Crossed 1

"I always wondered what I'd call this when I started writing this. Survival Situation seems banal. Breakdown sounds like someone's begging for a hug. An ex-marine I knew said Global Clusterfuck, which'll do 'til I can think of something better."

- Stan

Crossed is a nine-issue comic book limited series published by Avatar Press. The story was written by Garth Ennis with artwork by Jacen Burrows. It was colored by Juanmar. Burrows and Juanmar also composed the cover art illustration for this issue. It was released with a September, 2008 cover date and carries a cover price of $3.99 per copy (US).

Synopsis
Thirteen men and women seek refuge inside of a cave, desperate to avoid contact with those known as the "Crossed". The Crossed are people who have succumbed to a mysterious ailment that brands them with a cross-shaped scar across their face. They lose all semblance of humanity and engage in the most bloodthirsty and depraved acts imaginable. This group of survivors try their best to survive, both physically and mentally.

One of their number, Stan, documents each of his associates' reactions and takes measure of how this global calamity has taken its toll on each and every one of them. He recalls how he first met Cindy, a single mother with her young son, Patrick, who rescued Stan when a woman became infected with the "Crossed" virus and attacked him.

Also in the group is Joel, who swears that the Crossed can be defeated with salt. Late into the evening, the group hears sounds coming from outside. Fearing that their shelter has been discovered, they pack up and begin moving out. A horde of Crossed surrounds Joel and his wife and daughter. Joel tries to protect them by making a ring of salt, but the Crossed break the line and attack his wife, Amy, infecting her with the virus.

Appearances