Most CrossGen titles are intelligent but calculating variations on commercially proven themes: easy to enjoy but difficult to love. Scion
is exceptional. Without ignoring its Star Wars
/Prince Valiant parentage, the story develops the emotionally potent themes of a young man working out his adult identity and of a swarm of genetically engineered Lesser Races craving freedom. Neither process is simple, so for once, CrossGen's policy of drawing out a plot interminably fits the material. In this collection of six issues of the monthly magazine, the young, blond, good-hearted Prince Ethan finds himself caught within a war between his family, the Heron Dynasty and the Raven Dynasty (led by malevolent Bron). Simultaneously, Ethan obtains a small island as a free refuge for members of the Lesser Races. As usual in CrossGen titles, conflicts of attitudes and values are settled by hand-to-hand combat, but this time the outcome feels important, as if these fictional characters embody issues that matter. It helps that Scion's
art is outstanding. Cheung (pencils), Hillsman (inks) and Ponsor (color) have a terrific feel for atmosphere in large spaces, whether in a seaside castle hall or a forest panorama. These sweeping views effectively contrast the battle scenes, where closeups are full of spraying sweat and notched armor, torn by bursts of pure light when Ethan and Bron draw on the energy of their CrossGen sigils. Scion
is a remarkably smart and good-looking comic. (Aug.)
FYI: Marz received a Harvey Award nomination for Best Writer last year for his work on
Scion , and the book was nominated for Best Continuing Series.
