The First #15

The First #15 is a distinct installment in the cult-favorite independent comic book series The First, which gained traction during the late 1990s as part of the CrossGen Entertainment universe. This specific issue reflects the series' ambition to blend high-fantasy elements with complex, long-form narrative arcs. The title was primarily characterized by its focus on an ancient, powerful race of immortals grappling with the fallout of their long-standing conflicts, serving as a flagship for the publisher’s unique shared-universe model.

The visual identity and world-building of this series were heavily influenced by creator Barbara Kesel and artist Bart Sears, who aimed to establish a sophisticated, cinematic aesthetic that set it apart from mainstream superhero fare. By the release of the fifteenth issue, the series had solidified its place as a cornerstone of the CrossGen line, noted by critics for its ambitious scope and detailed internal mythology. It remains a notable example of the publisher’s attempt to introduce a more literary, mythologically-driven sensibility to the monthly comic format.