Old Reader, New Readers: Crisis on Infinite Earths

[@mangageekdom]

I have a lot of love for Crisis! Harbinger! Alex, Monitors and Anti-Monitor, alternate earths, that Flash issue, that Supergirl issue ;). Sure it was a convoluted mess with a ton of writing but it dictated what DC would be for so many years (I really enjoy the Mutliverse) and the repercussions of certain characters are still felt today.

[@NearMintCondition]

The maxi series had so many epic and sad moments. I did become a Wally West fan because of this series and of course the gorgeous George Perez artwork.

[@ShaneMatlock]

As I stated in the chat, Crisis on Infinite Earths is probably the worst comic you could give to new readers. When it came out I was like 16/17 and had been reading comics since I could read (both Marvel and DC, though I was much more of a Marvel fan, I still knew quite a bit about DC because I had a relative that gave me a lot of his old DC comics) and I was thoroughly confused through the whole run of Crisis. That isn't to say I didn't like it as I absolutely loved the Perez artwork. And as for confusion, I still get confused by a lot of Grant Morrison comics I read and would list him as one of my favorite writers in comics. I don't mind some confusion, in fact that can actually add to the allure or enjoyment when done right, but with Crisis a big part of the confusion was that I didn't know who a lot of the characters were (and they rarely bothered to tell you) and what the hell was going on in the plot a good deal of the time. I know it's not easy to cram in the entirety of the DC comics and do a 12 issue mini-series that streamlines, well, everything, but I still think it could've been written better than what Marv Wolfman did. I also think it was a huge mistake to get rid of all the multiple Earths as I'd always loved all the Earth 1 and 2 crossovers in Justice League of America with the JLA and the JSA. I know they thought all the multiple Earths were confusing to new readers, but, in my opinion, muddying up the whole history of the line by merging all the Earths added more to the confusion than it actually solved. And I don't personally find having multiple Earths all that confusing and I don't think the general public does either as evidenced by things like Fringe and the CW DC shows. All of this written, and, man, I didn't intend to write this much, it's still not a bad read and the artwork is utterly gorgeous so it's worth picking up for that alone. DC would realize their mistake and later bring back all the multiple Earths they eliminated and most of the characters they killed. And to the guy that stated in chat that any random issue of Uncanny X-Men from that time period would be just as confusing as Crisis on Infinite Earths, I'm with Omar in saying that is completely false. My first issue of Uncanny X-Men was #165 which was smack dab in the middle of the Brood story line and I had no problem figuring out who the characters were or what was going on.

[@NearMintCondition]

I remember the more I read DC comics the more I would understand CoIE more and more. I don't think that was the case though. This read through I did appreciate it more and the moments of character's deaths did hit me harder this time. This whole multiple Earths coming, going, coming, going...it's a mess. As much as I love the Rebirth line, I really wish they had gone gung ho and done a hard reboot for everything.....hell sometimes I wish Marvel would do that. Grant Morrison's writing can be so pretentious from time to time, I think he purposely likes to confuse his readers. Not in all his work, just some. BTW his Green Lantern has been kicking ass. As far as the X-men...I stand by my statement, even the most nonsense stories with retcons thrown in make more sense. 168 was my first issue of Uncanny BTW.

[@ShaneMatlock]

@@NearMintCondition Those deaths hit me hard even at the time. Not just Supergirl's and Flash's but the whole universes they were wiping out that were an important part of my childhood. Also I too hated what DC did with Wally West in the New 52 after bringing back Barry like 30 years later. Even worse they've apparently killed him in yet another event book after bringing him back in Rebirth. The Flashes can not catch a break.

[@NearMintCondition]

@@ShaneMatlock Yeah man, I am not digging this new Crisis story by Tom King... it reeks of editorial mandate and he doesn't know how to write some of these characters. Say what you will about Wolfman's Crisis, he knew the characters left and right. i hope Wally does come back after this mess. I wish Johns would go back on the book!

[@just23bulls]

Running through some of these old videos and man... This thumbnail is amazing!! Made me laugh pretty good lol

[@trishb.6398]

I hated coming back into work, but you three made my first day back better. I enjoyed Crisis, but I've been reading DC comics for 10 years. I can understand going in blind and reading it, how much of a headache it must be, but it is The most important story from DC. Like Omar said, you will appreciate other DC stories after this. It was like reading the Silmarillion to me at points.

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you for watching, Trish. Our first day back at work as well. I love the complexity of the Silmarillion, it was like reading a Tolkien bible.

[@amazingamandareelztalk]

Trish B. It’s kind of like those classic novels... they are a must read to understand how important they are to our cultural history but yes a first time read through isn’t easy! Happy New Years!!!

[@theanti-monitor6816]

Crisis on Infinite earth is the only reason I care for the CW Arrowverse shows because when I see Flash and Supergirl, I always remember Barry and Kara's sacrifice in crisis on infinite earths. It was such an emotional roller coaster for me. I read it in early 2000s and totally enjoyed it.

[@NearMintCondition]

Kara's death was so heroic and Barry's was so horrific. They will always be embedded in my mind. It's a shame that within a years time no one knew who Supergirl even was.

[@theanti-monitor6816]

@@NearMintConditionabsolutely true. that was the sad part because they used it retcon Kara out of DC universe.

[@nisus8]

...But you killed them both off, you big meanie jerk!!!

[@harvey2906]

The third Season of DC's Legends of Tomorrow was the best of all. 💪

[@purplerain225]

Hope they reprint the Absolute Edition one day but for now the Deluxe will do. George Perez artwork is superb at times rough to read but it was worth it. After reading this jumped straight into Infinite Crisis and voila it just works better that way.

[@nisus8]

Actually, it wasn't circa 1985 when DC first realized that their contuinty was super-convoluted and needed to be simplified/rebooted, it was back around 1981 or 1982, which is when they initially decided to pay a hired consultant to read (literally!) every single DC comic book ever published since 1938 and take notes, and then they finally decided to reboot the entire DC universe (multiverse) when it became clear that their planned ''Encyclopedia of the DC Universe'' (or some such similar title) project simply would not cut the mustard and allow new readers to jump onboard like they were hoping. Starting in 1982, the character of The Monitor started appearing in very brief cameo-appearances throughout all the major DC books, building and building in length and revelations until his final, ''The Crisis has begun!!'-appearance in the late spring of 1985, leading directly into the events of _Crisis on Infinite Earths_ .

[@NearMintCondition]

Well, I for one am glad they did do the reboot in the mid 80s.

[@sweetexorcist7322]

Fantastic video so excited that we are getting a live action version next year!

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting Sweetexorcist7! It's going to be interesting how this version of Crisis plays out in the CW.

[@harvey2906]

@@NearMintCondition The comics were better than the Crossover. Your video is 😎.

[@tonebone7449]

I think this really speaks to the fact that comics at that time were written to be read one issue per month. Reading this whole story AS ONE STORY is a bit overwhelming and a bit of a slog in some places. When it was written there was NO INKLING that it would ever be read in one volume. There is a rhythm to it, much like when you read daily or weekly comic strips. Understanding the rhythm and forgiving the many, many recaps and expository dialog is a necessity for enjoyment.

[@machinemanbaltimore]

Great job on this video! When Crisis came out, I was off doing the girls and cars thing so I didn’t even know about it till years later. That being said, I have read it once, a few years back. I remember enjoying it but I admit to many points of confusion too. I’d give it a 7 out of 10; the artwork was phenomenal and the significance of this story can’t be discounted. You guys inspired me to go back and give it another read as soon as I’m done more current reading list. Thanks again!

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you so much for the compliment Chris. While it's confusing, the impact it left in the DC universe is unparalleled. Nothing has come as close to what happened then. Even Flashpoint didn't give their main three a hard reboot.

[@harvey2906]

Crisis of Infinite Earths was incredible 😎. Epic.🖖

[@transistormedia]

I dont over use a lot of hyperbole when describing my favorite comics but I LOVED Crisis back in the day and still do.

[@NearMintCondition]

And rightly so.

[@michaelreeves1429]

Just saw this for the first time - new to your channel... so going back looking at some of the old videos like this one. I bought all these issues when they came out in 85' it was hyped up a little that Supergirl died in issue 7. Some fanzines kinda spoiled it prior to the issue being out, as good as they could pre internet. When Issue 8 came out -- the Flash's death came out of left field. It was not expected at all. Nor was it even implied or hinted that it was going to happen.

[@NearMintCondition]

Welcome to the channel! Yeah that death of Barry took everyone by surprise.

[@TVAntone]

Props to my guy for the correct prononciation of the name "Pérez".

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you!

[@LoreLord-]

The monitor needed to die to have his full power he was limited by his physical form

[@tonebone7449]

The sad thing is, that NO ONE found the multiple universes confusing. The writers and editors did. I don't know anybody who found it confusing as a reader, new or old. What exists NOW is terribly confusing, after Infinite Crisis, New52, Doomsday, Rebirth, etc.

[@NearMintCondition]

The timelines now are such a mess.

[@harvey2906]

@@NearMintCondition I agree with you. They should have turned back the clock. Instead, they have got us from one mess to the next. They could have saved themselves that. 🙄

[@jeremyg371]

Good show ladies and uh omar u did ok I guess. Don't want you to cry or nothing but you know I'm here for the girls. :) Excellent review all. Peace and have a great day.

[@NearMintCondition]

You as well Comic Guy, I know why you are really here.

[@pradev2110]

So did they came up with omnibus (bundle of compendium) for crisis for infinite earth.

[@NearMintCondition]

No omnibus of Crisis yet.

[@rocketskates21]

Read Multiversity!

[@NearMintCondition]

Israel, I love that Grant Morrison story. This is a great idea.

[@MercerCreate]

best thumbnail ever

[@NearMintCondition]

It's one of my personal favoriters.

[@MercerCreate]

@@NearMintCondition I've been carried like that before (by a girl) do you have a larger pic of the thumbnail?

[@jrox1904]

Its ok to be honest girls this book was not good i tried to read it & its like a 5/10 but i only read the first 3 issues & gave up so theres that.. I know some storys get overhyped because of the imprint they left on continuety but im not a continuity buff i take every run as its own thing

[@NearMintCondition]

That's the thing with comics, Things always get overhyped and by the time people read them, they just don't live up to it. Then again some stories do.

[@darrellmetcalfe3615]

10/10 best event book ever written and amazing art!

[@NearMintCondition]

My man!

[@matttlempicke1778]

I got a shit load of comics this year for Christmas

[@NearMintCondition]

I'd love to know what you got.

[@MercerCreate]

did she actually carry him for the thumbnail?

[@NearMintCondition]

LOL she ain't that strong. Photoshop. :)

[@MercerCreate]

@@NearMintCondition i found that women are actually stronger than they expect that they are lol

[@NearMintCondition]

This is true.

[@sarahbembry7512]

Omar u guys haven’t done infinite crisis yet!! Get on it.

[@NearMintCondition]

We are. Maddie comes back from China next week. So on Tuesday May 25th we are going to be Infinite Crisis.