Surprises, and gore, abound in Crossover #12 by writers Donny Cates and Robert Kirkman, artists Geoff Shaw and Phil Hester, inker Klaus Janson, colorist Dee Cuniffe, and letterer John J. Hill. Once again, Crossover manages to surprise readers with its meta takes while also creating an entertaining read.

The story begins in flashback, as Negan visits his creator Robert Kirkman. The two talk about their lives in a very Kirkman-esque exchange before Negan kills his creator. Back at the prison, Pendleton confronts Donny Cates about everything that's been going on and how Father Lowe infiltrated his organization so that he can't trust anyone to go and help Pilgrim and Walker. Cates' meds wear off, and he makes his escape, retrieving Elle and bringing a present for Ryan. Walker is hit with a drainer round at the baseball field, losing his powers, and Lowe and Negan reveal why they're working together and what each is getting out of it. Cates, Elle, and Ryan show up, though, ready to save the day.

Kirkman writes the beginning of the issue, and much like the Bendis written part a few issues ago, it's so good. Kirkman talks about himself, what the success of The Walking Dead meant for his life, and makes fun of himself. It's fun to get into the head of a writer, but it's even better when Negan hits back on what Kirkman did to his life for the sake of drama. It's all very Animal Man #26, but it's well written, and for readers who aren't as well versed in the classic, it brings in the idea of what creators do to their creations to entertain the audience and what would happen if there are consequences for those actions.

It genuinely seems like Cates enjoys writing himself into the comic. One really gets a feel for his individual voice as a person, but it's also one of those things that will get a little annoying if it keeps happening. Of course, as a creator, he realizes that too. He references the fact that he's off his outline in this one, and it's impossible to tell whether that's a contrivance for the plot or true, but either way, it makes the story more interesting. Another thing that also helps is Negan's reveal of why he's doing what he does, something which throws the entire cosmology, for lack of a better word, of Crossover into doubt and builds up what will perhaps be the next phase of the story.

Hester and Janson provide the pencils and inks for the Kirkman pages, and they are a great pair. Hester has long been one of the most underrated pencilers around, and this issue is no exception. He's able to capture both Kirkman's genuine emotion and the ridiculousness of his office, the juxtaposition between his words and what they've given him. Janson's inks are phenomenal, but it's Klaus Janson, so that's to be expected- he's one of the best ever. Shaw is his usual excellent as well, and Cunniffe's colors make everything look that much better.

Crossover #12 is a feast for comic fans, new and old. Cates and company do a great job, and it's really interesting to see where Cates and Shaw are going to take this book in the future, what guest creators are going to show up, and how it's all going to work together. If it's anything like this issue, it's going to be entertaining.

Grade: A-