| January 23, 2004 | Entire Perez's Solus on COW |
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From Vu
 SOLUS #1
(Apr 2003)
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SOLUS #2
(May 2003)
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SOLUS #3
(Jun 2003)
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SOLUS #4
(Jul 2003)
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SOLUS #6
(Jul 2003)
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SOLUS #7
(Jul 2003)
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For $2, you can view George Pérez's entire
SOLUS issues on CrossGen's
Comics on the Web.
The first issue is free to view, so definitely check it out.
Also note that CROSSGEN CHRONICLES #2,
CROSSGEN CHRONICLES #3,
CROSSGEN CHRONICLES #4, and
CROSSGEN CHRONICLES #5 are also available on C.O.W.
>>>
solus
Long ago, a plan was formed.
Conceived and guided by one being who pretended to advise another,
it was succeeding, gaining momentum against the growing danger it was intended to negate.
But then it was discovered...
AVAILABLE ISSUES
Solus 1
Solus 2
Solus 3
Solus 4
Solus 5
Solus 6
Solus 7
| October 27, 2003 | CG's Digital Comic Books |
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From Vu
MERIDIAN vol 2
(Sep 2003), Intec Interactive
|
I picked up Intec Interactive's DIGITAL COMIC BOOK: MERIDIAN vol 2 (Sep 2003) at Game Stop at the local mall today, which had a selection of the CrossGen DVDs. They were all released on 9/15/2003 and retails for $9.99.
Each episodes (8-14), which was originally published as MERIDIAN #8-14 , features voice actors and sound effects and runs for 118 minutes (with extras). Although there are word bubbles, no reading is actually required because of the voice actors. In fact, I am listening to CHAPTER 13 as I'm typing this...
From the looks of it, all the Digital Comics have the same "Special Features" ("How Comic Books Are Made", Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, and Digital Comic Book trailers), with the exception of the character bios.
Anyway, I have have included some random screen captures of what the actual comic book looks like. You must imagine that the camera is usually panning and that there are special background music as well as sound effects.
CHAPTER 11, art by Steve McNivens / Tom Simmons
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CHAPTER 13, art by Derec Aucoin
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DEREN BEQ Biography
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The "How Comic Book Are Made" featurette is probably the best part of the DVD. The featurette includes interviews with Chuck Dixon (writer), Bart Sears (penciler), Rick Magyar (inker), Laura DePuy (colorist), Dave Lanphear (letterer), and narrated by Bill Rosemann.
Here are quotes from people who have worked with George Pérez:
RICK MAGYAR
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"I'm pretty adaptable to whatever is thrown at me. I'm not an inker who sort of says 'This is the way I do things. I'm always going to do it the same, whoever I work over'. I like the variety of working with different pencilers, because you learn something and you take away a little bit from the person you ink and it becomes part of your inking style, as it were. That's why I love about CrossGen, we do have a variety of things to do. Hopefully, at some point, I can dip into quite a range there of over the years. But I've had some good opportunity already, working on CRUX and now SOLUS. It doesn't really matter what you throw at me, pretty much I just love the form in general."
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DAVE LANPHEAR
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"We have to look very closely at what the artist have done. They establish a flow on the page.
We always try to be careful to the fact that there are images in each panel that the reader needs to see in order to understand the story.
I'm always looking for ways to place the word balloons in different areas to bring the readers from left to right or top to bottom."
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The inker segment of the documentary features a few pages of SOLUS #1-4, and showed Rick inking page 10 of SOLUS #4.
| June 19, 2003 | CrossCurrents (Jun 03) |
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From
SOLUS #4
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SOLUS #1
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SOLUS #2
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SOLUS #3
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SOLUS #4
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CROSSCURRENTS (Jun 2003)
By Gina M Villa
You've waited. You've wondered. And now it's payoff time. It's also True Confessions time. We've always said that all our books stand alone, that you need not read all of them to understand and enjoy one and while that promise remains unbroken, we've also added something special to the mix: one book that illuminates all others. A book called SOLUS.
If you're a longtime George Pérez fan, you certain can read only this book to enjoy his art. And if you love Barbara Kesel's ability to weave dense mysteries, you can also read it to enjoy a star-spanning story of a woman searching for herself, but you'd be missing out. There's so much more.
In all honesty, SOLUS is the linchpin title to our entire universe. If you're a loyal reader, a fan that's followed our saga since it began, then you need to read this book. You'll want to read it. You owe it to yourself to read it. So, yes, all of our books stand on their own two feet… but SOLUS it the rock that anchors the ground they all stand on.
As you can imagine, we've been asked: "Why did you put George Pérez - an artist who will attract readers who have never picked up a CrossGen title - on a book so enmeshed in your overarching uber-story?"
Simply put, you guys are the best, most faithful, fans in the world - bar none - and you deserve the best we can give you. Sure, we like to think we do that every issue, every month, but as we planned for this big "Year in Reveals" in the CrossGen Universe, we wanted to do something extra special for those of you who have followed and supported us from the beginning. We decided that the best way to do that was to have one of the best artists in the world draw the book that will be a the primary vehicle used to bring together the many threads we've been weaving up to this point. We're grateful to you, we owe you that, and you deserve it. Thus, you have SOLUS, penciled by the legendary George Pérez (and beautifully enhanced by Rick Magyar and Larry Molinar).
Take my word for it: something big is on the way. The mysteries you've been pondering are about to be divulged. The secrets are about to be revealed. And SOLUS is where it's gonna happen!
| June 2, 2003 | CG Convention Stand |
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From Vu
CROSSGEN COMICS CONVENTION STAND
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I noticed this in the background
CGE Forums.
Although these things were made exclusively for conventions by CrossGen, I thought I'd add it to my checklist that it uses material from SOLUS #1.
Art by George Pérez/Rick Magyar and colors by Larry Molinar
Photo by Courtland.
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| May 17, 2003 | Kesel Answers Questions |
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From
CGE Forums
Topic: The writer speaks! (spoilers)
posted 05-17-2003 08:36 AM by
Beeber
LINDY KARSTEN, aka RADIANT, first appearance in SOLUS #1 (Apr 03)
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HOUND, first appearance in SOLUS #1 (Apr 03)
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INFOE, first appearance in SOLUS #1 (Apr 03)
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INFOE (Attack Mode), first appearance in SOLUS #1 (Apr 03)
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Will we see Infoe again?
Maybe...I've got one future storyline that might go an "a" or "b" route. We'll see.
Will more Sigil-Bearers lose sigils and power to Andra?
Oh yeah, you betcha.
Will we go to the Ruse or Mystic worlds anytime soon?
We'll visit one of the two before issue 12.
Will we see the world of the "blue furry guy?"
You do realize that it's blue furry GUYS, right? No plans to go there just yet.
Where does energy of dead Danik avatars go?
Back to the store of universal energies Danik refers to as "the Whole." While Danik is a specific manipulator of energy, the actual energy used by all characters is the same. It's the application of that energy (the manifestation, aka their "powers") and the level of energy each character can store and manipulate that's different.
More Lindy?
Of course.
Is the Hound Danik's Lawbringer?
Not exactly. Charon created the Lawbringers out of his own emotions bound to power and given autonomy (well, autonomy with a leash...) while the Hound was created as the agent of one task: find "it." It was created by Danik, not OF Danik...
Why were the five Sigil-Bearers in issue one chosen?
Those five are just a representative sample of the very many more Sigil-Bearers who each received a piece of Andra's memories.
And I think that catches me up with this batch of questions! See ya...
| May 5, 2003 | Solus #1 Annotations |
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From Vu
Since SOLUS have left a lot of (new) readers confused, Jason have written a detailed explanation of what happened in the first issue on his website Blinding Radiant.
Here is an excerpt:
Solus #1 Annotations
written by Jason Bourgeois
Page 18, Panel 5: This flashback appears to occur from touching Radiant. The man is Altwaal, the first of the First, a race of self-proclaimed Gods, who believe themselves to be the first beings in the universe. This appears to be a memory of Solusandra's, presenting to him a Sword. Six other weapons are mentioned, and those are a bow (Likely Ayden's bow in Sojourn), gauntlet and shield (Seen in The First), Rod of Office (Currently in the Path), spear, circlet (Both yet unseen). This is the Sword's first appearance.
Page 19, panel 6: This is Zeuss' true appearance, and in the confusion, he has mistaken Andra for Radiant.
Panel 7: Andra gets her new name.
Page 20: The introduction of Infoe, whom you will note has orange eyes, marking him as Lindy Karsten's mentor, and an aspect of Danik.
Page 20: The introduction of Infoe, whom you will note has orange eyes, marking him as Lindy Karsten's mentor, and an aspect of Danik.
See also May 2, 2003 | Kesel Speaks.
| May 2, 2003 | Kesel Speaks |
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From Barbara Kesel, via CGE Forum
Topic: Pssst! Hey, you!
posted 05-02-2003 05:42 PM by Beeber
Let me let you in on some of the backstage thinking here at the continuity capital of the CrossGen Universe, aka SOLUS. When we started putting together this title, we had one goal in mind: reward the faithful. Not that we want to leave anyone new out of the picture, but we did want to show off the Big Picture for our loyal fans.
This book was designed to reward all those readers who stayed up late nights trying to win the deliberately difficult Wizard contest. We want to keep lobbing easter eggs to the CrossGeners, paying off on the little hints that those readers have scoured our pages to find. There are hundreds of Sigil-Bearers in our universe, and we hope to introduce you to as many of them as we can stuff in here while exploding the story of Andra across the starry skies. If George Pérez is the best we’ve got, our fans deserve to get him on a title catering to them. The CrossGen universe is a big ol’ place, and who better to cram it all inside a mere 22 pages than George?
If you’re a new reader, you are probably finding this book a little scary. That’s okay—it’s a little like being dropped off downtown in the biggest city in a foreign country—all confusion until you find your own personal Rosetta stone. We’ll try to make you comfortable until it all starts making sense. Lindy’s your key to comprehension; as she quizzes Andra to learn more, so will you.
There’s a lot to our universe, and even more in development. We’ve got a lot of things brewing in the stew, and SOLUS is the key to it all!
| May 1, 2003 | More Solus Reviews |
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From Silver Bullet Comics, thanks to Bill Rosemann
REVIEW: Solus #2
Posted: Thursday, May 1
By: Paul Dale Roberts
Meet Andra Radiant! This lady once had godlike powers, but her powers were dispersed to other worlds. She has to collect her memories and her Sigil symbol from all of the Sigil bearers to become what she once was. "Energy can be neither created nor destroyed" is the start of a debate in this story. A debate in which I am fascinated with. Like the energy that surrounds our living bodies, when we are deceased it is released, an aura of energy, in which people refer to as ghosts or souls....but, that is my theory.
See a comic book like this gets the reader thinking about all kinds of stuff! If you want energy, there is plenty of energy in this comic book! Energy that comes alive through the story and the artwork! A power cosmic that is unbelievable! You will have to check out the unusual weapons in this issue too, like The Circlet and 6 other mysterious weapons. The Seven Weapons of Altwaal are shown in their full glory in this exciting story. If you want to understand the CGE Universe a little bit better, then this is a definite must read!
From Digital Webbing, thanks to Bill Rosemann
REVIEWS:Solus #1 and #2
Reviewer: Ian Ascher
(excerpt)
The plan has collapsed. The grand design has been discovered and destroyed. The CrossGen Universe will never be the same. Welcome to Solus, a lone planet in the CrossGen Universe that is home to a unique individual; a god like woman with no memory of who she is or where she came form before being reborn by the planet itself. Shortly after she awakens, she is transported to the planet Helios where Virtual Reality Games control peoples lives and becomes engaged in a battle between that planet's heroine Andra and her arch nemesis Zeuss. The outcome shakes the planet's foundation to its core and all three lives are altered forever.
CrossGen does with Solus what they have already been doing with Crux. They have been building on the shared mythology of their universe and characters, taking us slowly down a road to what is bound to be one hell of a story. The first two issues of the series introduce readers to all kinds of clues and information one would only get by reading other CrossGen titles. Still, you can read Solus and not pick up any other issue of a CrossGen book and you would get a complete story and not be lost or confused.
| May 1, 2003 | Wizard #141 Pérezspotting |
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From WIZARD: THE COMICS MAGAZINE #141 (Jun 03)
GAMES WE WANNA SEE
By Joshua Elder
published in WIZARD: THE COMICS MAGAZINE #141 (Jun 03)
www.wizarduniverse.com
(excerpt)
THE GAME Andra Radiant, star of Solus by writer Barbara Kesel and artist George Pérez, journeys to the myriad worlds of the CrossGen Universe in her quest to unlock the secrets of her past. Cast from the same mold as Squaresoft's Kingdom Hearts, the CrossGen game would be primarily a first-person action RPG with a variety of mini-games approriate to each world (i.e. a starfighter sim for Sigil or a real-time strategy game for Scion) woven into the story.
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5 QUESTIONS WITH ALEX ROSS
(excerpt)
1. George Pérez claims to hate drawing cars, especially moving cars. What do you hate?
I'm not a big lover of the mechanical. I've done a lot of buildings in my career - it adds to the grandeur of believing in a scene- but I really have no love for doing technical equipment. I have no appreciation for guns. I have no understanding of them, even having the reference to draw them. If I could draw comics where nobody ever had a gun, I'd be in good shape. It's why I like superheroes - there's no guns generally.
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(Vu:
George Pérez dropped to #5 on the TOP TEN ARTIST from #4 last month. Predicition: George will be #1 when AVENGERS/JLA #1 hit the stand. Move over, Jim Lee! Incidentally, 10,000 is the number of CrossGen issues Mile High Comics owner Chuck Rozanski purchases a month just to store in his warehouse.)
| April 30, 2003 | 411 Mania Review Solus |
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From 411 Mania, thanks to Bill Rosemann
Is Solus more than George Perez eye candy?
Posted on 04.29.03
Reviewer: Mike "Skitch" Maillaro
I hate to start off on a negative note, but I have to say that Solus 1 was one of the most disheartening comics I’ve ever read. The art was gorgeous, and the dialogue was pretty tight, but I really had no clue what happened in the comic. Basically all I was really sure of was that one of my favorite CrossGen characters (Danik from Crux) was there, but I had no clue why. Thankfully, Solus 2 was a much clearer and more enjoyable book. In fact, the “last issue” page helped me understand Solus 1 and after rereading it, it was a much better comic.
...
The best part of this issue, of course, is George Perez’s art. He is truly a master artist, and Solus makes me even more excited about JLA/Avengers. I usually don’t pay too much attention to comic art, but Perez always makes me stop and appreciate his work.
CrossGen’s main “sigil” storyline is supposed to last five years, and this is the end of year three. Everything seems to be coming to a major head, and I expect the next two years are going to be exciting times to be CrossGen fans. Solus seems to be at the heart of this, and I truly expect this will end up being one of CrossGen’s best titles.
Final Score: 7.5
| April 29, 2003 | Solus Numbers |
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From Vu
ICv2 reported estimate comics sold for SOLUS #1 (which was ranked #77, the highest CrossGen comics on the chart). The numbers they got was
27,008 copies.
| April 28, 2003 | Space 2003: The Comics |
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From Slush Factory
SPACE 2003: The Comics
By Rich Watson
04.28.03
(excerpt)
A few other comics I’ve been reading: like a number of people, I was baffled as all heck over Solus (CrossGen). Barbara Kesel has done a wonderful job with Meridian, but The First is a mixed bag at best that appeals more to the diehard fans from what I’ve seen, and now she’s launched a book heavily steeped in the overall story arc running throughout the CGU books. Those other books revealed their connections to the big arc slowly, throughout the course of their stories. Solus just threw them out at once, and without any context, it came across as more than a little confusing. That said, however, the basic premise remains interesting, and George Perez’s art rocks as usual, so I’ll continue reading it for now – albeit very cautiously…
| April 28, 2003 | Site Update |
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From Vu
Julie Rapp as Wonder Woman
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ATTENTION: Please do not pay $$ for the PITTSBURGH COMICON PROGRAM BOOK 2003. These things were give out FREE if you attended the Pittsburgh Comicon 2003 and they will be available for FREE on their website www.pittsburghcomicon.com.
If you desperately need one, please post in the Forum that you are looking for one - someone (I know there are a few out there that's nice enough) will send you a free copy, if you just send them a few dollars to cover for postage.
It's pretty awful that someone is charging $5.99 for a signed copy on Ebay. It's just wrong.
Anyway, there is an article on the new Teen Titans Comic on Diamond Comics. Nothing really new, except that I didn't know that Superman, Batman, and the two Flashes (Jay & Wally) are guest-starring in the first issue.
One last thing, I hate to admit it, but with the two issue of SOLUS doesn't really impressed me (storywise). As always I'm impressed and blown away by the artwork but the writing really doesn't explain much (see above excerpt from Rich Watson). Maybe it was because the same week that I got SOLUS #2, I also received TOM STRONG #20, which was absolutely an amazing story, only to read SOLUS and be disappointed. However, I should point out that Alan Moore is a genius so there's really no comparison.
I was talking to Marcus earlier and he didn't know that Adam Hughes uses a model for his Wonder Woman cover. So, I'm assuming a lot of other fans don't know this small detail as well - so here is a scan of his model, Julie Rapp, as published in COMIC BOOK ARTIST #21.
| April 22, 2003 | Solus Custom Prints |
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From Tony Lorenz, via Forum
Topic: Framegods
posted 4/21/03 10:28 PM
I just had to put a plug out to these nice people at www.framegods.com.
I just ordered 6 huge 20 x 30 prints, incrediable quality and with the membership and the editional 20% discount, it came out to $18.00 a print, a great price. They've just added three Solus prints for sale and if you don't want them that big, you can get them 12 x 18 with membership and extra discount for around $11.00 each. You can get to there site through Crossgen under custom prints. Tell them Tony sent you.
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SALE SPECIALS
45 NEW ART PRINTS on
!! S A L E !! S A L E !!
20% OFF ON PURCHASES OF 1+ ITEMS!! CLUB MEMBERS RECIEVE AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF ON ALL PURCHASES!!
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| April 21, 2003 | Solus #1 Ranked #77 |
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From Pulse
DIAMOND: TOP 300 COMICS FOR MARCH
posted 04-21-2003 10:54 AM
| Qty
| Retail
| Index
| Code
| Title
| Price
| Pub |
77
92
99
|
72
87
99
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19.97
16.92
15.33
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JAN032067
JAN032069
JAN032051
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SOLUS #1
SOJOURN #21
BRIAN PULIDO LADY DEATH #2 MEDIEVAL TALE
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$2.95
$2.95
$2.95
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CRO
CRO
CRO
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| April 17, 2003 | Solus #2 Preview |
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From Hero Realm, thanks to Bill Rosemann
Lynchpin Title Delivers Shocking Secrets & Out-Of-This-World Art!
Last month SOLUS #1 rocked readers with a mix of wild revelations and amazing art. We're counting down to an explosion of major events in the CrossGen Universe, and this lynchpin title stands at the center of it all. And now that you know how the gang in the CrossGen Bullpen view SOLUS, let's hear what the industry thought of CrossGen's latest stunner:
"CrossGen scored a jaw-dropping coup a year ago when it signed George Pérez to its stable...Written by Barbara Kesel, SOLUS introduces us to Andra Radiant, a woman whose life is in pieces. On different planets. In different time periods. And you thought you had it rough." -Andrew Smith, The Memphis Commercial Appeal
"George Pérez's art truly has never looked better." -Comix View
"Hallelujah! George Pérez is penciling a monthly book again! SOLUS is a mysterious, puzzling, maddening, beautiful book. The art is contagious...Pérez fans should run out and buy this book, as it looks like he is better than ever." -4ColorReview.com
"This is a beautiful book through and through. Pérez really outdoes himself, and is well supported by (inker) Rick Magyar and (colorist) Larry Molinar. Combined with what is really some of Kesel's best writing for CrossGen and you've got a book that's good for new and old readers
alike, and a definite hit." -Comixtreme.com
"SOLUS will take you beyond the realms of imagination!" -SilverBulletComicBooks.com
"Barbara Kesel is really providing some groundbreaking information for those readers who have been reading CrossGen since the beginning, and definitely given new readers some insight to what ties the CrossGen Universe together...meanwhile CrossGen's list of artists continues to dwarf most of the other companies in this industry, and SOLUS is just one more book that looks gorgeous." -Chris Partin, PaperBackReader.com
And FanboyRadio.com's short but sweet review really sums it up: "SOLUS: George Pérez + CG Colors + Cosmic Action = :) "
So if you crave mind-blowing art and big revelations, then pick up SOLUS #2 on sale April 23rd! Big things are coming... and Andra will put you at the center of it all!
Your Friend @ CrossGen,
Bill Rosemann
SOLUS #2 Cover
Page 1
Pages 2-3
Pages 4-5
| April 2, 2003 | Solus #1 Reviews |
|
From Bill Rosemann
Comixtreme.com
SOLUS #1 REVIEW
Reviewer: Meg Spencer
(excerpt)
The second way you can read this book is as a fan of the larger CrossGen universe, and man, is there a lot here for those of us who’ve been following those plotlines. Here we see Sigil-Bearers, mentors and “the grand plan” on a whole new scale, and in a whole new light, and if you’re following all those larger plotlines you might just have to reevaluate just about everything you’ve seen up to this point. Exciting? Oh yes.
This is a beautiful book, through and through. Perez really outdoes himself, and is well supported by Magyar (formerly of Crux and, with Perez, CrossGen Chronicles) and Molinar. Combined with what is really some of Kesel’s best writing for CrossGen and you’ve got a book that’s good for new readers and old readers alike, and a definite hit.
Silver Bullet Comic
Solus #1
Posted: Tuesday, April 1
By: Paul Dale Roberts
(excerpt)
What is reality and what is unreality is the question. Andra Radiant doesn't have any memory of her past incarnation as Solusandra, so this will be a mysterious story that is part of the CrossGen Universe, since Sigils are involved. Andra Radiant finds herself against some robotic creatures and she unleashes a great power. And to think she is only on level 1 of this game!
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| March 31, 2003 | Solus Review at Scoop |
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From Scoop
Perez Returns to a Monthy Comic Book with Solus #1
Superstars, Scoop, Friday, March 28, 2003
This past Wednesday, March 26, marked a very exciting day for CrossGen and for comic book fans all over as Solus #1 hit the stands. This is the book that, at long last, signified the return of industry legend George Perez to a monthly title.
Naturally, George's return has many fans excited. Perhaps the staff at Wizard put it best, however, when they said, "This cosmic, star-spanning saga about a woman on the run has us excited like teenaged girls at a Josh Harnett sighting."
So if you haven't picked up your copy yet, what on earth are you waiting for? The action is fierce and the plot twists will have you clamoring for more!
| March 31, 2003 | New Solus Wallpapers |
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From CrossGen Wallpapers,
thanks to GloryQuest
| March 31, 2003 | Solus Reviews at HR |
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From Hero Realm, thanks to
punkmonkey
Hero Realm Reviews for March 29th, 2003
(excerpt)
Reviewed by Kristin Elyse:
The art was nothing to write home about either. In fact, the art only proved detrimental to the story. I respect George Perez – I may not have the kind of fan boy dog devotion of so many, but I bought Cross Gen Chronicles #2 and I saw the genius. But some of the action scenes required too much study and exactly what was happening to Solusandra in between the crash and the virtual reality game isn’t clear – there was some bubbles and a tree and…I don’t know. The scenes with the virtual creatures were also very confusing, though, I think this was due to the coloring. The coloring really sucks. Cross Gen usually has beautiful coloring, but this stuff is dreadful. Besides being way too dark in places that really didn’t need to be dark, the mix of colors and their specific hues is rather unattractive. Brilliant coloring is usually a staple of Cross Gen, and if any book calls for it it’s this one, but this issue is filled with muddy browns and ugly blues. Really, it’s a shame that they would showcase Perez’s art is such a way, because there is still some rather pretty panels of the female characters.
Reviewed by James Tonn:
People take note: George Perez is once again penciling! Yes, far and away the initial draw of Solus has to be the wonders that George Perez can lay down on paper. His artistic talents chronicle the being of Solusandra, an incredible power of creation that was apparently ousted from her duties and cast away from her heavenly brethren. Perez’s pencils are fantastic in chronicling the scope of universe destruction as major players are wielding planets and tossing the general cosmos against each other in fiery clashes. His figure work is topnotch as always, and I’m really glad to see that that hasn’t lost a step. He tells a vivid story and leaves nothing at home. He truly brings his A game, and that in itself is something worth reading.
Reviewed by Jared Moraitis:
My only real complaint about this issue is a sort of sidebar feature that runs down the length of several of the pages in this book. They’re meant to be speech balloons of a sort for a talking avatar who is apparently the guide to scenario space. At first, I thought this was a rather cool feature to introduce us to scenario space, but it soon turned into an annoyance. No matter how much or little the avatar has to say, the text box runs the entire length of the page. One page has the avatar uttering only the phrase “Gamers, I don’t think I like this at all” and the rest of the box is completely blank (save for the avatar’s face). That just leaves less room for Perez’s art, giving it a crowded feel on those particular pages. I think it works much better on the one page where it runs along the width of the bottom of the page instead, leaving the art room to stretch out a bit. Nothing major, and certainly nothing to detract from the readability or value of the book.
| March 28, 2003 | CrossCurrents (Mar 2003) |
|
From SOLUS #1
CROSSCURRENTS
By Gina M Villa
This month marks the debut of SOLUS, and I'm really excited about it. The art is by George Pérez, Rick Magyar and Larry Molinar is peerless, and Barbara Kesel is doing a tremendous job weaving a compelling and action-packed storyline for the book. As the main characters, Andra and Lindy, travel to the far corners of the CGU looking for their own answers, their adventures will touch upon some of the mysteries that have been building in our universe since it's inception, and continue the trend we've already established of 2003 being a big year for reveals throughout our line. For those of you who read many of our titles and are deeply involved in our uber-story, this year should tie together a lot of the threads. And, if you're one of the people who follow our less continuity-driven books, none of this will interfere with your enjoyment of them. Talk about having the best of both worlds!
| March 28, 2003 | Solus #2 Sent to Printer |
|
From CrossGen Forums
Topic: What incredible art!
posted 03-27-2003 01:56 PM
posted by Beeber
Now that issue one is out, let me take a moment to scream praise at the incredible art team of George "Um, George, well, SOLUS will be about, um, let me sum it up this way: do you have an hour?" Perez, Rick "calm under fire and patient while listening through a long-winded explanation" Magyar, Larry "New Kid RAWKS! but if you keep playing goalie against me, you'd better prepare to die on the foosball table" Molinar, and Dave "Oooh! I have this idea about how to do the Gameface cpations!" Lanphear. This book was an especially complicated one to put together (and an especially complicated one to read, yeah, I know) and these guys really did it up proud. I couldn't be happier with the end result of a title that's been in different levels of development for two years.
And we sent issue 2 to the printer today!
| March 27, 2003 | Solus #1: Pérez Profile |
|
From SOLUS #1
PENCILER
GEORGE PEREZ
GAMER HIGHLIGHTS: George's alter egos are legendary. From the Titan of Myth to the Avenger of Justice, characters created by the talented man with the artistic flair live on in myriad quadrants.
Players elevating to player-character level often remember interactiving with a Pérez avatar fromw hen they were young.
| March 26, 2003 | Solus #1 Review |
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From Vu
What can I say? George is at his best right now, and he only gets better!! Looking at all 34 pages of artwork, you can tell that a lot of love and work went into the first issue.
My comic book store, Outpost 2000 reported that by 12 O'Clock that all his extra SOLUS #1 were completely sold out. He had to get back to Diamond and reorder for next week's shipment. I'm assuming that this phenomenon is happening all across the state, which means that CrossGen's rank might change on the top 100 comics.
Incidentally, SOLUS #1 was the number three "Independent Top 100 Comics". It was right under two TRANSFORMERS comic book. As you know TRANSFORMERS was ranked #1 on the regular top 100 several months in a row according to Diamond, so it's actually no surprise that it is the number one Indie book. Still, number three is very high up there. Sadly, like all ongoing series, these books almost never climb in rank on the top 100.
So, anyway, if you're a regular visitor to this website, you've probably already seen a majority of the pages in the SOLUS #1 PREVIEW, but let me tell you that the colors really add a whole new dimension to it.
The first issue shows Andra waking up from the cosmic battle to find herself in a world that's consumed by a video game. Something like a MORPG (you know, "Everquest"), and the all the world's addicted to this game. I won't give away too much of the story, but basically she is going from world to world trying to collect pieces of herself.
SOLUS #1 is another brilliant addition to your Pérez collection.
| March 26, 2003 | CC's Solus Preview |
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From Comics Continuum
FIRST LOOK: SOLUS #1
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
by RobAlls(a)aol.com
Solus #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from CrossGen Comics. The issue is written by Barbara Kesel, with art by George Perez and Rick Magyar and colors by Larry Molinar.
Here's how CrossGen describes the issue:
"Audra (Andra) Radiant is putting the pieces of her life back together. The problem is that they're all scattered on different worlds. Watch as Audra goes from pulp hero to barbarian warrior, changing identities as she tours the worlds of the CrossGen Universe in search of herself. The answers she finds will change her life - and change the universe forever."
Solus #1 will be 48 pages and will cost $2.95.
Page 1
Pages 2-3
Pages 4-5
| March 25, 2003 | Slush Factory's Solus Preview |
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From Slush Factory
Comic Preview: CrossGen's Solus #1
By Brian Jacks
03.26.03
CrossGen has provided Slush with four pages from the debut issue of Solus, a new ongoing series written by Barbara Kesel with art provided by comic legend George Pérez.
CrossGen says: As you can guess, George's return has many fans excited--including the staff of Wizard, who exclaim: "George Pérez is back on the clock, baby...(and) this cosmic, star-spanning saga about a woman on the run has us excited like teenaged girls at a Josh Harnett sighting." Yep, series writer Barbara Kesel has cooked up a story guaranteed to rock the entire CrossGen Universe with revelations that will blow new readers' minds and have loyal fans picking their jaws off the floor. You want all-out action and character-shaking plot twists? You want George at his planet-colliding, galaxy-exploding best? Then let's just let the cover and the opening five pages from the debut issue set the stage! Enjoy!
Page 1
Pages 2-3
Pages 4-5
(Vu: Pulse and Newsarama also posted the same story. Except they include: "You've waited. You've wondered. Now your patience pays off as SOLUS #1, featuring the return of industry legend George Pérez to a monthly title, hits on March 26th!")
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| March 25, 2003 | Andrew Smith |
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From Go Memphis: Captain Comics
Here come the X-Men comics, 'poseable' toys
March 9, 2003
By Andrew A. Smith
Andrew A. Smith
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It's finally spring! And in the spring, a young Marvel editor's fancy turns lightly to thoughts of . . . well, to where they always turn, to the X-Men.
(excerpt)
If mutants aren't your bag, March has plenty else to offer:
Three-year-old CrossGeneration Comics scored a jaw-dropping coup a year ago when it signed George Perez to its stable. Perez is an inveterate fan favorite, and has drawn just about every character at every company you can name. CrossGen gave him a year to wrap up his existing contracts - notably a crossover between DC's Justice League and Marvel's Avengers, due out later this year - and now gorgeous George has arrived in the company's Tampa, Fla., headquarters with Solus.
Written by Barbara Kesel (Meridian), Solus No. 1 ($2.99) introduces us to Audra (Andra) Radiant, a woman whose life is in pieces. On different planets. In different time periods. And you thought you had it rough.
Solus will follow her adventures - which promise to span every genre you can imagine - as she pulls herself back together.
| March 17, 2003 | Solus #1 Shipping Mar 26 |
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From Diamond
Shipping Next Week: March 26
The following products are expected to ship to comic book
specialty stores next week. Note that this list is tentative
and subject to change. Please check with your retailer for
availability.
JAN032067 SOLUS #1 $2.95
| March 16, 2003 | Comic Creators at CG |
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From COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE #1532 (28 Mar 03)
Publishing: A Look Ahead
written by Chuck Rozanski
published in COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE #1532 (28 Mar 03)
website: www.comicsbuyersguide.com
(excerpt)
Right from the beginning, Mark made CrossGen Comics different. For one thing, he eliminated the time-honored tradition of freelancers. All comics produced by CrossGen are created in a "bullpen," built right into the center of its office complex. In a point that can be lost on no one who visits the offices, the comics creators are the center of the CrossGen world. That having said, Mark is a control freak. As a result, the vast majority of the creators working for CrossGen report to work each day at 8:30 a.m. and leave at 5 p.m. Specifically because of these office hours, comics cretors who want to be part of the CrossGen team need to live in the Tampa area. This is an amazing development in the production of comics. As any comics fan or retailer can tell you, one of the most frustrating negative side effects of the evolution of creator "freedom" over the past 20 years of comics history has been the reality of poor work habits on the part of successful comics creators. This has lead directly to a large number of very popular series being weeks, or even months, behind schedule. This simple doesn't happen at CrossGen. In three years of publishing, CrossGen has never had a book ship to the printer late.
| March 14, 2003 | Chris Oarr of CG |
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From ICv2
CrossGen's Comic Distribution Strategy
We Talk to VP Chris Oarr
March 13, 2003
Greg Buls, owner of aftermarket comic distributor Bulldog Collectibles and Distribution, recently announced that Bulldog had made arrangements with CrossGeneration Comics to be its sole source for backlist comics. We tracked down CrossGen VP Sales and Marketing Chris Oarr for the details.
(excerpt)
Is CrossGen making arrangements for Diamond to get rid of comics over four months old, as Buls indicated?
The mechanics for handling Diamond's inventory of comics after four months haven't been set, Greg's a little ahead of himself. We're looking at ways to repossess that inventory and pass it on to Buls, but the way that's been working there's nothing left. Diamond and CrossGen are working together on ways to get that product out of their hands at no penalty to them.
If there's one thing that I want to take the opportunity to clear up, it's that we don't in any way want to create a false impression that Diamond is not the place to go for our comics, our trades, our compendia, our sculptures and other products. On the contrary they're our #1 distributor. We're just concentrating on this one category -- older comics -- with Bulldog.
We're doing a lot of things together with Diamond to build our overall business. I've been extremely impressed with Diamond's willingness to go the extra mile for us, whether it's working out things for the dump, building up extra inventory on new launches like Chimera #1, getting special previews out on Lady Death, or advising us on some of the incentives that we've put behind new launches that have been extremely, extremely effective, whether we're talking about Solus #1 or the Lady Death relaunch or other projects.
| March 6, 2003 | PCS Preview of Solus #1 |
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From Pop Culture Shock, thanks to Kathryn Lisic
PCS PREVIEW
Solus #1
Available: Wednesday! (03/12) (?)
CrossGen, $2.95
Writer: Barbara Kesel
Artist: George Perez
Andra Radiant is putting the pieces of her life back together. The problem is that they’re all scattered on different worlds! Watch as Andra goes from pulp hero to barbarian warrior, changing identities as she tours the worlds of the CrossGen Universe in search of herself. The answers she finds will change her life – and change the universe forever!
Solus #1
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Page One
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Page Two
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Page Three
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Page Four
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Page Five
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| March 4, 2003 | Solus Preview Pages |
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From Broken Frontier
Don't Chuckle, He Earned it
written by Frederik Hautain
(excerpt)
I can't wait for March 26 to come by! That Wednesday, look out for George Perez' long awaited Solus #1. After having struggled with his health quite a bit, Master Perez comes out of hiatus to work on a new monthly title... which gives Perez' his own Crossgen sandbox to play in and which makes good use of the ever-popular artist's endless imagination and ability to draw amazingly detailed panels. Then again, it wouldn't be a trademark Perez comic if those typical characteristics weren't included.
The first issue is a 48-pager containing 32 pages of story by Barbara Kesel and stunning art by Perez. In order to make you drool a little more, check out the 3 exclusive preview images of Solus #1.
Note: please make sure that you keep away from anything that runs on electricity, as even slimy water doesn't mix well with electrodes.
Solus #1 page 11
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Solus #1 page 12
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Solus #1 page 13
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Solus features Andra Radiant, a character who explores the different worlds of the Crossgen Universe to try to re-establish order in her life, something that won't be an easy task. Look for Andra to encounter Aden of Quin and Brath, among others, in Solus' first story arc.
2003 looks to be a pretty exiting year for George Perez, because not only will he pencil this new monthly title, he's also still very busy pencilling JLA/Avengers, scheduled to ship towards the end of this year.
Perez' new prominent role has fans buzzing with exitement, because several comic shops have reported that ever since more and more people found out about this new project, new faces have showed up in comic shops and familiar faces have been checking out other Crossgen books.
And that, my friends, is exactly what this industry needs.
| March 1, 2003 | Kesel Interview at Sequential Tart |
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From Sequential Tart, thanks to SephiesSadness
She Slices, She Dices!
written by by Carrie Landers
Barbara Kesel
She might be short, but she can kick some serious ass! No, I'm not talking about some rockin' female character scribe Barbara Kesel dreamed up ... I'm talking about Barbara Kesel! She writes, she organizes, she slices, she dices! Yours for only $29.95! Er, wait, I'm getting carried away. Ms. Kesel has been teasing our brains with The First and pulling at our heart-strings with Meridian for almost three years now, but what everyone wants to know is ... what is Solus?
(excerpt)
Sequential Tart: What inspired the creation of Solus?
Barbara Kesel: George Pérez. When George came to us and said he'd prefer to do a monthly series rather than continue to do a series of one-shot Chronicles stories, we took the information that would have been given to the audience through those stories, some other "big story" elements that had been spelled out to our readers through several of our titles, and George's enthusiasm for and willingness to draw anything in the literal universe and created a vehicle to take advantage of that enthusiasm. Without George's offer, the elements of this book might have continued to be stories told in pieces through several titles.
...
ST: George Perez looks to be doing typically beautiful work on Solus — how is the entire artistic team faring thus far?
BK: They're all doing typically beautiful work. Rick Magyar gets to cut loose on textures on top of George's pencils in an absolutely fearless way, and then Larry Molinar brings every computer trick to bear on fleshing out the action. George is like a kid in a candy store; he's never had the opportunity to have computer coloring like this brought to bear on a series of his own. He's already coming up with more ways to torture both his inker and his colorist, but they're not scared of him.
| March 1, 2003 | CG Edge Becomes Vector |
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From Newsarama
Topic: CROSSGEN'S EDGE BECOMES VECTOR
posted March 01, 2003 08:10 AM
by MattBrady
Because another party previously reserved the title “Edge” for use in comics, CGE’s Compendia series of the same name has transformed its title into VECTOR. The title change will occur with the May 2003 issue, which also contains the first chapter of SOLUS, the new galaxy spanning adventure by Barbara Kesel and George Pérez.
“While the name has changed from EDGE to VECTOR with issue #13, it is most definitely the same series. That’s why we’re not renumbering it,” explained CGE vice president sales & marketing Chris Oarr. “Back volumes of EDGE are still available, and neither Diamond’s order codes nor the ISBNs have changed."
Now available for order in the March issue of Diamond Comic Distributors’s Previews catalog, the Traveler sized anthology also contains the latest chapters of SCION, THE FIRST, MYSTIC, SIGIL, WAY OF THE RAT, and RUSE. Priced at only $7.95, the 192-page volume rockets into stores on May 28th.
Newsarama Note: A trademark search for the term reveals that The EDGE Interactive Media, Inc. company applied for trademark on the use of "Edge" for comic books and printed matter.
| February 28, 2003 | George-perez.com in Wizard #139 |
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From Vu
As published in WIZARD: THE COMICS MAGAZINE #139. I was really excited when I read that.
Please pick up the latest issue for the Pérez interview. Check out their website,
www.wizarduniverse.com, while you're at it.
| February 27, 2003 | Pérez Interview in Wizard |
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From WIZARD: THE COMICS MAGAZINE #139 (Apr 2003)
THE HOT SEAT
written by
Mike Cotton
This Month Featuring:
GEORGE PEREZ
Artist of Marvel/DC's upcoming JLA/AVENGERS and CrossGen's Solus
WIZARD: George, you've had a historic run on Teen Titans and Avengers. Now you're tackling JLA/Avengers and Solus for CrossGen. How do you get it all done, yo?
PEREZ: Slowly… very slowly.
WIZARD: Besides doing awe-inspiring comics, you're also known for your Hawaiian shirts. So that begs the question, how much of your annual incoming goes to Hawaiian shirts?
[Laughs] I don't even want to think about it. But actually my wife, Carol Flynn, has been making them for me for a long time now.
Wearing Hawaiin shirts seems like it would get some attention. When's the last time you were in a fistfight?
Oh not since I was in grade school. This kid ripped my Thor comic and then he punched me. I think I ripped his jacket and then he punched me. Then I just ran home.
That's sad, brother. Did you ever get revenge like Batman would?
No.
Well, we know you weren't born to stalk the street of Gotham protecting the innocent. What else are you not born to do?
I hate drawing cars, especially moving cars.
Does that mean we won't see Cap and Superman driving around in Saab together in JLA/Avengers?
What?
Uh-huh, that's what I thought. So when was the last time you weren't think about JLA/Avengers?
Until you brought it up, at least five minutes.
Okay, which writers are you dying to work with and what projects do you want to tackle with them?
Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman spring to mind. And if I ever get to work with them, I'd let them pick the project - anything they want to do.
Here's the big question. Who plays George Perez in the George Perez CBS Movie of the Week?
Why am I on CBS?
Just go with it.
I used to say Burt Reynolds and I've heard Dom DeLuise maybe some kind of strange morph of those two?
Maybe CBS could call it "George Perez's Cannonball Run."
Maybe
Okay, check out these art legends: Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Bob Kane, and George Perez.
Whoa, I've started to hear that "legend" tag more and more, and I'm not even 50 yet. I'm like, "Hey, slow down. I'm too young to be a legend!"
| February 27, 2003 | Solus: Pick of the Litter |
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From WIZARD: THE COMICS MAGAZINE #139 (Apr 2003)
Pick of the Litter
WHY IT'S COOL
Two words for ya, bunky: George Perez! The ultra-detailed penciler drreturns to the CrossGen Universe, fresh off his sabbatical doing JLA/Avengers. Perez is hands down one of the best artist working, but his output has been nil while working on the super-anticipated Marvel/DC crossover, so his return to comics ranks as one of the 2003's most-anticipated events! Even Perez has gotten psyched about this return… and this project. "To be able to work on the stuff I really want to do - to do the ultimate superhero book, to do fantasy which I've been aching to do for ages - I consider myself a very fortunate artist," notes Perez.
IN ISSUE #1 A renowned scientist, explorer and athlete, Andra Radiant wants to put her life back together after a mysterious affliction robs her of her memory, and to do so, she'll have to adopt different identities as she travels the worlds of the CrossGen Universe. By Barbara Kesel, Pérez and Rick Magyar. $2.95 (March 26)
| February 25, 2003 | VECTOR #14 |
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From Jason Grey, via CG Forums
Looks like Edge gets a name change with issue fourteen, and a new title is added to it, Solus.
name: VECTOR #14
studio: CrossGen
release date: May 28, 2003
description:
Andra Radiant has lost her memory – and must search the stars to recover it! The CrossGen Universe will never be the same… Welcome to SOLUS, the newest member of the EDGE family, beginning with Chapter 1. Also we have SCION (Chapter 34), RUSE (Chapter 18), MYSTIC (Chapter 34), WAY OF THE RAT (Chapter 11), THE FIRST (Chapter 29), and SIGIL (Chapter 34). Then there’s Part Two of Barbara’s fumetti odyssey through the wilds of Oldsmar, Florida.
| February 25, 2003 | Solus, #1 Rank for CG |
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From Vu
SOLUS #1 is the number one pre-order comic for CrossGen Comics, for the month of March. The next highest rank is
Sojourn #21 with rank 95 on the top 300 comics listing.
| February 14, 2003 | CrossCurrents (Mar 2003) |
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From CHIMERA #1 (all CG titles for March contain this news)
CROSSCURRENTS
by Gina M. Villa
(excerpt)
In other creative news, veteran inker and all-around-good-guy Rick Magyar will be leaving CRUX to embellish George Perez's pencils on SOLUS, much to George's delight. The two worked together previously on CROSSGEN CHRONICLES #2 and from that experience George knows that Rick can handle anything that he throws at him - and then some. Of course, George always take that as a challenge, so that bodes well for the pages you're going to see. Rounding out the SOLUS art team is Larry Molinar, a very talented young colorist who worked on WildCATS at Wildstorm. Head writer Barbara Kesel handles the writing chores.
| February 7, 2003 | Modern Masters #2 Info |
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From Eric Nolen-Weathington, via Forum
Topic: Modern Masters Vol 2
posted 2/7/03 2:55 AM
I wanted to wait a little longer before talking about it, but since people are seeking it out now, here it is: Modern Masters Vol 2: George Pérez is scheduled for August and will be a 128-page b-&-w squarebound paperback. George is doing a new Solus cover for the book which I should be receiving in the next couple of weeks. I'm busy putting the finishing touches on Vol 1 (Alan Davis) right now, but I'll keep you updated as things move along.
| February 1, 2003 | Pérez Talks JLA/A |
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From Comics Continuum, thanks to Jason Grey
GEORGE PEREZ TALKS JLA/AVENGERS
Saturday, February 1, 2003
Copyright © 2003, The Comics Continuum
posted by RobAlls@aol.com
Andy Smith, Jeff Johnson, Barbara Kesel, and George Perez, photograph from Comics Continuum
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George Perez told The Continuum he's about to begin work on the fourth and final issue of the JLA/Avengers crossover mini-series.
"We finally got our ducks in a row on the fourth issue and I finally got the plot to that," Perez told The Continuum Friday during the Comics & Pop Culture Convention in Pasadena, Calif.
"I'm a quarter-way inked on issue 3, so it'll be kind of nice to get back to penciling. I think they've worked on all the kinks in issue 4. We're moving ahead."
Perez said noone is committing to a release date yet for the project, which is written by Kurt Busiek.
"I wouldn't even hazard a guess at it," he said. "They want to schedule it when I'm working on issue 4. Now I don't know if that means while I'm penciling it or while I'm inking it. With so much anticipation going down, the one thing they don't want is the bad vibes of a book that will not be on schedule."
Perez is back to work at CrossGen Comics, teaming with Barbara Kesel on the new title Solus.
"I'm almost done with issue 2 now and the first issue premieres on March 26," Perez said. "Solus is a little bit less work just because of the very nature of the project and the fact that I'm not inking. I have a fine, fine inker in Rich Magyar for that.
"So I try to produce the book a little quicker. On many days, I'll do two pages in one day as opposed to just one. Instead of a 6-7 hour day, I'll have 12-14 hour day in order to get back and finish JLA/Avengers."
DC Comics and Marvel Comics have been slow in teasing the project, which Perez meets with approval.
"I think a lot of it is they don't want it to be old news before it comes out," he said. "They don't want to release artwork that people get so used to seeing again and again and again, that sometimes when it comes out a year after they saw it initially, the excitement's gone.
"I think they've managed to help promote the project to share the mystery now. Anticipation is high and living up to the hype is going to be the biggest challenge."
That's a challenge Perez said he's up for.
"As my swansong for mainstream characters, this is putting all my tricks of the trade to the forefront," he said.
| January 26, 2003 | CGE Offers Incentive for Solus #1 |
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From Silver Bullet Comics
CGE Offers Ordering Incentive For George Perez' Solus #1
Posted: Wednesday, January 22
By: J Hues
To herald the debut of SOLUS -- the eagerly awaited new series by Barbara Kesel and JLA/AVENGERS artist George Perez -- CrossGen Entertainment (CGE) provided retailers with a black-and-white advance copy of the first issue in the January 15 issue of Diamond Dateline, and is offering a generous ordering incentive that can earn retailers FREE additional quantities of the new title to sell in their stores!
Retailers whose Initial Orders for SOLUS #1 (JAN032067E) are equal to twice their Initial Orders for CGE's WAY OF THE RAT #6 (AUG021952E) will earn an additional 25% off their SOLUS orders at no additional cost!
For example, retailers who placed Initial Orders for 10 copies of WAY OF THE RAT #6 and then place Initial Orders for 20 copies of SOLUS #1 will receive an additional five free copies.
The 48-page debut issue -- by Kesel, Perez, Rick Maygar, and Larry Molinar -- will introduce readers to Audra Radiant, a young woman trying desperately to pick up the pieces of her shattered life...pieces that are scattered across the CrossGen Universe, whose myriad worlds hold the answers she seeks!
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January 25, 2003 | Pacesetter #2 Cover |
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From Tony Lorenz
PACESETTER #2
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I'm sending it out to Diamond probably Monday. I'm shooting for an end of April release, right around when George's Solus comes out. Here's a little info of what to look forward to in the book, the issue should have around four articles, checklist, gallery art, photo gallery, news and an interview with the entire creative team of George's new book Solus, the first official interview with the entire creative team of the book. There will be more.
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January 24, 2003 | Scripting Solus: Kesel Interview at Pulse |
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From Pulse
SCRIPTING SOLUS: TALKING WITH BARBARA KESEL
posted 01-24-2003 01:30 PM
BY JENNIFER "I've Got a Hidden Sigil, Too" CONTINO
Barbara Kesel is getting ready for her new series with George Perez, Solus, to begin this March. The series features a young woman trying to find her place, not only in this world but in the CrossGen Universe.
THE PULSE: What inspired the creation of Solus?
BARBARA KESEL: George. When George told us that he wanted to come back from his hiatus to a monthly series rather than the sporadic CROSSGEN CHRONICLES, we started brainstorming a series that would take advantage of Georges limitless imagination and the scope of our only slightly more limited universe. George wanted his own world; I'm not stopping at one.
THE PULSE: Solus, like Meridian, is the name of the world of its main characters. Why call this world Solus?
KESEL: It gains its name from the energy it holds. That sentence will probably make more sense after issue #1 comes out.
THE PULSE: Solus means alone, how does that definition fit in with the scope of this series?
KESEL: Because at the center of it all is a single crucial character.
THE PULSE: What does the word have to do with the heroine Andra Radiant?
KESEL: The word Solus? Solus represents what Andra leaves behind as she ventures off in search of herself. Andra Radiant is who she becomes.
THE PULSE: Who is Andra Radiant?
KESEL: She's the hero of Heliotrope. Actually, they just know her as Radiant. She was named for a character in a MMURPG who came to life one day.
THE PULSE: If the residents of Solus can't remember a time when she wasn't around the world, does that make her immortal? Is Andra one of the "First?"
KESEL: No, Andra is not one of the First. And there are no residents of Solus. Yet.
THE PULSE: Does Andra have a Sigil?
KESEL: Andra's not a Sigil-Bearer, either. Aren't you loving these answers?
THE PULSE: How is working on Solus different than your other work in the CrossGen Universe?
KESEL: Just as our continuity is complicated and interconnected, although by design not so intrusive that you cant read any one of our comics titles alone, the genesis team behind SOLUS is bigger than just me sending a projected outline through the approval process. Events in this book will eventually change our entire universe, so those events start at the top: Mark Alessi and Gina Villa are involved in the 6-month projections. I'm there to take the continuity needs and craft them into a story, adding new worlds, specific universal events, personality, bits of business, and all that gooey character stuff. Chuck Dixon is involved to make sure we don't overcomplicate matters or forget to provide some meat for the average action fan, then George takes what I write in the plot, adds in our phone conversations, and delivers 200% of what he's been asked to draw.
[ Read more Scripting Solus: Kesel Interview at Pulse ]
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January 20, 2003 | Anticipated Items: Solus #1 |
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From Wizard Universe
WIZARD MARKET REPORT
Comic news from the front line
Friday, January 10
By Karl Cramer
(excerpt)
Anticipated Items:
Solus #1. Atomic Comic in Phoeniz, AZ says that even people who aren't into Crossgen books are showing a lot of interest in this series because of Crossgen has been showing a lot of preview art and George Perez seems to be at the top his game.
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January 18, 2003 | Kesel in Comics International |
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From Booster
Topic: Beeber interview in Comics International (BIG BIG SPOILERS)
posted 01-17-2003 06:46 PM
Just found this in a feature on Solus in Comics International 154. I quote...
Describing the main cast members, Kesel continued "Andra Radiant, as she comes to be known, is a tremendously powerful and astoundingly impatient woman with a strange affinity for each of the CGU worlds and absolutely no memory why. Lindy is a Sigil-Bearer who crosses Andra's path in issue 1 and is completely destroyed by the experience. Zeuss is the self-styled creator of an amazing artifical intelligence that has taken over Lindy's world. And then there's Danik, who may be familiar to the readers of Crux."
Discussing the project, the writer explained the most challenging aspect was "balancing the needs for story against the big scale of the universe we're cruising through. Too much scale and you yawn because it's just space; too much "people stuff" and you're bored waiting for something to happen. We needed to make it feel like Goldilock's porridge : just right."
According to Kesel, the mood she, Perez and inker Rick Magyar are trying to convey in Solus is one of energy and excitement. "We want you to be intrigued, but without a clue as to what we'll do next." The style of story, she added, will be one worthy of the artist. "Big, loud and exhaustingly fun."
"If we do our job well," she continued, "You'll never notice that you're cruising through a historical travelogue of the CGU. You'll just turn the pages as fast as you can, read and yell 'Cool!' when it's done."
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January 16, 2003 | Correction & Update |
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From George Pérez
Topic: Correction & Update
posted 1/16/03 2:04 PM
Hi,
Due to a mistake in a printed interview, SOLUS color genius Larry Molinar's name has been repeatedly misspelled as "Mullen". This is partially my fault for not spelling out his name in the taped interview (although the reporter should have checked it since Larry Molinar is not yet a well-known name in the industry). His name is even misspelled in the SOLUS fansite. Considering that Larry's work is so incredibly spectacular I believe he deserves to have his name spelled correctly. I appreciate you passing this on.
By the way, I'm now inking Issue 3 of JLA/AVENGERS (page 13 at the moment) and should be starting the pencilling on the final Issue in mid-February. Yes, there have been delays in finalizing the scripts (as well as the art-- I'm notoriously anal when it comes to the details and pencilling and inking as many as three dozen characters in a single panel is not exactly speedy work), but I wish to emphatically state that it has nothing to do with any of the rumors of intercompany brinkmanship stated by certain well-meaning, but ill-informed posters. This project's just so large that everyone involved at both companies is making suggestions and amendments to make this as much of a wish fulfillment series as possible. I know that if the same number of fans were given the chance to make suggestions or recommendations that would then be countered and revised by other fans with their own suggestions and recommendations, the process would probably take even longer. Heck, movie scripts take a good deal longer-- years even. I'm told that the plot for Issue #4 is in its final tweaking stage, so things are moving along. Slowly, I grant you, but still moving. Believe it or not this is a project that seems to be transcending politics and I'm very proud to be a part of it. This year is the year for JLA/AVENGERS (and SOLUS) and I hope that you all feel everything was worth waiting for.
GPz
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January 15, 2003 | Solus Preview |
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From Vu
Before I begin, let me say: very, very special thanks to Jeff Prentiss over at www.outpost2000.com. If you have a moment, send him an email saying how much you appreciate seeing the preview of SOLUS #1.
Diamond and CrossGen Comics sent one copy of this SOLUS PREVIEW to all of their retailers, along with their comic book shipment this week. They are black and white photocopied (front and back) and contain 17 pages of interior pages, plus 3 pages of pinup artwork (I am assuming one of the pinup is the cover to #2). As with most cases, you can find these cheaply produced copies on sale on Ebay under either "promotional" or "ashcan". They usually sell for about $5, but I do not recommend anyone paying that much for these free promos. Instead, click on all the scans below or wait until the comic book actually ship to your area on March 26th.
These images are copyrighted 2003 by CrossGen and was never intended for internet usages... if they ask me to take down the pages, I will do it. So my advice is for you to save them on your harddrive while you can.
Again, I want to thank my comic book store, Outpost 2000, for being the best comic shop.
You can read about my comic shop on ICv2: In-Store Gaming, Part III. An excerpt from the article: "Outpost 2000 is a pop culture store that specializes in both comic and games, located in Minneapolis suburb Brooklyn Park. In operation since 1996, Outpost 2000's layout includes a dedicated "game room" that is the site of league and tournament play for all of today's popular games.".
Here are all the pages to the SOLUS PREVIEW from CrossGen Comics and Diamond Distribution.
Credits include:
writer:
pencils:
inks:
colors:
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Barbara Kesel
George Pérez
Rick Magyar (1-15 for preview)
Larry Molinar (colors reproduced in black and white)
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January 13, 2003 | Heliotrope |
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From Barbara Kesel, via CG Forum
Topic: Heliotrope?
posted 01-12-2003 03:27 PM by Beeber
There's a planet named Solus, and a city named Heliotrope. Does that help?
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January 10, 2003 | Solus's "Hound" |
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From Blinding Radiant
"Hound"
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January 9th, 2003 - Just a little update today. Beeber (Barbara Kesel) stopped by chat again the other day, and while there wasn't much (that I saw) mentioned in regards to Solus, she did reveal that the creature on the cover is called a Hound, and she teased a bit about the creator of the creature, but no real details were given beyond the name of the beast. |
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January 5, 2003 | 2003 Poll & Pre-Orders |
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From Vu
Judging from WHAT COMICS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2003?
there are a few votes for AVENGERS/JLA.
The following is from Haven's Top 20:
Here are Haven's top 20 pre-orders. (January 5, 2003)
1. Spider-Man (Kevin Smith)
2. Brath (Chuck Dixon & Andrea Di Vito)
3. JLA/Avengers (George Perez)
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13. Solus (Barbara Kesel & George Perez)
No, AVENGERS/JLA have not been solicited, these are requests from subscribers to order for them when it does get listed through Diamonds.
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January 4, 2003 | CBG's 2003 Preview |
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From COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE #1522 (17 Jan 03)
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Solus
