Worlds Collide Reading Guide

Overview:

Worlds Collide is a crossover event published in 1994, combining characters from DC Comics and Milestone Media. The storyline is written by key contributors from both companies, including Karl Kesel, Dwayne McDuffie, and Ivan Velez Jr. The art team features Denis Cowan, Jackson Guice, and others. The event spans several titles, including Superman: The Man of Steel and Icon, mixing the traditional DC superhero universe with Milestone’s grounded and socially conscious characters.

At its core, Worlds Collide centers on heroes from both universes—Superman and Steel from DC, and Icon and Rocket from Milestone—who team up to stop a reality-bending villain, Rift, whose actions threaten both worlds. The heroes struggle not only against a cosmic foe but also with cultural differences and clashing values, particularly highlighted in interactions between Superman and Icon.

The event received a mixed reception. Fans of both Milestone and DC appreciated the unique team-ups and the exploration of social themes. However, some critics felt the narrative was disjointed, partly because of its reliance on characters from two separate universes. The artwork was praised for its dynamic action sequences, though some felt inconsistent across the different issues.

Best Way To Read:

Not Collected

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:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from JLA #111 cover art by David Baron, Todd Klein, and Ron Garney