Why Crisis of Infinite Earths Is the Greatest Comic Event of All Time

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DC Comics didn’t initiate the concept of event comics, but they raised it to a new level with “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” This twelve-issue series by Marv Wolfman and George Perez stands as an undisputed classic, marking a significant shift from DC’s continuity since 1956’s Showcase #4. It helped revive DC’s popularity after several years of dwindling success. Whether “Crisis on Infinite Earths” resolved any issues or exacerbated them is debatable, but it certainly set the course for multiple large-scale reboots, each with varying degrees of achievement. Since then, DC has frequently returned to the well of “Crisis” in their event books, and at times, this has been problematic. However, let’s be straightforward – “Crisis on Infinite Earths” is unparalleled as the greatest event comic ever created.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel that “Crisis” stands out as a comics masterpiece, consistently holding the summit of the event comic mountain. The impact of those twelve issues reverberates through four decades, crafting a tale that truly deserves the title of an event. No other event book, be it from DC or Marvel, has ever come close to matching “Crisis” in terms of ambition and action. It set the bar for event comics in the superhero genre, establishing tropes that would become industry standards. Yes, “Crisis on Infinite Earths” isn’t without its flaws, but those imperfections only add to its allure.

Crisis on Infinite Earths Is the Event Comic Blueprint

Marvel kicked off the trend of using comic book events for major publishing line changes with “Marvel Super-Heroes: Contest of Champions” and followed up with the groundbreaking twelve-issue event series, “Secret Wars,” in 1984. However, DC Comics’ “Crisis” was the first to employ this format, immediately setting itself apart from previous works. From the very beginning, when Pariah arrived on Earth-Three and the Justice League’s most formidable foes like the Crime Syndicate met their demise, it was clear that “Crisis” would be a departure from what had come before. The grandeur of “Crisis” surpassed anything that had been seen before, making “Secret Wars” (1984) feel almost quaint in comparison.

A significant factor behind this was meticulous planning. As editor of Green Lantern in 1981, Wolfman encountered a challenging continuity issue, which led to the conception of a major DC Universe-altering event. Initially titled “The History of the DC Universe”, the project eventually became known as Crisis, although its name was changed due to the historical significance of the term “crisis” within DC Comics. Immediately following the pitch, DC began planning the book, dedicating years and hiring a specialized researcher to aid Wolfman, Perez, Giordano, and Ordway in their preparations. The effort put into this project is rarely seen in today’s event comics, as publishers typically don’t invest the same level of detail.

The “Crisis on Infinite Earths” revolutionized the concept of spectacle in comic books. By merging virtually every character from DC’s history and offering sights never before imagined, it set a new standard. Its tagline, “Worlds will live, worlds will die, and nothing will be same again,” perfectly encapsulated its impact. The villain, the Anti-Monitor, was unlike any other, aiming to destroy not just one universe but every universe, providing readers with an escalating sense of danger. This villain served as a model for all major event comic book antagonists that followed, and none can compare. Although the Anti-Monitor may not be a complex character, he fundamentally altered what it means to be a comic book villain. The series was marked by numerous deaths, a significant shift from previous comics. While Barry Allen and Supergirl are commonly associated with “Crisis” deaths, they were merely popular examples. Comics had never depicted such widespread mortality before, redefining the boundaries for what an event comic could be. In contrast to Marvel’s ’80s events, which were devoid of blood and seemed more like products than stories, “Crisis” felt like a narrative with stakes that had never been seen before.

The duo of Wolfman and Perez significantly contributes to the book’s greatness. As part of the initial wave of comic enthusiasts, Wolfman’s passion for superheroes and DC is evident throughout each page. His dedication is what breathes life into the story, even though opinions may differ on its pacing. The book’s escalating tension effectively builds an epic atmosphere, a feat only achievable by a talent like Wolfman. On the other hand, Perez, renowned for his exceptional superhero drawings and intricate designs, was the ideal artist for this piece, particularly with characters such as the Monitor, Anti-Monitor, Harbinger, Pariah, and Lady Quark. His masterful artwork, brimming with detail, brings every scene to life and emphasizes the book’s action-packed nature. Together, Wolfman and Perez created a unique reading experience that sets Crisis apart from other works of its kind.

Every Other Event Wishes It Was Crisis

As a dedicated comic book enthusiast, I must confess that the anticipation for “Crisis on Infinite Earths” was immense. This epic tale wasn’t just about spinning an engaging yarn to propel DC Comics into the future; it was also a monumental task of honoring the rich legacy that had unfolded in the pages before. To my relief, “Crisis” managed to wrap up brilliantly, a feat few events can achieve. The story’s grandeur was accentuated by the burden of the DC Multiverse it carried. In essence, “Crisis on Infinite Earths” isn’t merely a fantastic read; it’s one of the most pivotal moments in the history of comics.

The impact of Crisis surpassed all expectations, making it a unique masterpiece in an industry known for uniformity. DC frequently returns to this wellspring of inspiration, yet never manages to replicate its success. Crisis stands alone as a singular story in a medium that often lacks originality, which is quite extraordinary. Each subsequent event aimed to emulate it to some degree, but none have managed to approach its greatness. The terms ‘pre-Crisis‘ and ‘post-Crisis‘ are used to describe DC’s continuity because comics were fundamentally transformed by this groundbreaking work; they were one thing before it, and something entirely different afterwards. In essence, Crisis is the pinnacle of comic book events, and that’s about all there is to say on the matter.

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2025-04-27 19:10