Crisis on Infinite Earths
The very first Superman comic book was publish in 1938. By the 1950's, there were so many inconsistencies that the editors decided to create an Earth 1 and Earth 2 to explain the differences. It was a great idea.
Over time however, DC had to add more worlds to explain away the inconsistences: an Earth for Shazam and his family; an Earth where Lois Lane married Lex Luther and together, they fight an evil version of the Justice League; and an Earth in which World War II never ended.
The different groups met in various Crisis on Multiple Earths specials until finally DC decided to relauch in one universe.
Crisis on Infinite Earths is the only time in comics that a company has had to clean up so much history. By the time DC took on this task, they had about 50 years to work with. To their credit, the staff at DC was able to decently represent almost every character with special attention to Superman, The Flash, Batman, Wonder Woman, Shazam, and their respective families.
The Story
Two god-like creatures, the Monitor and Anti-Monitor, fight a war in which they are equally matched. The Anti-Monitor finds out that he can increase his powers by destroying whole universes and begins to systematically wipe out all existence. The heroes must find a way to stop him.
Why is it so important? Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
DC decided to do their relaunch in a big way. Characters die and for the most part, stayed dead. I don't want to give too much away, but the death of Supergirl is one of the most heartful scenes you will read and though they tease us with it, the Barry Allen Flash is not coming back.
Before this, Supergirl was a joke. DC created her to be almost as fast and as strong as Superman, but when it was time to fight the good fight, she was off saving treed cats or dating the cute boy in school. And this was when Superman was Mr. Push Planets. So, she should have been at least number 3 or 4 in power and strength over everyone else. For once, just one time, in this series, she lives up to her full potential.
Speaking of Mr. Superman/Push Planets...
After this series, DC relaunched their titles from the beginning. Among other things, Superman is no longer able to push moons and travel through time. His powers are manageable. He is vulnerable to magic and kryptonite. Superman becomes less super and more man. And that is just Superman. This series touches almost every DC character in one way or another.
This is great book for long time fans and those new to comics.
Over time however, DC had to add more worlds to explain away the inconsistences: an Earth for Shazam and his family; an Earth where Lois Lane married Lex Luther and together, they fight an evil version of the Justice League; and an Earth in which World War II never ended.
The different groups met in various Crisis on Multiple Earths specials until finally DC decided to relauch in one universe.
Crisis on Infinite Earths is the only time in comics that a company has had to clean up so much history. By the time DC took on this task, they had about 50 years to work with. To their credit, the staff at DC was able to decently represent almost every character with special attention to Superman, The Flash, Batman, Wonder Woman, Shazam, and their respective families.
The Story
Two god-like creatures, the Monitor and Anti-Monitor, fight a war in which they are equally matched. The Anti-Monitor finds out that he can increase his powers by destroying whole universes and begins to systematically wipe out all existence. The heroes must find a way to stop him.
Why is it so important? Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
DC decided to do their relaunch in a big way. Characters die and for the most part, stayed dead. I don't want to give too much away, but the death of Supergirl is one of the most heartful scenes you will read and though they tease us with it, the Barry Allen Flash is not coming back.
Before this, Supergirl was a joke. DC created her to be almost as fast and as strong as Superman, but when it was time to fight the good fight, she was off saving treed cats or dating the cute boy in school. And this was when Superman was Mr. Push Planets. So, she should have been at least number 3 or 4 in power and strength over everyone else. For once, just one time, in this series, she lives up to her full potential.
Speaking of Mr. Superman/Push Planets...
After this series, DC relaunched their titles from the beginning. Among other things, Superman is no longer able to push moons and travel through time. His powers are manageable. He is vulnerable to magic and kryptonite. Superman becomes less super and more man. And that is just Superman. This series touches almost every DC character in one way or another.
This is great book for long time fans and those new to comics.
posted by Raymond D. Miller at 2:40 PM
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