Sojourn (comics)
Encyclopedia
Sojourn was a CrossGen
comic book
series
about the adventures of Arwyn and her friend Gareth
as they traveled in a fantasy world with dragon
s, troll
s, and magic. Starting in 2001
, it ran for 35 issues (including a prequel) before it was forced to end by the bankruptcy
of CrossGen in 2004. For a time, this series was Crossgen's highest grossing comic.
looking for 5 shards of a magic arrow to defeat the evil dictator of the land, Mordath. Along the way they meet a thief named Cassidy who knows Gareth from the past. Near the end of the series a Snow Troll, or Iskani, named Gustavus, who could have possibly joined the group, was introduced.
Most curiously, the hero of this series was not a Sigil-Bearer
. Instead, the hero (Arwyn) is on a quest to kill the Sigil-Bearer (who is Mordath).
before their bankruptcy, with 2 more released later by Checker Books
.
There was also one collected edition not included above because it was merely a reprint of the Prequel and issue 1 put into one comic.
CrossGen
Cross Generation Entertainment, or CrossGen, was an American comic book publisher that operated from 1998 to 2004.CrossGen Comics, Inc. was founded in 1998, by Tampa, Florida-based entrepreneur Mark Alessi who sought to create a comic book universe that was uniquely varied but also connected by a...
comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
series
Ongoing series
The term "ongoing series" is used in contrast to limited series , a one shot , a graphic novel, or a trade paperback...
about the adventures of Arwyn and her friend Gareth
Gareth (Sojourn)
Gareth is a fictional character, one of the two heroes in CrossGen Comics' now defunct comic book series Sojourn. Like his companion Arwyn, Gareth is not a superhero with superhuman powers, but he is a remarkably talented warrior with a magic sword...
as they traveled in a fantasy world with dragon
Dragon
A dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon, derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern...
s, troll
Troll
A troll is a supernatural being in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore. In origin, the term troll was a generally negative synonym for a jötunn , a being in Norse mythology...
s, and magic. Starting in 2001
2001 in comics
-Year overall:* Marvel Comics withdraws from the Comics Code Authority and established its own rating system for its publications.- January :* January 23: Fred Ray, Superman's primary cover artist of the 1940s, passes away at age 80.- September :...
, it ran for 35 issues (including a prequel) before it was forced to end by the bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal status of an insolvent person or an organisation, that is, one that cannot repay the debts owed to creditors. In most jurisdictions bankruptcy is imposed by a court order, often initiated by the debtor....
of CrossGen in 2004. For a time, this series was Crossgen's highest grossing comic.
Basic Plot
A woman named Arwyn, her dog Kreeg, and a one-eyed man named Gareth travel throughout the lands of the planet QuinQuin (Sigilverse)
Quinn is a fictional planet, situated in CrossGen comic's fictional universe, the Sigilverse. It features primarily in the American comicbook series Sojourn.-Geography:...
looking for 5 shards of a magic arrow to defeat the evil dictator of the land, Mordath. Along the way they meet a thief named Cassidy who knows Gareth from the past. Near the end of the series a Snow Troll, or Iskani, named Gustavus, who could have possibly joined the group, was introduced.
Most curiously, the hero of this series was not a Sigil-Bearer
Sigil-Bearers
The Sigil-Bearers are characters in CrossGen Comics' fictional universe, the Sigilverse. The metaplot strung across all of CrossGen's titles centered on the Sigil-Bearers, and many of the titles' main characters were Sigil-Bearers, especially in the company's early days.-Overview:The Sigil is a...
. Instead, the hero (Arwyn) is on a quest to kill the Sigil-Bearer (who is Mordath).
Characters
- Arwyn: The central protagonist of the series, Arwyn is a former Royal Archer whose family was killed by Mordath's army. Wanting vengeance for their deaths, Arwyn made an unsuccessful attempt on the dictator's life, but was rescued by Neven, who gave her Ayden's bow. Arywn was then tasked with finding the five shards of the arrow that killed Mordath three centuries ago.
- GarethGareth (Sojourn)Gareth is a fictional character, one of the two heroes in CrossGen Comics' now defunct comic book series Sojourn. Like his companion Arwyn, Gareth is not a superhero with superhuman powers, but he is a remarkably talented warrior with a magic sword...
: Also known as Gareth the Bowman, Gareth is a one-eyed archer renowned for his skill. He first encountered Arywn when the two were imprisoned in Mordath's fortress and joined her on her quest to find the five arrow fragments. - MordathMordathMordath is a character from CrossGen Entertainment's Sigilverse. He appeared in Sojourn comic series as the chief enemy of the main character, Arwyn...
: The main antagonist, Mordath is a powerful dictator who once controlled the five lands. After being seriously injured by human raiders in an attack that destroyed his home and left his family dead, Mordath was nursed back to health by trolls. He subsequently united the troll clans and led them into conquering the five lands, until he was killed by Ayden in battle. Three hundred years later, Mordath was resurrected and given the power to control fire, allowing him to take over Quin once more. Having lost his human senses in the resurrection, Mortdath is determined to hold onto what he has left. - Neven: A mysterious woman who gives Arwyn with the task of gathering up the fragments of Ayden's arrow and destroying Mordath. Neven was present at Mordath's resurrection and had opposed the idea of bringing him back to life. Though never stated in the series, she is a fragment of the CrossGen character DanikDanikDanik is a character in the Crossgen universe. Found in the books The First, Crux, Sigil, Solus, and Negation: War, Danik is a Transitioned Atlantean who has split off from himself Avatars to watch over and mentor several sentient beings throughout our universe and others.-Origins:Danik of...
. - Cassidy: A thief who joins Arwyn and Gareth during their search for the third fragment in Oudubai. Despite being an old companion of Gareth, Cassidy initially draws suspicion from Arwyn, due to her occupation. However, she proves her worth by obtaining the fragment from the trolls and she continued to accompany the duo in their quest for the remaining fragments.
- Bohr: The captain of Mordath's army, Bohr is tasked with capturing Arwyn and bringing her Mordath. Unsuccessful in his mission, Bohr is given the new objective of watching over Khiva in her attempts to kill Arwyn. He remains loyal to Mordath, but also allows Arywn to assist him when the two are attacked by a nest of razormouths.
- AydenAltwaalAltwaal is a character from the American comic book The First published by CrossGen Entertainment. He was the first god and was the most powerful of all The First. He is shown as a blue-eyed super-human with a commanding face.-Character details:...
: The man who raised an army to destroy Mordath in the past, Ayden disappeared to live alone and became uncaring of the world around him. Although Neven convinces him to watch over Arwyn and her progress, he refuses to become involved. While not explicitly stated in the series, he is actually The FirstThe First (comics)The First are a group of fictional gods who appear in a self-titled comic as well as other various comic books published by CrossGen. Styled after the Greek gods in many ways, the First represent very powerful, nearly immortal beings, who are each based on a certain emotion.The full powers of The...
character AltwaalAltwaalAltwaal is a character from the American comic book The First published by CrossGen Entertainment. He was the first god and was the most powerful of all The First. He is shown as a blue-eyed super-human with a commanding face.-Character details:...
in disguise. - Kreeg: Arwyn's pet dog, who was originally purchased by her husband to look over her family while he was away. Due to the deaths of her husband and daughter, Kreeg is all Arywn has left from her past life. He is presumed dead after the ship the protagonists are traveling on is destroyed.
- Pallias: A powerful wizard who was forced to go into hiding after Mordath's return. Wanting to have Quin for himself, he pretends to be Mordath's deceased son and attempts to have Arwyn turn against Neven, so Arwyn will ask for his assistance in destroying the dictator.
- Khiva: A notorious troll bounty hunter, Khiva is assigned with the task of killing Arwyn, after Bohr is unable to bring her in alive. In exchange for her work, she requests Mordath gives her control over Ankhara.
- Darian: Arwyn's husband, who was once her captain when they were both Royal Archers. He was killed by Mordath's forces.
- Neera: Arwyn's daughter, who was killed along with her father, by Mordath's forces.
- Halk: Mordath's troll aide, Halk is tasked by Pallias with starting a rebellion to destroy Mordath. He survives Mordath's initial onslaught on rebels, but is killed by Bohr.
- Marta: A troll witch, Marta was the one who stopped the trolls from killing Mordath when they first encountered him. In the final published issue of the series, Mordath comes to her to regain his youth.
- Gustavus: An Iskani who assists Arwyn and her group, due to his village being attacked by a creature created by Mordath.
- Shiara: A powerful dragon who assumes the form of a human female to lure travelers to their doom. Shiara resides in a cave filled with the treasures she stole from the people she killed. Arwyn convinces her assault Mortdath's fortress in exchange for Arwyn's bow, but she is mortally wounded in the assault. Before dying, she rescues Arwyn and Gareth so her death can be avenged.
- Dodona: Pallias' seer, who is used to predict Arwyn's future. Pallias constantly suspects her of betraying him.
- Rahm: Known as the Dawn Warrior, Rahm is an Ankharan, whose duty it is to protect his people from harm. To do so, he must acquire the Dawn Sword, which he finds through the efforts of Arwyn and Gareth. With the sword, he is able to lead a successful rebellion against the troll forces that occupy his city.
- Koht: A former troll commander, Koht becomes the governor of Ankharan, after his predecessor is executed by Mordath for his incompetence. Determined not to suffer the same fate, Koht attempts to crush the rebels who oppose him, but is killed in battle by Rahm.
- Tiye: Rahm's wife, who assists him in rebelling against the trolls.
- Hive Queen: The ruler of the Urnethi, the Hive Queen dislikes Mordath and his troll forces, but agrees to help them if they are left alone.
- Francis: A cowardly human thief, who agrees to help Bohr and his men, after an attempt to rob Arywn. When the trolls were attacked by razormouths, Francis attempted to escape, but was killed by the creatures.
Races of the Five Lands
- Humans - Have a distinctly European look in Middelyn, and a Middle-Eastern look in Oudubai. Distinct Medieval and Arab cultures depending on area. Most concentrated in Middelyn, and Oudubai.
- Trolls - Most have greenish skin, glowing green eyes and some form of horns sprouting from their foreheads. Long lived. Barbarian-like culture. Most concentrated in Grinbor.
- Ankharans - Distinct African look but with bird-like wings. Egyptian-like culture.
- Iskani or Snow Trolls - Relatives of the Trolls. Long Lived. Nordic-like Culture. Most concentrated in Skarnhime. Have some form of tusks sprouting from their chins.
- Urnethi - Underground dwellers. Insect-like. Most concentrated in Oudubai.
- Dragons - Most concentrated in Middelyn and Islands in the oceans of Quin.
- Carvers of the Glade - Small green creatures. Most concentrated in the Glade of Heroes.
Collections
Sojourn had 4 trade paperbacks (TPBs) released by CrossgenCrossGen
Cross Generation Entertainment, or CrossGen, was an American comic book publisher that operated from 1998 to 2004.CrossGen Comics, Inc. was founded in 1998, by Tampa, Florida-based entrepreneur Mark Alessi who sought to create a comic book universe that was uniquely varied but also connected by a...
before their bankruptcy, with 2 more released later by Checker Books
Checker Book Publishing Group
Checker Book Publishing Group is an independent publisher of comics reprints, from newspaper strips to modern out-of-print titles and collections from defunct publishers.-History:...
.
- TPB #1 "From The Ashes" - Collects issues #0-6
- TPB #2 "The Dragon's Tale" - Collects issues #7-12
- TPB #3 "The Warrior's Tale" - Collects issues #13-18
- TPB #4 "The Thief's Tale" - Collects issues #19-24
- TPB #5 "The Sorcerer's Tale" - Collects issues #25-30 (ISBN 1-933160-44-6) released by Checker BooksChecker Book Publishing GroupChecker Book Publishing Group is an independent publisher of comics reprints, from newspaper strips to modern out-of-print titles and collections from defunct publishers.-History:...
in February 2007 - TPB #6 "The Berserker's Tale" - Collects issues #31-34 released by Checker BooksChecker Book Publishing GroupChecker Book Publishing Group is an independent publisher of comics reprints, from newspaper strips to modern out-of-print titles and collections from defunct publishers.-History:...
in October 2007
There was also one collected edition not included above because it was merely a reprint of the Prequel and issue 1 put into one comic.
Creators
- Ron MarzRon MarzRon Marz is an American comic book writer, known for his work on titles such as Silver Surfer, Green Lantern, Marvel vs DC, Batman/Aliens and Witchblade.-Career:...
- The Writer for the Prequel issue and issues 1 through 24. - Greg LandGreg LandGreg Land is an American comic book artist, best known for his work on characters such as X-Men, Birds of Prey, and Fantastic Four.-Career:Greg Land first got a job with an independent publisher as the artist for StormQuest after advertising himself at a Mid-Ohio Con comic convention...
- The Penciler for the Prequel issue and most of the issues between 1 and 33. - Ian EdgintonIan EdgintonIan Edginton is a British comic book writer.He is one of the few British comic talents to follow the reverse trajectory to the one usually taken: becoming successful in American comics before returning to work for 2000 AD.-Biography:...
- The Writer for issues 25 through 34. - Sergio CarielloSergio CarielloSergio Cariello is a Brazilian-American comic book artist. He has done work for many major comic publishers through his career, including Marvel Comics and DC Comics, as well as popular independent companies like CrossGen Comics and Dynamite Entertainment.-Career:Sergio Cariello knew he wanted to...
- The Penciler who took over for Greg Land starting in issue 34, the issue that became the final one. - Chuck DixonChuck DixonCharles "Chuck" Dixon is an American comic book writer, best known for long runs on Batman titles in the 1990s.-Biography:Dixon grew up in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, reading comics of all genres...
- The co-writer for issue 34, he was responsible for writing the cliffhanger ending. - Stuart ImmonenStuart ImmonenStuart Immonen is a Canadian comic book artist. He is best known for his work on Nextwave, Ultimate X-Men, The New Avengers and Ultimate Spider-Man...
- Guest Penciler for issue 7. - June BrigmanJune BrigmanJune Brigman is an American comic book artist and illustrator. She is best known for creating the pre-teen superhero characters Power Pack with writer Louise Simonson in 1984...
- Guest Penciler for issue 12. - Aaron LoprestiAaron LoprestiAaron Lopresti is an American comic book artist who has worked for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image Comics.-Career:Lopresti first published work of note was the Malibu Comics title Sludge, in 1993...
- Guest Penciler for issue 17. - Luke Ross- Guest Penciler for issue 21. He would team up with Ron Marz again for the Darkhorse Comic Samurai: Heaven and EarthSamurai: Heaven and EarthSamurai: Heaven and Earth is a comic book about a samurai and his journey to rescue the woman he loves, published by Dark Horse Comics. The title refers to an oath he swore to return to her ....
. - Lewis LaRosa- Guest Penciler for pages 1–9, and 21-22 of issue 26.
- Tom Derenick- Guest Penciler for pages 10–20 of issue 26.
- Cliff RichardsCliff RichardsCliff Richards is a comic book artist.-Biography:Richards is best known as the penciller of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer monthly series from Dark Horse Comics, as well as the artist on the Buffy limited series, Haunted...
- Guest Penciler for issue 30. - Greg LandGreg LandGreg Land is an American comic book artist, best known for his work on characters such as X-Men, Birds of Prey, and Fantastic Four.-Career:Greg Land first got a job with an independent publisher as the artist for StormQuest after advertising himself at a Mid-Ohio Con comic convention...
did covers for all issues penciled by himself. The other covers were done by their respective pencilers except for issues 30 and 34 which were done by Land.
External links
- Sojourn - issue 18 page samples
- Sojourn - issue 22 page samples
- Sojourn - issue 23 page samples
- Sojourn - issue 25 page samples
- Sojourn - issue 27 page samples
- Sojourn - issue 28 page samples
- Sojourn - issue 29 page samples
- Sojourn 35 cover, never published
- Sojourn 35 (brief preview)
- large Sojourn fan site
- ‘brief histories’ of Arwyn, Gareth and Mordath
- Sojourn character information and issues 1-12 synopsis