Writer: Tony Bedard
Artist: Paul Pelletier (p), Dave Meikis (i)
Publisher: CrossGen
Synopsis:
Danik finally reveals his plan to the leader of all the Sigil-Bearers, Samandahl Rey. The Negation Empire has invaded his reality, and it is now time to gather the various sigil-bearers together to confront this threat. And while Samandahl goes about rallying the troops, the planet of Elysia, home to the godlike race of the First, is under a surprise attack.
Critique:
"The time for hints and subterfuge is over!"
The synopsis says it all. This is the moment we've been waiting for since the Sigilverse was introduced. The Sigil-Bearers are gathering to face the Negation. The plot is direct and predictable. Nothing surprising happens and many old favorites make one panel cameos. Meanwhile, the forces of the Negation arrive on Elysia, readying for the showdown that's been teased for over two years, the Lawbringers versus the First. Again, no real surprises.
Is there any significant character development? Not really. Mordath and Samandahl get decent spotlight time, but no new character nuances get revealed. This is a very plot-focused issue that gives only cursory and shallow focus to the characters. There's wastefulness to the use of these characters; they are merely empty vessels through which the plot flows. This is especially evident in the scene with the First, where the overly dramatic Raamia gets a show-stopping surprise. Indulgent plotting buries any meaningful character depiction.
As always, the art team is spectacular. Pelletier creates exciting compositions, with a strong sense of narrative flow. Meikis gives weight and depth to the images with expert inking. Laura Martin brings everything to life with gorgeous colors. The art is the true selling point to this issue, as the story itself is a bit weak.
Appraisal:
"Soon another will arrive and invite us to fulfill our destinies."
This is an issue that will thrill people who are already disposed to like it. It's exciting to see our old Sigilverse favorites one more time, even if only for a panel. There's Giselle from Mystic. There's Sephie from Meridian. There are plenty more as well. I'm a long-time CrossGen fan, so there were some exciting moments for me. However, I can't let my fan sensibilities get in the way of honest critique.
The plot was skimpy and predictable. The characters were shallow. There's very little here to appeal to anyone who isn't already a CrossGen enthusiast. I'm shocked that Tony Bedard, one of my favorite writers, wrote this. It feels so hasty, almost amateurish, as if it's glorified fan-fiction about the Negation War; it's pure pandering to the fan base.
It's really a shame. This was supposed to be the Big Event, where all the diverse storylines came together in the creation of an unforgettable epic story. So far, it's more unremarkable. I know Bedard can do better than this; the Negation series was fantastic. This series has no soul. It is just a zombie, animated by fannish thrills and empty cameos. I hate seeing the Sigilverse end with a whimper.
Hopefully, the future issues will pull out of this nosedive, but my hopes are not high. Obviously, I don't recommend this issue.
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