Crisis (DC Comics)
Encyclopedia
A crisis in the DC Universe
is an event with potentially great consequences, often involving multiple universes and sometimes even threatening their existence.
From 1963 to 1985 the term "crisis" was used to describe the annual events in which the Justice League of America of Earth-One and the Justice Society of America
of Earth-Two met and worked together, usually in an incident involving one or more of the parallel worlds of the DC Multiverse
. This usage culminated in 1985's year-long Crisis on Infinite Earths
, in which the Multiverse was eliminated. After several years of disuse, the term "crisis" was applied to several events with either "universal" stakes or substantial character consequences, such as Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!
, Identity Crisis, Infinite Crisis
, and Final Crisis
.
In the two decades after 1985, "Crisis" by itself came to refer specifically to Crisis on Infinite Earths, especially when used in house pre-Crisis
and post-Crisis.
Characters in the DC Universe sometimes use the term "crisis" in the same sense, referring either to any great threat, or as "the Crisis" in reference to the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, either as they happened or as they were commonly remembered in the revised history after the fact.
With the publication of Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis, and the announcement of Final Crisis, the use of the term within the DC Universe has shifted. The Crisis on Infinite Earths is sometimes referred to as "the first Crisis". The Infinite Crisis has occasionally been referred to as simply "the crisis", and a character from the 31st century called it "the middle Crisis" DC has advertised that there will be a Final Crisis
in May 2008.
These stories can be found in THE FLASH (vol.1) 123, 129, 137, 151 and 173.
stories with "crisis" in the title before "Crisis on Earth-One!", it was this issue that started the tradition of the annual JLA/JSA crossover, which usually had the word "crisis" in the title of at least one of its issues.
"Crisis on Earth-One
" and "Crisis on Earth-Two
!" was the first story in which the JLA and JSA met as teams. Members of the two teams would meet once each year after this until Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985.
In this first story, the two teams team up in order to battle Chronos, Dr. Alchemy, Felix Faust, the Fiddler, the Icicle, and the Wizard, who have discovered a way to travel between the worlds. Each one of the Crime Champions steals a Million dollars and escapes to the other world. Felix Faust steals from a sunken ship and evades Aquaman
, the Martian Manhunter
and Atom
. Doctor Alchemy robs an armored car and evades Green Arrow and Superman, the Flash not even showing up. Chronos takes his money from the Powers City Bank, despite the efforts of Batman
, Wonder Woman
, and Green Lantern
. Later in a base between worlds the Crime Champions talk over their crimes. The Wizard defeated his world's Green Lantern and Black Canary
, the Fiddler escaped Hawkman
, his world's Flash (who was able to get to him despite the trap), and his world's Atom, and the Icicle got away from Hourman
and Doctor Fate
. It is revealed that when the Fiddler was escaping jail with the Wizard and Icicle he tried to escape using his violin, but was accidentally shifted to a music show in Earth-1, which the Earth-1 Crime Champions were about to rob. Seeing them in convict garb, the Earth-1 crooks helped them, and they were all spirited away by Felix Faust. They now plan to go into their other world, where they will not be recognized, and spend their loot without fear of apprehension. They have kidnapped both Flash's, as they can travel between Earths and could recognise the villains, and place them in vibratory spheres. The Earth-Two Crime Champions are tempted by the riches of Earth-1, so decide to capture the JLA, and disguises themselves as the Earth-One Crime Champions using the Wizard's Tibetan magic. They have eight enchanted objects, which will spring a trap when all touched. They rob Casino Town (based on Las Vegas) and 'Felix Faust' tells the JLA that they have ten minutes to get there. The Wizard, disguised as Doctor Alchemy, makes Superman touch metal, and Green Arrow wood. The Icicle, disguised as Chronos, makes Batman touch rubber, Wonder Woman animal, and Green Lantern glass. The Fiddler, disguised as Felix Faust and somehow able to cast spells like him, makes Aquaman touch sand, the Atom touch a Jewel, and the Martian Manhunter touch water. The JLA are transported to and imprisoned in their headquarters. They are unable to get out, or even see it, and Superman says that, due to the fact there was no Kryptonite in the Casino and he was still weakened magic must be being used. Batman suggests they use a crystal ball given to them by Merlin to contact the Flash. The Flash tells them he cannot escape, but suggests they contact the JSA, which they do, bringing them to their headquarters, and causing a joyful meeting. Doctor Fate transports them to Earth-Two, while the JSA stay on Earth-One to defeat their enemies. Meanwhile the Green Lanterns travel between worlds to free the Flashes. The Earth-2 Atom and Hourman defeat the Fiddler as he tries to rob a museum, Hawkman and Black Canary capture the Wizard after he robs a Jewel Store, and Doctor fate defeats the Icicle as he tries to steal valuable artworks. When Felix Faust tries robbing a charity fair he is met by the Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, and Earth-1 Atom. He casts a spell that makes them spin in mid-air, but b their combined efforts the Atom is able to knock Faust out and break the spell. Wonder Woman and Batman succeed in disarming and defeating Doctor Alchemy as he tries to hide his loot. Chronos tries to rob a lighthouse of a valuable clock, and when Superman and Aquaman come to arrest him he uses his vibratory watch to put Aquaman into a coma, saying unless he is exposed to a kryptonite meteor's rays he will die. Superman is weakened when he takes Aquaman there to heal, allowing the Time Thief to escape while Aquaman recovers. Aquaman drags Superman away, then contacts the sea creatures to find the location of Chronos. Superman captures him and destroys his vibratory watch. Meanwhile the Green Lanterns turn the Flashes to light and sound waves so they can escape the vibratory bubbles, as they can see and hear them they know these can pass through the bubbles, the superheroes are transported into cages floating into space. It is revealed the villains did not have the power to spring this trap, but the Green Lanterns supplied the extra power. The heroes are unable to break the cages and the Atom is unable to shrink between the atoms, but he uses the telepathic circuits to contact the Lanterns and says the atoms of their cage may not be treated. The Lanterns shrink themselves down, then enlarge themselves and break the Flash's from their cage, enabling them to break out Wonder Woman
and Black Canary
. The superheroes travel back to Earth and Felix Faust
senses they have escaped. The Fiddler
says there must be an Earth-3 and tries to find it, but before he can the heroes get to Earth and defeat the villains, who are then jailed on their respective Earths.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #21 & 22 published in 1963.
, who gets a new Ultra-Power every time he is exposed to kryptonite
, was exposed to one and got Ultra-Vision, enabling him to see between Worlds. However in case they do not win, Owlman
suggests something. They get to Earth-1 and commit crimes, but are defeated by the JLA, however when each member is defeated he says 'Volthoom,' sending him to Earth-3 along with the member who defeated him. Power Ring revealed he placed a force in their bodies, enabling them to transport themselves to their native Earth when they said the word, Volthoom was the Poonghie (Buddhist Monk) who gave him his Power Ring. They defeat the JLA, and realize they will win on their native Earths, so they decide to fight on a neutral Earth. Ultraman uses his Ultra-Vision to find Earth-2, then Power Ring places the JLA in a trance. The JSA realize someone is watching them, and Dr Fate uses his crystal ball to look into Earth-1, where the JSA is able to talk to them briefly due to Fate's magic, allowing them to warn them of the CSA, and tell them not to make contact with them or they will transport them to Earth-3. The CSA then appear in the headquarters, having had their atoms blended by the Power Ring. They are defeated, but when the JSA members say they won they are transported to Earth-3, as Power Ring had placed a voice-activated vibratory force in their bodies, rather than just transporting them. The JLA are drawn to Earth-2 by the Power Ring and battle their foes, but defeat them by turning their powers against them or making them use too much of it. They see them look worried when they suggest leaving them on Earth-1 or -2, so finally they decide to imprison them between the Earths. Green Lantern
uses his ring to command Power Ring's Power ring to tell them why the CSA look worried. It reveals the JSA are imprisoned in a prison which will blow up both Earths if they are released. Green Lantern imprisons the villains in the vibratory barriers between Earths, then he channels the force which would have blown up the Earths into space, where they will blow up dead worlds, before the JSA are freed. He reveals he placed multi-lingual signs on the prison which warn people not to release the villains, and the heroes then return to their own worlds by the powers of Doctor Fate and Green Lantern.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #29 & 30 published in 1964.
after he steals his Earth-Two counterpart's Thunderbolt and leaves Johnny in a coma after Johnny accidentally travels to Earth-One, and uses it to erase the JLA from existence, then later gives six crooks the powers of JLA members. The story begins in the tale "Earth Without A Justice League"
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #37 & 38 published in 1965.
when reality warps caused by a lab assistant of Ray Palmer
's sub-space machine causes people to randomly shift between Earth-One and Earth-Two, including Solomon Grundy
, Blockbuster, and some of the superheroes, as well as causing the two Earths to move towards each other in Warp space meaning the Spectre has to hold them apart but is weakening due to the presence of antimatter. The machine is turned off, causing Grundy and Blockbuster to switch Earths. But Doctor Fate gets a message from the Spectre, and transports the heroes to Warp-Space. The superheroes battle Anti-Matter Man and are able to stun him. The Atom is able to find a way to get the Earths apart. He tells the Spectre if he shrinks down to an inch in height, then suddenly expands again, the Earths will be thrown apart, though the Spectre will probably be destroyed. The Spectre agrees to this and is blown apart. However he uses an electro-magnetic field to reform himself, and the shockwaves send Anti-Matter Man back to his Universe. The second story in this tale is called "The Bridge Between Earths!"
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #46 & 47 published in 1966.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #55 & 56 published in 1967. It is the first Silver Age appearance of the Earth-2 Robin.
Justice League of America (v1) #064 [Aug, 1968] - (The Stormy Return of Red Tornado)
Justice League of America (v1) #065 [Sep, 1968] - (T.O.Morrow Kills the JL - Today!)
Justice League of America (v1) #073 [Aug, 1969] - (Star Light, Star Bright, Death Star I See Tonight)
Justice League of America (v1) #074 [Sep, 1969] - (Where Death Fears to Tread)
Justice League of America (v1) #082 [Aug, 1970] - (Peril of the Paired Planets)
Justice League of America (v1) #083 [Sep, 1970] - (Where Valor Fails, Will Magic Triumph?)
Justice League of America (v1) #091 [Aug, 1971] - (Earth - The Monster-Maker!)
Justice League of America (v1) #092 [Sep, 1971] - (Only Someone Who Is Unique to Both Earths)
fight the Nazis on Earth-X, where the war never ended, who have used a machine to take over people's minds.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #107 & #108 published in 1973. The story in #108 is called "Thirteen Against the Earth!"
, the Earth-2 Penguin
, Ibac
, and Blockbuster try to attack the raised Atlantis, but are beaten by Earth-1 Superman
, Earth-2 Wonder Woman
, Spy Smasher
, and Green Arrow
stop them, but a cloud appears and sinks a nearby island, so Superman uses his super-breath to freeze it and hurls it into space. On Earth-S, a series of destructive and incredibly strange occurrences were happening all over the world. There was a very odd eclipse occurring that kept one side of the planet in perpetual darkness and the other side in continual light. There was volcanic activity in the Canadian Rockies, as witnessed by Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Bulletman and Bulletgirl, and when Hawkman flew too near to one of the volcanoes, his shoulder began to petrify into stone. Off the coast of Atlantis, an iceberg was moving through the water at high speed and transforming anything that came near it into ice (including people). Rock formations came to life in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado and began turning people into stone.
Billy Batson, ace anchor at Station WHIZ in New York (and the alter-ego of Captain Marvel), also reported that the steel frame of a building being constructed downtown started walking away, after turning all the construction workers on it into iron. Batman, Robin, Mr. Scarlet and Pinky were investigating that situation, and Batman had gotten too close to the structure and part of his jaw had turned to iron (making it very difficult for him to talk). They examined the bodies of the transformed workers and found they all had the unique grin usually associated with the effects of the Joker’s poison gas. The Joker (from Earth-Two) was, in fact, working with an old enemy of Bulletman known as the Weeper. The two sent more gas into a local jewelry store, which first acted as laughing gas then transformed the people inside into living diamonds, and the diamonds and jewels followed the two criminals out of the store to their hideout. Mr. Scarlet noticed the marks on the sidewalk made by the moving gems and the four heroes followed the trail and made quick work of the two villains and their thugs, with Mr. Scarlet being immune to the Weeper's tear gas due to his goggles.
The heroes took a sample of the Joker’s poison gas to Jim Barr (also known as Bulletman) for analysis, as now Pinky’s hair had also turned to diamond during the fight. Unfortunately, the analysis revealed that the gas was nothing by nitrous oxide, which meant there was some other force at work on all the inanimate objects. Bulletgirl and the Hawks caught up with the other heroes and had photographs from a news service of some more super-villains causing trouble on the dark side of the world. The heroes of Earths One and Two were able to identify them as Doctor Light and the Shade. The flying heroes switched partners to hopefully confuse the villains, with Bulletman and Hawkman heading after the Shade, and Bulletgirl and Hawkgirl tackling Doctor Light.
The Shade was at the Louvre Museum, where he was causing all the figures in the classical paintings to become real people and move off their canvasses. Bulletman found that as he got close to any of the figures, his hand began changing, becoming two-dimensional. Hawkman’s wings blew the painted people away, and the two heroes went after the Shade. Bulletman was able to use his Gravity Helmet to repel the Shade’s darkness cane out of his hands. As Hawkman attempted to use it to stop the darkness (which was being caused by an overhead satellite), even the Shade was surprised that nothing happened. Hawkgirl and Bulletgirl went to face Doctor Light at Yellowstone National Park. After Dr. Light’s holographic duplicates tricked them into the paths of some geysers, the two caught up with the villain, who was already petrified into solid stone. Bulletgirl’s arm was also turned to stone when she got too close. Light’s duplicates were sentient and told them to get Light’s weapon to make a satellite “turn day back into night”. One of the satellites is revealed to be acting as a second sun. Bulletgirl retrieved the weapon (apparently with her already petrified arm) and Hawkgirl shot the gun at the satellite in the sky above them, but again nothing happened. As the heroes got together again to discuss their options, they decided to use each weapon to move the satellites until they crashed together. The destruction of the two devices caused everything to revert back to normal, including the transformed body parts of our heroes.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #135, 136 & 137 published in 1976. This story is notable as the sole JLA/JSA team-up that the Earth-2 Batman is an active participant.
captures the JLA and JSA and forces them to help recover mystical artifacts that were lost when the Justice League Satellite
was destroyed. These artifacts will allow Mordru to raise the Demons Three
as his servants. The two teams are sent to the 30th Century, where they meet the Legion of Super-Heroes
.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #147, 148 (October and November 1977).
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #159, 160 published in 1978.
and kills Mr. Terrific.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #171, 172 published in 1979. The story in issue 172 is called "I Accuse"
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #183, 184 & 185 published in 1980.
and the Secret Society of Super-Villains.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #195, 196 & 197 published in 1981. Issue #195 leads off with a story called "Targets on Two Worlds".
on Earth-Two in 1942, who has stolen missiles and enlisted the aid of the Crime Syndicate.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #207, 208 & 209; and All-Star Squadron #14, 15 published in 1982.
again.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #219 & 220 published in 1983. The issue #220 is story called "The Doppelganger Gambit".
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #231 & 232 published in 1984.
Crisis on Infinite Earths is sometimes referred to as the "first Crisis" or "Great Crisis"
's run on Animal Man
. "A second crisis" is foreshadowed from Animal Man #18 (December 1989). In #23-24 (May/June 1990), the Psycho-Pirate
recreates items, characters and comic books which were destroyed along with the multiverse in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Animal Man
manages to avert the crisis.
Yz (the magical Thunderbolt partner to Johnny Thunder
) is accidentally passed to Jakeem Williams
by Jay Garrick
while signing autographs, who accidentally discovers its powers. Meanwhile, another djinn named Lkz ends up in the hands of a destitute Triumph
, who gives Lkz the world to play in, in exchange for becoming Triumph again. The two djinn meet and begin to fight, warping reality around them. Captain Marvel
and Kyle Rayner
journey to the 5th dimension, where it is revealed that the war between Yz and Lkz were machinations set in motion by Qwsp. Kyle appeals to Gsptlsnz, saying that she can stop the "war between the colors" by getting the pink Yz and blue Lkz to mix. Gsptlsnz listens, mostly because she fears that if the 3rd dimension (where her husband Mr. Mxyzptlk likes to make mischief) is destroyed, he may never leave the house again. Captain Marvel passes the message to Yz, who mixes himself with Lkz with the word "Ylzkz". Gsptlsnz and a few other imps arrest Qwsp for his crimes. With the djinn out of the way, the combined efforts of the JLA and JSA stop Triumph, whose final justice is dealt out by a reawakened Spectre
.
search for the killer of Sue Dibny
, wife of the Elongated Man
.
investigates a mystery that involves much of the DC Universe.
, although the effects of this would not be fully realized until the series 52
.
The events of Infinite Crisis may be what a Legion of Super-Heroes member called the "middle Crisis".
unleashes the Anti-Life Equation
on the Earth and puts much of the planet under his heel, while Superman
travels through the Multiverse to find that all of the events are being manipulated by a rogue Monitor
. The series sees Superman's in-depth exploration of the Multiverse, as well as the perceived death of Batman
at the hands of Darkseid's Omega Effect. After he is killed the Multiverse starts to be destroyed, meaning Supermen from other worlds must be called up.
DC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
is an event with potentially great consequences, often involving multiple universes and sometimes even threatening their existence.
From 1963 to 1985 the term "crisis" was used to describe the annual events in which the Justice League of America of Earth-One and the Justice Society of America
Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. Conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox, the JSA first appeared in All Star Comics #3 ....
of Earth-Two met and worked together, usually in an incident involving one or more of the parallel worlds of the DC Multiverse
Multiverse (DC Comics)
The DC Multiverse is a fictional continuity construct that exists in stories published by comic book company DC Comics. The DC Multiverse consists of numerous worlds, most of them outside DC's main continuity, allowing writers the creative freedom to explore alternative versions of characters and...
. This usage culminated in 1985's year-long Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
, in which the Multiverse was eliminated. After several years of disuse, the term "crisis" was applied to several events with either "universal" stakes or substantial character consequences, such as Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!
Zero Hour (comics)
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time is a five-issue comic book limited series and crossover storyline published by DC Comics in 1994. In it, the former hero Hal Jordan, who had until then been a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern Corps, mad with grief after the destruction of...
, Identity Crisis, Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis is a 2005 - 2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, and a number of tie-in books...
, and Final Crisis
Final Crisis
Final Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
.
In the two decades after 1985, "Crisis" by itself came to refer specifically to Crisis on Infinite Earths, especially when used in house pre-Crisis
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
and post-Crisis.
Characters in the DC Universe sometimes use the term "crisis" in the same sense, referring either to any great threat, or as "the Crisis" in reference to the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, either as they happened or as they were commonly remembered in the revised history after the fact.
With the publication of Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis, and the announcement of Final Crisis, the use of the term within the DC Universe has shifted. The Crisis on Infinite Earths is sometimes referred to as "the first Crisis". The Infinite Crisis has occasionally been referred to as simply "the crisis", and a character from the 31st century called it "the middle Crisis" DC has advertised that there will be a Final Crisis
Final Crisis
Final Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
in May 2008.
"Flash of Two Worlds"
This story served as a prelude to the Crisis saga as it introduced the idea of the Multiverse to the public's mind, and would eventually lead to the later Crisis stories.These stories can be found in THE FLASH (vol.1) 123, 129, 137, 151 and 173.
"Crisis on Earth-One!" and "Crisis on Earth-Two!"
Although there may have been other DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
stories with "crisis" in the title before "Crisis on Earth-One!", it was this issue that started the tradition of the annual JLA/JSA crossover, which usually had the word "crisis" in the title of at least one of its issues.
"Crisis on Earth-One
Earth-One
Earth-One is a name given to two fictional universes that have appeared in American comic book stories published by DC Comics...
" and "Crisis on Earth-Two
Earth-Two
Earth-Two is a fictional universe appearing in American comic book stories published by DC Comics. First appearing in The Flash #123 , Earth-Two was created to explain how Silver-Age versions of characters such as the Flash could appear in stories with their Golden Age counterparts...
!" was the first story in which the JLA and JSA met as teams. Members of the two teams would meet once each year after this until Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985.
In this first story, the two teams team up in order to battle Chronos, Dr. Alchemy, Felix Faust, the Fiddler, the Icicle, and the Wizard, who have discovered a way to travel between the worlds. Each one of the Crime Champions steals a Million dollars and escapes to the other world. Felix Faust steals from a sunken ship and evades Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
, the Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in publications published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #225...
and Atom
Atom (comics)
The Atom is a name shared by several fictional comic book superheroes from the DC Comics universe.There have been five characters who have shared the Atom codename. The original Golden Age Atom, Al Pratt, was created by Ben Flinton and Bill O'Connor and first appeared in All-American Publications'...
. Doctor Alchemy robs an armored car and evades Green Arrow and Superman, the Flash not even showing up. Chronos takes his money from the Powers City Bank, despite the efforts of Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
, Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
, and Green Lantern
Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 .Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and...
. Later in a base between worlds the Crime Champions talk over their crimes. The Wizard defeated his world's Green Lantern and Black Canary
Black Canary
Black Canary is the name of two fictional characters, DC Comics superheroines created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino. The first Black Canary debuted appeared in Flash Comics #86 . The first Black Canary was the alter-ego of Dinah Drake, who took part in Golden Age adventures...
, the Fiddler escaped Hawkman
Hawkman
Hawkman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, the original Hawkman first appeared in Flash Comics #1, published by All-American Publications in 1940....
, his world's Flash (who was able to get to him despite the trap), and his world's Atom, and the Icicle got away from Hourman
Hourman
Hourman is the name of three different fictional DC Comics superheroes, the first of whom was created by Ken Fitch and Bernard Baily in Adventure Comics #48 , during the Golden Age of Comic Books.-Rex Tyler:Scientist Rex Tyler, raised in upstate...
and Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate is the name of a succession of fictional sorcerers who appear in books published by DC Comics. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55...
. It is revealed that when the Fiddler was escaping jail with the Wizard and Icicle he tried to escape using his violin, but was accidentally shifted to a music show in Earth-1, which the Earth-1 Crime Champions were about to rob. Seeing them in convict garb, the Earth-1 crooks helped them, and they were all spirited away by Felix Faust. They now plan to go into their other world, where they will not be recognized, and spend their loot without fear of apprehension. They have kidnapped both Flash's, as they can travel between Earths and could recognise the villains, and place them in vibratory spheres. The Earth-Two Crime Champions are tempted by the riches of Earth-1, so decide to capture the JLA, and disguises themselves as the Earth-One Crime Champions using the Wizard's Tibetan magic. They have eight enchanted objects, which will spring a trap when all touched. They rob Casino Town (based on Las Vegas) and 'Felix Faust' tells the JLA that they have ten minutes to get there. The Wizard, disguised as Doctor Alchemy, makes Superman touch metal, and Green Arrow wood. The Icicle, disguised as Chronos, makes Batman touch rubber, Wonder Woman animal, and Green Lantern glass. The Fiddler, disguised as Felix Faust and somehow able to cast spells like him, makes Aquaman touch sand, the Atom touch a Jewel, and the Martian Manhunter touch water. The JLA are transported to and imprisoned in their headquarters. They are unable to get out, or even see it, and Superman says that, due to the fact there was no Kryptonite in the Casino and he was still weakened magic must be being used. Batman suggests they use a crystal ball given to them by Merlin to contact the Flash. The Flash tells them he cannot escape, but suggests they contact the JSA, which they do, bringing them to their headquarters, and causing a joyful meeting. Doctor Fate transports them to Earth-Two, while the JSA stay on Earth-One to defeat their enemies. Meanwhile the Green Lanterns travel between worlds to free the Flashes. The Earth-2 Atom and Hourman defeat the Fiddler as he tries to rob a museum, Hawkman and Black Canary capture the Wizard after he robs a Jewel Store, and Doctor fate defeats the Icicle as he tries to steal valuable artworks. When Felix Faust tries robbing a charity fair he is met by the Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, and Earth-1 Atom. He casts a spell that makes them spin in mid-air, but b their combined efforts the Atom is able to knock Faust out and break the spell. Wonder Woman and Batman succeed in disarming and defeating Doctor Alchemy as he tries to hide his loot. Chronos tries to rob a lighthouse of a valuable clock, and when Superman and Aquaman come to arrest him he uses his vibratory watch to put Aquaman into a coma, saying unless he is exposed to a kryptonite meteor's rays he will die. Superman is weakened when he takes Aquaman there to heal, allowing the Time Thief to escape while Aquaman recovers. Aquaman drags Superman away, then contacts the sea creatures to find the location of Chronos. Superman captures him and destroys his vibratory watch. Meanwhile the Green Lanterns turn the Flashes to light and sound waves so they can escape the vibratory bubbles, as they can see and hear them they know these can pass through the bubbles, the superheroes are transported into cages floating into space. It is revealed the villains did not have the power to spring this trap, but the Green Lanterns supplied the extra power. The heroes are unable to break the cages and the Atom is unable to shrink between the atoms, but he uses the telepathic circuits to contact the Lanterns and says the atoms of their cage may not be treated. The Lanterns shrink themselves down, then enlarge themselves and break the Flash's from their cage, enabling them to break out Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
and Black Canary
Black Canary
Black Canary is the name of two fictional characters, DC Comics superheroines created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino. The first Black Canary debuted appeared in Flash Comics #86 . The first Black Canary was the alter-ego of Dinah Drake, who took part in Golden Age adventures...
. The superheroes travel back to Earth and Felix Faust
Felix Faust
Felix Faust is a fictional character and supervillain who appears in stories published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in 1962 as an adversary of the Justice League of America...
senses they have escaped. The Fiddler
Fiddler
A fiddler is a person who plays a fiddle or violin.Fiddler may also refer to:*Fabrangen Fiddlers, an American musical group founded in 1971*Tupolev Tu-28 "Fiddler", a fighter aircraft*Fiddler , a DC Comics villain...
says there must be an Earth-3 and tries to find it, but before he can the heroes get to Earth and defeat the villains, who are then jailed on their respective Earths.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #21 & 22 published in 1963.
"Crisis on Earth-Three!"
The JLA and the JSA team up to fight the Crime Syndicate of America, five evil versions of Justice League members from Earth-3, who have discovered the other Earths and decide to battle the superheroes as they are out of practice. The second issue of the story is called "The Most Dangerous Earth of All!" The Syndicate had discovered Earth-1 after UltramanUltraman (comics)
Ultraman is the name of several fictional characters, who are supervillains appearing in stories published by DC Comics. The characters are all evil alternate-universe counterparts of Superman. Ultraman first appeared in Justice League of America #29 .-Publication history:Ultraman first appeared as...
, who gets a new Ultra-Power every time he is exposed to kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
, was exposed to one and got Ultra-Vision, enabling him to see between Worlds. However in case they do not win, Owlman
Owlman (comics)
Owlman is the name of several fictional supervillains that appear in comic books published by DC Comics who are the intended reverse counterparts of Batman. Owlman first appeared in Justice League of America #29 , and was created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky...
suggests something. They get to Earth-1 and commit crimes, but are defeated by the JLA, however when each member is defeated he says 'Volthoom,' sending him to Earth-3 along with the member who defeated him. Power Ring revealed he placed a force in their bodies, enabling them to transport themselves to their native Earth when they said the word, Volthoom was the Poonghie (Buddhist Monk) who gave him his Power Ring. They defeat the JLA, and realize they will win on their native Earths, so they decide to fight on a neutral Earth. Ultraman uses his Ultra-Vision to find Earth-2, then Power Ring places the JLA in a trance. The JSA realize someone is watching them, and Dr Fate uses his crystal ball to look into Earth-1, where the JSA is able to talk to them briefly due to Fate's magic, allowing them to warn them of the CSA, and tell them not to make contact with them or they will transport them to Earth-3. The CSA then appear in the headquarters, having had their atoms blended by the Power Ring. They are defeated, but when the JSA members say they won they are transported to Earth-3, as Power Ring had placed a voice-activated vibratory force in their bodies, rather than just transporting them. The JLA are drawn to Earth-2 by the Power Ring and battle their foes, but defeat them by turning their powers against them or making them use too much of it. They see them look worried when they suggest leaving them on Earth-1 or -2, so finally they decide to imprison them between the Earths. Green Lantern
Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 .Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and...
uses his ring to command Power Ring's Power ring to tell them why the CSA look worried. It reveals the JSA are imprisoned in a prison which will blow up both Earths if they are released. Green Lantern imprisons the villains in the vibratory barriers between Earths, then he channels the force which would have blown up the Earths into space, where they will blow up dead worlds, before the JSA are freed. He reveals he placed multi-lingual signs on the prison which warn people not to release the villains, and the heroes then return to their own worlds by the powers of Doctor Fate and Green Lantern.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #29 & 30 published in 1964.
"Crisis on Earth-A!"
The JSA must fight the Earth-One version of Johnny ThunderJohnny Thunder
Johnny Thunder is the name of three fictional characters in comics published by DC Comics. A fourth character has the variant name Jonni Thunder.It is also the name of an unrelated Lego character.-Fictional character biography:...
after he steals his Earth-Two counterpart's Thunderbolt and leaves Johnny in a coma after Johnny accidentally travels to Earth-One, and uses it to erase the JLA from existence, then later gives six crooks the powers of JLA members. The story begins in the tale "Earth Without A Justice League"
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #37 & 38 published in 1965.
"Crisis Between Earth-One and Earth-Two!"
The JLA and JSA must fight the Anti-Matter ManAnti-Matter Man
Anti-matter Man is a fictional cosmic entity of the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Justice League of America # 46 .He was one of the greatest dangers that the Earth 1 and Earth 2 ever faced. The mere presence of him in any of the universes could mean the end of these worlds...
when reality warps caused by a lab assistant of Ray Palmer
Atom (comics)
The Atom is a name shared by several fictional comic book superheroes from the DC Comics universe.There have been five characters who have shared the Atom codename. The original Golden Age Atom, Al Pratt, was created by Ben Flinton and Bill O'Connor and first appeared in All-American Publications'...
's sub-space machine causes people to randomly shift between Earth-One and Earth-Two, including Solomon Grundy
Solomon Grundy (comics)
Solomon Grundy is a fictional character, a zombie supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. Named after the 19th century children's nursery rhyme, Grundy was introduced as an enemy of the Golden Age Green Lantern , but has since become a prominent enemy for a number of superheroes, such as Batman and...
, Blockbuster, and some of the superheroes, as well as causing the two Earths to move towards each other in Warp space meaning the Spectre has to hold them apart but is weakening due to the presence of antimatter. The machine is turned off, causing Grundy and Blockbuster to switch Earths. But Doctor Fate gets a message from the Spectre, and transports the heroes to Warp-Space. The superheroes battle Anti-Matter Man and are able to stun him. The Atom is able to find a way to get the Earths apart. He tells the Spectre if he shrinks down to an inch in height, then suddenly expands again, the Earths will be thrown apart, though the Spectre will probably be destroyed. The Spectre agrees to this and is blown apart. However he uses an electro-magnetic field to reform himself, and the shockwaves send Anti-Matter Man back to his Universe. The second story in this tale is called "The Bridge Between Earths!"
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #46 & 47 published in 1966.
"The Super-Crisis That Struck Earth-Two!" and "The Negative-Crisis On Earths One-Two!"
The JLA and JSA fight people that have been possessed by the Black Spheres.The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #55 & 56 published in 1967. It is the first Silver Age appearance of the Earth-2 Robin.
Undeclared crises
From 1968-1971, the Justice League and the Justice Society continued their annual team ups, none of which were called "Crisis" (although on page 1 of JLA v1 #091, Batman states there is a "Super-Crisis"). Each of these stories crossed the boundaries between Earth-One and Earth-Two.Justice League of America (v1) #064 [Aug, 1968] - (The Stormy Return of Red Tornado)
Justice League of America (v1) #065 [Sep, 1968] - (T.O.Morrow Kills the JL - Today!)
Justice League of America (v1) #073 [Aug, 1969] - (Star Light, Star Bright, Death Star I See Tonight)
Justice League of America (v1) #074 [Sep, 1969] - (Where Death Fears to Tread)
Justice League of America (v1) #082 [Aug, 1970] - (Peril of the Paired Planets)
Justice League of America (v1) #083 [Sep, 1970] - (Where Valor Fails, Will Magic Triumph?)
Justice League of America (v1) #091 [Aug, 1971] - (Earth - The Monster-Maker!)
Justice League of America (v1) #092 [Sep, 1971] - (Only Someone Who Is Unique to Both Earths)
"Crisis on Earth-X!"
After a teleportation accident, the JLA and JSA must help the Freedom FightersFreedom Fighters (comics)
Freedom Fighters is a DC Comics comic book superhero team made up of characters acquired from the defunct company Quality Comics. Although the characters were created by Quality, they never were gathered in a group before acquired by DC...
fight the Nazis on Earth-X, where the war never ended, who have used a machine to take over people's minds.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #107 & #108 published in 1973. The story in #108 is called "Thirteen Against the Earth!"
"Crisis in Eternity!", "Crisis on Earth-S!", and "Crisis in Tomorrow!"
The JLA, JSA, the Squadron of Justice (also called Shazam's Squadron of Justice) and the Marvel Family fight King Kull, who has captured the Elders using a device that slowed down their impulses meaning the Marvel Family are unable to summon the lightning, and has arranged a gang of supervillains to wipe out humanity on all three Earths. Mercury, the fastest of the Elders, has escaped, he warns and gathers heroes from all three Earths. On Earth-2 Queen CleaQueen Clea
see also Clea Queen Clea is a fictional character featured in various DC Comics titles, in which she is a nemesis of Wonder Woman and leads Villainy Inc.-Fictional character biography:...
, the Earth-2 Penguin
Penguin (comics)
Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot III is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent enemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his...
, Ibac
Ibac
Ibac is a fictional Fawcett Comics and DC Comics supervillain, and a foe of Captain Marvel. Created by writer Otto Binder and artist C.C. Beck, he first appeared in Captain Marvel Adventurs #8 .-Fictional character biography:...
, and Blockbuster try to attack the raised Atlantis, but are beaten by Earth-1 Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, Earth-2 Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
, Spy Smasher
Spy Smasher
Spy Smasher is the name of two fictional characters appearing in comics published by DC Comics. The first is a superhero that was formerly owned and published by Fawcett Comics...
, and Green Arrow
Green Arrow
Green Arrow is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. His secret identity is Oliver Queen, billionaire and former mayor of fictional Star City...
stop them, but a cloud appears and sinks a nearby island, so Superman uses his super-breath to freeze it and hurls it into space. On Earth-S, a series of destructive and incredibly strange occurrences were happening all over the world. There was a very odd eclipse occurring that kept one side of the planet in perpetual darkness and the other side in continual light. There was volcanic activity in the Canadian Rockies, as witnessed by Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Bulletman and Bulletgirl, and when Hawkman flew too near to one of the volcanoes, his shoulder began to petrify into stone. Off the coast of Atlantis, an iceberg was moving through the water at high speed and transforming anything that came near it into ice (including people). Rock formations came to life in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado and began turning people into stone.
Billy Batson, ace anchor at Station WHIZ in New York (and the alter-ego of Captain Marvel), also reported that the steel frame of a building being constructed downtown started walking away, after turning all the construction workers on it into iron. Batman, Robin, Mr. Scarlet and Pinky were investigating that situation, and Batman had gotten too close to the structure and part of his jaw had turned to iron (making it very difficult for him to talk). They examined the bodies of the transformed workers and found they all had the unique grin usually associated with the effects of the Joker’s poison gas. The Joker (from Earth-Two) was, in fact, working with an old enemy of Bulletman known as the Weeper. The two sent more gas into a local jewelry store, which first acted as laughing gas then transformed the people inside into living diamonds, and the diamonds and jewels followed the two criminals out of the store to their hideout. Mr. Scarlet noticed the marks on the sidewalk made by the moving gems and the four heroes followed the trail and made quick work of the two villains and their thugs, with Mr. Scarlet being immune to the Weeper's tear gas due to his goggles.
The heroes took a sample of the Joker’s poison gas to Jim Barr (also known as Bulletman) for analysis, as now Pinky’s hair had also turned to diamond during the fight. Unfortunately, the analysis revealed that the gas was nothing by nitrous oxide, which meant there was some other force at work on all the inanimate objects. Bulletgirl and the Hawks caught up with the other heroes and had photographs from a news service of some more super-villains causing trouble on the dark side of the world. The heroes of Earths One and Two were able to identify them as Doctor Light and the Shade. The flying heroes switched partners to hopefully confuse the villains, with Bulletman and Hawkman heading after the Shade, and Bulletgirl and Hawkgirl tackling Doctor Light.
The Shade was at the Louvre Museum, where he was causing all the figures in the classical paintings to become real people and move off their canvasses. Bulletman found that as he got close to any of the figures, his hand began changing, becoming two-dimensional. Hawkman’s wings blew the painted people away, and the two heroes went after the Shade. Bulletman was able to use his Gravity Helmet to repel the Shade’s darkness cane out of his hands. As Hawkman attempted to use it to stop the darkness (which was being caused by an overhead satellite), even the Shade was surprised that nothing happened. Hawkgirl and Bulletgirl went to face Doctor Light at Yellowstone National Park. After Dr. Light’s holographic duplicates tricked them into the paths of some geysers, the two caught up with the villain, who was already petrified into solid stone. Bulletgirl’s arm was also turned to stone when she got too close. Light’s duplicates were sentient and told them to get Light’s weapon to make a satellite “turn day back into night”. One of the satellites is revealed to be acting as a second sun. Bulletgirl retrieved the weapon (apparently with her already petrified arm) and Hawkgirl shot the gun at the satellite in the sky above them, but again nothing happened. As the heroes got together again to discuss their options, they decided to use each weapon to move the satellites until they crashed together. The destruction of the two devices caused everything to revert back to normal, including the transformed body parts of our heroes.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #135, 136 & 137 published in 1976. This story is notable as the sole JLA/JSA team-up that the Earth-2 Batman is an active participant.
"Crisis in the 30th Century!" and "Crisis in Triplicate!"
The sorcerer MordruMordru
Mordru is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Comics' main shared universe.Mordru is the most prominent Lord of Chaos who is fated to survive even after the end of the universe, although he is usually shown as a powerful wizard...
captures the JLA and JSA and forces them to help recover mystical artifacts that were lost when the Justice League Satellite
Justice League Satellite
The Justice League Satellite is the name of two fictional locations, both of which were used as bases of operations for the DC Comics superhero team the Justice League of America.-First satellite:...
was destroyed. These artifacts will allow Mordru to raise the Demons Three
Demons Three
Abnegazar, Rath and Ghast are three fictional characters in the DC Universe who are collectively known as the Demons Three. They first appeared in Justice League of America #10 , and were created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky....
as his servants. The two teams are sent to the 30th Century, where they meet the Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #147, 148 (October and November 1977).
"Crisis from Yesterday" and "Crisis from Tomorrow"
The JLA and JSA fight the Black Pirate, Enemy Ace, Jonah Hex, Miss Liberty, and the Viking Prince, who have been taken from their times and given superpowers by the Lord of Time, in an attempt to make the heroes destroy a computer which is about to stop time. He created it and gave the order, before realizing it would destroy the Universe as time would not be able to be re-started. He discovered it could not reject orders. The teams are defeated in the first battle, but follow a trace to 3786. The five beings have been defeated by the computer defenses, as it can summon beings from different times. The Elongated Man is able to slip through the defenses and break the computer just a few seconds before the computer stops time.The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #159, 160 published in 1978.
"Crisis above Earth-One"
The JLA and JSA fight the Spirit King, who possesses Jay GarrickJay Garrick
Jay Garrick is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe and the first to use the name Flash.-The Flash:...
and kills Mr. Terrific.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #171, 172 published in 1979. The story in issue 172 is called "I Accuse"
"Crisis on New Genesis", "Crisis Between Two Earths", and "Crisis on Apokolips"
The JLA and JSA go to New Genesis and fight Darkseid alongside the New Gods.The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #183, 184 & 185 published in 1980.
"Countdown to Crisis" and "Crisis in Limbo"
The JLA and JSA fight the Ultra-HumaniteUltra-Humanite
The Ultra-Humanite is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Action Comics #13 , and was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster...
and the Secret Society of Super-Villains.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #195, 196 & 197 published in 1981. Issue #195 leads off with a story called "Targets on Two Worlds".
"Crisis on Earth-Prime"
The JLA, JSA, and All-Star Squadron fight Per DegatonPer Degaton
Per Degaton is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain who can travel through time. Per Degaton made his first appearance in All Star Comics #35 and was created by John Broome and Irwin Hasen...
on Earth-Two in 1942, who has stolen missiles and enlisted the aid of the Crime Syndicate.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #207, 208 & 209; and All-Star Squadron #14, 15 published in 1982.
"Crisis in the Thunderbolt Dimension"
The JLA and JSA fight Johnny ThunderJohnny Thunder
Johnny Thunder is the name of three fictional characters in comics published by DC Comics. A fourth character has the variant name Jonni Thunder.It is also the name of an unrelated Lego character.-Fictional character biography:...
again.
The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #219 & 220 published in 1983. The issue #220 is story called "The Doppelganger Gambit".
"Family Crisis"
The JLA, JSA and Supergirl fight the Commander and the Crime Syndicate.The stories can be found in Justice League of America (v1) #231 & 232 published in 1984.
Crisis on Infinite Earths, "Last Crisis on Earth-Two", and "The Final Crisis"
The largest crisis thus far results in the destruction of the Multiverse due to the Anti-Monitor who plans to destroy every Universe and the formation of a single universe from the remaining Earths.Crisis on Infinite Earths is sometimes referred to as the "first Crisis" or "Great Crisis"
"A second Crisis"
From Grant MorrisonGrant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
's run on Animal Man
Animal Man
Animal Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . As a result of being in proximity to an exploding extraterrestrial spaceship, Buddy Baker acquires the ability to temporarily “borrow” the abilities of animals...
. "A second crisis" is foreshadowed from Animal Man #18 (December 1989). In #23-24 (May/June 1990), the Psycho-Pirate
Psycho-Pirate
The Psycho-Pirate is the name of two DC Comics supervillains, dating back to the Golden Age of Comics.-Charles Halstead:Charles Halstead is a minor character who first appears in All-Star Comics #23, created by Gardner Fox and Joe Gallagher...
recreates items, characters and comic books which were destroyed along with the multiverse in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Animal Man
Animal Man
Animal Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . As a result of being in proximity to an exploding extraterrestrial spaceship, Buddy Baker acquires the ability to temporarily “borrow” the abilities of animals...
manages to avert the crisis.
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!
The JSA is disbanded after a crisis that results in the rebuilding of history caused by Hal Jordan, who has become the supervillain Parallax."Crisis Times Five"
The JLA and JSA fight an invasion from the fifth dimension.Yz (the magical Thunderbolt partner to Johnny Thunder
Johnny Thunder
Johnny Thunder is the name of three fictional characters in comics published by DC Comics. A fourth character has the variant name Jonni Thunder.It is also the name of an unrelated Lego character.-Fictional character biography:...
) is accidentally passed to Jakeem Williams
Jakeem Thunder
Jakeem Thunder , initially called J.J. Thunder, is a fictional character in the DC Comics Universe, a member of the superhero team the Justice Society of America. Jakeem first appeared in Flash Jakeem Thunder (Jakeem Johnny Williams), initially called J.J. Thunder, is a fictional character in the...
by Jay Garrick
Jay Garrick
Jay Garrick is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe and the first to use the name Flash.-The Flash:...
while signing autographs, who accidentally discovers its powers. Meanwhile, another djinn named Lkz ends up in the hands of a destitute Triumph
Triumph (comics)
Triumph is a fictional character, a former superhero in the DC Comics universe who first appeared in Justice League America #92 , and was created by Brian Augustyn, Mark Waid and Howard Porter, though the character is primarily associated with writer Christopher Priest...
, who gives Lkz the world to play in, in exchange for becoming Triumph again. The two djinn meet and begin to fight, warping reality around them. Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (DC Comics)
Captain Marvel is a fictional comic book superhero, originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics. Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2...
and Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually in those starring the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of which Rayner is a member. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks, Rayner first appeared in Green Lantern vol...
journey to the 5th dimension, where it is revealed that the war between Yz and Lkz were machinations set in motion by Qwsp. Kyle appeals to Gsptlsnz, saying that she can stop the "war between the colors" by getting the pink Yz and blue Lkz to mix. Gsptlsnz listens, mostly because she fears that if the 3rd dimension (where her husband Mr. Mxyzptlk likes to make mischief) is destroyed, he may never leave the house again. Captain Marvel passes the message to Yz, who mixes himself with Lkz with the word "Ylzkz". Gsptlsnz and a few other imps arrest Qwsp for his crimes. With the djinn out of the way, the combined efforts of the JLA and JSA stop Triumph, whose final justice is dealt out by a reawakened Spectre
Spectre (comics)
The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
.
Identity Crisis
Heroes throughout the DC UniverseDC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
search for the killer of Sue Dibny
Sue Dibny
Susan "Sue" Dearbon Dibny is a fictional character from DC Comics associated with the Elongated Man. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, the character first appeared in Flash vol. 1 #119...
, wife of the Elongated Man
Elongated Man
The Elongated Man is a fictional comic book superhero in the DC universe. He is a reserve member of the Justice League. His first appearance was in The Flash vol. 1, #112...
.
Countdown to Infinite Crisis
Blue BeetleBlue Beetle
Blue Beetle is the name of three fictional superheroes that appear in American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939.-Publication history:...
investigates a mystery that involves much of the DC Universe.
Crisis of Conscience
A story arc in JLA taking place in issues #115-119 (August–November 2005). It deals with the fall-out of Identity Crisis. The villains have banded together and are attacking the Justice League and their families, while Batman has regained his memories of when Zatanna wiped his mind. The stories were collected in the 2006 trade paperback, JLA: Crisis of Conscience (ISBN 978-1401209636)Infinite Crisis
A Multiverse is recreated due to Alexander Luthor and Superboy-PrimeSuperboy-Prime
Superboy-Prime, also known as Superman-Prime, or simply Prime, is a DC Comics superhero turned supervillain, and one of several alternate Supermen. The character first appeared in DC Comics Presents #87 , and was created by Elliot S...
, although the effects of this would not be fully realized until the series 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
.
The events of Infinite Crisis may be what a Legion of Super-Heroes member called the "middle Crisis".
Final Crisis
DarkseidDarkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
unleashes the Anti-Life Equation
Anti-Life Equation
The Anti-Life Equation is the equation for total control over the free will of sentient beings, for which the DC Comics villain Darkseid is searching in the Jack Kirby's Fourth World setting. It is for this reason that he sends his forces to Earth, as he believes part of the equation exists in the...
on the Earth and puts much of the planet under his heel, while Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
travels through the Multiverse to find that all of the events are being manipulated by a rogue Monitor
Monitors (comics)
The Monitors are a group of fictional comic book characters, who appear in books published by DC Comics.They are based on The Monitor, a character created by comic book writer Marv Wolfman and comic artist George Pérez as one of the main characters of DC Comics' Crisis on Infinite Earths limited...
. The series sees Superman's in-depth exploration of the Multiverse, as well as the perceived death of Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
at the hands of Darkseid's Omega Effect. After he is killed the Multiverse starts to be destroyed, meaning Supermen from other worlds must be called up.
Collections
- Crisis on Multiple Earths, Vol. 1 (Justice League of America #21-22,29-30,37-38,46-47)
- Crisis on Multiple Earths, Vol. 2 (Justice League of America #55-56,64-65,72-73,83-84)
- Crisis on Multiple Earths, Vol. 3 (Justice League of America #91-92,100-102,107-108,113)
- Crisis on Multiple Earths, Vol. 4 (Justice League of America #122-124,135-137,147-148)
- Crisis on Multiple Earths, Vol. 5 (Justice League of America #159-160,171-172,183-185)
- Crisis on Multiple Earths: The Team-Ups Vol. 1 (The Flash #123,129,137,151; Green Lantern #40; Showcase #55-56, The Brave and the Bold #61)
- Crisis on Multiple Earths, The Team-Ups Vol. 2 (The Flash #170,173; Green Lantern #45,52; The Brave and the Bold #62; The Atom #29,36; The Spectre #3)
- Crisis on Infinite Earths (#1-12)
- Zero Hour: Crisis in Time! (#4-0)
- JLA Vol. 5 Justice For All (collects Crisis Times Five)
- Identity Crisis (#1-7)
- JLA Vol. 18 Crisis Of Conscience
- Infinite Crisis (#1-7)
- Final Crisis (#1-7; Final Crisis: Superman Beyond 3D #1-2; Final Crisis: Submit)