Multiversity Reading Guide

Written by Brett in DC,Story 
The Multiversity

Overview:

The Multiversity, published by DC Comics in 2014, is a standalone event written by Grant Morrison, with art from various artists like Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. The series explores a collection of parallel worlds, each with its own heroes, villains, and stories, all under threat from a mysterious and malevolent force known as The Gentry.

The story is split across multiple one-shot issues, with each set in a different universe, but connected by a larger, overarching narrative. Central heroes include various versions of classic DC characters, such as Superman from Earth-23 and Captain Carrot from Earth-26. The Gentry, a group of cosmic-level villains, pose the central threat, aiming to corrupt and destroy the multiverse.

Critically, The Multiversity is well-received for its ambitious storytelling, meta-commentary, and deep engagement with DC’s history. Fans appreciate the imaginative world-building, but some find the plot complex and challenging to follow, as with many of Morrison’s epics. The artwork is widely praised for its range and quality, with each issue’s art style matching the tone of the respective universe. Overall, The Multiversity stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of alternate realities within the DC universe.

Background Reading:

  • TBD

Related Guides

Best Way To Read:

  • The Multiversity Deluxe Edition
    • Collects: The Multiversity #1-2, The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World #1, The Multiversity: The Just #1, The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1, The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1, The Multiversity Guidebook #1, The Multiversity: Mastermen #1, The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1

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:

TitleImportanceCollected
The Multiversity #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity: The Just #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity Guidebook #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity: Mastermen #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
The Multiversity #2Main StoryThe Multiversity Deluxe Edition
Multiversity Reading Order

Publications Impact

  • Series Spun out of the Event
    • Multiversity: Teen Justice (2022)
    • Multiversity: Harley Screws up the DCU (2023)

References:

Feature Image from Multiversity #1 cover art by Joe Prado, Ivan Reis, and Nei Ruffino

Brett

In my mid-30s, I ventured into the mesmerizing world of comic books, and since then, they've captured my heart as one of my cherished pastimes. With a delightful dance between Marvel and DC, sprinkled with the occasional indie gem, I've immersed myself in this enchanting universe. As a true completionist at heart, my passion for collecting has birthed an abundance of reading lists that I'm thrilled to share with all of you, bringing us together on this thrilling comic journey.

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