Ron Marz Is Talking!
Monday, July 12, 2004
interview by Caleb Gerard

(excerpt)

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

NEGATION WAR!
TAMPA, FL, December 10, 2003

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.

LEAN AND NIMBLE: ROSEMANN TALKS THE 'NEW' CROSSGEN
posted Nov 10th, 2003 02:06 pm by Eric J. Moreels

(excerpt)

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!

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. ;-)

THE WAR AND THE FUTURE - INTERVIEW WITH CROSSGEN'S BILL ROSEMANN
October 26th 2003 08:46 PM
written by Craig Reade

(excerpt)

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...

SERIES FINALES LEAD TO THE WAR…AND THE NEW CROSSGEN!
October 17, 2003

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.

CGE UPDATE TITLES END, STAFF GONE, FREELANCERS NEWS
posted 10-17-2003 12:05 PM
BY JENNIFER M. CONTINO

(excerpt)

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.

CG ENDS NINE SERIES
10-17-2003 04:31 PM
written by Matt Brady

(excerpt)

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.

Pérez and CrossGen
posted 10/2/03 12:46 AM

Hello, everyone.

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.

Pipeline, Issue #329: CROSSGEN IS DEAD; LONG LIVE CROSSGEN
Tuesday September 30, 2003
Augie De Blieck Jr.

(excerpt)

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?

Baltimore Comic-Con Recap, Part 1
Posted: Tuesday, September 23
By: Tim O'Shea

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.”

Baltimore Comic-Con Recap, Part 2
Posted: Wednesday, September 24
By: Tim O'Shea

(excerpt)

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.

NEGATION WAR #1 (of 6) (Errata) (Mar 2004)  CrossGen Comics

Crossgen at Baltimore Comic Con
posted 09-20-2003 09:51 PM

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!

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 had Tom Smith color some of my previous sketches from George and they turned out beautiful. George had some pieces at the CBLDF auction on Saturday. I was not there the whole time but I did see two of his pieces MORE FUN COMICS cover ($1,000.00) and Original Jim Lee/George Perez Sketch ($1,600.00) sold. George always gives his all when it comes to the CBLDF.

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!!!

My Baltimore Comicon Report
posted 9/21/03 7:29 PM

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.

THE WAR ROCKS THE CROSSGEN RPG!
09/12/2003

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.

PEREZ SIGNS "CALL TO ARMS"!

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.

In celebration of JLA/Avengers #1 reaching stores today, we thought you'd like a sneak peek of what George Pérez is cooking up next...

ALL THE RAGE: The Seventh Sign
Sunday, August 31
By Blair Marnell

(excerpt)

Off to War

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

CROSSGEN'S BUMPY ROAD
08-25-2003 06:49 PM by MattBrady

(excerpt)

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.

JLA / Avengers Release Date Set! Sojourn for $1.00?
Author: Robert Smithers
Published on: August 15, 2003

(excerpt)

======================

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.

[ Read more CrossGen's Press Releases ]

CrossGen Declares 'War'
August 11, 2003

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!"

MARZ ON THE DRUMBEAT TO CROSSGEN'S WAR
08-09-2003 01:36 AM

(excerpt)

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?)