Breaking Down Crossed by Garth Ennis (Issues 0–9) – Survival Horror at Its Most Brutal
Few comics have earned the reputation that Crossed has.
Created by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Jacen Burrows, the series quickly became infamous for pushing the boundaries of horror storytelling. Extreme violence, moral collapse, and a world stripped of hope make Crossed one of the most unsettling comics ever published.
In this new episode of Page Chewing, we take a deep dive into the entire first run of the series (Issues 0–9)—breaking down the story issue by issue and exploring the themes that make it such a controversial but fascinating work of survival horror.
Why Crossed Is So Controversial
One of the reasons Crossed remains so widely discussed is its willingness to go further than most horror stories.
The series repeatedly forces both the characters and the readers to confront uncomfortable questions:
- How far would you go to survive?
- Is morality still meaningful in a collapsed world?
- What separates the survivors from the monsters chasing them?
Moments throughout the story demonstrate just how quickly the boundaries of humanity can break down when survival is on the line.
Themes Explored in This Episode
In this episode of Page Chewing, we analyze the first volume of Crossed and discuss:
- The origins of the Crossed contagion
- The collapse of civilization and the fragility of society
- Cindy as one of the strongest characters in the series
- The evolving behavior of the Crossed
- The brutal choices the survivors are forced to make
- The ambiguous ending of the story
We also discuss how real-world events, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, helped shape the bleak worldview behind the series.
A Warning for New Readers
It’s important to note that Crossed is not for everyone.
The series contains extreme violence and disturbing subject matter, and its reputation as one of the most brutal comics ever published is well deserved.
But for readers interested in survival horror and boundary-pushing storytelling, it remains a fascinating and unforgettable series.
Listen to the Full Discussion
If you’ve read the series, we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Do you think Crossed goes too far, or is its brutality part of what makes the story so effective?
Join the discussion on the Page Chewing forums and share your perspective.
Crossed by Garth Ennis – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crossed about?
Crossed is a horror comic series created by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Jacen Burrows. The story follows a group of survivors trying to stay alive in a world where a mysterious infection turns people into violent sadists known as the Crossed.
Why is Crossed so controversial?
The series is known for its extremely graphic violence and disturbing subject matter. Unlike traditional zombie stories, the infected retain their intelligence, making them far more dangerous and unpredictable.
Is Crossed worth reading?
For fans of extreme horror and post-apocalyptic storytelling, Crossed is a unique and memorable series. However, its graphic content means it is not suitable for all readers.
How many issues are in the first Crossed series?
The original Crossed storyline by Garth Ennis consists of Issues 0–9, introducing the world, the infection, and the survivors attempting to reach safety.
