Crisis On Infinite Earths is Full of Deaths and Confusion

I will be talking about the original version of Crisis on Infinite Earths from 1985, which features the Justice League cast in their iconic roles. This version made the story a classic in the DC Multiverse.

Crisis on Infinite Earths is a groundbreaking comic book crossover series published by DC Comics. Written by Marv Wolfman and pencilled by George Pérez, it captivated audiences as a 12-issue limited series released from April 1985 to March 1986.

As the centerpiece of a major crossover event, the series not only showcased beloved characters but also integrated plot elements in tie-in issues across other publications. Its significance within the DC universe is underscored by the fact that it has been reprinted in various formats and editions over the years, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

But here’s the thing though: I have no idea why. I mean sure, it gets good near the end when they are fighting the… umm… Anti-Monitor and his shadow demons… but beyond that, it is a long, dragging, boring story made for one purpose only: to simplify the multiple DC Universes into one, single, coherent world.

Story Overview

Now, as often is with comic book universes, this may be a bit hard to follow, so bear with me.

The story is as follows: There are many different variations of the universe, including Earth-1 and Earth-2, and for some reason, they are being destroyed by an anti-matter wave. The Monitor, some powerful guy who is assumed to be bad, does a good deed by bringing together heroes from multiple earths in order to help save the universe. He also put these giant vibrational fork things on each earth to connect them together or something.

To dig a little deeper, these multiple universes, known as the Multiverse, were threatened when a rogue scientist named Krona conducted an experiment that inadvertently created the Anti-Monitor, a cosmic villain from an antimatter universe. When the Anti-Monitor is unleashed, he begins wiping out various realities with his destructive antimatter wave.

Long story short, the Monitor dies and his evil counterpart, the Anti-Monitor, has to be dealt with to save all the universes. The mightiest heroes travel to stop him, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Captain Marvel, and other members of the Justice League. But the battle doesn’t end there. Key figures such as the Monitor, Harbinger, and Pariah also join the fray, each playing crucial roles in the unfolding events.

Among the ranks of these defenders stand the enigmatic Alexander Luthor Jr. and the formidable Flash (Barry Allen), whose actions are pivotal to the story. The presence of the unpredictable Psycho-Pirate adds an element of chaos, while the fearsome Anti-Monitor looms as a monumental threat to all worlds.

The assembly of these characters, from the iconic Superman to the volatile Superboy-Prime, creates a tapestry of heroism and conflict that defines the essence of Crisis on Infinite Earths. This gathering of legendary figures transcends individual stories, weaving together a saga of unity and sacrifice in the face of multiversal peril.

If you’re curious, the heroes’ journey involves fighting battles across time and space. Important characters like Alexander Luthor Jr., the last survivor of Earth-Three, play pivotal roles in opening portals between universes. Tragic losses occur, like Supergirl sacrificing herself, and the Flash channeling his speed to stop a catastrophic antimatter cannon.

In the end, after intense battles and strategic alliances—including a surprising team-up with villains—the Anti-Monitor is finally defeated. The multiverse merges into a single Earth, leaving only a handful of characters aware of the original realities. Although the outcome reshuffles the cosmic order, it’s a spectacular tale of sacrifice, unity, and the relentless fight against a seemingly invincible foe.

Major Character Deaths

It is pretty well known that the Supergirl death scene is in Crisis On Infinite Earths, so I hope I am not spoiling anything by saying so. I mean, it’s only on the cover of the comic, so it’s no huge secret. The Crisis on Infinite Earths Supergirl moment came to be in issue 7, with Kara Zor-El being in an environment that made her, as well as Superman, vulnerable while attacking the Anti-Monitor. While trying to save Superman, the Anti-Monitor blasted her and then escaped into space, marking a tragic superheroine demise.

Of course, Supergirl was not the only one to die. A ton of major characters died in this series. Barry Allen (The Flash), Green Arrow, Huntress, Robin, and a million others. And why not, right? There were two copies of most heroes at this point, due to Earth-1 and Earth-2 combining, so DC Comics had nothing to lose by doing this.

The drawings in this series are sometimes difficult to understand, because they are so detailed and tiny. The coloring is often poor, and panels are sometimes wordy. It is not the best story, but it is undeniably a classic (Affiliate Link) that a true comic fan would be proud to hold in their hands.

The Controversy

This is the DC comic book event that has been at the center of many debates since it was published in 1985. It stands out among the most audacious and pioneering story arcs that have ever happened in comic books, and it has enjoyed its moments of both adulation and dissent from fanatics and critics alike. However, what makes it one of these strongly disputed points? Let us now delve into some of the reasons why it became such a contentious subject.

It can be argued that the size of the event is the major determinant of the event’s contentiousness. Crisis on Infinite Earths was not merely an inter-title crossover, but a full-fledged shared universe that ran through nearly every character in existence, including lesser-known heroes like Constantine and the Spectre. It was a bold move to try to shoehorn a completely convoluted and contradictory multiverse into a single connected continuity. There were fans who thought this was a good idea and were happy about it, but there were others who did not want their favorite characters and storylines messed up.

A Groundbreaking Legacy

Despite the controversies, Crisis on Infinite Earths left a significant legacy on the comic book industry. It is credited with popularizing the concept of large-scale crossovers, paving the way for future events that would become staples in the industry. This series showed how continuity established by decades of stories could be woven into a cohesive, metatextual tapestry, appealing to long-time readers and generating substantial revenue.

The decision to kill off multiple characters, including long-time fan favorites, also added to the controversy surrounding the story. The deaths of iconic heroes such as Supergirl and The Flash (Barry Allen) shocked readers and sparked debates about the impact of these deaths on the future of the universe and the Justice League. Many saw it as a cheap gimmick to boost sales, while others praised the writers for taking such bold risks.

The series had an immediate effect by dividing the company’s history into ‘Pre-Crisis’ and ‘Post-Crisis’ eras. This led to the reboot of many characters, offering fresh starts for beloved heroes and integrating characters from other companies into a unified universe. The practice of re-envisioning characters extended well into the late ’80s, with properties like Green Lantern and the Suicide Squad receiving updates.

Also, the retconning of pre-existing continuity and characters was not only unfamiliar to fans but also provoked rage among them. The story tried to make the universe simpler by deleting some events and giving a new image to heroes from both Earth-1 and Earth-2. Such decisions were criticized by fans who loved earlier versions of these characters and storylines. It also posed dilemmas regarding comic book storytelling, where it has been believed that continuity is essential.

Sales Surge and Industry Impact

The series’ revamp efforts led to a 22% sales increase in its first year, marking a significant achievement as it allowed the company to surpass its main competitor in direct market sales for a time. This commercial success underscored the series’ influence, making it a landmark event in comic book history.

The incorporation of deus ex machina through the Monitor and the Anti-Monitor did not help in settling the debates about Crisis on Infinite Earths either. The abrupt emergence of these higher beings and their involvement in annihilating the multiverse with an anti-matter wave was considered a cliché move by many. It also provoked inquiries about the strength estimations of some heroes, their agency, etc.

Moreover, the outcome of Crisis on Infinite Earths and how it affected the universe brought about some divisions among viewers. While the event sought to streamline the universe, it also left space for upcoming retcons and reboots, thus laying a never-ending cycle of continuity twists. These made fans feel doubtful and lost about what lay ahead in terms of their most liked heroes and plots, including iconic characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

Television Series References

The iconic storyline Crisis on Infinite Earths has made numerous appearances in various television series, especially within the multiverse of superhero shows. These references often highlight its importance in shaping narrative arcs and linking multiple franchises.

Early Teasers and Predictions

Television Tie-ins: The storyline was initially hinted at in the very first episode of The Flash back in October 2014. A future newspaper from 2024 displayed a headline that ominously read “Flash Missing, Vanishes in Crisis”, subtly foreshadowing events yet to unfold.

Actor Insights: Grant Gustin, who brings the Flash to life on screen, mentioned that one of the ambitions for the series was to culminate in this epic crossover. While originally envisioned to occur around ten years into the show’s timeline, its impact was significant enough to be considered a milestone event.

Multiverse and Franchise Development

Expanding the Multiverse: The concept of a multiverse—a collection of alternate universes—has been a recurring theme in these shows. This approach allowed the creative teams to explore diverse storylines and character developments across different series while maintaining cohesion within the larger narrative.

Crossover Events

2019 Event: The storyline not only inspired individual series but also set the stage for a major crossover event in 2019, where characters from various shows converged. This crossover was also named “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, marking a significant event that drew directly from the storyline’s original themes.

Timeline Adjustments: Fans noted adjustments in the timeline, as time travel intricacies moved the date of the crisis up by five years from what was initially depicted.

Sequels

The comic book series Crisis on Infinite Earths kicked off a fascinating trilogy, influencing several sequels that expanded upon its groundbreaking story.

1. Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!
   • This series acts as a direct follow-up, building upon the major continuity changes introduced in the original crisis.
2. Infinite Crisis
   • Written by Geoff Johns and beautifully illustrated by artists such as Phil Jimenez and Pérez, this seven-part series was released between October 2005 and June 2006. It tells the story of characters like Kal-L, Alexander Luthor, and Superboy-Prime, who escape a pocket dimension to wreak havoc on the multiverse. The narrative delves into Luthor’s descent into madness as he tries to recreate the multiverse, culminating in a climactic battle that alters reality once again.
3. Final Crisis
   • This installment, penned by Grant Morrison, ran from May 2008 to January 2009. The plot centers around Darkseid’s arrival on Earth, as he collaborates with Libra in an attempt to conquer the Multiverse. The Justice League and Green Lantern Corps unite to battle this existential threat.
4. Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths
   • The latest event, occurring in 2022, adds another layer to the storied saga. Crafted by Joshua Williamson with art from Daniel Sampere and Alejandro Sanchez, this series begins with the dramatic death of the Justice League. The antagonist, Pariah, enlists Deathstroke and the Secret Society of Supervillains to initiate a new crisis, aiming to revive the infinite Earths lost previously. The Titans, led by Nightwing, try to thwart these plans, while Hal Jordan seeks to uncover the truth behind the League’s demise.

Each sequel deepens the complex and thrilling narrative tapestry begun by Crisis on Infinite Earths, exploring themes of power, redemption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil in the DC Universe.