(9/22/2003): Will be a 3 issue mini-series. Available in Late May 2004.
(9/22/2003): Script have been completed and handed over to George 9/19/2003.
(10/2/2003): ERRATA: GEORGE PEREZ WILL NOT BE PENCILLING THE SERIES.
(10/17/2003): Rumors has it that Bart Sears will be pencilling the series.
(10/28/2003): It is confirmed that Sears will pencil the series.
(12/27/2003): 'The War' is now known as Negation War. New
information: out of six issue, available in March 2004, writer and
artist changed.
Justice League of Atlantis #1 Original Cover ArtNick W writes:
JUSTICE LEAGUES: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF ATLANTIS #1 (Mar 2001)
DC Comics
A very nice and unexpected cover of JLA (not the one you think!) by George Perez ...
Posted by Vu Sleeper
CWN: You were one of the architects for the structure of the CrossGen
universe of titles, are you following the “Negation War” and its effect
on characters you built?
RM: I've followed it, but I'm pretty familiar with what's going to
happen since I was the first writer on the project. At first it was
going to be me and George Perez, then it was going to be me and Bart
Sears. But I left staff, and CrossGen decided they couldn't afford to
pay freelance money to a writer, so it was pulled from me and brought in
house. I'd already written the first issue, and we made a big to-do
over me handing the actual plot to George Perez at the Baltimore
Comic-Con last year. A lot of my plot wound up in Negation War anyway,
particular the opening and the super-hero in issue #1.
I know a lot of fans are feeling betrayed that they're not likely to see
the end of Negation War, and that's understandable. But I hope people
understand that CrossGen's collapse is something no one wanted, and that
a lot of people have suffered serious financial hardship because of it.
That kind of real-world stuff is a little more important than the end
of a comic-book story.
NEGATION WAR Part One
Written By Tony Bedard
Penciled By Paul Pelletier
What will the unpredictable NEGATION creative team unleash as universes collide?
It's been built-up for nearly four years. Now, the world-crushing machine of the
dark Negation Universe finally launches an all-out invasion of our own! Can
anything challenge their horrific power and prevent utter annihilation? NEGATION
has racked up critical praise month after month…now it's your chance to find
out why…and to see CrossGen's first superhero!
32 pgs, full color, on sale March 24 $2.95
The Creative Team Behind The Acclaimed Sci-Fi Thrill Ride
Takes The Spotlight And Unleashes Hell!
NEGATION WAR #1 (of 6) (Errata)
(Mar 2004)
CrossGen Comics
The best-kept secret in comic books is about to explode.
For over two years, the NEGATION creative team has generated passionate
critical praise with their fast-paced and unpredictable sci-fi thriller.
Now, writer Tony Bedard, penciler Paul Pelletier, inker Dave Meikis, and
colorist Laura Martin have the chance to show the entire comic book industry
what they've been missing in NEGATION WAR. This six-part epic, scheduled to
blast-off in March 2004, finally brings together the world-smashing Negation
Empire and the super-powered heroes of the CrossGen Universe in all-out
combat.
For nearly four years, the building storm has been teased and hinted at in
the pages across CrossGen's entire line. The mad-god Charon, having
conquered his chaotic universe, has cast his baleful eye across the gulf
between realities and covets the bright and thriving worlds in our cosmos.
Backed by endless armies and his twisted Lawbringers, the terrifyingly
charming emperor has at last given the order to launch the full invasion.
Can anything stop the Negation's path of destruction? And who is the
spandex-clad hero shown on the first issue's cover? Readers will uncover
answers as they join the battle in only three months.
"Charon wants to 'improve' the CrossGen Universe, whether we want it or not,
because he feels he knows what's best for everyone...and he'll kill as many
people as it takes to do it," explained Bedard. "The CGU crew is definitely
outmatched. But that's what makes things interesting. You gotta love the
underdog. In the pages of NEGATION, ex-soldier Obregon Kaine and his rag-tag
band of escapees have beaten immense odds in their fight for freedom. And
along the way, there's been a multitude of 'Holy $#+%" moments, so expect
even more of those jaw-dropping shocks in NEGATION WAR!"
NEGATION WAR Part One, created by the writer Tony Bedard, penciler Paul
Pelletier, inker Dave Meikis, and colorist Laura Martin, is scheduled to
reach stores on March 24th. The 32-page, $2.95 debut issue will be available
for order in the January issue of Diamond's Previews catalog.
November 12, 2003 | Rosemann Interview at Comixfan
COMIX-FAN: Speaking of The War, how did that come about? What's the
intent behind the series, and what impact (apart from that which we
already know) will it have on CG's books?
ROSEMANN: The world-smashing battle machine from the twisted Negation
Universe is invading our own, and the only thing standing between utter
domination by this evil empire is a gathering of heroes.
The War is, literally, why all of the heroes were created. From the very
beginning of CrossGen, this was the intended finale of the
Sigil-Bearers - back in 2000 our universe-builders actually layed the
groundwork for this cosmic collision. Of course, it's arrived sooner
than initially anticipated - partly because the story taken on a
momentum all it's own (Sam, for example, has been battling them for
nearly 6 months in the pages of Sigil) - but the time is finally here.
For nearly four years, readers have been teased by hints and clues, so
now we're pulling out all the stops to deliver a massive pay-off. At the
same time, we're also creating an adventure that people unfamiliar with
our characters - or who have never read a single CrossGen comic - can
enjoy. Every day we ask ourselves, "Okay, what if I know nothing of
CrossGen history. Does this make sense to me? Is it entertaining in and
of itself?" It answers many questions while also setting the stage for
where we go from here. So on one hand it's an ending... but also a
beginning, so we're really excited to tell this story.
And soon I'll have even more info - and art - to share with everyone! Cool stuff, my friends!
November 3, 2003 | Rosemann Interview in CBG (Dec 2003)
From COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE #1565 (14 Dec 2003)
CONCENTRATING ON THE FUTURE
written by Nate Melby
published in COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE #1565 (14 Dec 2003)
website: www.comicsbuyersguide.com
(excerpt)
CrossGen is concentrating on future plans for its characters and the upcoming event The War,
which will conclude with nine of its titles ending (including its four
original titles). The decision on what titles to cancel was not an easy
one for the staff at CrossGen Rosemann said.
"Every title is someone's favorite, so we didn't make these decisions
lightly," he added. "The short answer is, with the approaching finale
to the Sigil-Bearers versus Negation Empire saga, their time had come.
Some characters had completed their story-arcs or would soon do so,
either in the pages of their own title or in The War. Meanwhile,
married to art is economics, and, while we gave most of these titles
three years to find a readership, if the audience doesn't respond in
necessary numbers, you have to give other projects their time in the
spotlight. But remember, just because their titles have ended, that
just doesn't mean that the characters are gone forever."
I've been told that both Ron Marz and Bart Sears confirmed that Sears is doing "The War".
And if you're interested, there's an interview with Marz about his DC and DC
vs. Marvel work including a glimpse of his upcoming DC work (six issues of
GREEN LANTERN) available for download (no Pérez relevant stuff, though):
www.splashcomics.de/../ronmarz.php
Please excuse that annoying German who's screaming his questions with such a
terrible accent. A more decent transcript will follow as soon as I dare
listen to it. ;-)
October 27, 2003 | Rosemann Interview at Comixtreme
CR: Once The War reaches its conclusion, will the Sigil itself be dead?
Bill Rosemann: It's funny you should ask that, because the true nature of the Sigil is actually revealed in The War...
CR: Once The War reaches its conclusion, will there be a new ongoing common direction for the titles remaining in that universe?
Bill Rosemann: Well, we'll all have to wait until the conclusion to The War to see what remains of both universes, now won't we?
CR: Recent announcements regarding The War, while exciting, kind of
have the feel of a teaser trailer for a movie that won't be released for
another year. As many of us still have questions, what specifics can
you give us about this upcoming event?
Bill Rosemann: Right now I can only say that it'll be huge, devastating,
dramatic, and thrilling. For new readers it will deliver an easy-access
twisting thrill ride, while veteran CG readers will finally have many
of their questions answered. But I promise, when we get closer to the
actual publication date, we'll give you all the info you need to know to
jump into the action.
CR: CrossGen has confirmed that George Perez will no longer be
penciling The War. Can you tell us who will be? What about the rest of
the creative team?
Bill Rosemann: Patience, Grasshopper, patience...
After three years of planted clues, mounting tension, and escalating
skirmishes, the saga of the Sigil Bearers vs. the Negation Empire is
hurtling towards its explosive climax. As events build toward THE WAR,
the following titles will reach their series finales with the following
issues:
CRUX #33
THE FIRST #37
MERIDIAN #44
MYSTIC #43
THE PATH #23
RUSE #26
SCION #44
SIGIL #43
SOLUS #8
When THE WAR
hits in 2004, our greatest warriors will finally collide with an
invading evil as alliances shatter, worlds burn, and destinies are
fulfilled. While some characters will reach their story’s end, others
will move forward in surprising ways. Prepare to cheer, cry, and gasp as
the stage is set for the next generation of adventure.
The strong response to EL CAZADOR has led to the launch of KISS KISS BANG BANG. What’s next? Join us as the New CrossGen begins.
Since Perez is no longer on THE WAR, THE PULSE has been informed by
several sources that Bart Sears will be drawing the upcoming event.
The PULSE has also been told that Sears is now working out of his home and that THE WAR may be his final CrossGen project.
THE PULSE has emailed several freelancers asking if payment was received
October 1st, and have been told that they still have not been paid or
given any information from CrossGen about when to expect payment.
Surviving The War and its associated carnage, will apparently be
five "CrossGen Universe" titles: Sojourn, Brath, Negation, Route 666,
Way of the Rat. As mentioned above, El Cazador and Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
will continue, as will Lady Death and Abadazad.
Creatively, the series endings’ affect Barbara Kesel and Ron Marz the
most, as all of their series at the publisher will be ending (Meridian,
Solus, and The Path). Both remain on staff, though.
Chuck Dixon will lose two (Crux and Sigil), but has never made a secret
of the fact he likes to handle large amounts of monthly series, so the
safe money would be on Dixon being the writer on a new series in the El
Cazador/KKBB mode. Tony Bedard will lose one of his four (counting KKBB
titles, and, as reported in our coverage on the new series, Bedard
remains on staff at CG.
Two freelancers, Scott Beatty and Ian Edginton will also lose work, with
Ruse being Beatty’s only CG work, while Edginton’s Sojourn apparently
will survive.
NEGATION WAR #1 (of 6) (Errata)
(Mar 2004)
CrossGen Comics
I have kept publicly silent on all the speculation, gossip and downright
fabrications regarding my relationship and future with CrossGen
Entertainment because I wanted to get all my ducks in a row before I
made a public statement. And, quite truthfully, I have been just too
busy.
Also, I don’t believe that my business dealings with any company should
be played out in a public arena. I have been guilty of doing that in the
past and it really serves no purpose except to vent one’s feelings and
watch as news gets misquoted and petty squabbles among unconcerned
parties supplant any real focus on the original issues. But I digress.
First and foremost, I want to assure everyone that I am indeed still a
CrossGen employee with all my health and dental insurance and benefits
still intact. I know how expensive I am, and I wouldn’t have taken any
offense if I had to be fired outright due to financial belt-tightening
caused the company’s restructuring. Instead, CrossGen generously decided
to keep me on, even if I had chosen not to do any work at all for the
company in 2004. However, while I have left SOLUS after Issue 7 and will not be pencilling THE WAR
after all, I will be working on an as-yet-unnamed 2-part stand-alone
mini-series for CrossGen scheduled to be released sometime in the
summer. This decision was prompted by my desire to show my support for
Mark Alessi and for a company that has been nothing but generous and
respectful to me. And I have great confidence that the company will
indeed turn itself around.
The concerned letters, e-mails and phone calls have been very flattering
and I am so grateful that so many friends and fans care so much about
me. It is very humbling, and I appreciate it greatly. Please rest
assured that I am fine. I have been blessed with long and happy
associations with all of the companies I’ve worked with. I love drawing
comics, first, last and always. CrossGen, like so many other companies
I’ve served in my three decades in the business, is going through some
tough times. But I'm more than confident that it will get through this,
stronger and wiser. And when it does, I will be there with pencil in
hand and ready to kick butt.
While I will not, even if I weren’t still an employee, discuss or
comment on CG’s business dealings and commitments, I do have faith in
its future and that those still working there are people of honor
determined to make everything right again—and to producing some of the
finest comics in the industry.
Beyond that I am entertaining several freelance offers that have come my way. Thankfully, the huge success of the
JLA/AVENGERS crossover
has allowed me the luxury of being able to take my time in choosing
what that next project will be. There’s one prospect that looks very
promising, but that’s a matter for a future announcement.
Thanks and take care,
George Pérez
PS: Please feel free to circulate to any and all concerned parties and sites.
Some even continue to think that selling ads on the back covers could help save the company.
There's some truth, perhaps, in all of that. You could see the
handwriting on the wall, though, even if it wasn't intentional. Creative
team interruptions were more frequent. Creative team turnovers happened
at a nearly alarming rate, although it was understandable from the
Recharging-Creative-Batteries point of view. Crossovers between books
became more frequent. Mini-series and one-shots showed up. SOLUS was a
book designed to look up its own ass. When they announced this summer
that George Perez would be doing a CrossGen version of Secret Wars, I
smelled trouble. Wasn't a universe-spanning crossover event the kind of
thing Alessi, et. al. once railed against? Wasn't the point of the
CrossGen Universe that a reader should feel free to read any of the
books he or she likes, but not need to read them all? Wasn't the point
that those who did read everything would see the hidden threads and be
rewarded for it?
September 25, 2003 | SBC's Baltimore Comic-Con Recap
Not surprisingly, the guest line-up may have been a major influence on
the attendance upswing. One of the bigger names (who was only able to
attend on Saturday) was Jim Lee, whose popularity has only grown more
thanks to the soon to conclude Hush (with Jeph Loeb) on DC’s Batman. Lee
was there in support of DC, Wildstorm, and most importantly, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund,
Lee’s presence at the con was in fact, courtesy of the CBLDF. The other
names that attracted autograph lines on the Lee scale included George
Perez (hot on the heels of the release of JLA/Avengers 1), Geoff Johns,
Scott Kolins, Walter Simonson, Mike Kunkel, Mark Waid and of course,
local favorite, Frank Cho.
...
Given the plethora of negative press that CrossGen has garnered in
recent weeks (given their admitted financial challenges), I was
pleasantly surprised to see a strong turnout for the CrossGen panel on
Saturday morning. The panel consisted of Ron Marz (serving as host)
along with Brandon Peterson and George Perez. At the outset, Marz
acknowledged the fiscal “hiccups” that CrossGen is currently enduring.
All three men remain optimistic about the long-term prospects of
CrossGen, with Perez going so far as seemingly endorsing the company
with his praise, acknowledging that he has far less to lose (given his
recent “freelance” success with Avengers/JLA) than the 100+ families who
look to CrossGen for salary, benefits. As Perez noted, that if they’re
willing to stay committed, he cannot help but believe in the company as
well. Marz is not viewing CrossGen’s current plight with rose-colored
glasses by any means, noting “we’re not out of the woods yet.”
That being said, CrossGen is clearly trying to turn some negatives into
positives, as Peterson noted at the panel. The shake-up, as Peterson
described it, gave CrossGen a chance to stop and look at the big
picture, as they prepared/planned the upcoming War, which will be drawn
by Perez. In fact, Marz presented the first issue’s script to Perez at
the panel. In discussing the War, it became readily apparent that Perez
would not be returning to his monthly assignment on Solus, once The War
wraps up. Why that is remains uncertain. As part of the War, CrossGen
has acknowledged that some books will stop publishing, while other, new
ones may begin. Marz emphasized that unlike DC/Marvel “event” comic
miniseries (where toys [characters] are taken from the shelf, but then
“returned” to the same place at the story’s end)—with War “all the rules
are off—for good, dramatic reasons…people tend to die in wars.”
A scheduling change meant that I missed the JLA/Avengers panel (its time
was flip-flopped with Jose Villarrubia’s art lecture). This led to some
great comedy, as I sat through the thoroughly enjoyable Writers 101
panel (more on that in a minute) and stayed around for Avengers/JLA.
When a swarm of college age students sat around me, I was bewildered.
While I know the book had been a success, I assumed it was more
successful with the ages 30 to 40 demographics. When Villarrubia walked
in and there was no sign of Perez or editor Tom Brevoort, I knew I was
in the wrong place.
Ron Marz, Brandon Peterson, and George Perez made it to the Baltimore
Comic Convention this weekend, bringing with them a stripped down
Crossgen booth apparently designed for smaller conventions. There were a
few revealations, be forewarned of possible spoilers ahead!
The three of them held a panel discussion on Crossgen today, much of
which was spent discussing "The War" miniseries. Ron Marz (who is
writing the miniseries) made use of the event to ceremoniously hand over
the script to the first issue to George Perez (who will be the artist
on the series). George complained that there weren't enough characters
in the script, but that he would change that. They also handed out
copies of the Call to Arms poster at the conclusion of the panel.
Not much was revealed about the miniseries. It will be three issues,
each 38 pages in length, with the first issue coming out in late May
2004. Incidentally, in a later conversation I had with George, he
confirmed that it is Sephie depicted in the print.
They spoke a little bit about the financial troubles facing Crossgen,
which have yet to be resolved. They admitted that morale is off, but the
issues are being completed on time even if they aren't being published
on time. George said he is committed to remaining at Crossgen, despite
repeated efforts to get him to defect, however it is unlikely he will
return to
Solus after doing The War (on the other hand, Solus may not return after the miniseries).
Some odds and ends: There will be a second round of DVDs out before Christmas, possibly including Chimera. Heroclix
is interested in doing a full set of Crossgen figures. Brandon did the
cover art for the convention program, a great drawing of Arwyn holding
the American flag. George did the Hulk cover art for the More Fund
charity anthology (regular edition - there was also a limited edition
with a Frank Cho cover), while Ron and Brandon collaborated on a story
for the anthology. I asked Ron if it was true that Mystic was due to be
cancelled - he wouldn't confirm or deny it but said it would be
published through next Spring at least. Right now Ron is working on the
crossover story between The Path and Way of the Rat. Everyone is
delighted with the script for the Way of the Rat movie, Ron did indicate
that the script writers have come up with an different take on how Po
Po started talking. It sounds like Chimera has a movie deal already.
Crossgen expatriates Mark Waid and Joshua Middleton were also at the
convention.
I'll probably think of more later, or will hear more tomorrow, and will
add to this account if I do. If anyone else picked up on something I
missed please jump in!
September 21, 2003 | Baltimore Con Report
From ES
xx
Baltimore Comic Con 2003 Report
Sun, 21 Sep 2003 20:26:31 -0400
written by ES
I had a great time at the con. George wasn't sketching due to Carpel
Tunnel Syndrome (Note: Brace in Photo) but he was signing. I was there
both days and had George sign by Crisis TPB on Saturday and on Sunday a
copy of the More Fun Comic and two copies of JLA/AVENGERS. Even though
George wasn't sketching he was signing up a storm and posing for photos.
Everybody Loves George.
I attended the CrossGen Panel on Saturday. Ron Marz and George talked about THE WAR coming out this spring. Sounds
Great!!! I was unable to attend the JLA/AVENGERS panel due to them
change time slots on Sunday. Sorry No Transcript this time.
I also met a lot of comic creators, some for the first time and
some that I have met before. Tom Brevoort, Frank Cho, Geoff Johns, Karl Kesel, Scott Kollins, Martin Nobel and Family, Howard Porter and Mark
Waid.
Everybody was great!!!
September 22, 2003 | Baltimore Con Report (SunWuKong)
Just got back from the Baltimore Comicon 2003 and, as usual, I had one
hell of a time (and hell on my finances). Here's what I can remember
from the con regarding Perez:
Crossgen's "The War"
is going to be 3 issues long and it's going to be written by Ron Marz.
The first issue is going to be solicted in May of 2004. It's going to
resolve many storylines in many of the Crossgen titles.
Perez is jubelent about JLA/Avengers first issue success. He says that he can finally clear out is debts and then some. The selling of the art alone is going to provide his wife with a new car! He also is very glad that this series is totally going to be for the fans.
As of today. 1/4 of issue 4 of JLA/Avengers
is pen & inked. It looks like it will meet the Dec 31st release
date. Perez is very commited to meeting the deadline so that all of the
issues will be released before 2004.
There is talk of about what format the collected edition is going to be. Perez said that DC is talking to put it into an "absolute" HC format (which I will lobby to no end!). They also said that the prior JLA/Avengers art might be printed in the collected edition as well.
Perez needs the cover to issue 3 back because he needs to draw 4 more characters in it! It took 3 weeks for him to draw it. Tom Smith was asking fan at the con to find him color references for some of the characters!
I did get one nugget of exclusive info. Hawkeye and Black Canary will meet in issue 3.
That's all I can think of right now. I'll see how much will get back to me later on in the week.
September 15, 2003 | CrossGen Campaign System Cover
The War is coming...and now you can join the fight!
CROSSGEN CAMPAIGN SYSTEM HC (Errata)
(2004)
CrossGen Comics
CrossGen Entertainment
and Fast Forward Entertainment, Inc.
have expanded the CrossGen Role Playing Game to incorporate and reflect
events that will soon rock the entire CrossGen Universe in the Spring
2004 event THE WAR. Subsequently, the anticipated release date for the
CROSSGEN CAMPAIGN SYSTEM RULE BOOK has been adjusted to December of
2003.
"The cataclysmic events coming up in THE WAR
will have a dramatic impact on every part of the CrossGen Universe.
When the whole scope of THE WAR was outlined to me, it became obvious
that by doing some solid revisions and long term planning, we could let
players of the CROSSGEN RPG experience the action right along with the
characters in the comics," stated CrossGen's VP Special Projects Brandon
Peterson. "The release of THE WAR and the CROSSGEN RPG will be a game
player's dream: huge, mythic drama and warfare played across the whole
of two universes."
"We've been working very close with the staff at CrossGen to make
sure that everything we do completely reflects their ever-changing
worlds," stated Fast Forward VP of Sales & Marketing John Danovich.
"And while most of the rule book was already written, we all realized
that THE WAR was just too big and important not to incorporate into the
initial launch."
Published under the Open Gaming License due to the character
creation rules that are necessary for playing in the CrossGen Universe,
the highly-anticipated rule book features gorgeous full color interior
art by the fantastic stable of CrossGen artists.
"CrossGen has some of the
best artists in the entire comics industry working on their titles, and
we are extremely pleased to be able to bring their amazing creations to
the gaming world," said James M. Ward, President of Fast Forward.
Due To Popular Demand, Teaser Image
Becomes Signed Poster!
THE WAR: CALL TO ARMS POSTER (24x36)
(Sep 2003)
CrossGen Comics
THE WAR: CALL TO ARMS POSTER (11x17)
(Sep 2003)
CrossGen Comics
Faster than Negation forces swarming across our universe, fandom rallied
around CrossGen's "Call To Arms".
Moments after the iconic teaser--heralding the explosive Spring 2004
event--was posted on popular comic book and entertainment websites such as
Comicon.com, MediaSharx.com, Newsarama, and SilverBulletComicBooks.com,
requests for a printed version poured in to CrossGen Studios. Starting
today, CG Direct will accept orders for the following one-time only
commemorative prints, both signed by superstar artist George Pérez:
CALL TO ARMS POSTER
Measuring 24" x 36", this full-color image is signed and numbered by George
Pérez. Only 1,000 of these commemorative-signed posters will ever be
printed!
Price: $29.95
CALL TO ARMS PRINT
Measuring 11" x 17", this full-color image is signed by George Pérez.
Price: $9.95
Both items are available now... so answer the "Call To Arms" at Crossgen.com.
George Perez will soon be taking a break from Solus to finish up the final issue of
JLA/Avengers, and gear up for CrossGen’s Mega-Crossover The War.
The early buzz is that The War will run for six issues, and give George
the chance to work with the entire library of CrossGen characters.
Makes perfect sense. After all, when you think of galaxy spanning
crossovers, who else comes to mind?
Afterwards, George may be moving onto a new series. But details are still sketchy there.
This Has A “Breakdown Crisis Of Infinity Gauntlets” Factor Of Six Out Of Ten
Likewise, another bump upwards comes in November, with the end of The
First series with issue #37. Originally launched as one of the core, or
"canon" CrossGen titles, the title enjoyed initial popularity, but
lately, had been sliding, according to Newsarama and ICV2 estimates,
below the 12,000 copy mark in actual sales, often making it the, or one
of the lowest-selling CrossGen series for any given month.
Always planned as a finite series, the storyline will most likely feed
into the upcoming The War miniseries. Regardless, one less title means
less money being spent. Likewise, the buzz around the industry is that
The War (admittedly appearing earlier
than planned, according to Mark Alessi's and Gina Villa's five year arc
plans for the CrossGen universe) will trim some of the publisher's
titles as well.
Lying In The Gutters
Monday August 25, 2003
written by Rich Johnston
(excerpt)
FIRST OF THE FALLEN
Been quite a week for CrossGen, hasn't it?
The solicitation of the last issue of "First" from CrossGen, ending with
issue 37 has caused some fans to question the original description of
the title, one of a number from CrossGen, originally described as ten
year epics. I'm told the upcoming "War" may cull a number of similarly
described and lower-selling titles as well.
Also from Comics Continuum
at Wizard World, is news of the culmination of the cross story of the
entire CrossGen comics coming Spring 2004. George Perez will be drawing
The War, a mini-series from CrossGen Entertainment next spring that CEO
Mark Alessi said will result in characters dying and books being
canceled. The War will see the heroes of the CrossGen Universe colliding
with the denizens of the twisted Negation Universe in all-out combat.
==========================
Speaking of George Perez, the first issue of Avengers/JLA crossover with
pencil and ink by George Perez and written by Kurt Busieck is due out
soon. Issue #1 will be in the stores September 3rd published by Marvel,
48 pages for $5.59. DC will publish issue #2 October 22nd.
Here’s a shot from page 5 of the first issue of the series where the
Marvel character of Eternity ponders "There Once Was A Universe…" and
the "Journey Into Mystery" begins. Catchy title – seems I heard that one
somewhere before…
THE WAR: WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?
PAY OFFS, SOLVED MYSTERIES
& NEW SERIES!
CrossGen Mega-Story Reaches Its Crescendo in 2004!
(excerpt)
The drums are beating, and THE WAR--the biggest event in the history of the CrossGen Universe--is coming!
Penciled by legendary superstar George Pérez, THE WAR represents the
culmination of four years' of storylines, hundreds of issues, and
thousands of hours of creative work. Hitting nearly four years to the
day from when CROSSGEN CHRONICLES #1 reached stands, THE WAR will
deliver the crescendo that the company's creators have been building
toward since CrossGen started publishing.
Rocking CrossGen's titles in the Spring of 2004, THE WAR will see the
heroes of the CGU colliding with the denizens of the twisted Negation
Universe in all-out combat. Questions will be answered, mysteries will
be solved, and massive changes will be wrought. Many current stories
running throughout CrossGen's titles will reach their peaks, and some
titles--as readers know them today--will be no more.
In Spring of 2004 -- almost four years to the day after CrossGen Chronicles #1 hit the stands -- CrossGen will release The War. Penciled by the legendary George Perez, The War
is the culmination of four years of storylines and hundreds of issues,
and will portray the heroes of the CGU going head to head with the
denizens of the Negation Universe. Many of the stories currently
running throughout CrossGen's titles will reach their peaks, and some
titles will reach their ends. According to CrossGen spokesman Bill
Rosemann, The War will not affect all titles equally. "Depending
how tightly titles interact with the CrossGen Universe mega-story," he
said, "some will reflect the events from the point of view of the
title's characters, while others will not reference it at all--it's
really up to the individual writers and the direction that their books
have already established."
CrossGen writer Ron Marz elaborated. "The story of The War will
have ramifications in a lot of titles, but chapters of the story itself
won't spill over into individual series," he said. "We're not going to
make anyone buy a book they're not already buying just to get the entire
story.... Something like Sigil is going to be more involved than, say,
Way of the Rat, although there's an important story element in The War
that we're culling from Way of the Rat.... All the writers are jointly
involved in setting up the chess pieces, so to speak, so the creative
team for The War can come in and start wrecking everything!"
Late Friday, CrossGen officially announced what they’d been teasing for
months – big changes are brewing in the CG Universe, and things will
come to a head next spring in The War, an epic battle involving
virtually every CrossGen character.
Newsarama spoke with Ron Marz for a little more insight.
George Perez will illustrate The War, with Leonard Kirk filling in for the artist on Solus during the project.
CrossGen did reveal the basic storyline – the characters of the CrossGen
Universe in battle against the forces of the Negation Universe.
According to a company press release, “Questions will be answered,
mysteries will be solved, and massive changes will be wrought. Many
current stories running throughout CrossGen’s titles will reach their
peaks, and some titles—as readers know them today—will be no more.”
For those who have followed the publisher since it’s beginnings, the
storyline of The War is something that was in the original plan for the
CGU, although, not quite at this time.
CROSSGEN'S WAR
posted 08-08-2003 05:31 PM
BY JENNIFER M. CONTINO
(excerpt)
The War is coming, and no title in the CrossGen Universe will be the
same afterwards! Today at Wizard World Chicago, CrossGeneration Comics
revealed some details about its upcoming crossover event. “We’re going
to pay off on the storyline we’ve been building toward with an event
that really will change the CrossGen Universe forever,” commented Ron
Marz. This one story line was four years in the making.
Beginning this Spring, The War promises to be the crescendo to four
years worth of continuity and story. The story has the residents and
heroes of the CrossGen Universe facing off against the evil from the
diabolical Negation Universe. CrossGen’s Director of Marketing and
Communications Bill Rosemann commented, “Questions will be answered,
mysteries will be solved, and massive changes will be wrought. Many
current stories running throughout CrossGen’s titles will reach their
peaks, and some titles—as readers know them today—will be no more.”
CrossGen’s keeping mum so far about the creative team on The War, but
the series affects all the CrossGen creators. Most are anticipating The
War as a chance to really cut loose.
(Vu: George Pérez has not been named to be involved in the project,
but who better to draw crossovers with a cast of thousands than George?)
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