Negation Prequel

    (CrossGen, 2001)
™ and © CrossGenerational Comics

Let’s see: A variety of beings with different strengths and powers mysteriously find themselves on an unknown world and are forced to fight each other. That’s the plot of many of the DC-Marvel crossover events, not to mention the Star Trek episode in which Kirk and Spock fought alongside Abe Lincoln against Genghis Khan and others.

Hmmm, aliens make an appearance, and they look just like the ones from the film Alien — so much that an argument for character trademark infringement could be made. Aren’t comics supposed to be a creative field?

Mysterious beings with god-like powers thwart the efforts of the characters to find out why they are where they are and who their captors are. Sounds a lot like the award-winning science-fiction “Riverworld” fiction by Philip Jose Farmer.

And does the world of fiction need yet another main character named Kaine?

If the reader is not aware, or can pretend not to be aware, of all these influences on Negation, it’s a good story. The premise provides plenty of fodder for conflict and mystery. The characters have sharply defined, strong and unique personalities. The pacing is very good — there’s never a dull moment, even outside the action scenes.

Nice touches include the characters discovering that the only edible fruit on the planet looks just like eyeballs and an arrogant character’s telling Kaine, “Stop trying to make me think like you.”

Negation becomes a monthly title in December, and here’s hoping it finds its own voice, instead of mimicking others.

On a final note, the page count is somewhat misleading — the actual story is only 32 pages long, but the issue is padded out with creator profiles, ads, and previews of other CrossGen titles.

— Todd Haefer
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#1

December, 2001
Cover Price: $2.95
9 copies available from $0.99 		Tony Bedard, Mark WaidPaul Pelletier