New Releases by Barbara Kesel

Every month, Forge and Edge feature the top fantasy, science fiction, mystery, martial arts and horror comics from the CrossGen line. With their low list price and "manga-style" trim-size, these monthly books will bring new readers to the many worlds of CrossGen.

The Meridian Traveler series continues. A princess fairy-tale childhood is shattered by the death of her father... and a gift of terrifying power. Branded by marks of supernatural origin, Sephie and her wicked uncle Ilahn will either bring renewal or destruction to the poisoned world of Demetria.

Sephie makes the difficult decision to leave Meridian again, this time to take the reins of the mightiest city-state on Demetria, Cadador. With Ilahn apparently dead, she faces no opposition ... at least, that''s how it appears.

Like "The Real World" set on Mount Olympus, "The First" is the story of a civil war between gods--with the fate of the universe hanging in the balance. Full-color graphic novel format.

Samandahl Rey was a soldier in the Planetary Union army, and a good one too. But that didn''t stop the army from bouncing him. Embittered and virtually friendless, Sam wandered the outer fringes of the galaxy until a strange being bestowed on him a mark of great power. Now that sigil may be the key to victory against the marauding Saurian empire, and Sam finds himself back in the center of the centuries-old conflict. The ex-commando is now Field Commander of the Union Army, charged with defending mankind against a Saurian armada. The invaders are led by Khyradon, the self-styled god whose strange powers seem to mirror Sam''s own, and who has taken control of the Saurian empire in a frenzied push to eradicate humanity once and for all. Khyradon''s forces descend on a remote outpost in what could be a decisive battle, but as Sam readies his troops, something goes horribly wrong.

Sephie plans to lead a rebellion against her uncle who rules Meridian and all of planet Demetria as a tyrant.

The Sigil-Bearers continue to multiply -- no longer a curiosity, but a true threat to the primacy of the First.

Veteran super-soldier Sam Rey and his friend Roiya are part of a centuries-long war between humans and the lizard-like Saurians.

Collecting chapters 14-19 of The First. When gods break their vows, death is certain to follow. In the land of the First, dissent has erupted into open warfare. Seahn, young turk of House Dexter, has forsaken his ideals and his House to find power on the other side. Both sides are caught up in a tide of emotion and eruption of old hatreds. War seems inevitable. But war isn''t what two manipulative mentors have in mind for the gods of the CrossGen universe, as they take a direct hand in altering the course of history.

Superboy is missing, and Roxy will do anything to find him! She calls in the likes of Batman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, Steel, Supergirl, Oracle, and Knockout in search of some major help!

A new Superboy roller coaster is erected in the Teen of Steel''s honor, but a madman plans to make this a Big Event no one will soon forget! Even worse, Superboy soon learns that he may just be being used.

Superboy suddenly finds himself on a mysterious island full of unaging inhabitants. But before this tropical Neverland pans out for the lost Superboy, he''s got to get his newfound friends off the hook with some nasty pirates and soldiers who''ve also been stuck on the island!

Lanie and Ken have gotten to many super heroes, and Superboy''s next on their list! But even worse, Superboy''s back in the sights of Principal Mack Harlin, who''s more determined than ever to get Superboy out of Hawaii!

In an Elseworld where Supergirl was raised by Wonder Woman and Batgirl is a vigilante who keeps Gotham City safe from villainy, there could never be two more different super-heroines. But when the love of Supergirl''s life is kidnapped by the Joker, the champions of Gotham and Metropolis must form a reluctant partnership.

By the time the epic lasso battle concludes, Superwoman learns an important lesson. So do the girls. Mostly that nobody beats Diana when she really puts her mind to it! "Besties" part 3 of 3.

Besties part 1 of 3! Jody, Nanc and Alicia thought they were alone on the beach„until Wonder Woman joined in their footrace! And when Superwoman shows up, the day gets even more complicated.

The Titans soon learn that they not only have to contend with the notorious Royal Flush Gang, but they must also face the villains'' young protegees as well: a group of overzealous teens whose numbers include former Titan Danny Chase.

A fight like this only happens once in a thousand years as the Giants reach the nation of Markovia! Local heroes Geo-Force and Terra do what they can against the behemoths, with help from guest stars Steel, Supergirl, the Teen Titans, Flash and Green Lantern! Meanwhile, Superman Blue, J''onn J''onzz and Aquaman team up to keep a giant from crushing Lori Lemaris'' underwater city.