If you’ve avoided Crossed because you assumed it was “torture porn for edgy teenagers,” you weren’t entirely wrong about the franchise’s worst entries. But Crossed +100 is different. It is a work of speculative fiction that uses the horror genre to meditate on memory, language, and the inertia of survival.
Alan Moore took a splatter film and turned it into The Road by Cormac McCarthy—bleak, beautiful, and haunting. It asks you to sit with the silence after the scream. It asks you what stories we will tell when the libraries are ash. And it suggests, with a grimace, that the scariest thing about the end of the world isn’t the monsters.
It’s the long, quiet Tuesday after.
Final Verdict: Crossed +100 is not for the faint of heart. But for those who can stomach its desolation, it stands as one of the most intelligent horror comics of the 21st century—a rotting masterpiece that proves even the apocalypse gets old.
The comic series is a notorious extreme horror series initiated by writer Garth Ennis and artist Jacen Burrows. It explores a world overrun by a mysterious infection that turns people into "Crossed"—intelligent, sadistic maniacs marked by a cross-shaped facial rash who act on their most depraved human instincts. Crossed Vol. 1: The Original Run
The first volume (Issues 0–9) is widely considered the strongest entry in the franchise. Exploring CROSSED - Page Chewing
Gabriel Andrade’s art is the perfect foil to Moore’s dense script. Where previous Crossed artists leaned into hyper-detailed viscera, Andrade draws a world that is less bloody and more decayed. His panels are dominated by rust, kudzu vines strangling skyscrapers, and the faded logos of defunct corporations. The violence, when it comes, is quick and stark—a single panel of a hammer meeting a skull, without the splash-page fanfare. This restraint makes the cruelty heavier. It feels real, not operatic.
Jacen Burrows’ linework is clean yet clinical, amplifying shock through contrast: mundane settings rendered precisely, then fractured by gruesome events. Panel composition emphasizes sudden intrusion—close-ups on faces, fragmented layouts—creating intimacy with victims and offenders alike. Color palette (muted with sudden bright reds) accentuates blood and the titular crosses.
What is Crossed?
Crossed is a notoriously extreme horror comic book series created by writer Garth Ennis (famous for Preacher and The Boys) and artist Jacen Burrows. It was first published by Avatar Press in 2008. The series is infamous for its unflinching, graphic depiction of violence, gore, and psychological terror.
The Premise
The story takes place in a world ravaged by a mysterious pandemic. Those infected—known as "the Crossed"—are identifiable by a red, cross-shaped rash on their faces. Unlike traditional zombies, the Crossed are not mindless. They retain their intelligence, memories, and ability to use tools and speak. However, the infection completely removes their empathy, conscience, and any moral restraint, replacing it with a sadistic, homicidal rage. Their sole driving force is to inflict maximum pain, suffering, and humiliation on the uninfected.
What is "Crossed Volume 1" (or "Crossed #1")?
The first issue (collected as Crossed Volume 1: Badlands) follows a small group of survivors in the Scottish Highlands and later in the English countryside. The protagonist, Cindy, is a former actress who becomes a hardened leader. The story is a brutal survival journey, showing how ordinary people degrade, betray, or rise to the occasion under unimaginable stress. The "Crossed 1" comic sets the tone: relentless, bleak, and without hope. No character is safe, and the horror is psychological as much as physical.
Key Distinctions from Zombie Stories
Controversy and Legacy
Crossed has been banned from many comic stores and digital platforms (like ComiXology) due to its extreme content, including graphic sexual violence, child death, and torture. Critics often dismiss it as "torture porn," while fans argue it's a legitimate, if nihilistic, exploration of human nature's dark core. Ennis himself described it as a thought experiment: "What would people really do if all restraint was gone?"
After Ennis's initial 10-issue run, the series continued under other writers (like David Lapham and Simon Spurrier) in various miniseries (Crossed: Wish You Were Here, Crossed +100), but none matched the original's impact.
Should you read it?
Warning: Crossed is not for most readers. It is the comic equivalent of a hard-R horror film like Martyrs or The Human Centipede. If you have triggers for sexual assault, gore, or extreme cruelty, avoid it. However, if you are a horror completist interested in the absolute limit of the medium's ability to depict depravity, Crossed is a notorious landmark.
If you meant a specific issue or spin-off (e.g., Crossed: Badlands #1), let me know and I can refine the answer.
In Garth Ennis's Crossed #1 , the world has descended into a nihilistic nightmare following a global pandemic. The "Crossed" are not traditional zombies; they are humans infected by a virus that removes all moral inhibitions, turning them into hyper-violent, sadistic maniacs who retain their human intelligence. They are marked by a distinctive red, cross-shaped rash on their faces. Summary of Crossed #1 (Volume 1)
The debut issue introduces the central theme of survival at any cost through two parallel timelines: the immediate aftermath of the outbreak and the present day, ten months later. The Outbreak (C-Day)
The Diner Massacre: The story begins in a quiet American diner where a man enters carrying a severed human spine. He attacks the owner, Jim, by biting off his nose, instantly infecting him.
Rapid Collapse: Chaos erupts outside as people are murdered, mutilated, and sexually assaulted in the streets. We are introduced to Cindy, a waitress, and Stan, a customer, who manage to escape the initial slaughter. crossed 1 comic
Global Terror: Flashbacks reveal the scale of the disaster, including a pilot purposefully crashing a plane into a nuclear power plant and governments executing their own scientists to prevent them from reactivating power systems. Present Day (Ten Months Later)
Seeking Refuge: A small group of thirteen survivors, led by Cindy and Stan, hides in a cave. Stan keeps a journal documenting their struggle to maintain their humanity while living in constant terror.
The Survival Trek: The group is attempting to travel to Alaska, believing the low population and harsh climate will lead to fewer Crossed and cause the infected—who lack self-preservation—to die off.
Tragedy at the Shelter: The group's relative safety is shattered when they hear noises outside their cave. One member, Joel, mistakenly believes the Crossed can be stopped by a ring of salt. The Crossed easily break the line, brutally attacking and infecting Joel's wife, Amy. Key Characters
Stan: A loner before the outbreak who now serves as one of the primary leaders and the group's chronicler.
Cindy: A former waitress and protective mother who travels with her young son, Patrick.
Joel: A desperate survivor whose false hope in "salt protection" leads to the infection of his family.
The issue sets a grim tone for the series, emphasizing that in this world, there is no hope or cure—only the choice of how long one can survive before becoming a monster themselves.
I'm assuming you're referring to the comic book series "Crossed" by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson!
Here's a write-up related to Crossed:
Introduction
In the midst of a post-apocalyptic world, a mysterious phenomenon known as the "Crossing" occurs, causing a significant portion of the global population to experience intense, uncontrollable urges to engage in their darkest and most depraved desires. The world descends into chaos as these "Crossed" individuals wreak havoc on society, while a small group of survivors must navigate this treacherous new landscape.
The Story
The comic book series "Crossed" follows a diverse cast of characters as they try to survive in a world gone mad. The story begins with a mysterious event known as the "Crossing," where millions of people around the world suddenly develop a strange, pupil-like marking on their eyes, known as the "Cross."
These Crossed individuals are driven by their basest desires, leading to horrific acts of violence, depravity, and destruction. The world rapidly deteriorates as governments and societies collapse.
Main Characters
Themes
Art and Writing
The series features the gritty, visceral artwork of Darick Robertson, which complements Garth Ennis's dark humor and intense storytelling. Ennis's writing is known for its unflinching look at the human condition, making "Crossed" a thought-provoking and unsettling read. If you’ve avoided Crossed because you assumed it
Impact and Legacy
"Crossed" has received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and unapologetic exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. The series has been praised for its originality and its ability to balance humor and horror.
If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, dark humor, and complex characters, "Crossed" is definitely worth checking out!
Crossed #1 (2008) is the debut issue of the notorious horror comic series created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Jacen Burrows , published by Avatar Press
. It is widely recognized for its extreme graphic violence and nihilistic tone, redefining the "zombie" subgenre by focusing on the loss of human morality. Plot Overview
The story begins with a sudden, global outbreak where individuals are transformed into "the Crossed"—monsters who retain their human intelligence but lose all inhibitions, acting on their most depraved, violent, and sadistic impulses. They are identified by a cross-shaped rash that appears on their faces.
, the narrative follows a small group of survivors, including protagonists Stan and Cindy, as they witness the immediate, brutal collapse of society. Unlike traditional zombies, the Crossed don't just want to eat their victims; they want to inflict maximum psychological and physical pain. Key Details Extreme Horror / Post-Apocalyptic. The first volume is a 9-issue limited series Bleak and uncompromising, intended strictly for mature audiences The series spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Crossed: Family Values Crossed: Psychopath , and the long-running anthology Crossed: Badlands or more details on the different variants of this comic?
Crossed #1 comic book, published by Avatar Press , is a standard 32-page full-color
single issue originally released in late 2008. While there is no specific "full paper" edition by name, the series is available in several physical formats: Single Issues : The original release featured standard glossy comic paper
with various cover variants, including a "Black & White" variant and "Wraparound" editions. Trade Paperback (TPB)
: This edition collects all 10 chapters of the first arc (240 pages total) on standard trade paper Special Edition Hardcovers : Avatar Press released a limited hardcover edition
(limited to 2,000 units) and a signed version (limited to 1,000 units) which typically use higher-quality, heavier paper stock for durability. Leather Editions : For high-end collectors, some Avatar Press issues like Crossed +100 #1 were released as CGC-numbered leather editions with high-grade white pages. The story, written by Garth Ennis
and illustrated by Jacen Burrows, focuses on a small band of survivors navigating a world overrun by homicidal maniacs infected with a cross-shaped facial rash. digital scan
of the full paper comic, or are you trying to buy a specific hardcover edition
The Dark and Gritty World of Crossed: A Comic Book Series Like No Other
If you're a fan of dark, gritty, and intense comic book series, then you owe it to yourself to check out "Crossed" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. This critically acclaimed series is a post-apocalyptic tale of survival, violence, and redemption, set in a world where a mysterious event known as "The Big Event" has caused the vast majority of the world's population to contract a strange and deadly disease.
What is Crossed?
For those who may be unfamiliar, "Crossed" is a comic book series that follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world that has been turned upside down by the sudden and inexplicable appearance of people with crosses carved into their faces. These "Crossed" individuals are not just infected - they're also incredibly violent and seemingly unstoppable.
The story follows a variety of characters, including Holden, a former soldier trying to protect a group of survivors; Lola, a young and resourceful woman who becomes a key player in the fight against the Crossed; and Wicks, a former cop trying to make sense of the chaos around him. Gabriel Andrade’s art is the perfect foil to
Themes and Tone
One of the things that sets "Crossed" apart from other comic book series is its unflinching and often disturbing portrayal of violence and its consequences. Brubaker and Phillips don't shy away from depicting the graphic and brutal nature of the Crossed's attacks, and the series is not for the faint of heart.
However, beneath its dark and gritty surface, "Crossed" also explores themes of survival, community, and redemption. The characters in the series are complex and multi-dimensional, and their struggles to stay alive and find hope in a desperate world are deeply relatable.
The Art and Storytelling
Sean Phillips' artwork in "Crossed" is a perfect complement to Ed Brubaker's writing. His dark and moody illustrations bring the post-apocalyptic world to life in a way that's both haunting and beautiful. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with a narrative that's both fast-moving and suspenseful.
Why You Should Read Crossed
If you're looking for a comic book series that will challenge your expectations and push you out of your comfort zone, then "Crossed" is the perfect choice. With its unique blend of horror, action, and drama, this series is sure to appeal to fans of The Walking Dead, The Punisher, and other dark and gritty comics.
But "Crossed" is more than just a thrilling ride - it's also a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the consequences of violence. The series raises important questions about the nature of humanity, and whether people are inherently good or evil.
Conclusion
Overall, "Crossed" is a must-read comic book series that will appeal to fans of dark and gritty fiction. With its intense action sequences, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, this series is sure to leave a lasting impression. So if you're looking for a new comic book series to sink your teeth into, be sure to check out "Crossed" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.
Recommendation
If you enjoy:
Then you'll love "Crossed"!
Series Overview
The issue is intentionally transgressive; its explicitness functions as critique and provocation. Ethical questions arise about the necessity and impact of graphic violence in fiction. Ennis seems to argue that horror at extremes reveals truths about human nature, but the work risks desensitization and may alienate readers who view the depiction as gratuitous.
The issue opens with the pandemic’s rapid spread and societal breakdown. Ennis follows several characters—most notably survivors confronted with both infected and opportunistic other humans—showing immediate violence, despair, and attempts at survival. The narrative juxtaposes ordinary domestic settings against sudden, grotesque brutality, ending with scenes that foreground horror and loss of civil order.
In the brutal world of Crossed Volume 1, the "infected" aren't mindless zombies; they are people whose darkest, most sadistic impulses have been completely unleashed by a mysterious plague.
Here is a content breakdown and thematic overview to help you understand the first volume of this controversial series. Core Storyline
The Outbreak: Civilization collapses instantly as a global pandemic turns ordinary people into "Crossed"—homicidal maniacs marked by a cross-shaped rash on their faces.
The Survivors: The story follows a small, traumatized group led by Stan and Cindy as they attempt to trek across the United States in search of a safe haven.
The Conflict: Unlike typical horror monsters, the Crossed retain their human intelligence, meaning they can use tools, drive cars, and even set traps. Key Creative Details