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{{Short description|Comics character created by Carl Critchlow}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox comics character
| character_name = Thrud the Barbarian
| image          = [[File:Thrud painted cover.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Thrud in a [[Frank Frazetta]]-inspired pose in Critchlow's painted style<ref name="sts1" /> on the cover of issue 1 of the ''Thrud the Barbarian'' full-length comic.
| publisher      = [[Games Workshop]] (1983–1988), [[Carl Critchlow]] (2002–2007)
| debut          = ''[[Arken Sword]]'' ([[1981 in comics|1981]])
| creators       = [[Carl Critchlow]]
| species        = Barbarian
| alliances      = None
| powers         = Strength of a rhinoceros<br />Speed of a jungle cat<br />Intelligence of a garden snail<ref name="CChomepage" />
}}

'''Thrud the Barbarian''' is a [[comics]] character created by British artist [[Carl Critchlow]] in 1981. Although Thrud himself is a parody of [[Conan the Barbarian]],<ref name="sts1" /><ref name="TRS" /> particularly as depicted in the [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] [[Conan the Barbarian (1982 film)|films]], inspiration for the character's adventures and adversaries has been drawn from several [[fantasy]] sources.<ref name="bulletproof" />

During the 1980s, a Thrud [[comic strip]] was a regular and popular feature in the [[role-playing game|roleplay]] and [[miniature wargames|wargame]] magazine [[White Dwarf (magazine)|''White Dwarf'']] with Thrud's grotesque and comic antics forming a memorable part of the magazine's [[Golden Age (metaphor)|golden age]].<ref name="9th" /> In 2002, continued interest in the character from role-playing enthusiasts and a desire to be free to experiment with a new artistic style<ref name="BBC" /> prompted Critchlow to self-publish a series of award-winning<ref name="eagle" /> full-length ''Thrud the Barbarian'' comics.

Since October 2002, Critchlow has continued to develop his new artistic style in several different [[2000 AD (comics)|''2000 AD'']] stories, contributing to the success of ''[[Lobster Random]]'' in particular.<ref name="2000AD 1482" /> While Critchlow's use of muted palettes has been criticised, his style has received praise for being highly recognisable<ref name="2000AD 1482" /> and unique.<ref name="2000AD 1349" /><ref name="comicsbulletin" />

==Appearances==
===Initial publications===
The character of Thrud was created by the then 18-year-old Critchlow in 1981 while he was at foundation art college. His graphic design tutor, [[Bryan Talbot]], gave him the project of producing a comic strip. At the time, Critchlow was reading the Conan books by [[Robert E. Howard]], and this inspired him to produce Thrud.{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} The initial five-page strip was published in comics [[fanzine]] ''[[Arken Sword]]''. When Critchlow moved on to art college in [[Liverpool]], Thrud made a further appearance in the comic ''Dead 'Ard'', which Critchlow co-authored with artist Euan Smith.<ref name="graffik48">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|loc=p. 48, Author's notes}}</ref> ''Dead 'Ard'' also featured a strip titled ''The Black Currant'', subsequently re-published in the 26th and final issue of the ''[[Warrior (comics)|Warrior]]'' comic anthology.<ref>{{Cite web
 |title=Warrior no. 26
 |publisher=[[Quality Communications]]
 |at=contents
 |date=December 1984
 |url=http://www.comics.org/details.lasso?id=39459
 |access-date=2007-04-15
 }}</ref> [[#The Black Currant|The Black Currant]] would later appear as one of Thrud's many enemies.

[[Image:Thrud ink.jpg|thumb|left|Thrud from his origin story in the ''Thrud the Barbarian Graffik Novel'' and illustrating Critchlow's early inked style]]

===''White Dwarf''===
On seeing an advertisement in ''White Dwarf'' magazine asking for [[cartoonist]]s, Critchlow submitted some of his Thrud strips and was hired.<ref name="graffik48" /> ''Thrud the Barbarian'' became a monthly feature in ''White Dwarf'' between issue 45 in September 1983<ref>{{Cite web
 |title       = White Dwarf no. 45
 |publisher   = Games Workshop
 |at          = contents
 |date        = September 1983
 |url         = http://www.gamehobby.net/white_dwarf_magazine/white_dwarf_045.html
 |access-date  = 2007-04-16
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927051449/http://www.gamehobby.net/white_dwarf_magazine/white_dwarf_045.html
 |archive-date = 2007-09-27
}}</ref> and issue 105 in September 1988.<ref>{{Cite web
 |title       = White Dwarf no. 105
 |publisher   = Games Workshop
 |at          = contents
 |date        = September 1988
 |url         = http://www.gamehobby.net/white_dwarf_magazine/white_dwarf_105.html
 |access-date  = 2007-04-16
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927051435/http://www.gamehobby.net/white_dwarf_magazine/white_dwarf_105.html
 |archive-date = 2007-09-27
}}</ref> During this time, the black-and-white single-page strip was voted "Most popular feature" for three consecutive years.<ref name="Thrud history">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.thrudthebarbarian.com/history.html 
 |title=Thrud the Barbarian: History 
 |first=Carl 
 |last=Critchlow 
 |publisher=Carl Critchlow 
 |access-date=2007-04-15 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117053048/http://www.thrudthebarbarian.com/history.html 
 |archive-date=2008-01-17 
 |url-status=dead 
}}</ref>

In 1987, a collection of Thrud strips was published in a ''Thrud the Barbarian Graffik<!-- sic --> Novel'' by [[Games Workshop]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987}}</ref> In addition to strips that had been printed in ''White Dwarf'', this [[anthology]] included a re-drawn version of the original ''Arken Sword'' strip<ref name="graffik48" /> and an origin story for Thrud.<ref name="origin">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|pp=26–35}}</ref>

===Full-length comic===
Once the Thrud strip had run its course in ''White Dwarf'', Critchlow worked on other comics including the [[Judge Dredd]]/[[Batman]] [[intercompany crossover|crossover]] story ''The Ultimate Riddle'', first published in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web
 |title=Batman / Judge Dredd: The Ultimate Riddle
 |publisher=[[DC Comics]]
 |date=September 1995
 |url=http://www.comics.org/details.lasso?id=256121
 |access-date=2007-04-15
 }}</ref> His work on this story was fully painted, and while considered impressive<ref name="Batman/Dredd">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/extra/2004/trades/batmandredd/batmandredd.shtml 
 |title=The Batman/Judge Dredd Files 
 |work=2000AD Review 
 |date=15 November 2004 
 |access-date=2007-04-15 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403041344/http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/extra/2004/trades/batmandredd/batmandredd.shtml 
 |archive-date= 3 April 2007 
}}</ref> was also criticised as being forced, confused<ref name="Batman/Dredd" /> and muddy.<ref name="2000AD1313">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2002/1313review.shtml 
 |title=2000AD Prog 1313 
 |work=2000AD Review 
 |date=16 October 2002 
 |access-date=2007-04-15 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012222653/http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2002/1313review.shtml 
 |archive-date=12 October 2006 
}}</ref> Critchlow was developing a new style<ref name="BBC">{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/comics/independents/about.shtml#thrud
 |title=Independent comics
 |work=BBC Cult
 |publisher=[[BBC]]
 |access-date=2007-03-30}}</ref> based on line-drawings with computer colouring,<ref name="2000AD1313" /> but having been pigeon-holed as a painter did not believe that he would be able to interest anyone in this very different style.<ref name="BBC" />

When attending [[gaming convention]]s, Critchlow found that he was often remembered for his work on Thrud and recognised that there was still an interest in the character. He therefore decided to create and self-publish a full-length ''Thrud the Barbarian'' comic as a way to get his new style noticed.<ref name="BBC" /> A total of five ''Thrud the Barbarian'' comics were published:
[[Image:Thrud cg.jpg|thumb|right|Thrud in issue 1 of the ''Thrud the Barbarian'' full-length comic and illustrating Critchlow's developing computer-drawn style]]
#''Carborundum Capers'' – June 2002
#''Ice 'n' a Slice'' – January 2003
#''Lava Louts'' – June 2004
#''Thrud Rex!'' – June 2005
#''Bungle in the Jungle'' – January 2007

Critchlow found that, by organising distribution through comic shops and a devoted Thrud website, he was able to break even financially.<ref name="BBC" /> His new style was also noticed and received positive comments.<ref name="sts1">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.strike-to-stun.com/Reviews/thrud.htm
 |title=Thrud Issue 1 review
 |first=Robert 
 |last=Clark
 |work=Strike to Stun
 |access-date=2007-03-30
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403001541/http://www.strike-to-stun.com/Reviews/thrud.htm
 |archive-date=2008-04-03}}</ref>

The cover images for each of the first four comics were hand-painted in contrast to the computer-coloured line art used in the comic itself.<ref name="sts1" /> For issue 5, Critchlow also used his new style for the cover image.<ref name="ThrudIssue5">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|2007}} ([http://www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=32931&zenid=7804b0008f45d77d1d6bfb2777ce027c image])</ref>

==Fictional character biography==
An origin story for Thrud was printed in the ''Thrud the Barbarian Graffik Novel''.<ref name="origin" /> The story tells of a group of [[mercenary|mercenaries]] who, lost and searching for a pub, stumble across an abandoned baby in a deserted village. The mercenaries decide to raise the baby as one of their own, teaching him how to fight and drink beer.

At the age of five, Thrud is sent to ''[[Crom (fictional deity)|Crom]] the Destroyer Orthodox Pagan Infants School'', where he towers above the teachers and his fellow students. When one of the children shoots him with a [[pea shooter (toy)|pea shooter]], Thrud's reaction is to kill and maim twenty-seven pupils and three teachers, leading to his expulsion from the school. Choosing to return to the wilderness rather than his adoptive parents, Thrud lives alone until, one day, he stumbles across a hidden [[burial chamber]]. Finding a small helmet and a large axe, Thrud arms himself. Finding gold and gems, he decides to return to civilisation with his newfound wealth, quickly establishing himself a reputation as a violent warrior.

Many years later, Thrud the Barbarian becomes Thrud the King, but finds the mundane duties of kingship tiresome without opportunities to fight. To put a halt to Thrud's constant mutterings of, "Kill! Death! Maim! Mutilate! Destroy!", the wise men of his kingdom collect stories of heroism from around the land and read them to him long into the night.

==Characterisation==
Endowed with the strength of a rhinoceros, the speed and agility of a jungle cat and the intelligence of a garden snail,<ref name="CChomepage">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.carlcritchlow.com/Thrud1.html
 |title=Thrud the Barbarian
 |first=Carl 
 |last=Critchlow
 |publisher=Carl Critchlow
 |access-date=2007-04-15}}</ref> Thrud is a one-dimensional character<ref name="sts1" /> who engages in mindless slaughter and strikes [[Frank Frazetta]]-style poses<ref name="TRS">{{Cite web
 |url         = http://www.bugpowder.com/trs2/004377.html
 |title       = Thrud Issue 1 review
 |first       = Jez
 |last        = Higgins
 |work        = TRS2
 |date        = 23 August 2002
 |access-date  = 2007-03-30
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20061120135540/http://www.bugpowder.com/trs2/004377.html
 |archive-date = 20 November 2006
}}</ref> while remaining ignorant of [[plot point]]s.<ref name="sts2">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.strike-to-stun.com/Reviews/thrud2.htm
 |title=Thrud Issue 2 review
 |first=Robert 
 |last=Clark
 |work=Strike to Stun
 |access-date=2007-03-30
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403001545/http://www.strike-to-stun.com/Reviews/thrud2.htm
 |archive-date=2008-04-03 }}</ref> Depicted as an {{convert|8|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} [[barbarian]] with a hugely exaggerated, muscular physique and a very small head,<ref name="TRS" /><ref name="9th">{{Cite web
 |url=http://ninthart.com/display.php?article=1229
 |title=The Forecast
 |first=Kieron
 |last=Gillen
 |work=The Ninth Art
 |date=29 May 2006
 |access-date=2007-03-30
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403002207/http://ninthart.com/display.php?article=1229
 |archive-date=2008-04-03}}</ref> and dressed in large furry boots and a [[loincloth]], Thrud is a [[caricature]] of [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]'s [[Conan the Barbarian]].<ref name="bulletproof">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.bulletproofcomics.co.uk/INTERVIEWS/thrud_barbarian.htm
 |title=Thrud Issue 1 review
 |first=Steven 
 |last=Maxwell
 |work=Bulletproof Comics
 |date=5 January 2003
 |access-date=2007-03-30
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030917025640/http://www.bulletproofcomics.co.uk/INTERVIEWS/thrud_barbarian.htm
 |archive-date=2003-09-17}}</ref>

Thrud is also a heavy drinker, frequenting ''The Hobbit's Armpit'' [[tavern]] and regularly causing mayhem when he is unable to have his desired flavour of [[crisps]].<ref name="graffik48" /><ref name="graffik20">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=20}}</ref> These and other annoyances often cause Thrud to invoke the author of the Conan the Barbarian books with the [[battle cry]], "By the sacred [[jockstrap]] of [[Robert E. Howard]] you'll pay for this, Hellspawn!"<ref name="graffik20" /><ref name="graffik8" /><ref name="ThrudIssue1">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|2002}}</ref>

==Supporting characters==
===The Black Currant===
First appearing in ''Dead 'Ard'' and ''Warrior'',<ref name="graffik48" /> The Black Currant returned in a series of ''White Dwarf'' Thrud strips titled ''Thrud the Destroyer''. In this story, The Black Currant is the leader of a horde of warriors who attack a small village, looting the homes, burning the women, raping the livestock and eating the babies.<ref>{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=38}}</ref> The Black Currant returned again in issue 3 of Critchlow's self-published ''Thrud the Barbarian'' comic as the leader of a group of bandits laying siege to a small town. The Black Currant is depicted in heavy black armour, wearing a helmet provided with a pair of exceedingly long, horizontally extending horns.<ref>{{Harvnb|Critchlow|2004|}} ([http://www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=32929&zenid=c00bf7703eb1dcde4f6d7936b0bb9791 image])</ref>

===Carl Critchlow===
Critchlow himself appears in a number of Thrud strips, occasionally as a narrator although more often as a drinking companion for Thrud. Critchlow depicts himself with lank hair and a large cap pulled down low over his eyes.

[[Image:Croneman.jpg|left|thumb|Croneman the Cimpletan [[Posedown|posing]] in the ''Thrud the Destroyer'' story. Croneman is depicted as resembling [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], a common [[satire|satirical]] target in the Thrud strips and comics]]

===Croneman the Cimpletan===
Croneman claims to be the mightiest barbarian of the northern tribes and honorary chief of the savage bezerkers of Nid. Known also as Amoron, the Wombat, he is a slayer, a reaver, a corsair, a usurper, and a conqueror.<ref>{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=5}}</ref> Depicted as resembling Schwarzenegger, he is also a bodybuilder with a very silly accent.<ref name="graffik39" /> On first meeting Croneman, Thrud slices him in half with a sword. When Croneman returns to join a group of mercenaries fighting The Black Currant in ''Thrud the Destroyer'', he is depicted with a line of [[surgical suture|suture]]s running down the middle of his face and chest.

===Lymara, the She Wildebeeste===
Thrud first encounters Lymara when he sees her chasing away a wasp by waving a small cloth from her tower bedroom. Thinking her to be a [[damsel in distress]], Thrud storms the tower, killing Lymara's father, five brothers, two uncles, ten cousins and fiance in the process.<ref name="graffik8">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=8}}</ref> Seeking revenge, Lymara attempts to poison Thrud with a bottle of [[Acme Corporation|Acme]] "Mammoth Poison", but succeeds only in putting him to sleep as part of ''The Three Tasks of Thrud'' series of strips.<ref name="graffik11">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=11}}</ref> Subsequently, Lymara joins Thrud as one of the group of mercenaries brought in to fight The Black Currant in ''Thrud the Destroyer''.<ref name="graffik39">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=39}}</ref>  In this latter series of strips, Lymara is depicted with oversized breasts barely covered by an off-the-shoulder leather bra.

===To-Me Ku-Pa===
To-Me Ku-Pa (a name phonetically similar to that of British comedian [[Tommy Cooper]]) is an evil [[necromancy|necromancer]] who regularly crosses paths with Thrud and is depicted as a bald man wearing a large cloak. Thrud first encounters To-Me Ku-Pa in an early ''White Dwarf'' strip and is turned into a [[frog]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=7}}</ref> Subsequently, in ''The Three Tasks of Thrud'', To-Me Ku-Pa takes advantage of Thrud's drugged state, following Lymara's failed assassination attempt, to [[hypnosis|hypnotise]] him and force him to obtain three items necessary for a spell.<ref name="graffik11"/>

In ''Thrud the Destroyer'', To-Me Ku-Pa is revealed as being in service to The Black Currant and is providing him with an army of warriors drawn from throughout time, including [[dalek]]s<ref>{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=40}}</ref> and [[Imperial stormtrooper]]s.<ref>{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=42}}</ref> To-Me Ku-Pa also appears as the villain in issue 1 of the full-length ''Thrud the Barbarian'' comic.<ref name="ThrudIssue1" />

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Thrud miniatures.jpg|thumb|Collection of Thrud miniatures released by [[Citadel Miniatures]]]]
A range of Thrud merchandise has been produced since the character's inception, including a Thrud T-shirt and badge<ref name="graffik49">{{Harvnb|Critchlow|1987|p=49}}</ref>  as well as a series of [[Miniature figure (gaming)|miniatures]]. [[Citadel Miniatures]] produced five different metal miniatures of Thrud, starting in 1984 with a "White Dwarf Personality" miniature.<ref name="CCM">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.collecting-citadel-miniatures.com/wiki/index.php/Thrud_-_Collectors_Guide
 |title=Thrud – Collectors Guide
 |publisher=Collecting Citadel Miniatures wiki
 |access-date=2007-04-24}}</ref> Three numbered limited edition miniatures followed consisting of "LE12, Thrud the Barbarian", in 1986,<ref>{{Cite web
 |title=White Dwarf no. 80
 |publisher=Games Workshop
 |page=62
 |date=August 1986
 |url=http://www.solegends.com/citWDAds/citwd1986/WD808608p62Various.htm
 |access-date=2007-03-30
 }}</ref> "LE19, Thrud and Female Admirer" in 1987,<ref>{{Cite web
 |title=White Dwarf no. 88
 |publisher=Games Workshop
 |at=catalog
 |date=April 1987
 |url=http://www.solegends.com/citwd/wd88.htm
 |access-date=2007-03-15
 }}</ref> and "LE104, Thrud scratching head".<ref>{{Cite web
 |url         = http://www.solegends.com/citle/citle1990/numbered/le104ThruddScratch.htm
 |title       = LE104 – Thrud scratching head
 |publisher   = Stuff of Legends
 |access-date  = 2007-03-30
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070429124344/http://www.solegends.com/citle/citle1990/numbered/le104ThruddScratch.htm
 |archive-date = 2007-04-29
}}</ref> Thrud was also introduced as a [[Blood Bowl]] player<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.bloodbowlonline.com/Rules.shtml
 |title=Blood Bowl Living Rulebook
 |publisher=BloodBowlOnline.com
 |access-date=2010-09-19}}</ref> and [[Jervis Johnson]] commissioned an appropriate miniature.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.freelists.org/archives/sbgc/06-2002/msg00015.html
 |title=Fanatic Newsletter
 |first=Jervis
 |last=Johnson
 |authorlink=Jervis Johnson
 |publisher=Jervis Johnson
 |date=June 2002
 |access-date=2007-04-26}}</ref> [[Heresy Miniatures]] has also produced three Thrud miniatures,<ref name="CCM" /> including a limited edition "Strolling Thrud" that sold out within three weeks of release.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.heresyminiatures.com/faqlist.htm
 |title=Frequently Asked Questions
 |publisher=Heresy Miniatures
 |access-date=2007-04-30}}</ref> On 29 March 2007,<ref>{{Cite web
 |url         = http://heresyminiatures.com/forumofdoom/index.php?topic=5211.100
 |title       = Forum of Doom: Some excellent news for Thrud collectors...
 |publisher   = Heresy Miniatures
 |access-date  = 2007-04-30
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928004100/http://heresyminiatures.com/forumofdoom/index.php?topic=5211.100
 |archive-date = 2007-09-28
}}</ref> another limited edition of 1000 resin miniatures was released.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url        = http://www.heresyminiatures.com/images/pages/resinthrud1.htm
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070623175953/http://www.heresyminiatures.com/images/pages/resinthrud1.htm
 |url-status = dead
 |archive-date = June 23, 2007
 |title      = Ltd Edition! "Classic Thrud"
 |publisher  = Heresy Miniatures
 |access-date = 2007-04-30
}}</ref>

==Reception and awards==
''Thrud the Barbarian'' was one of the best loved pieces in ''White Dwarf'' over the five years that the strip ran, being voted "Most popular feature" for three consecutive years<ref name="sts1" /> during the magazine's [[Golden Age (metaphor)|golden age]].<ref name="9th" /> Long-term fans of Thrud were excited and nostalgic to see him return in his own full-length comic, but were concerned that the idea would not stretch to 24&nbsp;pages. In reviewing issue 1, Jez Higgins, writing on ''TRS2'', and Robert Clark of ''Strike to Stun'', considered the comic a success that was more than one joke spread thin<ref name="TRS" /> and which was not limited by the single page brevity of the original strip.<ref name="sts1" /> Steven Maxwell of ''Bulletproof Comics'', however, found that what worked well within the constraints of a single page seemed stretched when spun out over 24.<ref name="bulletproof" /> Issue 2 received similarly mixed reviews, with Clark criticising the comic for being much the same, with the same themes and joke as issue 1<ref name="sts2" /> while Glenn Carter of ''[[Comics Bulletin]]'' found it to be well written light reading with quite a few elements of humour.<ref name="comicsbulletin">{{Cite web
 |url         = http://www.comicsbulletin.com/real/106214875580993.htm
 |title       = The Real Mainstream: Thrud the Barbarian
 |first       = Glenn
 |last        = Carter
 |work        = Comics Bulletin
 |access-date  = 2007-03-30
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110522195745/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/real/106214875580993.htm
 |archive-date = 2011-05-22
}}</ref> Overall, the comic was deemed a success, with even the more negative reviewers awarding it 6 out of 10<ref name="bulletproof" /> and looking forward to more issues.<ref name="sts2" />

Although the writing received mixed reviews, the reception of the artwork was almost entirely positive. Higgins, recalling the heavy blacks and bold outlines of the original strip, found Critchlow's new style to be much more open and expressive.<ref name="TRS" /> Maxwell also praised Critchlow's development as an artist, judging the comic to be beautifully drawn and coloured with a clear line style.<ref name="bulletproof" /> Carter thought that the art was a little flat in places, but nevertheless praised it for being unique with a lot of character.<ref name="comicsbulletin" />

Critchlow was also commended for the risky<ref name="bulletproof" /> decision to write, draw and publish the comic himself. The comic was compared favourably with professional quality comics, with its lack of adverts viewed as an advantage over those offerings.<ref name="sts1" /> The high production values were also praised, with the glossy cover and high quality paper used for the inner pages.<ref name="comicsbulletin" />

In 2004, ''Thrud the Barbarian'' won the [[Eagle Awards|Eagle Award]] for "Favourite British Small Press Title".<ref name="eagle">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/results.asp?year=2004
 |title=2004 Results
 |publisher=The Eagle Awards
 |access-date=2007-04-16
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409203006/http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/results.asp?year=2004
 |archive-date=2008-04-09}}</ref> In 2006 Thrud was nominated for the "Favourite Colour Comicbook – British" Eagle Award, but lost out to [[2000 AD (comics)|''2000 AD'']].<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/results.asp?year=2006
 |title=2006 Results
 |publisher=The Eagle Awards
 |access-date=2007-05-14
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409203012/http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/results.asp?year=2006
 |archive-date=2008-04-09}}</ref>

==Legacy==
{{Main|Carl Critchlow}}
In October 2002, four months after ''Thrud'' issue 1 was published, Critchlow returned to ''2000AD'' using his new computer-drawn style. His first story was the [[Judge Dredd]], ''Out of the [[Undercity (Judge Dredd)|Undercity]]'' story written by [[John Wagner]]. The new style was initially well received by ''2000AD Review'' and seen as a marked improvement over his previous fully painted style with clearer figures and atmospheric colouring.<ref name="2000AD1313" /> As the ''Undercity'' story developed, however, Critchlow was criticised for using too narrow a palette, with too many greys and blues, although this might have been as a result of the story being set underground.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2002/1315review.shtml 
 |title=2000AD 1315 
 |publisher=2000AD Review 
 |date=30 October 2002 
 |access-date=2007-06-04 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012222658/http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2002/1315review.shtml 
 |archive-date=12 October 2006 
}}</ref>

''2000AD Review'''s criticism of Critchlow's subdued colouring continued with the 2003 [[Lobster Random]] story, ''No Gain, No Pain''.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2003/1342review.shtml 
 |title=2000AD 1342 
 |publisher=2000AD Review 
 |date=28 May 2003 
 |access-date=2007-04-15 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012222751/http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2003/1342review.shtml 
 |archive-date=12 October 2006 
}}</ref> By the conclusion, however, Critchlow's style was recognised as being truly unique and even the previously criticised blues and greys were seen to work well when used with other coloured elements.<ref name="2000AD 1349">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2003/1349review.shtml 
 |title=2000AD 1349 – 16 July 2003 
 |work=2000AD Review 
 |access-date=2007-06-04 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012223418/http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2003/1349review.shtml 
 |archive-date=12 October 2006 
}}</ref> The artwork in two further Lobster Random stories, ''Tooth & Claw'' in October 2004 and ''The Agony & the Ecstasy'' in April 2006 was again very well received. ''Tooth & Claw'' was praised for its character designs<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2004/2000ad_1411_review.shtml 
 |title=2000AD 1411 
 |publisher=2000AD Review 
 |date=13 October 2004 
 |access-date=2007-04-15 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012221817/http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2004/2000ad_1411_review.shtml 
 |archive-date=12 October 2006 
}}</ref> while Critchlow's style in ''The Agony & the Ecstasy'' was said to be easily recognisable, having "volume, colour and verve".<ref name="2000AD 1482">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2006/2000ad_1482_review.shtml 
 |title=2000AD 1482 – 5 April 2006 
 |work=2000AD Review 
 |access-date=2007-06-04 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012221247/http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/reviews/2006/2000ad_1482_review.shtml 
 |archive-date=12 October 2006 
}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Bibliography==
* {{Cite document
 | last = Critchlow
 | first = Carl
 | author-link = Carl Critchlow
 | year = 1987
 | title = Thrud the Barbarian Graffik Novel
 | publisher = [[Games Workshop]]
 | id = Stock Code 00776<sub>2</sub>
 }}
* {{Cite journal
 | last = Critchlow
 | first = Carl
 | author-link = Carl Critchlow
 |date=June 2002
 | title = Thrud the Barbarian Issue 1
 | journal = Carl Critchley Audaciously Presents Thrud the Barbarian
 | publisher = Carl Critchlow
 | issn = 1477-7096
 }}
* {{Cite journal
 | last = Critchlow
 | first = Carl
 | author-link = Carl Critchlow
 |date=June 2004
 | title = Thrud the Barbarian Issue 3
 | journal = Carl Critchley Audaciously Presents Thrud the Barbarian
 | publisher = Carl Critchlow
 | issn = 1477-7096
 }}
* {{Cite journal
 | last = Critchlow
 | first = Carl
 | author-link = Carl Critchlow
 |date=January 2007
 | title = Thrud the Barbarian Issue 5
 | journal = Carl Critchley Audaciously Presents Thrud the Barbarian
 | publisher = Carl Critchlow
 | issn = 1477-7096
 }}

==External links==
{{portal|Comics}}
*{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.thrudthebarbarian.com
 |title=Official website
 |access-date=2007-04-15
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803075245/http://www.thrudthebarbarian.com/
 |archive-date=2008-08-03}}
*{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.carlcritchlow.com
 |title= Carl Critchlow Gallery
 |access-date=2007-04-15}}

[[Category:British comic strips]]
[[Category:1981 comics debuts]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1981]]
[[Category:Male characters in comics]]
[[Category:Works based on Conan the Barbarian]]
[[Category:Fantasy comics]]