Overview:
In 2005-2006, DC Comics dropped a bomb on its universe with the Infinite Crisis event. The crossover saga, shepherded by a creative dream team of Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, and Jerry Ordway, stirred both critical acclaim and fan frenzy. The storyline unfolded across various DC titles, with intricate plot threads woven by these maestros.
The narrative dance involves the big guns: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, plus a medley of teams like the Justice League and the Teen Titans. From Lex Luthor to the enigmatic Alexander Luthor, villains twirl into the chaos. The fan reception? Let’s just say it’s been a rollercoaster—some praising the complexity, others feeling a bit overwhelmed.
In this crisis, DC reshapes its landscape, questioning heroism, legacy, and the very fabric of its multiverse. The repercussions ripple across the DC Universe, introducing concepts that become staples moving forward. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes, Infinite Crisis is a ride that leaves an indelible mark on the comic book cosmos.
Background Reading:
Best Way To Read:
Infinite Crisis Omnibus
Collects: Action Comics #826, #829, Adventures of Superman #639, #642, Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Day of Vengeance #1-6, Day of Vengeance Infinite Crisis Special, JLA #115-119, Infinite Crisis #1-6, Infinite Crisis Secret Files 2006, The OMAC Project #1-6, The OMAC Project Infinite Crisis Special, Rann-Thanagar War #1-6, The Rann-Thanagar Infinite Crisis Special, Superman #216, #219, Villains United #1-6, Villains United Infinite Crisis Special and Wonder Woman #219
Alternative Collections
Main Story
- Infinite Crisis
- Collects: Infinite Crisis #1-7
- Day of Vengeance
- Collects: Day of Vengeance #1–6, Action Comics #826, Adventures of Superman #639, Superman #216
- The OMAC Project
- Collects: The OMAC Project #1–6, Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Wonder Woman #219
- Rann-Thanagar War
- Collects: Rann–Thanagar War #1–6
- Villains United
- Collects: Villains United #1–6
Tie-Ins
- Infinite Crisis: Companion
- Collects: Day of Vengeance: Infinite Crisis Special, The OMAC Project: Infinite Crisis Special, Rann–Thanagar War: Infinite Crisis Special, Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special
- Superman: Sacrifice
- Collects: Superman #218-220, Adventures of Superman #642-643, Action Comics #829, Wonder Woman #219-220
- JLA: Crisis of Conscience
- Collects: JLA #115-119
- JLA: World Without a Justice League
- Collects: JLA #120-125
For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.
For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.
Reading Order:
The OMAC Project Lead-in
Written by Greg Rucka, alongside artist Jesus Saiz, “The OMAC Project” probes the dark underbelly of superhero surveillance. Batman and Wonder Woman take center stage, unearthing a conspiracy that digs deep into the core of trust among allies, laying down pivotal plot points for the impending crisis.
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus The OMAC Project |
| The OMAC Project #1 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus The OMAC Project |
| The OMAC Project #2 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus The OMAC Project |
| The OMAC Project #3 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus The OMAC Project |
| Superman #219 | Superman Sacrifice Important | Superman: Sacrifice |
| Action Comics #829 | Superman Sacrifice Important | Superman: Sacrifice |
| Adventures of Superman #642 | Superman Sacrifice Important | Superman: Sacrifice |
| Wonder Woman #219 | Superman Sacrifice Important | Superman: Sacrifice |
| Adventures of Superman #643 | Superman Sacrifice: Aftermath Not Important | Not collected |
| Wonder Woman #220 | Superman Sacrifice: Aftermath Not Important | Not collected |
| The OMAC Project #4 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus The OMAC Project |
| Manhunter #11 | Jonn Jones TBD | Not collected |
| Manhunter #12 | Jonn Jones TBD | Not collected |
| Manhunter #13 | Jonn Jones TBD | Not collected |
| Manhunter #14 | Jonn Jones TBD | Not collected |
| The OMAC Project #5 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus The OMAC Project |
| The OMAC Project #6 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus The OMAC Project |
| Wonder Woman #221 | Wonder Woman TBD | Not collected |
| Batman #635 | Batman TBD | Not collected |
| Batman #636 | Batman TBD | Not collected |
| Batman #637 | Batman TBD | Not collected |
| Batman #638 | Batman TBD | Not collected |
Day of Vengeance Lead-in
Bill Willingham and Justiniano spearhead “Day of Vengeance,” where the magical realm takes center stage. With a focus on characters like Shazam and the Spectre, this series unveils the metaphysical turmoil that precedes the crisis, intertwining magical forces that will play a crucial role in the impending chaos.
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Action Comics #826 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| Adventures of Superman $639 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| Superman #216 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| JSA Classified #1 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JSA Classified #2 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JSA Classified #3 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Day of Vengeance #1 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| JSA #73 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JSA #74 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JSA #75 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Blood of the Demon #6 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Blood of the Demon #7 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Action Comics #832 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Day of Vengeance #2 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| Day of Vengeance #3 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| Day of Vengeance #4 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| JSA #78 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JSA #79 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JSA #80 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Day of Vengeance #5 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
| Day of Vengeance #6 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Day of Vengeance |
Villains United Lead-in
Gail Simone and Dale Eaglesham helm “Villains United,” a series that flips the script by uniting DC’s rogues gallery under a mysterious benefactor. As antiheroes and villains band together, the stage is set for an unconventional alliance that sends shockwaves through the prelude to Infinite Crisis
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Villains United #1 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Villains United |
| Villains United #2 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Villains United |
| Villains United #3 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Villains United |
| Breach #7 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Breach #8 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Batgirl #63 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Batgirl #64 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Nightwing #107 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Nightwing #108 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Nightwing #109 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Nightwing #110 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Nightwing #111 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Firestorm #14 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Firestorm #15 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Firestorm #16 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Villains United #4 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Villains United |
| Firestorm #17 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Action Comics #830 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Action Comics #831 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Villains United #5 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Villains United |
| Villains United #6 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Villains United |
| Batman #646 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Batman #647 | TBD | Not Collected |
Rann-Thanagar War Lead-in
Authored by Dave Gibbons with artistry by Ivan Reis, “Rann-Thanagar War” becomes a pivotal overture to Infinite Crisis. Against the backdrop of cosmic strife between the planets Rann and Thanagar, this series thrusts characters like Hawkman and Hawkgirl into an intergalactic conflict, laying the groundwork for the broader cosmic consequences that reverberate through the Crisis.
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Hawkman #46 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Rann-Thanagar War #1 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Rann-Thanagar War |
| Rann-Thanagar War #2 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Rann-Thanagar War |
| Rann-Thanagar War #3 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Rann-Thanagar War |
| Rann-Thanagar War #4 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Rann-Thanagar War |
| Rann-Thanagar War #5 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Rann-Thanagar War |
| Rann-Thanagar War #6 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Rann-Thanagar War |
Justice League Lead-in
In “Crisis of Conscience”, Geoff Johns crafts a narrative of internal strife within the Justice League, challenging trust and loyalty amidst the fallout of “Identity Crisis.” This sets the stage emotionally. “World Without a Justice League” (2006), orchestrated by Bob Harras and Tom Derenick, further amplifies the stakes, exploring a world coping with the absence of its primary defenders, intensifying the impending sense of doom that foreshadows the upheaval in Infinite Crisis.
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| JLA #115 | Justice League Important | JLA: Crisis of Conscience |
| JLA #116 | Justice League Important | JLA: Crisis of Conscience |
| JLA #117 | Justice League Important | JLA: Crisis of Conscience |
| JLA #118 | Justice League Important | JLA: Crisis of Conscience |
| JLA #119 | Justice League Important | JLA: Crisis of Conscience |
| JLA #120 | Justice League Important | JLA: World Without Justice League |
| JLA #121 | Justice League Important | JLA: World Without Justice League |
| JLA #122 | Justice League Important | JLA: World Without Justice League |
| JLA #123 | Justice League Important | JLA: World Without Justice League |
Main Story
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite Crisis #1 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis |
| Gotham Central #37 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JLA #124 | Justice League Important | JLA: World Without Justice League |
| JLA #125 | Justice League Important | JLA: World Without Justice League |
| Wonder Woman #222 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Wonder Woman #223 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Green Lantern #7 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Green Lantern #8 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Aquaman #35 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Aquaman #36 | TBD | Not Collected |
| JSA Classified #4 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Infinite Crisis #2 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis |
| Hawkman #47 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Hawkman #48 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Hawkman #49 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Superman #225 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Aquaman #37 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Wonder Woman #224 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Infinite Crisis #3 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis |
| Aquaman #38 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Aquaman #39 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Robin #143 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Robin #144 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Robin #145 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Day of Vengeance Infinite Crisis Special #1 | Tie-in Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis: Companion |
| Infinite Crisis Secret Files 2006 #1 | Tie-in Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis: Companion |
| Infinite Crisis #4 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis |
| Batman #648 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Batman #649 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Batman #650 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Nightwing #116 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Teen Titans #32 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Robin #146 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Robin #147 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Rann-Thanagar War Special #1 | Tie-in Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis: Companion |
| Catwoman #52 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Adventures of Superman #648 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Teen Titans Annual #1 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Nightwing #117 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Infinite Crisis #5 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis |
| Superman #226 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Action Comics #836 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Adventures of Superman #649 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Teen Titans #33 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Batman Annual #25 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Infinite Crisis #6 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis |
| The OMAC Project Infinite Crisis Special #1 | Tie-in Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis: Companion |
| Villains United Infinite Crisis Special #1 | Tie-in Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis: Companion |
| Infinite Crisis #7 | Main Story Essential | Infinite Crisis Omnibus Infinite Crisis |
Aftermath
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Superman/Batman #26 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Superman #712 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre #1 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre #2 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre #3 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven #1 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven #2 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven #3 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven #4 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven #5 | TBD | Not Collected |
| Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven #6 | TBD | Not Collected |
Publications Impact
- Follow-up
- Leads into 52, a weekly series between Infinite Crisis #7 and the “One Year Later” storylines
- After Infinite Crisis #5, most series jumped one year ahead; after 52
- Series Spun out of the Event
- Checkmate spun out of The OMAC Project
- Secret Six spun out of Villains United
- Shadowpact spun out of Day of Vengeance
- Ion (12-issue miniseries)
- Blue Beetle vol. 7
- Series Renamed out of the Event
- Aquaman renamed to Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis with issue #40
- Firestorm renamed to Firestorm: The Nuclear Man with issue #23
- Hawkman renamed to Hawkgirl with issue #50
- Legion of Super-Heroes renamed to Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes with issue #16
- Adventures of Superman renamed to Superman with issue #650
- Series Ended in the Event
- Flash vol. 2
- Wonder Woman vol. 2
- Plastic Man
- JLA
- JSA
- Batgirl
- Gotham Central
- Batman: Gotham Knights
- Superman vol. 2 (replaced by a renamed Adventures of Superman)
References:
Feature Image Infinite Crisis hardcover edition Cover art by Phil Jimenez
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