Zubby Newsletter #114: Forty Nine

Posted by Jim Zub on May 19, 2025 Leave a comment (0) Go to comments

Yesterday was my birthday. 49.

A year ago, Stacy and I were in Japan. Two years ago, we were in England. Despite the excitement of being on the road for my birthday, it was nice to be home instead this time, even though we are sprinting to get ready for almost two weeks of travel starting in a couple days – off to England again and then Spain for the first time.

For this birthday we had a lazy Sunday with an ‘open house’ format. Friends stopped by to say “Hi”, we played some video games and board games, and then ordered in pizza for dinner. Nice and simple. A lot of people were away for the long weekend, but everyone who made it out brought a lot of good cheer.

There was some chatter about next year – what we might do for the big 5-0. Hard to say right now, but we certainly have more flexibility if we want to make a trip out of it.

It’s been a transformative year and shows no signs of slowing down. I am so incredibly thankful for family, friends, and even strangers reading here who care enough to stay on top of what I’m doing and offer kind words and support. Thank you!

Casual Conversation, Big Information

I was a guest on Gary B, the Casual Comic Guy’s livestream on Saturday, and it ended up being a surprisingly in-depth talk about my work on Conan the Barbarian loaded with info and anecdotes – What it’s like writing the character, working with so many amazing artists, trying to honor what’s come before while also building new things, and much more.

Edith Finch

Thanks to the power of Steam sales, I’ve been digging into a variety of older video games at bargain prices. Amongst several I recently picked up and enjoyed is What Remains of Edith Finch. Unlike many other titles I gravite towards, this one is not an action or strategy game at all, it’s an atmospheric first-person narrative with environments you explore packed with melancholy ambience as strange and somber stories of an odd family unfold before you.

Edith Finch can be ‘completed’ in less than three hours, but the way it’s told and the questions it raises stick around long after that play time is complete. It caught me at just the right time – I was in a contemplative mood in the lead up to my birthday and was thoroughly impressed with how polished and engaing this was. If you want a very different kind of gaming experience, a slow and deliberate journey that’s reflective and charming, I recommend adding it to your Wish List.

Current + Upcoming Releases

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

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

Conan the Barbarian #20 – released April 16th.

FCBD Conan: Scourge of the Serpent – Prelude – released May 3rd.

Conan the Barbarian #21 – releases June 11th.

Street Fighter Masters: Elena one-shot – releases June 25th.

Conan the Barbarian #22 – releases July 9th.

Upcoming Appearances

Another signing has been added to our Spain trip so if you live near Madrid, or know any comic fans who do, please let them know. Gen Con Indianapolis is also now officially on the schedule for August.

Incredibly, a few more shows are getting finalized, so expect more appearance announcements coming up!

May 23-25, 2025	London MCM Comic Con	London, UK
May 26, 2025	Forbidden Planet – Signing 2-3pm	London, UK
May 30, 2025	Arte 9 – Signing 6:30-8pm	Madrid, SPAIN
May 31, 2025	Omega Center – Signing 7-8pm	Madrid, SPAIN
Jul 31-Aug 3, 2025	Gen Con Indy – Booth 1349	Indianapolis, IN, USA
Sep 27-28, 2025	Chattanooga Comic Con	Chattanooga, TN, USA
Oct 16-19, 2025	Gamehole Con XII	Madison, WI, USA
Nov 3-14, 2025	D&D in a Castle	Castle Lumley, Newcastle, UK