up I’ll be signing at Madness Games & Comics just outside Dallas, so if you’re in the area please come on by to meet me!

Jun 12-13, 2026	Robert E. Howard Days	Cross Plains, TX, USA
Jun 14, 2026	Madness G&C 11:30-3pm	Plano, TX, USA
Jul 23-26, 2026	San Diego Comic Con	San Diego, CA, USA
Jul 30-Aug 2, 2026	Gen Con	Indianapolis, IN, USA
Aug 15, 2026	Comics Assemble	Gloucester, England, UK
Oct 15-18, 2026	Gamehole	Madison, WI, USA
Nov 12-15, 2026	D&D Weekend	Lake Sinclair, GA, USA
Jan 14-16, 2027	Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo	Philadelphia, PA, USA