East Texas A&M University has become the new home of The Dark Man: The Journal of Robert E. Howard Studies, a scholarly publication dedicated to the study of the influential Texas author and the broader worlds of pulp fiction, fantasy, horror and adventure literature.

The journal is now hosted through The LAIR, East Texas A&M’s institutional repository, and is led by editors Dr. Tracy Henley, professor of psychology; Dr. Hunter Hayes, professor of literature; and Dr. Benjamin Garstad, professor of classics at MacEwan University.

To celebrate the journal’s new era, East Texas A&M will host a free online conference on June 20. The event will feature both academic and pop-culture discussions exploring the legacy of Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian and one of the most influential writers in fantasy literature. Featured guest Sara Frazetta, granddaughter of legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta, will join scholars, readers and fans from around the world for the event.

According to Henley, the journal’s previous editors sought a new home in Texas, where Howard lived and wrote many of his most famous works.

“We have big plans,” Henley said. “Adding a student section, reaching out to some ‘big name’ scholars to solicit manuscripts, special themed issues. We’re expanding and reinvigorating. We are interested in the journal having a wide readership.”

The June 20 conference is open to the public. Additional information about the event and registration is available through The Dark Man website: