The story is an adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s original short story "The Valley of the Worm", which appeared for the first time in "Weird Tales" (February 1934 issue). This story had been previously adapted to comics in a version written by Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, pencilled by Gil Kane and inked by Ernie Chan for "Supernatural Thrillers" #3 (1973). This version gave the name "Helga" to the unnamed character of a "naked tousle-headed girl" described by Howard. In "Bloodstar" she became "Helva" and is the romantic interest of the protagonist. Since he pencilled this first comics version, it may have been Gil Kane's idea to turn "The Valley of the Worm" into a longer format sequential adaptation. Originally "Bloodstar" was going to be titled "King of the Northern Abyss". The first chapter of "Bloodstar" appears to be inspired by H.G. Wells' short story, "The Star". According to an interview with Corben in "Heavy Metal" magazine, Armand Eisen and Gil Kane contacted Corben and asked him if he wanted to work on the book. Gil Kane changed the hero's name from "Niord" to "Bloodstar" and the created design for a star mark on his forehead. Kane edited the book with Armand Eisen. Originally "The Morning Star Press" was going to publish adaptations of two other Robert E. Howard stories: "Skull-Face" and "Swords of the Red Brotherhood." John Jakes expanded the story adding much material to it and then Richard Corben revised, rewrote it and added further content. A latter edition (1979) was rewritten by John Pocsik.