I found the first issue of Crux to be entertaining, but it didn't hook me, and I quickly lost touch with the title. A few weeks back, I noticed that the upcoming 22nd issue was one of CrossGen's new "key issues" -- accessible jumping-on points for new readers. I decided to check the book out again, and again, I found some fun characters and stunning artwork. But once again, I don't think I'm hooked enough to keep up with the title.
The awakened Atlanteans and their human friend return to the ruins of Atlantis, and they quickly sense that something is not as it should be. Verityn, the young psychic boy, senses there are other Atlanteans in the area, and they are awake as well. Two of the more enthusiastic and naive members of their group are struck down out of the others' view, and their leader, the shape-shifting Capricia, is spirited away by the mysterious Danik, who warns of a coming threat that only she can prevent. As for the others, they run into trouble.
Epting's artwork here is stunning. He and Paris bring Atlantis to life in rich detail. The ruins are both beautiful and disheartening, as we realize that an even more magical place was lost to time. The character designs remain sharp and distinct, and I love the creepy, inhuman quality Epting instills in the ever-cold Capricia. Epting's work here reminds me a great deal of the style of another CrossGen artist: Sojourn's Greg Land, with a grittier quality thrown in for good measure. There's also a hint of Mike (Exiles) McKone in there as well The colors boasts that trademark CrossGen brightness and energy, but it also maintains the dark, supernatural tone of the line art and the script as well.
Two characters really stand out in this issue. Verityn is a nice study in contrasts. His powers are all about perception and wisdom, but he's the child of the group and boasts an appropriate tone of innocence. And then there's Geromi, the human being who's tagging along with these powerful Atlanteans. His colloquial dialogue and attitude makes him the reader's gateway into this fantastic vision of a future of science and magic.
The accessibility of this "key issue" makes it clear that these Atlanteans find themselves in a world with no purpose, and while I appreciate the tragic tone of that premise, it also makes for some confusion as to what's going on. I really don't get a sense of what drives these characters, save for Capricia, who alone knows of her special destiny and the burden of responsibility that brings with it. It makes for something of a direction-less read.
