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:
| Title | Importance | Collected |
|---|---|---|
| The Multiversity #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity: The Just #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity Guidebook #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity: Mastermen #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
| The Multiversity #2 | Main Story | The Multiversity Deluxe Edition |
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
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