Crux (comics)

Last updated
Crux
Crux first issue cover.jpg
Cover to Crux #1
Publication information
Publisher CrossGen
ScheduleMonthly
Format Ongoing series
Publication dateMay 2001 - February 2004
Main character(s)Capricia, Galvan, Zephyre, Verityn, Tug, Gammid

Crux is an American comic book published by CrossGen Entertainment from May 2001 to February 2004. It was cancelled due to bankruptcy in 2004.[ citation needed ]Crux was one of the later titles that came first in a sort of second wave of Crossgen titles which included Sojourn and Brath . It detailed the exploits of six Atlanteans who were put into stasis and are awoken 100,000 years later. [1]

Contents

Plot synopsis

The main story arc centered on Capricia and the other Atlanteans efforts to revive the remaining Atlanteans still in stasis and to find out what happened to the human race, and perhaps to a latter extent how to go through 'transition' themselves. The group go through a series of battles with Negation forces who eventually attempt a full-scale invasion of Earth.

During this time the group come across Australia hidden from the outside world due to a gigantic tachyon supercollider and find a 'transition' portal with humans getting ready to go through. They are attacked by a Negation squad leaving Tug blind for a time. Tug and Verityn then come across a 100,000-year-old Atlantean named Aristophanes, a legend they had heard stories about as children. The group also feels the loss of Gammid to the Negation Universe via 'transition' portal which was meant to lead him and the remaining humans found in Australia to a "higher plane of existence" but instead takes them to the Negation Universe.

They meet a couple of 'cowboys' who aren't who they appear to be during one of Danik's tests and Terra Cognito feature considerably giving information on Earth and the state of the local galaxy. The twins relationship is explored throughout, detailing their rivalry and their relationship with Zephyre. Capricia and Danik come to an eventual understanding and by the end of the series the motives of Danik are evident throughout all of the Sigilverse titles.

The group eventually revive the remaining Atlanteans just in time to mount an offensive against closing Negation forces. The series ends with the defeat of the Negation invasion of Earth, the mustering of Atlanteans by Danik and Capricia impregnated by Samandahl Rey (Sigil).

Storyline details

Pre-transition

Around 10,000 years before the birth of Christ there existed on Earth a race of human beings called Atlanteans. They were a race that evolved hundreds of years before mankind and who had finally reached the pinnacle of their civilisation. They inhabited the ancient city known as Atlantis. Atlantis was known as Atlan during an epoch where Atlantean society was of the warrior caste and battle was common. Atlantean society would eventually develop into a society based on five disciplines which would become the founding principles of Atlantean society. The five disciplines were Mind, Body, Spirit, Passion and Empathy.

As they had become advanced both scientifically and spiritually many Atlanteans thought it time to move onto a higher plane of existence, an event known as "transition". While many agreed others were still tied to their role as caretakers of the human race. Most Atlanteans believed that human beings would one day evolve to a level equal to that of the Atlanteans and that they would eventually be able to undergo a "transition" of their own. Those Atlanteans that would choose to remain behind would undergo "transition" with the human race when they finally achieved that goal.

As the two concepts of "transition" and mankind's well-being were of equal importance to the Atlanteans they choose to address both issues. Some chose to remain behind, to be placed into stasis until the time for guiding the human race arose, while most underwent "transition" and ascended to a higher plane of existence, albeit in an overwhelming orgy of energy that would damage all stasis tubes, impeding revival protocols, and also cause the city of Atlantis to sink deep under the sea, lost for 100,000 years.

Post-transition

100,000 years later an Atlantean known as Capricia is revived underwater by a strange man. Quickly tossed into a battle by this unknown benefactor Capricia is forced to quickly choose which of her fellow Atlanteans she should nominate for revival. Taking into account the five Atlantean disciplines Capricia chooses five Atlanteans, each of whom have mastery over their chosen discipline. Twin brothers Gammid and Galvan each of whom control one end of the electromagnetic spectrum, Zephyre for her super-speed, Verityn for his insight and Tug for his telekinetic expertise. Together they defeat their first foe in 100,000 years.

Crux members

Creators

Books

CrossGen released three trade paperback books containing the first part of the series:

In addition CrossGen announced two more books but these were never published due to CrossGen's bankruptcy:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlantis</span> Fictional island in Platos works

Atlantis is a fictional island mentioned in Plato's works Timaeus and Critias as part of an allegory on the hubris of nations. In the story, Atlantis is described as a naval empire that ruled all Western parts of the known world, making it the literary counter-image of the Achaemenid Empire. After an ill-fated attempt to conquer "Ancient Athens," Atlantis falls out of favor with the deities and submerges into the Atlantic Ocean. Since Plato describes Athens as resembling his ideal state in the Republic, the Atlantis story is meant to bear witness to the superiority of his concept of a state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquaman</span> DC Comic book superhero

Aquaman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73. Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo comic book series. During the late 1950s and 1960s superhero-revival period known as the Silver Age, he was a founding member of the Justice League. In the 1990s Modern Age, writers interpreted Aquaman's character more seriously, with storylines depicting the weight of his role as king of Atlantis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arion (character)</span> Fictional sword and sorcery superhero

Ahri'ahn is a fictional sword and sorcery superhero published by American company DC Comics. He debuted in Warlord #55, and was created by Paul Kupperberg and Jan Duursema. A powerful, immortal wizard from ancient Atlantis centuries before it sunk, the character originally starred in his own series taking place outside the main continuity of DC Comics. After appearing in Crisis on Infinite Earths, the character's history was adopted into the Aquaman version of Atlantis, revised to be a demigod serving as a member of the fictional group of cosmic entities known as the Lords of Order. The character's magical and scientific exploits and heroism in the fictional mythology of Atlantis makes him both a reverred figure and the cultural progenitor of the Homo magi race and their descendants, the Atlanteans. Depending on continuities, he also serves as an ancestor to various characters in the DC Universe, including Zatanna, Aquaman, and Ocean Master.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CrossGen</span> American comic book publisher

Cross Generation Comics or CrossGen was an American comic book publisher and entertainment company that operated from 1998 to 2004. The company's assets were acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 2004, and designated to Disney Publishing Worldwide. In July 2010, Disney re-established the brand through Marvel Comics, who announced plans to revive CrossGen titles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lords of Chaos and Order</span>

The Lords of Chaos and Order are a fictional group of supernatural entities featured in American comic books published by DC Comics. Although alluded to in 1st Issue Special #9, their physical appearance was first showcased in DC Special Series #10 (1978). While the group is commonly associated with Doctor Fate titles, they also hold prominent roles in various other comic book series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dolphin (character)</span> Comics character

Dolphin is a fictional character, a superheroine in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer-artist Jay Scott Pike, she debuted in Showcase #79.

Negation is a comic book series published from CrossGen. Tony Bedard was the writer for the entire run. Paul Pelletier was the artist for most of the issues, with an occasional fill-in artist on some issues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Llyra</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Llyra is a supervillainess appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serpent Crown</span>

The Serpent Crown is a fictional mystical power object appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Marie Severin, and first appeared in Sub-Mariner #9.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlantis in popular culture</span> Depictions of Atlantis in creative works

The legendary island of Atlantis has often been depicted in literature, television shows, films and works of popular culture.

Negation War is a comic book series published by CrossGen Comics, and serving as a culmination of the metaplots of nearly all of CrossGen's other titles. It was cancelled after only two issues, in spring 2004, before the company declared bankruptcy and ended production on all their titles. It was intended to answer many, if not all, of the questions surrounding CrossGen's metaplot, allowing the company to move on to new titles and perhaps a new company-wide metaplot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ocean Master</span> Comics character

Ocean Master is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy, and debuted in Aquaman #29. The character is frequently depicted as the half-brother of Aquaman frequently plotting to usurp the throne of the fictional kingdom of Atlantis, serving as one of the heroes' most enduring and recognizable adversaries. The character has had numerous origin stories throughout his comic book history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mera (character)</span> Fictional superhero character

Mera is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Miller and Nick Cardy, the character first appeared in Aquaman #11.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Backlash (Marc Slayton)</span> Comic book character

Backlash is a fictional character from the Wildstorm universe who first appeared in StormWatch #3 in 1993 and was featured in his own comic book series, which ran from 1994 to 1997. His daughter Jodi also uses the name.

<i>Solus</i> (comics)

Solus is an American comic book series written by Barbara Kesel and illustrated by George Pérez. It was published by CrossGen Entertainment from April to December 2003. It ran for eight issues until it was cancelled when Crossgen went bankrupt in 2004. This series was a late comer to the Crossgen line-up, but was intended to serve as a pivotal title within the overall Sigilverse history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siren (DC Comics)</span> DC Comics character

Siren is the name of two supervillains, both appearing in books published by DC Comics. The first character to use the name is Hila, the identical twin sister of Mera. Originating from the same underwater sub-realm as her sister, Hila was the younger twin and considered the black sheep of the family. She eventually makes herself an enemy of both Mera and Aquaman. The second Siren was a minor Lwa resembling a mermaid. An eco-terrorist, the second Siren joined forces with Vandal Savage and becomes an enemy of the Teen Titans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garth (comics)</span> Fictional superhero from DC Comics

Garth is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly associated with Aquaman and the Teen Titans. Created by writer Robert Bernstein and artist Ramona Fradon, he first appears in Adventure Comics #269 in February 1960. He was originally known as the first incarnation of Aqualad. As a young adult, the character used the alias Tempest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skartaris</span> Fantasy setting

Skartaris is a fictional Hollow Earth fantasy setting created by Mike Grell for the sword and sorcery comic book The Warlord, published by DC Comics. Skartaris debuted in 1st Issue Special #8, where the character Travis Morgan, a U.S. Air Force pilot, discovers a passage into this world through the Earth's North Pole. Subsequent to that first issue, the Warlord series tells of Morgan's adventures in Skartaris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlantis (Aquaman)</span> Fictitious place in DC Comics

Atlantis is the fictional aquatic-based civilization appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics commonly associated with the superhero, Aquaman. Its depiction is most recognizable one within DC Comics, first appearing in Adventure Comics #260, and was created by Robert Bernstein and Ramona Fradon. Typically either a reoccurring or main setting of most Aquaman stories, the nation is characterized as being inhabited by human-like beings and creatures with biological, aquatic adaptations as well as typically following a hereditary monarchy. Atlantis is portrayed within DC Universe as being among the oldest and most powerful of civilzations on Earth due to its advanced technology and connection to the arcane forces on Earth. Beginning as a utopia, the nation would collapse to the bottom of the ocean after a cataclysmic event. Over time, the nation's history would be embordered in conflict with regards to its succession of rulers, the nation's status as a superpower, its fictional cultural heritage, and the relationship with the global world in the modern age.

The fictional island of Atlantis frequently appears in popular culture, especially in comic books. The most notable examples are commonly related to Namor of Marvel Comics and a particular version of Aquaman in DC Comics.

References

  1. Raiteri, Steve (November 1, 2002). "Crux: Vol. 1: Atlantis Rising". Library Journal . 127 (18): 67–68. ProQuest   196785152 via Proquest.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Salpini, Susan (October 2002). "Atlantis Rising / Bitter Allies". School Library Journal . 48 (10): 198. ProQuest   211738397 via Proquest.
  3. "CRUX: Strangers in Atlantis". www.publishersweekly.com. June 16, 2003. Retrieved 2023-12-31.