Overview:
Invasion! is a massive crossover event in the DC Universe, written by Keith Giffen and published from 1988 to 1989. The storyline weaves together the ongoing narratives of various series, including the Omega Men, Justice League International (JLI), and the Legion of Superheroes. One of the key elements introduced in Invasion! is the metagene concept, which explains the emergence of superpowers in certain individuals.
The event showcases epic battles between Earth’s heroes and the alien alliance known as the Dominators, who seek to eradicate metahumans. Invasion! is lauded for its intricate plot twists, dynamic action sequences, and the involvement of beloved characters from across the DC Universe. It explores the complex relationships between teams and individuals as they unite against a common threat, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie among the heroes.
Invasion! is considered a significant event as it not only serves as a thrilling crossover but also adds depth to the lore of the DC Universe by introducing the metagene concept. The event has had lasting impacts on the stories and character development of numerous heroes and continues to be remembered as a standout crossover event in DC Comics history. (Full Review)
Background Reading:
- None
Related Guides
- Omega Men
- Justice League International
- Legion of Superheroes
Best Way To Read:
Invasion!
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:
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Invasion! #1 | Main Story | Invasion! |
| Daily Planet #1 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Checkmate! #11 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Firestorm the Nuclear Man #80 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Flash (vol. 2) #21 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Justice League International #22 | JLI Not Important | Uncollected |
| Manhunter #8 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Wonder Woman (vol. 2) #25 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Superman (vol. 2) #26 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Adventures of Superman #449 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Animal Man #6 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Doom Patrol (vol. 2) #17 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Power of the Atom #7 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Starman #5 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Swamp Thing (vol. 2) #23 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Captain Atom #24 | Captain Atom Important | Uncollected |
| Detective Comics #595 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| The New Guardians #6 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| The Spectre (vol. 2) #23 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Invasion! #2 | Main Story | Invasion! |
| Checkmate! #12 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Firestorm the Nuclear Man #81 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Flash (vol. 2) #22 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Justice League International #23 | JLI Important | Uncollected |
| Manhunter #9 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Wonder Woman (vol. 2) #26 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Superman (vol. 2) #27 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Adventures of Superman #450 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Power of the Atom #8 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Starman #6 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Animal Man #7 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Suicide Squad #23 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Captain Atom #25 | Captain Atom Important | Uncollected |
| The New Guardians #7 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Doom Patrol (vol. 2) #18 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Invasion! #3 | Main Story | Invasion! |
| Justice League Europe #1 | JLE Important | Uncollected |
| Blasters Special #1 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| L.E.G.I.O.N. ’89 #1 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| The Spectre (vol. 2) #24 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
| Invasion! Special: Daily Planet #1 | TBD – Not Read | Uncollected |
Publications Impact
- Series Spun out of the Event
- L.E.G.I.O.N
References:
Feature Image Invasion! Book One Cover art by Bart Sears
Recent Posts
The Ravagers are a superhero team introduced in the New 52 continuity of DC Comics, comprising young metahumans who escape from captivity and seek freedom from those who exploited them. The team is...
The Outlaws is a team in the DC Comics universe primarily led by the anti-hero Red Hood. Originally conceived as a darker, more complex alternative to traditional superhero teams, they often operate...