THE NEGATION: Baptism of Fire

This title brings readers a bit closer to the center of the CrossGen universe's fiendish maze of endlessly intertwined story lines. At least Charon, god-emperor of the evil empire called the Negation, is aware of the multiple dimensions where other CrossGen characters live. Because he wants to rule everyone, everywhere, he has kidnapped representatives of different races to test for their weaknesses before the Negation attacks them. However, a group of escapees from Charon's prison is beginning to sort out their strengths so they can attack the Negation. Typical of CrossGen titles, the sorting out of individual differences is done in explosive combat scenes. African-American military man Obregon Kaine has the intelligence and experience to realize he and his allies would be better off cooperating with Charon's forces, but he doesn't have one of the CrossGen sigils that would give him enhanced powers. All he can do is try to talk some sense into the squabbling rebels. Meanwhile, the action is enlivened by guest appearances by two of the Negation's more interesting subvillains: the implacable, leather-cloaked Lawbringer Qztr and the conniving, plush-toy-cute but malevolent Komptin. This collection's later pages neatly balance wild, wide-screen battles and the quiet enigma of a baby girl who's impervious to the Negation's power. Her presence signifies the movement of a large force under the action's surface, indicating there are more layers of plot to work through. So far, the Negation is doing a good job of doling out just enough clues to keep readers curious and semisatisfied. (June)