"In the nightmare future of the 41st millennium, Mankind teeters upon the brink of extinction. The galaxy-spanning Imperium of Man is beset on all sides by ravening aliens and threatened from within by malevolent creatures and heretic rebels. Only the strength of the Immortal Emperor of Terra stands between Humanity and its annihilation. Foremost amongst servants of the Imperium stand the Space Marines, mentally and physically engineered to be the supreme fighting force, the ultimate protectors of Mankind. The Black Templars are fearless champions and unforgiving crusaders against the enemies of the Emperor; Forged from the Imperial Fists Space Marines in the aftermath of the Horus Heresy, the Black Templars have undertaken the longest crusade the Imperium has ever known to prove their loyalty. The series centers upon a new recruit to the Black Templars and a member from their elite Sword Brethren squad and, the most venerable of their warriors, the Dreadnaught. From the "Battle of Carrion Gulf" to the "Torment Crusade," we follow these genetically-enhanced super-warriors in their dedicated hunt for the enemies of the Imperium. Warhammer 40,000: Damnation Crusade serves as an accessible opening chapter introducing new and old readers alike to this bloody, dark, ravaged universe of science fiction and fantasy! Gods of War and Ancestors, bless us now, for we go to war" -- from publishers' web site.