Jim Zub's Blog, page 20
October 7, 2023
Zubby Newsletter #29: Those Souls You Stole
This weekend it’s Canadian Thanksgiving and I have a lot to be thankful for, as you’ll see below. Thank you for checking out my newsletter and sharing it with others!
Social media is more mercurial and annoying than ever, so being able to reach fine people like yourself directly is really nice. If you don’t want to read the whole thing, that’s fine, but at least you get to choose instead of algorithms choosing for you.
It’s delightful/surreal to see Soul Coins in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons canon as a whole.
I came up with the concept of Soul Coins, souls minted in infernal metal, during a brainstorming session for Descent Into Avernus at the Wizards of the Coast office way back in 2017.
We were talking about Hell in D&D and the discussion turned to what kind of stuff happens there beyond the Blood War. There’s obviously wheeling and dealing going on, but how does that work?
Is there an economy? Yes, and souls are the most valuable currency.
Okay, cool. If that’s the case, then how do you trade souls? What’s that look like? Are they in jars, trapped in the parchment of a contract, or spun like cotton candy? All doable, but also finicky.
What if an archdevil has hundreds or thousands of souls to move or spend?
I said “Soul Coin” and it immediately clicked for Adam Lee (head of narrative on the project) and I:
Devilishly simple and appropriate. Souls get trapped, minted, and are used for payment, fuel, and sometimes even ammunition.A mortal carrying a Soul Coin feels the “moral weight” of its infernal metal pulling them down.You have currency. You have an economy. It’s a twisted take on commerce worthy of Lawful Evil devils.Their value is based on the quality or power of the soul, which leads to hording, coveting, stealing, and piracy.It solved a lot of problems and created all kinds of story potential.
While playing BG3 (it’s been tough to find time to play lately, but I am sloo~oowly making my way through it in between project deadlines) I heard eerie whispers in game, tracked the sound to its source, my character picked up a Soul Coin…and I smiled. 
“Strange, incomprehensible whispers emanate from this coin, pervading your mind with rage and despair.”
So awesome.
Attack of the Relentless Readers!I was going to post about the fourth printing of Conan the Barbarian #1, a limited edition release with full body character cover artwork by Dan Panosian arriving on October 25th, but then Titan Comics received a surge of reorders on every issue released so far!
New readers have heard such great things about the series and they want to catch up on the story, so I’m genuinely astonished to announce three more reprints your favorite local comic shop can order–
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1- 5th print (Colleen Doran cover) in stores Nov 8.
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2- 3rd print (Alan Quah cover) in stores Nov 8.
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #3- 3rd print (Doug Braithwaite cover) in stores Nov 15.
I felt we were making something special, but never could have imagined this kind of response. All I can say is a heartfelt THANK YOU.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for buying.
Thank you for sharing with other people you know.
Thank you for the kind words and high praise.
This Conan relaunch has been a career milestone in so many ways and our team is working hard to keep the momentum going for years to come.
Back In The Spotlight
Stone Star Vol. 2: In the Spotlight is finally available in trade paperback thanks to comiXology and Dark Horse Comics. The original digital-first release was in 2020-2021 so it’s wonderful finally getting a printed version in my hands.
Max Dunbar is a dream collaborator who designs, tells a great visual story, and brings enthusiasm and energy to every part of the process. Espen Grundetjern is genuinely one of the best colorists in the business. Marshall Dillon is my ride-or-die letterer and friend who always goes above and beyond the call of duty. We put a lot of heart into this space-fantasy series and I’m hopeful for its future.
(and seeing these pages again definitely gives me the itch to launch some new creator-owned comics in 2024…)
Big Apple Barrage – Here Comes NYCC!Next week is New York Comic Con, Fall’s pop culture extravaganza. I’ll be there thanks to Comic Sketch Art, at Artist Alley Table F37, and will also be signing at Insight Editions and Random House.
On Friday, Oct 13th at 1pm EST/10am PST, artist Jay Anacleto and I will be doing a livestream signing at Unknown Comics (Booth #3753) with the special first print Conan #1 variant Jay illustrated of Brissa, the valiant Pict warrior-scout introduced in the new series. It’s a beauty! Here is the WhatNot livestream link.
On Friday, Oct 13th at 4:30pm I’ll be playing the new Marvel Multiverse Tabletop Role-Playing Game along with narrator Troy Lavallee and players Sydney Amanuel, Matthew Capodicasa, Nick Lowe, Skid Maher, and Joe O’Brien!
Which Marvel characters are we playing? What is the Friday the 13th-worthy spooky adventure we’ll be going on? Be there and find out!
Sequential Thoughts
I spoke to Brendan Montgomery at Sequential Magazine about my career and recent thoughts on creator-owned comics. Lots of good material and an archive of older issues you should also explore.
Current + Upcoming Books Unbreakable Red Sonja – trade paperback released September 13th. D&D Young Adventurer’s Guide 7: Places & Portals – released September 19th. Conan the Barbarian #3 – released September 27th. Conan the Barbarian #2 second print – released September 27th. Conan the Barbarian #1 third print – released September 27th. Stone Star Vol. 2: In The Spotlight – trade paperback released October 3rd. D&D: Nights of Endless Adventure – omnibus releases October 24th. Conan the Barbarian #4 – releases October 25th.Links and Other ThingsMy friend Richard Pace’s COVEN: A Book of 100 Witches artbook is currently funding on Zoop and it’s an impressive gallery of witchful things for mature readers.I stumbled across Campbell Walker’s YouTube channel where he talks about art and motivation. Three of the videos he has sum up some fantastic thoughts on habits , procrastination , and focus . They’re well worth watching and internalizing.Fred Kennedy’s Dead Romans arrives in hardcover mid-November. It’s gooood stuff.Canadian or not, I hope your weekend is filled with family, friends, and good food.
Jim
October 6, 2023
Zub at New York Comic Con 2023!
The biggest pop culture event of the Fall is New York Comic Con and I will be there! I’ll be set up with the Comic Sketch Art team, at
We’ll have first print copies of Conan the Barbarian #1, including the CSA-exclusive variant illustrated by Dan Panosian, as long as copies last, along with other single issues, variants, trades, and a few sketch covers.
In addition to signing at my table, I have some other signing events and panels. Here is my schedule:
THURSDAY, OCT 12, 2023
11:00am-01:00pm – Signing at Comic Sketch Art – Artist Alley Table F3703:00pm-06:00pm – Signing at Comic Sketch Art – Artist Alley Table F37
FRIDAY, OCT 13, 2023
10:00am-12:30pm – Signing at Comic Sketch Art – Artist Alley Table F3701:00pm-02:00pm – Signing at Unknown Comics w/ Jay Anacleto Livestream – Booth 375303:30pm-04:00pm – Signing at Insight Editions – Booth 341804:30pm-06:00pm – – Room 409It’s Friday the 13th! If you dare, come experience the Marvel Multiverse RPG like never before – as an all-star cast of mighty Marvel guests and tabletop RPG players embark on a thrilling supernatural mission for a night of role-playing you won’t want to miss. Narrator Troy Lavallee and players Sydney Amanuel, Matthew Capodicasa, Nick Lowe, Skid Maher, Joe O’Brien, and Jim Zub06:00pm-07:00pm – FREE Book Giveaway and Signing at Random House – Booth 3021/3220
SATURDAY, OCT 14, 2023
11:00am-01:00pm – Signing at Comic Sketch Art – Artist Alley Table F3703:00pm-06:00pm – Signing at Comic Sketch Art – Artist Alley Table F37
SUNDAY, OCT 15, 2023
11:00am-02:00pm – Signing at Comic Sketch Art – Artist Alley Table F37
October 2, 2023
Conan the Barbarian #3 (2023) Reviews
Conan the Barbarian #3 arrived in comic shops last week and, like our previous two issues, almost immediately sold through at distribution and is headed to a second printing! Exciting stuff, but what do the critics think? Read on and find out-
• ComicBook.com: 8/10 “…this issue shows off the potential that a Conan story can possess. It digs into the mystical and terrifying elements of his world in ways that excite on every page.”
• Comic Book University: “This is cold, this is brutal, and this is sick and I’m loving every second of these comics. You’re not going to go wrong by checking out this story.”
• Comical Opinions: 9.5/10 “a classic Conan adventure from front to back that matches the style, tone, and grim adventure of Robert E. Howard’s original works. When we say this adventure feels like an authentic Conan adventure, we mean it.”
• Comicon.com: 10/10 “Conan The Barbarian continues to be a hauntingly enchanted crown jewel in the current sword and sorcery landscape.”
• Graphic Policy: “A fun and entertaining take on Conan the Barbarian that old fans will love and new readers can dive right in. Great story and great art.”
• Grimdark Magazine: “Writer Jim Zub has done something alchemical, pulling the essentials of Conan – that simmering berserker fury, that lethal physicality, that love of life and adventure and women – and poured them onto the page in one concentrated blast of pure action and adventure.”
• Hither Came Conan: “With all that I’m reading, this Titan Comics run, three issues in, is the best of them all. It’s my favorite. I look forward to it every month.”
• Horror Mike: “Jim Zub’s writing is spot-on, channeling that Robert E. Howard vibe, albeit with a modern slant, while the artwork of Rob De La Torre continues to impress. At times it’s like reading the one of the first issues of Creepy or Eerie magazine.”
• Hyborian Reviews: “The hype was right and real and although we only are three issues in this is looking to be some of the best Conan in comics we’ve gotten since the glory days of old!”
• Infinity Flux: “Zub and De Le Torre continue just knocking it out of the park as we continue this very classic-feeling Conan story…This is on my must read list.”
• League of Comic Geeks: “The brilliance continues. #3 has far more action in it than #2, and it’s beautifully done. De La Torre and White match each other incredibly well to create the tone for this comic. It’s brutal, bloody and metal. “
• Pop Culture Maven: “I’m really digging this book. I’m not necessarily the biggest Conan fan, but I think Zub and De La Torre are just crafting a really entertaining book and that’s what I’m really enjoying about it. Good story, good art, it’s always a win.”
• Pop Culture Philosophers: “I try to get into Conan books and I usually drop out of them pretty quickly, but this one has got me enthralled because it feels so old school and it makes me feel like a kid reaching into my Dad’s closet, reading me some gnarly, violent, sexy, and spooky Conan books…absolutely frickin’ loved it!”
• Pullbox: 10/10 “This latest incarnation is in every good way channeling the old while forging new stories, and proves that the move from its former publisher over to Titan has been a gift worthy of the Hyborian gods.”
• Rich Reviews: 8/10 “This comic delivers Conan just how you want him…Dark magic, savage fighting, a warrior of strong muscles and convictions, a beautiful companion and a cause to fight for.”
• Sci-Fi Pulse: “The colorwork in this book is particularly good when Conan and his friends are in darker areas as it allows the artist and colorist to play with shadows and create a really chilling atmosphere”
• Set The Tape: 8/10 “Issue three continues to impress, the story is paced exceptionally well…This remains a hugely enjoyable comic for newcomers to the world of Conan, as well as a worthy entry for long-time fans.”
• Stygian Dogs: “This issue is yet another triumph from the creative team, truly each issue better than the last, building to inevitable climax. I can’t wait to see how the arc is resolved.”
• Thinking Critical: “They have created a masterpiece here…Conan is building itself up to be one of the best on our best of the year list.”
• Todd Luck: “Quintessential fantasy artwork and the same can be said of the story. It just feels like a good solid Robert E. Howard-style story.”
• Wakazashi’s Teahouse: 9/10 “It’s an absolute banger. It’s fantastic. This could be the best issue yet. I know it’s only issue 3, but I am loving this series.”
• We Have Issues: “It’s been a great series so far. I really appreciate the new life that this is breathing into classic Conan. It’s a definite recommendation from me.”
September 26, 2023
Zubby Newsletter #28: A Tiny Piece of History
I received a copy of LORE & LEGENDS, the history and art of D&D 5th edition by Michael Witwer, Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, and Sam Witwer, arriving in stores on Oct 2nd.
It’s an incredible tour filled with great anecdotes and illustrations. Surreal to see my books and face in the mix, a tiny piece of Dungeons & Dragons’ illustrious history.
There are a lot of memories wrapped up in the pages of this book. A decade of development with many colleagues who have since become friends.
And, a silly point of pride, I’m the only “Z” listing in the index. 
After several friends recommended it, I recently watched Jurassic Punk, a documentary about Steve ‘Spaz’ Williams, the Canadian animator who pioneered a ton of 3D animation and special effects technology that changed the face of moviemaking for better and for worse.
The story of Steve’s innovation, rebellion and self destruction is compelling stuff, but also quite sad. The same qualities that caused him to buck the system and develop groundbreaking visual effects also put him at odds with the corporate hierarchies and social relationships that run Hollywood. He proved his technical skills in the battle on a few key creative projects (The Abyss, Terminator 2, and Jurassic Park) but couldn’t win the war when it came to handling people – colleagues, friends, or his family.
When I was at Sheridan for Classical Animation we heard a lot about Spaz – the rockstar party hard computer animator blowing up the way things used to be done who could not be stopped. Almost thirty years later, he absolutely made his mark but it cost him almost everything. The recent scenes of Steve bitter about his place in film history battling severe alcoholism are a far cry from the confident take-no-shit genius of his youth.
As I watched it all play out in the documentary, my opinion toggled back and forth (and I’m sure that was by design). I could see Steve’s impressive ambition and tenacity, but could also tell he would’ve been an unbearable bastard to work with.
Creative industries are about results, but your ability to stay relevant and keep creating in a corporate environment also requires you to be a good communicator and collaborator.
Going through my ‘Art Tutorials’ bookmarks to find a few gems to post here and I realize many of the hundreds of helpful art links I’ve saved over the years are now defunct – dead URLs or empty images.
The internet giveth and it also taketh away.
It’s a good reminder of why I encourage my students to gather their own digital ‘scrap file’ of tutorials they find that are helpful to them.
I have thousands of art tutorial images saved and organized into folders curated to my needs and taste, the digital equivalent of old school filing cabinets of reference images in an art studio.
Assume stuff online is transitory and back-up ref material, just in case.
You won’t always have access to the things you want to keep.
Future proof it for yourself.
You’re reading this newsletter because you want to keep up on what I’m up to but I also want to direct your attention to people I think are creating great work or generating interesting discussion. Here’s a round-up of some good stuff from collaborators, friends, and other folks who have recently caught my attention:
Jamie McKelvie’s rundown of North American comic art template specs is right on point and worth adding to your reference pool. Rachel Stott ’s artwork is an absolute knockout. If you’re not following her on your social media of choice, you’re missing out!Ed Brubaker’s newsletter is well worth following, and his latest thoughts on the terms “IP” and “content” are deeply in line with my own.Matt Rosenberg’s ‘Ideas Don’t Bleed’ podcast has a great series of interviews that cover a cross section of comic creators and other creative people.Speaking of interviews, John Siuntres’ Word Balloon podcast is still great and there’s a deep archive of interview material from some of the biggest names in comics.Howard Tayler is running a Kickstarter campaign for Schlock Mercenary Vol. 18: Mandatory Failure . Howard’s brilliance and consistency has made him a mainstay of sci-fi and webcomics culture for good reason. The entire archive is well worth checking out.Steve Tassie is bringing back Grave Robbers From Outer Space , a fun B-Movie-themed card game that originally launched back in 2001. My friends and I played the hell out of it when it first came out and I’m excited to snag the updated version. Make sure you jump in before the campaign ends.That’ll cover it for this week.
Jim
September 19, 2023
Zubby Newsletter #27: Sprinting to Slow Down
Cascading deadlines, teaching, and conventions. It’s a whole lot right now. Stacy warned me I shouldn’t “fill every box on the calendar like Tetris” and, surprising no one, she was right.
I got back from Edmonton after midnight on Sunday and I’m feeling pretty tired after a day of email catch-up and administrative everything. The To-Do List will get done bit by bit, just like it always does, but this current pace, as fun as it can be at times, is also not sustainable. I definitely need to calm things down a bit in the months ahead.
How About a Turtle?
Kind little old lady at the Edmonton Expo –
“I don’t read any of these action books, but I do collect things with turtles on them. Will you draw a turtle for me?”
Absolutely.
Major Spoilers has preview pages up for CONAN THE BARBARIAN #3, in stores Wednesday, September 27th.
I received my print comps late last week and it’s another stunner. The team is absolutely roaring at this point. No other way to put it. In this issue – Our big villain is revealed and souls are stirred. Can’t wait for all of you to see it.
The Conan fandom has been coming out in force to my convention appearances since the launch and it’s been incredible to meet them in person and talk about how much these stories and this world means to them. Their excitement reminds me why we’re working so hard.
The solicits and covers for CONAN THE BARBARIAN #6 were also released last week. Jaw dropping cover art from Jae Lee, Pat Zircher, Dan Panosian, and Joey Spiotto.
Doug Braithwaite is drawing our second story arc, a tragic and brutal caper that takes place after the classic Robert E. Howard tale Queen of the Black Coast, and he’s delivering career-defining pages of stirring emotion and gut-wrenching violence. The 4-part story is called Thrice Marked For Death and, if I may be so bold, you are not prepared for what gets unleashed here.
Rob De La Torre has already begun work on pages for our third story arc (title still under wraps for now), so my inbox is an endless parade of the best damn sword & sorcery art I could imagine. It’s humbling to have these two titans drawing stories I’ve written and then have colorists like José Villarrubia, Dean White, and Diego Rodriguez enhance every panel before the legendary Richard Starkings pulls it all together with the best lettering in the business. What a dream.
I finally had a chance to watch Barbie. Stacy saw it in theaters, but with my crazy summer schedule I missed out until the recent digital release.
I was impressed. Every time I thought the film was going to tip into being too much – too corny, too preachy, too self congratulatory – it managed keep things moving instead of getting bogged down. It’s peppy and ridiculous right up until it’s not and the ending was more poignant than I expected.
I can see why Barbie conquered the box office this summer, but it’s also mind-boggling to me that Mattel or WB think they’re going to franchise build from here. If they think they can reproduce that success with sequels or other toy brands in their empire, I think they’ll be sorely disappointed. It feels like a film that should just be, not the beginning of a Mattel-verse of films or whatever.
Or maybe I’m wrong and the Hot Wheels movie will deftly critique car pollution and racing culture while Polly Pocket encourages us to embrace a future of tiny houses off the grid. 
Okay, that should cover it this time. Have a great week!
Jim
September 12, 2023
Zub at Edmonton Expo 2023
I’ve been a regular at the Calgary Fan Expo convention for many years, but 2023 is my first time attending the Edmonton Expo. I’ll be set up with the Comic Sketch Art team, at
We’ll have first print copies of Conan the Barbarian #1, including the CSA-exclusive variant illustrated by Dan Panosian, as long as copies last, along with other single issues, variants, trades, and a few sketch covers.
In addition to signing at my table, I’ll be on a pair of panels over the weekend:
FRIDAY, SEPT 15, 20236:00pm – Comic Writers Roundtable – Location: Room 107 Comics Theatre
Join us to see Zeb Wells, Jeremy Adams and Jim Zub discuss their approach to writing comics, the industry, and what it means to be creative.SUNDAY, SEPT 17, 2023
1:00pm – Exploring the World of Conan – Location: Room 107 Comics Theatre
Robert E. Howard’s most popular Cimmerian warrior Conan has been featured in books, comics, movies video games, and other media for over 90 years. Conan the Barbarian writer Jim Zub discusses this legendary character and his ongoing plans for the comic series.
September 8, 2023
Conan the Barbarian #5 Arrives in November
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #5
Writer: Jim Zub
Artist: Doug Braithwaite
Colorist: Diego Rodriguez
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics
FC, SC, 32pp, $3.99
On Sale: November 22,2023
A BRAND NEW CONAN THE BARBARIAN ARC BEGINS! WARRIOR. THIEF. PIRATE…
After adventures on the high seas, CONAN returns to shore to find himself haunted by his memories of BELIT, captain of the Tigress and Queen of the Black Coast. Can a high-stakes heist draw out of his tortured past, or will it plunge him deeper into the chaos that has always been waiting for him?
COVER A: Roberto De La Torre
COVER B: Mike Deodato
COVER C: Pat Zircher
COVER D: Liam Sharp
COVER E: Rebecca Puebla
Zubby Newsletter #26: Back to School
Hanging with movie-style Thulsa Doom in Atlanta.After back-to-back four-day conventions, Fan Expo Canada in Toronto and Dragon Con in Atlanta, I immediately rocketed into the Fall term at Seneca. It’s my 19th year teaching in Seneca’s Animation program and the consistency of that schedule, semester after semester and year after year, creates a season-centric structure I enjoy. Each Fall there’s a brand-new set of students stepping into the program, bringing their enthusiasm and energy into the wing, reminding us why we do this and why it’s so satisfying.
At least a half-dozen current professors in the Animation program are also alumni, former students I taught many years ago, which feels extra-surreal even while my heart swells with pride that they’re back with us and excited to bring their knowledge and skills into the classroom to teach a new generation of animators, storytellers, and designers how it’s done.
I don’t talk a heck of a lot about my teaching career in interviews or other comic book press because most of that time gets spent promoting current projects or talking about the writing process. I also don’t talk a heck of a lot about my creative projects in the classroom. It’s not because I’m trying to hide it or anything, it’s just that my job at the college is focused on teaching structural drawing (usually perspective drawing and environmental design) or film development (helping final year students put together their story pitches and film production teams), not promoting my work. The students pay tuition to learn specific skills, not be advertised to. Don’t get me wrong, when I have an anecdote or reference material that’s relevant I’m happy include it, I just try to make sure it’s appropriate to the lesson we’re covering or is after we’ve covered the school-centric lecture first.
Back on campus at York University, home of Seneca@York.The start of the 2023 Fall term feels familiar, but in a way that’s far more reminiscent of 2019 than recent years of pandemic and transition. The halls and classrooms are once again packed with students just like the packed aisles of the comic conventions I’ve been attending all summer. Things aren’t 100% ‘normal’, but they feel closer now than at any other time in the past four years.
At one point on Tuesday there were so many new students chatting with each other, excitedly talking about movies, games, and comics before class that I had to use the authoritative “Okay, gang. Let’s calm down and get class started!” voice I haven’t used in years. The chatter was intense, but also oddly comforting compared to tiny Zoom postage stamp screens with muted mics and half the cameras turned off. I can hold my own in a loud room and it energizes me a heck of a lot more than the eerie silence of remote learning.
Two years ago, I had to complete a “Faculty Portfolio” that organized my thoughts and approach to teaching so the college would have access to it for future instructors. Here’s a small excerpt from that portfolio write-up:
Teamwork and community fulfill important roles in the animation industry. Very few animated productions are created by individuals working in complete isolation. Almost every production is the result of a robust team coming together to build films through a production pipeline – concept and story development, visual development, character and environmental design, storyboarding, rough animation, final animation, editing, compositing, and postproduction.
I strongly believe that even though students will choose one or two of these areas to focus their skills and portfolio when they graduate, they need to understand the holistic whole of how a production works, not only to make an informed choice about their future career path but also to better support people in other departments.
In a similar respect, I work to create a strong sense of community with students to remind them that their peers in the classroom will similarly become their peers out in the industry and that having a productive and positive environment in both areas will be needed for success.
Individual achievement is important, of course, but just as important is a shared learning environment.
A respectful, encouraging, and engaging classroom is the ideal I strive for.
Creative DevelopmentMost assignments in the Animation program are focused on deliverables – concreate drawing or animation output that demonstrates application of theory covered in the lectures. Discussion is valuable, but skill building through demonstration is how students internalize the learning process, taking these lessons from theoretical practices to instinctive approaches that become a regular part of their creative toolkit.
That said, teaching students any specific drawing method can easily lead to them not wanting to deviate from what they’re shown for fear of doing it ‘wrong’. Templates and demonstrations can feel like strict limits that funnel students toward an extremely homogenized output that has a veneer of learning but doesn’t encourage them to apply those theories outside of the confines of the assignment.
With that in mind, I try to give wider ranging ‘themes’ for assignments and show copious examples of student work that deviates from my demonstration, so students understand that they need to bring their own creativity into the mix.
Professional ExamplesAs mentioned previously, I’ve kept up with my freelance work while teaching at Seneca, which provides two types of professional examples in my classroom environment:
Quality: Students see exactly what is required on high profile projects working with intellectual properties they recognize and admire. The theory we cover in the classroom is directly linked to the deliverables I show in my own professional work.
Organization: The frenetic pace of the entertainment industry is reflected in my own work and travel schedule. When students see that I maintain a series of cascading project deadlines and industry events alongside teaching and grading expectations in the classroom, it gives them a greater appreciation for the organization and communication required to keep up that pace. I try to be as open and honest as I can about the highs and lows of it all – the pride I have in my work and respect I have for my collaborators along with the stresses that come from ongoing projects with a variety of clients.
Storytelling and SetbacksCharacter and storytelling are fundamental to what we teach in Seneca’s Animation program, but also central to how we learn from each other and contextualize information. Reinforcing the theories covered in my lectures with stories – a quick joke, an aside, or an industry anecdote – has a huge effect on the way students engage with and remember the material covered. It makes the entire teaching process more personable, engaging, and meaningful.
This same concept works for both success and failure. When I’m honest with my students about struggles I had in school or if I discuss common pitfalls I have experienced in the industry, it humanizes the learning process and reminds them that it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s most important is the ability to keep going and keep trying rather than give up on a problem that in the moment seems insurmountable.
Professionalism and best practices must show a full range of experiences and include setbacks as well as successes. Yes, meeting deadlines and delivering on all fronts is what we should strive for, but even out in the industry there are times when schedules slip and situations spin out of everyone’s control. Normalizing those problems, stressing the importance of keeping communication going throughout, and showcasing that success can be found on the other side gives students more confidence to overcome issues that come up during their creative development.
As much as most of the above may seem obvious, in practice in the actual classroom it can be quite different. I’ve met quite a few people who are extremely skilled in terms of drawing ability and have extensive production experience but were unable to communicate most of that effectively to a class or mentor and encourage their students. Raw skill and experience are crucial components in teaching, but far from the complete package.
Links and Other ThingsSince we’re on a roll this time talking about teaching art and animation, here are some rock-solid resources for drawing and art you can add to your reference pool-
I just discovered that Francis Manapul has a YouTube channel jam-packed with great material. He covers art techniques and career advice in a really appealing and effective way.I’ve mentioned them before, but the Etherington Brothers have one of the most eclectic and useful art blogs on the internet. Their pool of drawing advice is vast and they’re always updating with new lessons.The Proko team has some of the highest quality and most consistently professional art training advice you can find online. I worked with them on their recent Marvel Storytelling courses , but beyond that you can also find hundreds of other great free or paid resources on their site.Another site I’ve mentioned previously is Love Life Drawing – their videos are brimming with classic art training tips that will change the way you visualize the human form.Speaking of Life Drawing, my figure drawing instructor Werner Zimmermann is on Instagram right HERE . VZA has a slew of great close-up videos where you can watch professional artists draw. Analyzing how artists make marks on the page can bolster your understanding of tool control and technique.Okay, that should cover things this week. I hope September looks bright where you are!
Jim
September 4, 2023
Conan the Barbarian #2 (2023) Reviews
The second issue of the relaunched Conan the Barbarian comic series from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics arrived in comic shops last week. What did reviewers think of Bound In Black Stone Part 2? Read on and find out-
• ComicBook.com: “Jim Zub, Roberto De La Torre, Dean White, and Richard Starkings have a vision for Titan’s Conan the Barbarian series, and as long as they’re enacting it, I’ll be reading. If you’re a sword and sorcery fan, grab the first two issues of Titan’s Conan the Barbarian and thank me later.”
• Comic Book Dispatch: 8.4/10 ” Conan’s mane, mien, and muscles convey a majesty that bespeaks his Marvel years. Brissa belongs at Conan’s side. The eyes of the undead glow, and their jaws drop open when they spot their quarry. Battles sing as steel sweeps through the air”
• Comic Book Philosophers: “I frickin’ love this book. I’m not typically a sword and sorcery or Conan fan but two issues in, I’m engaged, I’m enthralled. Jim Zub knows exactly what he’s doing with this character and this world.”
• Comic Crusaders: 10/10 “This is an absolute recommendation as Conan the Barbarian fully delivers for comic book fans!”
• Comical Opinions: 9.5/10 “Conan the Barbarian #2 delivers brooding, powerful drama, passion, and violence in equal measure to signal Conan’s return to form. The mystery surrounding the Lost Tribe continues to build intrigue, Conan’s character and the atmosphere surrounding him are spot-on, and the art is perfect.”
• Comicon.com: 10/10 “I thought it would be a cold day in the pits of the damned before I was delighted by Conan’s work more than the Dark Horse books delighted me, but this team is conjuring up some powerful visuals that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the fan favorites of yesteryear.”
• Evil’s Comics: “I am loving this book – the way it’s written, the way it’s drawn, the lettering, the coloring.”
• Hither Came Conan: “The first one was great but this took it up to an even new level. It just has me even more excited to see what happens next…This is everything that I’ve wanted in a Conan book.”
• JDA Talks Comics: 9.5/10 “I love that the art is done in the old school style…Rob De La Torre is crushing it on the art.”
• League of Comic Geeks: “it just feels so perfectly crafted on so many levels. All the elements work together beautifully to create the finished piece. Great pacing of the story, I didn’t feel bored for one minute, in spite of there being some potentially slow parts of the plot. “
• Major Spoilers: 9/10 “OMG. This art is fantastic…I loved this book! I thought it was a lot of fun and I thought the story was interesting. I’m glad Titan Comics isn’t holding back.”
• Negromancer: “Jim Zub has composed the best-written Conan comic book that I have read in probably a decade…At this rate, de la Torre will soon be in the pantheon of great Conan comic book artists and storytellers right next to Buscema, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Tómas Giorello, to name a few.”
• Pop Culture Maven: “The biggest win for this issue is that it really feels like Conan, and that’s the key.”
• Scifi Pulse: “Roberto De la Torre continues to deliver stunning visuals for this second issue…A solid second issue that leaves you wanting more.”
• Set The Tape: 10/10 “issue #2 builds on and develops a very solid base into a comic that is a genuine page turner as you join our heroes trying to find out what’s happening now and what will happen next. As this series picks up speed, it really is almost thrilling waiting for the next instalment.”
• Stygian Dogs: “Its sensuality, the gore, the intense blast of the supernatural and the promise of future mystery, this story is wonderful and thoroughly satisfying…There is so much of quality in this book.”
• Superpowered Fancast: 9.4/10 “Zub crafts a brilliantly bloody and engaging adventure in this issue. The story is filled with suspense, thrills and world building that makes the plight of the characters more compelling. De La Torre offers some breathtaking and stunning art throughout the issue. The visuals are perfect for this character and deliver you into his world with style.”
• Thinking Critical: “If you love unfiltered Conan. If you love people fighting. If you love a human being at their bare essence…this issue packed one hell of a punch.”
• Todd Luck: “It just really hits you in the face that this is what Conan should look like, and it’s really fantastic.”
• Wakazashi’s Teahouse: 8.5/10 “It’s storytelling with an edge, a kick, a bit of sensuality and sexuality as well as this intriguing mystery. That’s what I want. “
• We Have Issues: “I love this new creative direction…The art is perfectly suited for this kind of story.”
August 29, 2023
Zubby Newsletter #25: Finding My Fortune
Dungeons & Dragons has had a bevvy of amazing campaign settings over the past 49 years and I have a deep amount nostalgia wound up in Greyhawk, Ravenloft, and Mystara, but Planescape holds an extra-special spot in my heart.
Years after I’d stepped away from D&D and was playing a slew of other tabletop RPGs with my high school gaming group, Planescape’s whimsical ‘anything goes’ swagger, interdimensional scope, and Tony DiTerlizzi’s unbelievably appealing and engaging art pulled me back in right from the start. I was amazed at how confidently it married roleplay-heavy moral conflict and strange factions with D&D’s existing dungeon delves and dimensional doors.
Tony DiTerlizzi’s Planescape artwork still blows my mind.
I have an almost complete collection of original AD&D 2nd Edition Planescape books here in my studio. I’m currently only missing two: The Inner Planes sourcebook and A Player’s Primer to the Outlands set.
*sigh* Some day I’ll get ‘em all…
Having my wild mage Delina travel to Mechanus in Evil at Baldur’s Gate #3 back in 2018 was a way to scratch a bit of that Planescape itch, but what I really wanted was for Wizards of the Coast to announce a full blown return to greatness for 5th Edition D&D so I could justify pitching a Planescape-focused comic mini-series and go bone deep into what I love about the setting and its distinctive and dangerous potential.
Evil at Baldur’s Gate #3 cover art by Max Dunbar
Last year, the D&D crew teased Planescape’s return, and now-
The Planescape – Adventures in the Multiverse 5th edition D&D game set arrives in stores mid-October and, now I can excitedly reveal, that DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: FORTUNE FINDER, a brand new Planescape IDW D&D comic mini-series will launch one month later on November 15th!!
As you might imagine, I am ecstatic.
Here’s the main cover and solicit info for our first issue:
Fortune Finder #1 cover art by Max Dunbar and Sebastian Cheng.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: FORTUNE FINDER #1 (of 5)
Story: Jim Zub
Line Art: Joe Jaro
Colors: Adam Guzowski
Cover Artists: Max Dunbar, Joe Jaro
In the city of Sigil, an amnesiac hero known only as “Finder” tries to uncover who they are and why they’re being chased by planar beings intent on capturing them-or worse. But as their tumultuous journey unfolds, they discover that their fate is tied to grand forces that dictate reality itself throughout the planes!
A shocking surprise lurks around every corner in Fortune Finder, a miniseries inspired by the new Dungeons & Dragons sourcebook Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse.
In Shops: Nov 15th, 2023 SRP: $3.99
If you haven’t read any of the previous D&D comics (you really should), don’t worry, Fortune Finder is completely new reader friendly and self-contained with new characters and an eccentric twisting story that hits the ground running on the very first page and does not quit.
Artist Joe Jaro is drawing Sigil, the Outlands and other distinctive multi-versal locales with confident grace and his characters are wonderfully expressive. This is the Planescape comic I’ve been wanting to unleash for a long, long time and I hope you’ll join us!
Such a Damn SelloutMinutes after I sent my previous newsletter that included news about Conan the Barbarian #2 needing a second printing before it even arrived in stores, Titan announced that Conan the Barbarian #1 would be heading to a special third printing less than a month after our launch.
It’s staggering and wonderful. Thank you for supporting us on this new era of High Adventure!
(And if you haven’t seen what all the excitement is about, you can read our Free Comic Book Day prelude issue online for FREE right HERE.)
When people ask me how many comic/gaming/video game/animation conventions I’ve been to, I say “at least 100, maybe 150”. Last week, out of curiosity, I did a proper count using photos I’ve taken over the years (I can’t think of a show where I don’t have at least one photo).
So, what was the count?
*Drumroll please*
Fan Expo Canada 2023 in Toronto was show #174!
I started attending convention in 2002, so that’s an average of just over 8 shows per year (and I have a few more this Fall, so that average will pop up slightly).
Conan the Barbarian: Bound in Black StoneNear Mint Condition has the scoop on our first Conan the Barbarian trade paperback collection, arriving February 2024.
The trade collection of Conan the Barbarian #1-4 and our Free Comic Book Day prelude is going to be a beauty, but our single issues will continue to be the complete Hyborian experience, with Robert E. Howard-centric essays by Jeff Shanks and Chain Mail, our bold and barbaric letters page.
Links and Other Things• Cats Don’t Dance is coming to Blu-Ray in late September. This is one of the finest animated feature films most people, even animation fans, haven’t heard of. It’s directed by Mark Dindal, who brought a similar level of energy and spark to The Emperor’s New Groove.
• Cybersix is finally coming to Blu-ray in October. My buddy Derek and I are big fans of this animated series originally released in 1999 based on an Argentine comic strip. Some great animation, especially for TV at the time.
• Baldur’s Gate III is absolutely crushing it. I’ve barely had a chance to play with my current work and show schedule, but I thought the early access version was worth its pre-order price and it’s waa~aay more polished and refined now. So amazing.
Okay, that’ll cover it for this week.
Jim
