NEGATION #21 REVIEW

['Stina Tosetti]

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/crossgen/21NGcover.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/crossgen/21NGcovert.jpg" align=left alt="Negation #21"></a>Reviewer: Christina Tosetti, TheLmperfect@aol.com
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: [Untitled]

Trapped in the bowels of a Negation prison, in the middle of a heated battle against monstrous and powerful Lawbringer LKQR, can Matua stop himself from drifting through time and help his friends, or is the writing on this wall written in blood?

Written by: Tony Bedard
Penciled by: Paul Pelletier
Inked by: Dave Meikis
Lettered by: Troy Peteri
Colored by: Laura Martin
President: Mark Alessi

Just recently, CrossGen released the latest issue of one of its best monthly comics: NEGATION. A lot of people might be scared off because they think that in order to read CrossGen, you have to pick up multiple titles, and NEGATION is especially integrated into this mythed requirement; however, while NEGATION is a big player in what's known as the Big Picture, it is also strong and, more importantly, coherent enough to stand on its own. This is a fantastic title for people who already love the CrossGen Universe (CGU), for those who want to get into it, and for those who just plain love a great story.

This is a group title with a great group dynamic. The great fear in a group title is that characterization will be completely lost behind some muddle of characters with some vague and general idea carbon-copied from one to the next, but there's no mistaking that NEGATION's team has unique characters and strong bonds. At the start of the series, a large group of individuals from all different CGU worlds was kidnapped into the dark and dangerous Negation Universe, ruled by the god-emperor Charon and his league of violent Lawbringers seeking to bring order---his order---to their realm. Those that survived the prison break have been fighting for their lives against alien races, vengeful Lawbringers, a god, and at times even themselves!

NEGATION #20 left us off in the middle of a breaking to a Negation detention center as the team seeks what they hope will be a key player in their fight to overthrown Charon and get back home. In NEGATION #21 the team is still at it, only now there's a Lawbringer in the way, and with Drake down and the rest of the team elsewhere, Matua has to face this threat at first alone.

But wait! What's more, Matua seems to be jumping through time, in the fight one minute, in his homelands with his wife (a very tastefully drawn and beautiful woman who defies the stick-thin stereotype) and children the next, a child again learning magic, and himself again in a time that would be just before or at the start of the series. What's great about this is that while it's a curious mystery for Matua to understand in this issue, there's still a bigger story going on and getting told in the background. Despite all this chronological hop-scotch, the story still flows right through, and just the right clues are given at the right times as we also learn more about Matua, strong, family-oriented, wise, loyal-and in this issue, up against odds that may just prove too great.

As I've said, however, NEGATION isn't just about one or two characters. This just happened to be Matua's turn to take that coveted center spotlight for a while. Mercer Drake, a sigil-bearer (meaning he's got some extra powers) and Evinlea, a member of a race of gods, also duke it out with the spindly, nightmarish Lawbringer keeping them from the goal of the team. This is a spot where some people may feel that there was a bit lacking, however, as it seemed the Lawbringer was able to give both of these pair some healthy battle retribution, while many fans are getting anxious to see Evinlea come in and totally waste an enemy. (Hey, it would look pretty cool with her eyes glowing that ominous crimson as she blasted away … ) Although, anyone who can stay in the proverbial ring with a being as nasty as Lawbringer LKQR (or any Lawbringer, for that matter) is pretty tough stuff, and she did get to use at least some of her firepower. Drake, on the other, unfortunate hand, puts on a rather less than spectacular show. It would have been interesting if he'd managed to be a little more useful at dishing it out instead of just being a target---repeatedly. He's going to have a headache! (I wonder if there's a Negation equivalent for Tylenol … ?)

In my opinion, however, one of the best Evinlea moments comes not from combat, but from after combat. Evinlea struggles against her own arrogance and feelings of superiority through this title, and even when she seems to be with the team, people have wondered, "How long until she sells out?" With her powers back, she shouldn't need the rest of the team, should she? But she's still around, and in this issue spares a moment that makes us wonder if she really can have respect for the team and stick with them. Does this mean maybe she's changing, or has the convenient time to leave just not shown up?

Speaking of showing up, this is the first issue of NEGATION for colorist Laura Martin, and it's absolutely fabulous! It's no wonder she's known for her talents. I flipped through the book pleased with its smooth transition and its somewhat more bold, dynamic colors. It may not have the same atmospheric drear and grit all the time, but on the other hand, Evinlea's got some beautiful power-colors on page 9 (as well as it's just done well overall!), and there's a page in this issue taking us to a furious reaction from the eternally calm Charon that's just plain gorgeous to really draw out that "Wow … !" effect.

Of course, the usual team members still shine as well. One of my personal favorite images is on page 11, where this withered, twisted Lawbringer that might remind readers of creatures from "Alien," manages a self-satisfied grin. It's a wonderfully articulated---and chilling---expression to pull from a creature so surreal. And there's some great contrast between the warm, intentional Arabian architecture of Matua's past and the chilling, messier world of the Negation Universe.

And let's not forget Tony Bedard, making sure that this is one of the fastest-paced comics out there, giving the reader surprises around every page-corner, including a surprise ending. I usually don't care much for the sci-fi genre, but NEGATION isn't your everyday sci-fi. It's an edgy world---a mad universe---with an eclectic cast you won't want to miss!

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[Riliss]

hmmmm. i think i'll give this title a shot.

[spam]

'this title' is very good . i don't read any other crossgen titles regularly, but i'm hooked on this one. the writing is great, the characters are great, and the drama and tension are real. or more real anyway.

if you like quality story, pick up the first trade - if you like that, it only gets better.

[queenvolcano]

I only read two CrossGen titles, both by Tony Bedard: Negation and Route 666. I strongly recommend both. If you like Exiles you will love Negation, and honestly, I think that Negation is superior to the current Exiles. Through 21 issues now it has been consistently excellent.

We don't know much about Drake yet, but I don't think his powers were really at full strength in this issue... I think they only work well when he is on the offensive, not the defensive. And I am so glad Evinlea got schooled. She was way too cocky about being back at full strength. I thought the scene really illustrated how much the "heavy hitters" really need Obregon Kaine for strategy.

[pennywise]

I love Negation! I read all of the CrossGen books each month and this title is consistently among my top 5.

Good review, btw!!:clown:

[camax]

While I haven't gotten to read this particular issue yet, I have to echo the sentiments of this being one of my favorite comics among all publishers. Every month Negation is an exciting joy to read!

I started to check out CrossGen a little over a year ago back through thier Comics on the Web program. After reading a few issues online, I had to go to my comic shop and buy all the back issues of Negation (about 8-9 at the time) and absolutely loved them. I had to add them to my monthly pull list immediately. Been collecting that title as my only monthly title from Crossgen since then, regardless of still having my onlune subscription.

Bottom line: if you are a fan of sci-fi reading and/or movies, this is the best comic you could read!