TAMPA, FL., August 18, 2001 - After months of speculation on the team lined up to draw CrossGen's February, 2002 release, The Path, that team can now be announced. The Path will be penciled by Bart Sears, inked by Andy Smith, and colored by Michael Atiyeh, the existing team working on The First.

With the entire artistic team of The First moving to this new title, a new team was needed for The First. That team will be penciler Andrea Di Vito, inker Rob Hunter, and colorist Rob Schwager.

Sears was the obvious choice for the title that will be simultaneously released in the U.S. and Japan because of his flexibility as an artist and his knowledge of the comic book art-form. His experience and expertise made him the best artist to serve as ambassador of Western comics to the East.

"Since we began working on The First #1, I knew I wanted a crack at this title," said Sears. "I've always had a fascination with Eastern culture and the storyline Ron [Marz] has lined up is so good, I can't wait to get started. I'm happy that I've been chosen as the person whose art will be showcased to an entirely different culture than our own."

The artistic switch will take place with The First #15, on-sale January 2, 2002.

"The fact that we can move Andrea right into this title is a testament to the success of our associate program," said CrossGen Art Director Brandon Peterson. "Bart has all along been the guy to draw The Path, so we've been grooming Andrea for The First for a while. His outstanding work on his relief issues of Scion and The First sealed the deal."

Di Vito is a product of the CrossGen associate program. He joins Steve McNiven as the two graduates who have moved on to their own titles. Di Vito's recent work in the pages of Scion and The First made the choice to move Bart Sears an easier one. His style is comparable to that of Sears and will help make the transition from one to the other that much smoother for readers of The First.

"It is a bit frightening to take over this book after seeing what Bart has started," said Di Vito. "But I'm looking forward to this opportunity. I've worked very hard to get to this point and know that I've grown since joining CrossGen. I'm ready for the challenge."