Brath Prequel

    (CrossGen, 2003)
™ and ©2003 CrossGenerational Comics

Brath starts with a narrative by a Dominian soldier in the midst of a battle against Bradmanacus (known to his clansmen as Brath Mac Garen) and his warriors of Dun Garen. The plot moves quickly, as gorgeous full-page splashes immediately grab the reader’s attention. Dixon lays the groundwork of the series, as his Brath, who has been divinely inspired by his god Stag, works to defeat the armies of Dominian Emperor Quintillius Aurelius Galba Rex. That’s while Brath keeps his divergent clans under his command. The series seems to be based on the Roman Empire’s attempts to invade the United Kingdom.

The story is refreshing and should appeal to all sword-and-sorcery fans. The issues move quickly, as battles are supplemented with unrest and dissent at the home front. The supernatural is also highlighted, as Brath receives spiritual advice through dreams and wise men. Underlying the stories, the Dominian continually plans to conquer Brath and the Urelanders.

There should be more story and plot development, as these issues are dominated by superior art. Great pains are taken with the full-page splashes, not only to portray Brath, but also his clansmen, the enemy soldiers, and the landscapes. However, the face paint that Brath and his companions wear into battle seems to come straight from Braveheart. The issues entertain, as the plot successfully weaves elements of war and the supernatural with a thread of unrest and deception, all supported elegantly by great art.

— David Matteini / Comics Buyer‘s Guide’s Reading Room
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#1

February, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
7 copies available from $0.99 		Chuck DixonAndrea Di Vito