"Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths", originally "Dark Crisis", is a 2022 comic book storyline published by
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
, comprising an eponymous central 7 issue mini-series by writer
Joshua Williamson
Joshua Williamson is an American comic book writer. He is known for his long-lasting run on ''The Flash,'' as well as DC Comics events, '' Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths'' and '' Knight Terrors.'' Along with ''The Flash'' he has also worked on s ...
and artist Daniel Sampere, and a number of tie-in books. The event received critical acclaim, with critics praising Williamson's writing, inclusion of characters, art, story, and action. The storyline takes place towards the end of
Infinite Frontier
Infinite Frontier is a 2021 relaunch by the American comic book publisher DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero comic book titles. It is the follow-up to the 2018 New Justice relaunch. The relaunch and event was shepherded by ...
, with the conclusion of the series leading into the
Dawn of DC
Dawn of DC is a 2023 publishing initiative by the American comic book publisher DC Comics of its entire Line (comics), line of ongoing monthly superhero comic book titles. Following the events of the 2022 crossover events ''Dark Crisis, Dark Crisi ...
in 2023.
The title of the series was changed from ''Dark Crisis'' to ''Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths'' on and after issue #4, which denoted how the series is a direct sequel to ''
Crisis On Infinite Earths
''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' is a 1985 to 1986 American comic book fictional crossover, crossover series published by DC Comics. Written by Marv Wolfman and penciller, pencilled by George Pérez, it was first released as a 12-issue limited ser ...
''. The series results in the return of the
DCU's infinite multiverse which was destroyed in the original crisis in 1986.
Plot
Prelude
Darkseid
Darkseid () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer-artist Jack Kirby, the character first made a cameo appearance in ''Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen'' #134 (December 1970), before being fully in ...
reveals to his
Apokoliptian Elites his knowledge of the Great Darkness, of which he is planning to take control, and his plan to crack the Omniverse. After escaping from Darkseid,
Barry Allen
Bartholomew Henry "Barry" Allen is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the second character known as the Flash, following Flash (Jay Garrick), Jay Garrick. The character first appeared in ''Showcase (comic ...
runs aimlessly into the ruin of
Multiverse-2 where he meets
Pariah, who imprisoned him in an alternate reality.
Doctor Multiverse from
Earth-8
The DC Multiverse is a fictional continuity construct used in numerous DC Comics publications. The Multiverse has undergone numerous changes since its introduction and has included various universes, listed below between the original Multiverse a ...
had not received contact from Machinehead after his negotiation with Darkseid while planning the crack the multiverse. Justice League Incarnate, led by
Calvin Ellis
The character of Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and has been continually published in a variety of DC Comics book titles since its premiere in 1938. There have been several versions of Superman over the years, both as the ...
, decided to rescue the Flash until they got separated from the Parademon armies attacking their headquarters and confronting other multiversal threats. When Doctor Multiverse touches the crack, she learns a shocking history and convinces the heroes to let Darkseid win.
She reveals to the heroes and Darkseid that the Great Darkness was responsible for causing multiple catastrophic events because of its desire to end all things. During the birth of the multiverse, the Great Darkness declares war against the Light in an attempt to conquer it. The Great Darkness took possession of the
Anti-Monitor
The Anti-Monitor is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He served as the main antagonist of the 1985 DC Comics miniseries ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' and later appears as an enemy to the Green Lantern Corps ...
as its champion while facing off against the Light's champion, the
Monitor
Monitor or monitor may refer to:
Places
* Monitor, Alberta
* Monitor, Indiana, town in the United States
* Monitor, Kentucky
* Monitor, Oregon, unincorporated community in the United States
* Monitor, Washington
* Monitor, Logan County, Wes ...
who summons the heroes to stop Anti-montor's goal resulting in
the obliteration of the entire multiverse into a single universe which weakens the Light in the process. As the Darkness attempted to regain control, the
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing is a superhero and antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, the Swamp Thing has had several different incarnations throughout his publication. The ch ...
successfully brokered the truce with the Light forcing it into deep slumber. However, the Darkness continues to exert its influence on possessing
Magog,
the Anti-Life Entity,
Extant
Extant or Least-concern species, least concern is the opposite of the word extinct. It may refer to:
* Extant hereditary titles
* Extant literature, surviving literature, such as ''Beowulf'', the oldest extant manuscript written in English
* Exta ...
,
Superboy-Prime
Superboy-Prime (Clark Kent; colloquial: "Prime") is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A boy from the Reality, real world Isekai, transported to the DC Universe, as an Alternative vers ...
, and
Mister Mind
Mister Mind is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of Captain Marvel (DC Comics), Captain Marvel. Created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics, the character made a cameo appea ...
, resulting to the
creation of 52 Earths. When the
Multiverse of 52 Earths was created, the truce was broken allowing the Darkness to reawaken, which forces the Monitors to keep 52 piles of Earths from collapsing each other. During ''
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 ...
'', Darkseid, who was one of the few beings aware of its existence, had planned to conquer
Earth-0
The DC Universe (DCU) is the shared universe in which most stories in American comic book titles published by DC Comics take place. In context, the term "DC Universe" usually refers to the main DC continuity. It contains various superheroes su ...
by altering the prophecy and
maintaining the possession of the Anti-Life equation to lure the Darkness so that he might take control of entire multiverse. His plan succeeded but at the cost of his life. When
Superman
Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
activates the Miracle Machine to heal the fabric of the universe, the Darkness reveals itself as it takes control of a fallen monitor Mandrakk but is later defeated when his son Nix Uotan summons the entire heroes to kill it. This enrages the Darkness believing that the heroes of the multiverse are much of a greater threat than other powerful beings such as Darkseid. As Darkness continually spreads its influence further across the multiverse, it encounters a
quantum life-form and manipulates him into altering
timelines and history from the Heroes of Earth-0. During Justice League Incarnate's
confrontation
Confrontation is an element of conflict wherein parties confront one another, directly engaging one another in the course of a dispute between them. A confrontation can be at any scale, between any number of people, between entire nations or cu ...
with the Gentry, the primordial entity known as Empty Hand was created out of existence as Darkness' right hand caused by its truce with the Light. This enables Empty Hand to summon his Gentry by conquering Earth-7, possess Nix Uotan, and create the Oblivion Machine to undo the wish of the Miracle Machine. During the
Metal Wars, Darkness summons the bat demon Barbatos as its avatar and the group of Dark Knights as its pawn to sink Earth-0 into blackness by revealing the unknown horrors of the
Dark Multiverses. Despite Barbatos' failure and Perpetua's escape from the Source Wall, the
Darkest Knight
''Young Jedi Knights'' is a ''Star Wars'' young adult fiction series by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta. It was published from 1995 to 1998. It covers the Jedi training of Jacen and Jaina Solo, the twin chi ...
ascended to power by
taking over the Multiverse and devastated other Earths until he was defeated by
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superheroine who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''All Star Comics'' Introducing Wonder Woman, #8, published October 21, 1941, with her first feature in ''Sensation Comic ...
allowing the Hands to undo Perpetua's influence and recreate an omniverse, which Earth-0 is no longer the center of it. Doctor Multiverse then reveals Darkseid's plan to take control of the Great Darkness after obtaining his power on Earth-Omega, killing the Quintessence, and cracking open the Omniverse, which the heroes thwarted his plans. Doctor Multiverse believed that the only way to defeat The Great Darkness was to let Darkseid win.
The heroes disapprove of this while Darkseid reveals his first plan to control the Darkness is to declare war on Earth-7 and defeat Empty Hand. As
Thomas Wayne
Dr. Thomas Wayne, Doctor of Medicine, M.D. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the father of Bruce Wayne (Batman), and husband of Martha Wayne as well as the paternal grandfather of Damian Wayn ...
attempts to sedate Doctor Multiverse, he is now possessed by the Great Darkness causing Darkseid to kill him and take Doctor Multiverse's energy with him before teleporting to
Earth-7. As the heroes try to intervene, the possessed members attack them under the influence of the Empty Hand which Doctor Multiverse frees them. The Empty Hand manages to overpower Darkseid allowing him to activate the Oblivion Machine and lure Darkseid into the dark void. With
Orion
Orion may refer to:
Common meanings
* Orion (constellation), named after the mythical hunter
* Orion (mythology), a hunter in Greek mythology
Arts and media
Fictional entities Characters and species
* Orion (character), a DC Comics c ...
now the ruler of Apokolips, he decided to destroy the Oblivion Machine which the Justice Incarnate continues to rescue Barry Allen. The heroes enter the void only to discover that Barry is trapped in the twisted reality. As they tried to convince Barry to leave, he refused. Pariah suddenly appears and tries to persuade them of their desire but Doctor Multiverse knows his deception and forced the team to retreat. As Orion departed to Apokolips, Thunderer summons his powers to destroy the Machine decimating Earth-7 in the process before evacuating with the team. Having failed to rescue Barry and the multiverse in jeopardy, the Justice League Incarnate decides to summon Barry's Justice League for aid. Somewhere in the Void, Pariah revealed to Darkseid that despite the Justice League Incarnate's success in closing the portal, both Multiverse-1 and 2 were weakened allowing the Great Darkness to take control of Darkseid and submit him to its will creating its own Dark Army alongside
Ares
Ares (; , ''Árēs'' ) is the List of Greek deities, Greek god of war god, war and courage. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. The Greeks were ambivalent towards him. He embodies the physical valor necessary for ...
,
Doomsday
Doomsday may refer to:
* Eschatology, a time period described in the eschatological writings in Abrahamic religions and in doomsday scenarios of non-Abrahamic religions.
* Global catastrophic risk, a hypothetical event explored in science and fict ...
,
Eclipso
Eclipso () is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Haney and Lee Elias, the character first appeared in '' House of Secrets'' #61 (August 1963). The character bears notable similarities to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. ...
,
Nekron
Nekron is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of the Green Lantern Corps. Created by Mike W. Barr, Len Wein and Joe Staton, the character, who exists as an embodiment of Death, first appeared in ...
,
Neron, Empty Hand, and Upside Down Man.
Black Adam
Black Adam (Teth-Adam) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck, and first appeared in the debut issue of Fawcett Comics' '' The Marvel Family'' comic book ...
,
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
,
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superheroine who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''All Star Comics'' Introducing Wonder Woman, #8, published October 21, 1941, with her first feature in ''Sensation Comic ...
,
Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl is the name of several superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original Hawkgirl, Shiera Sanders Hall, was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, and first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' ...
,
Superman
Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
,
Zatanna
Zatanna Zatara (), known mononymously as Zatanna, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Gardner Fox and Murphy Anderson, and first appeared in ''Hawkman (comic book), Hawkman'' #4 (N ...
,
Aquaman
Aquaman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in ''More Fun Comics'' #73 (November 1941). Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles ...
,
John Stewart,
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz) is a superhero in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in the story "The Manhunter from Mars" in ''Detective Comics ...
,
Black Canary
Black Canary is the name of two superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. As one of the earliest female superheroes in the DC Comics universe, the character has made numerous appearances in prominent team-up titles, ...
, and
Green Arrow
Green Arrow is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and designed by George Papp, he first appeared in ''More Fun Comics'' No. 73 on September 19, 1941 (cover dated November 1941), th ...
are transported into the House of Heroes (headquarters of the Justice League Incarnate) where it is revealed that Calvin Ellis teleported them because
Barry Allen
Bartholomew Henry "Barry" Allen is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the second character known as the Flash, following Flash (Jay Garrick), Jay Garrick. The character first appeared in ''Showcase (comic ...
is trapped in a twisted reality and the Great Darkness has enslaved Darkseid and killed Spectre. Wonder Woman explains her discussion with The Hands about the cost to the team. Arriving at Multiverse-1 ruins after the attack, The team is encountered by
Pariah who is now under the influence of the Darkness. Superman offered Pariah aid to absolve his mistakes but Pariah rejects their help believing that the heroes ruined everything. He claims that he will let the Justice League's world die for the true Multiverse to be reborn. Pariah summons the Dark Army, with Spectre and the Anti-Monitor's shadow demons as their allies, to fight against the Justice League and Justice League Incarnate. During the battle, the Justice League was surprised at how brutal they were and discovered that they were all possessed by the Great Darkness. The battle ends when Green Arrow shoots his arrow to destroy Pariah's machine before being pummeled by Doomsday. Enraged by their interference, Pariah summons his power to erase both the Justice League and Justice League Incarnate from existence. During a battle with Pariah, Black Adam manages to escape and lands in front of the Hall of Justice, saying the Justice League is dead.
After
Talia al Ghul
Talia al Ghul (; , ) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman. The character was created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Bob Brown (comics), Bob Brown, and first app ...
killed Deathstroke
Deathstroke is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character first appeared in ''The New Teen Titans'' #2 (December 1980) as Deathstroke the Terminator. In his co ...
, his army put his body in the Lazarus Pits where Deathstroke is revived and tells them that he will kill everyone.
Jon Kent meets up with Nightwing and reports to him about the Justice League's death from Black Adam. Nightwing and Jon Kent discuss how heroes that die are usually resurrected, and they decide to team up to honor their mentors' legacy.
Wally West
Wallace Rudolph "Wally" West is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics as the original Kid Flash and the third Flash (DC Comics character), Flash. His power consists mainly of speedster (fiction), superhuman speed. T ...
,
Iris West
Iris Ann West-Allen is a fictional character, a supporting character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She has been the main love interest and later wife of Barry Allen, the alter ego of the Silver Age version of the supe ...
,
Linda Park
Linda Park (born July 9, 1978) is a South Korean-born American actress. She is best known for playing communications officer Hoshi Sato in the science-fiction series ''Star Trek: Enterprise.''
Early life
Park was born in South Korea and raised ...
, and
Wallace West discuss Barry's disappearance and Wally promises Iris that he will find him. After his hero duties with Wallace, Wally revisits the Flash museum honoring heroes' sacrifices before receiving the call from Jon. Hal Jordan learns from
Aquaman (Jackson Hyde) about the Leagues' death before escorting the corrupted alien to its home after being cured. Taking place before the Justice League's death, Pariah wanders endlessly in the false reality while facing his guilt until he discovered the reality of multiverse-2 destruction, unaware that the Great Darkness manipulates him into building the machine.
Plot
Nightwing
Nightwing is a superhero alias used by multiple characters in American comic books published by DC Comics. The most prominent bearer is Dick Grayson, the original Robin, who adopts the Nightwing identity to assert his independence from Batman. ...
gives a eulogy to the Justice League in front of the rest of the superhero community and the general public, while
Deathstroke
Deathstroke is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character first appeared in ''The New Teen Titans'' #2 (December 1980) as Deathstroke the Terminator. In his co ...
and his
Secret Society of Super Villains
Secret Society of Super Villains (SSoSV) is a DC Comics title that debuted in May–June 1976. The series presented a group of DC's supervillains, mostly foes of the Justice League, Justice League of America. The series was cancelled with issue #1 ...
(consisting of
Angle Man
While smith
Whisper A'Daire is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Greg Rucka and Shawn Martinbrough, and first appeared in ''Detective Comics'' #743 (April 2000).
Whisper is an op ...
,
Black Spider
Black Spider is a super-villain and anti-hero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. While several versions of the character exist, the original version is a lesser-known adversary of Batman and notably served as a member of the ...
,
Body Doubles
The Body Doubles are DC Comics villains created by Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, and Jackson Guice. They first appeared in ''Resurrection Man'' #1 (March 1996) before appearing in their own eponymous miniseries with Joe Phillips on art duties.
Ficti ...
,
Bug-Eyed Bandit
Bug-Eyed Bandit is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.
An original incarnation of the Bug-Eyed Bandit appears in the Arrowverse series ''The Flash (2014 TV series), The Flash'' and ''Arrow (TV se ...
,
Copperhead,
Count Vertigo
Count Vertigo (Werner Zytle) is a supervillain created by Gerry Conway, Trevor Von Eeden and Vince Colletta as an enemy of Black Canary, Batman and later Green Arrow in the DC Comics Universe. Count Vertigo is the last descendant of the royal f ...
,
Crazy Quilt
Crazy-Quilt is the name of several characters in DC Comics. The first is an enemy of the Boy Commandos, while the second, Paul Dekker, is an enemy of Batman. Both are blind and use special helmets that enable them to regain their vision and genera ...
,
Doctor Destiny
Doctor Destiny (John Dee) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Gardener Fox and Mike Sekowsky, the character first appeared in ''Justice League of America'' #5 (June 1961)
Jeremy Davies played ...
,
Doctor Phosphorus
Doctor Phosphorus (Alexander James Sartorius) is a supervillain who has appeared in various comic book series published by DC Comics. Primarily an enemy of Batman, the villain exists in DC's main shared universe, known as the DC Universe.
Doctor ...
,
Dollmaker,
Felix Faust
Felix Faust is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''Justice League of America'' #10 (1962), created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky. He is depicted as a mystic sorcerer, obse ...
,
Firefly
The Lampyridae are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,000 described species, many of which are light-emitting. They are soft-bodied beetles commonly called fireflies, lightning bugs, or glowworms for their conspicuous production ...
,
Flamingo
Flamingos or flamingoes () are a type of wading bird in the family Phoenicopteridae, which is the only extant family in the order Phoenicopteriformes. There are four flamingo species distributed throughout the Americas (including the Caribbe ...
,
Gentleman Ghost
Gentleman Ghost (James "Jim" Craddock), introduced as Ghost, and also known as Gentleman Jim, is a supervillain appearing in works published by DC Entertainment. Created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Joe Kubert, the character first appeared ...
,
Girder
A girder () is a Beam (structure), beam used in construction. It is the main horizontal support of a structure which supports smaller beams. Girders often have an I-beam cross section composed of two load-bearing ''flanges'' separated by a sta ...
,
Hellhound
A hellhound is a mythological hound that embodies a guardian or a servant of hell, the devil, or the underworld. Hellhounds occur in mythologies around the world, with the best-known examples being Cerberus from Greek mythology, Garmr from Nor ...
,
Hyena
Hyenas or hyaenas ( ; from Ancient Greek , ) are feliform carnivoran mammals belonging to the family Hyaenidae (). With just four extant species (each in its own genus), it is the fifth-smallest family in the order Carnivora and one of the sma ...
,
Multiplex
Multiplex may refer to:
Science and technology
* Multiplex communication, combining many signals into one transmission circuit or channel
** Multiplex (television), a group of digital television or radio channels that are combined for broadcast
* ...
,
Neutron
The neutron is a subatomic particle, symbol or , that has no electric charge, and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton. The Discovery of the neutron, neutron was discovered by James Chadwick in 1932, leading to the discovery of nucle ...
,
Phobia
A phobia is an anxiety disorder, defined by an irrational, unrealistic, persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically result in a rapid onset of fear and are usually present for more than six months. Those affected ...
,
Prankster,
Prometheus
In Greek mythology, Prometheus (; , , possibly meaning "forethought")Smith"Prometheus". is a Titans, Titan. He is best known for defying the Olympian gods by taking theft of fire, fire from them and giving it to humanity in the form of technol ...
,
Scavenger
Scavengers are animals that consume Corpse decomposition, dead organisms that have died from causes other than predation or have been killed by other predators. While scavenging generally refers to carnivores feeding on carrion, it is also a he ...
,
Shadow Thief
Shadow Thief is the name of three fictional supervillains published by DC Comics. The first is a recurring foe of Hawkman named Carl Sands. The second Shadow Thief is an African-American named Carl Hammer who wore a shadow suit. The third Shadow T ...
,
Shaggy Man
The Shaggy Man is a character in the Oz books by L. Frank Baum. He first appeared in the book ''The Road to Oz'' in 1909.
He is a kindly old wandering hobo, dressed in rags. His philosophy of life centers on both love and an aversion to material ...
,
Shrapnel,
Silver Banshee
Silver Banshee is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, with both primarily as opponents of Superman. The first, Siobhan McDougal, made her debut in ''Action Comics'' #595 while the second, Siobha ...
,
Skorpio,
Slipknot
The slip knot is a stopper knot which is easily undone by pulling the tail ( working end). The slip knot is related to the running knot, which will release when the standing end is pulled. Both knots are identical and are composed of a slipp ...
,
Tattooed Man
The Tattooed Man is the name of three characters appearing in media published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of Green Lantern.
An original version of the Tattooed Man, Latavius "Lala" Johnson, appeared as a recurring character in the Arrowve ...
,
Toyman
Toyman is the name of three supervillains and one adolescent superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, as an adversary for Superman.
The most well-known incarnation of Toyman is Winslow Schott, a criminal who uses toy-based or to ...
,
Trident
A trident (), () is a three- pronged spear. It is used for spear fishing and historically as a polearm. As compared to an ordinary spear, the three tines increase the chance that a fish will be struck and decrease the chance that a fish will b ...
,
Typhoon
A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that develops between 180° and 100°E in the Northern Hemisphere and which produces sustained hurricane-force winds of at least . This region is referred to as the Northwestern Pacific Basin, accounting for a ...
, and
Warp
Warp, warped or warping may refer to:
Arts and entertainment Books and comics
* WaRP Graphics, an alternative comics publisher
* ''Warp'' (First Comics), comic book series published by First Comics based on the play ''Warp!''
* Warp (comics), a D ...
) also pay their respects as he blows out the candle. As villains spread chaos across the world out of fear,
Hal Jordan
Harold "Hal" Jordan, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created in 1959 by writer John Broome (writer), John Broome and artist Gil Kane, and f ...
joins in after hearing from
Jon Kent and
Wally West
Wallace Rudolph "Wally" West is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics as the original Kid Flash and the third Flash (DC Comics character), Flash. His power consists mainly of speedster (fiction), superhuman speed. T ...
that the Justice League was killed by Pariah according to Black Adam, and doesn't trust Black Adam's word. Wally West tells him that
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version was originally created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in ''More Fun Comics' ...
,
Ray Palmer Raymond or Ray Palmer may refer to:
* Raymond A. Palmer, science-fiction writer and editor
* Raymond F. Palmer, medical professor
* Raymond Palmer, 3rd Baron Palmer (1916–1990), British peer and businessman
* Ray Palmer (pastor), American pastor ...
,
Ryan Choi
The Atom (Dr. Ryan Choi) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Gail Simone and Grant Morrison, the character first appeared in ''DCU: Brave New World'' #1 (August 2006) as the fourth superhero charact ...
, and Captain Cold do not know where the Justice League and Barry Allen are. With Hal Jordan departing for galactic threat and Wally West leaving to find Barry, Jon tries persuading
Yara Flor
Yara Flor is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is one of four heroines to use the identity of Wonder Girl. Created by Joëlle Jones, she first appeared in '' Dark Nights: Death Metal'' #7 (January 2021).
Ya ...
(the Brazilian Wonder Girl) and
Jace Fox (the new Batman of New York) to join his new Justice League, but they refuse due to them being busy. Jon creates his new Justice League (consisting of
Damian Wayne
Damian Thomas Wayne is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman. He was created by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert. Damian Wayne is the biological son of Bruce Wayne/Batman. His mo ...
,
Supergirl
Supergirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original, current, and most well known Supergirl is Supergirl (Kara Zor-El), Kara Zor-El, the cousin of superhero Superman. Th ...
, a female
Doctor Light,
Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle is the name of three superheroes appearing in a number of American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939. The most recent of the companies to own rights to Blue Beetle is DC Comics, which bought the rights to the ...
,
Booster Gold
Booster Gold (Michael Jon "Booster" Carter) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dan Jurgens, the character first appeared in ''Booster Gold (comic book), Booster Gold'' #1 (February 1986) and has be ...
,
Ted Kord
Theodore Stephen "Ted" Kord is the second fictional character to use the identity of Blue Beetle, a superhero who was originally published by Charlton Comics and later acquired by DC Comics. He was created by Steve Ditko and first appeared as a bac ...
,
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, PhD) is a fictional American character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for ''Batman: The Animated Series'' as a henchwoman for the ...
,
Killer Frost, Jackson Hyde, and
Frankenstein
''Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus'' is an 1818 Gothic novel written by English author Mary Shelley. ''Frankenstein'' tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a Sapience, sapient Frankenstein's monster, crea ...
), to which Black Adam tells Jon that his Justice League is not ready because some of the members are reformed villains. Deathstroke and his army launch an attack on the
Titans Academy, injuring many superheroes and shooting
Beast Boy
Beast Boy (Garfield Mark "Gar" Logan) is a superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity ...
in the head. On Multiverse-2, Pariah reveals his plan to the Great Darkness by using the Justice League's death to incite Earth-0 into deep despair, allowing him to excess his phase of destroying the multiverse.
Nightwing manages to recover from the attack and confronts Deathstroke who reveals that his Secret Society of Super Villains (which now include
Key and
Lion-Mane
L-Ron
L-Ron is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writers Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis, and first appeared in ''Justice League International'' #14 (June 1988).
L-Ron i ...
among its ranks) has already targeted Nightwing's closest allies. Deathstroke challenges Nightwing to a fight which Nightwing wins, but Deathstroke offers a second challenger and Nightwing realizes that Deathstroke will kill the person who loses him in a fight. Nightwing offers himself up but is saved by Jon Kent. Deathstroke also sends in
Cyborg Superman Cyborg Superman is a persona that has been used by two supervillains who appear in comic books published by DC Comics.
Fictional character biographies Hank Henshaw
Hank Henshaw is an astronaut at NASA until a solar flare hits his space shuttle d ...
to take down Jon Kent, but Jon Kent defeats Cyborg Superman. Pariah tells Deathstroke to spare the heroes and orders him to retreat bringing his Secret Society with him, which he relents. Black Adam arrives and announces that he will be training the new Justice League.
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner (), one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is depicted as being associated with the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of ...
escapes from prison and meets up with Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps (
Jo Mullein,
Kilowog
Kilowog is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is a member of the Green Lantern Corps.
Kilowog has been substantially adapted into media outside comics, primarily in association with Green Lantern. ...
,
Guy Gardner Guy Gardner may refer to:
* Guy Gardner (astronaut) (born 1948), United States Air Force officer and former astronaut
* Guy Gardner (character)
Guy Darrin Gardner, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superhero appearing in American ...
,
Simon Baz
Simon Baz, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, created by writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke. Baz is an officer of the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestr ...
, and
Jessica Cruz
Jessica Cruz, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, she is a member of the Green Lantern Corps and Justice League ...
), where he learns that Wally West,
Kid Flash
Kid Flash is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero The Flash. The first version of the ...
,
Jesse Chambers
Jesse Belle Chambers is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Chambers, who mainly uses the superhero name Jesse Quick and briefly Liberty Belle, is the daughter of Golden Age of Comics, Golden Age heroes Johnny Qui ...
,
Max Mercury
Max Mercury (Maxwell Crandall), also known as Windrunner, Whip Whirlwind, and Lightning, is a DC Comics superhero similar to Quality Comics' Quicksilver. Initially an obscure speedster, the character was rebooted by Mark Waid in 1993 in the page ...
, and Wally's kids are trying to find Barry Allen.
As
Donna Troy
Donna Troy is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is the original Wonder Girl, and later temporarily adopts another alias, Troia. Created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani, she first appeared in ''The Brave an ...
discusses the aftermath of Titans Academy's incident, Deathstroke's Secret Society of Super Villains (which now has
Raptor
Raptor(s) or RAPTOR may refer to:
Animals
The word "raptor" refers to several groups of avian and non-avian dinosaurs which primarily capture and subdue/kill prey with their talons.
* Raptor (bird) or bird of prey, a bird that primarily hunt ...
among its ranks) tries to capture more heroes while the public starts to lose hope that the Justice League will return forcing other heroes to make difficult choices.
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Joan Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Ga ...
,
Duke Thomas,
Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. First appearing in ''Batman (comic book), Batman'' #357 in March 1983, he was created to succeed Dick Grayson as Robin (character), Robin, Batman's partner ...
,
Stephanie Brown and
Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain (also known as Cassandra Wayne and Cassandra Wu-San) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Kelley Puckett and Damion Scott, Cassandr ...
go visit the Titans tower to make sure Nightwing is okay after the attack while checking on Beast Boy. Black Adam is trying to train the new Justice League and convinces them they must kill their enemies to scare Deathstroke, but they disapprove of his actions believing that killing them will not justify their victory. Damian Wayne confirms that Deathstroke is well aware of their moral views of killing. Yara Flor arrives and stops Black Adam from killing Count Vertigo in front of the Justice League forcing Black Adam to leave in humiliation and ask the
Legion of Doom
The Legion of Doom is a group of supervillains who originated in '' Challenge of the Superfriends'', an animated series from Hanna-Barbera based on DC Comics' Justice League. The Legion of Doom has since been incorporated into the main DC Univers ...
(consisting of
Lex Luthor
Alexander "Lex" Joseph Luthor () is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the character first appeared in ''Action Comics'' #23 (published on February 22, 1940, with a cover d ...
,
Black Manta
Black Manta (David Milton Hyde) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Bob Haney and artist Nick Cardy, the character first appeared in ''Aquaman'' #35 (September 1967). He has since endured a ...
,
Captain Boomerang
Captain Boomerang is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, who respectively serve as enemies to both the Barry Allen and Wally West versions of the Flash (DC Comics character), Flash. Created by wr ...
,
Captain Cold
Captain Cold (Leonard Snart) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, the character first appeared in '' Showcase'' #8 (June 1957).
In his comic book appearances, ...
,
Cheetah
The cheetah (''Acinonyx jubatus'') is a large Felidae, cat and the Fastest animals, fastest land animal. It has a tawny to creamy white or pale buff fur that is marked with evenly spaced, solid black spots. The head is small and rounded, wit ...
,
Golden Glider
Golden Glider (Lisa Snart) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is the younger sister of Captain Cold and enemy of the Flash (DC Comics character), Flash.
Lisa Snart appeared in the The Flash (season 1) ...
,
Gorilla Grodd
Gorilla Grodd is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, the character first appeared in ''The Flash'' #106 (May 1959).
He is an evil, super-intelligent gorilla who ...
,
Heat Wave
A heat wave or heatwave, sometimes described as extreme heat, is a period of abnormally hot weather generally considered to be at least ''five consecutive days''. A heat wave is usually measured relative to the usual climate in the area and ...
,
Punchline
A punch line (also punch-line or punchline) concludes a joke; it is intended to make people laugh. It is the third and final part of the typical joke structure. It follows the introductory framing of the joke and the narrative which sets up for ...
,
Scarecrow
A scarecrow is a decoy or mannequin that is often in the shape of a human. Humanoid scarecrows are usually dressed in old clothes and placed in open fields to discourage birds from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops. ...
,
Sinestro
Thaal Sinestro () (or simply Sinestro) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, particularly those featuring Green Lantern. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Sinestro is a former Green Lantern Corps member w ...
,
Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage (Vandar Adg) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is said to be a Cro-Magnon warrior who gained immortality and advanced healing abilities after encountering a strange meteorite during prehis ...
, and
Weather Wizard
Weather Wizard (Mark Mardon) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.
Weather Wizard made his first live-action appearance in the television specials '' Legends of the Superheroes'' (1979), played by Jeff Altma ...
) for help. Deathstroke reunites with Ravager and persuades her to be her legacy as the Darkness infested his Secret Society to start a crisis. As Jon Kent and Damian Wayne argue about their loss of hope, the
Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America (JSA) is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It was conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox during the Golden Age of Comic Books. It first appeared in '' ...
arrives to help the new Justice League. Meanwhile, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps arrive at Planet Ryut of sector 666 using
Nekron
Nekron is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of the Green Lantern Corps. Created by Mike W. Barr, Len Wein and Joe Staton, the character, who exists as an embodiment of Death, first appeared in ...
's
old central power battery that allows Hal, Kyle, and Mullein to teleport toward Multiverse-2, leaving other Green Lanterns to prepare for the upcoming battle. As the three Green Lanterns confront Pariah on Multiverse-2's ruin, Hal Jordan discovers the Great Darkness' plan of using the Justice League's death to weaponize them and recreating new pocket dimensions before being disintegrated and transported to the pocket world of John Stewart.
Barry Allen arrives and saves Hal Jordan, revealing that Wally West rescued him from Pariah's mind control and choose to rescue the Justice League after learning about their death and examining their alternate worlds. Barry tells Hal that Pariah is using the Justice League's prisons to harness energy to power a bomb and takes him to Batman's prison. As the Justice League and Justice Society discuss the Great Darkness' threat,
Alan Scott
Alan Ladd Wellington Scott is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, and the first character to bear the name Green Lantern. He fights evil with the aid of his mystical ring, which grants him a variety of powers. H ...
manages to persuade Nightwing to lead the new team by stating they need his new leadership since he was the original sidekick who went out of his mentor's shadow. Nightwing, Yara Flor, Alan Scott, and Jon Kent visit the
Justice League Dark
Justice League Dark, or JLD, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team made their debut in ''Justice League Dark'' #1 (September 2011). The team features some of the more supernatural characters in t ...
's headquarters owned by
John Constantine
John Constantine (), also known as Hellblazer, is an antihero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben, and first appeared in ''Swamp Thing'' #37 (June 1985). I ...
,
Detective Chimp
Detective Chimp (Bobo T. Chimpanzee) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A common chimpanzee who wears a deerstalker cap (à la fictional sleuth Sherlock Holmes), Detective Chimp has superhuman-level intell ...
, and two avatars of
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing is a superhero and antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, the Swamp Thing has had several different incarnations throughout his publication. The ch ...
(
Alec Holland
Alec Holland is a fictional character in comic books published by DC Comics. He is most notably a character in the various ''Swamp Thing'' series.
Holland appeared in his first live-action adaptation in the 1982 film ''Swamp Thing'' played by Ra ...
and Levi Kamei) where they tell the heroes that the Great Darkness is not a benevolent or malevolent force, and someone is corrupting it. Deathstroke attacks the Legion of Doom's headquarters and a fight breaks out. Lex Luthor manages to disarm Deathstroke, but is attacked by infected Prometheus who manages to take control of the Legion of Doom and attacks Black Adam, with Pariah revealing that he plans to use the energy from the Justice League worlds to create a new
Multiverse
The multiverse is the hypothetical set of all universes. Together, these universes are presumed to comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, information, and the physical laws and constants that describ ...
as he retells
its origin.
Black Adam is saved by
Sideways
''Sideways'' is a 2004 American comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne and written by Jim Taylor and Payne. A film adaptation of Rex Pickett's 2004 novel, ''Sideways'' follows two men in their forties, Miles Raymond ( Paul Giamatti), a de ...
,
Mister Terrific, Jackson Hyde, and Supergirl from the possessed Legion of Doom, and Mister Terrific realizes that Deathstroke's Secret Society of Super Villains (which now has
Amazo
Amazo is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky and first appeared in '' The Brave and the Bold'' #30 (June 1960) as an adversary of the Justice League of ...
,
Giganta
Giganta is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics publications and related media, commonly as a recurring adversary of the superhero Wonder Woman, and an occasional foil of the superhero the Atom (Ray Palmer), Atom. She debuted as a brutish ...
,
Gizmo
A gizmo is a gadget, especially one whose real name is unknown or forgotten.
Gizmo may also refer to:
Technology
* The Gizmo or "Gizmotron", an effects device for electric guitars
* Gizmo key, found on certain flutes
* Gizmos, interactive o ...
,
Mammoth
A mammoth is any species of the extinct elephantid genus ''Mammuthus.'' They lived from the late Miocene epoch (from around 6.2 million years ago) into the Holocene until about 4,000 years ago, with mammoth species at various times inhabi ...
, and
Psimon
Psimon (Simon Jones) is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an enemy of the Teen Titans.
Publication history
He first appeared in '' The New Teen Titans'' #3 (January 1981) and was created by George Pérez ...
among its ranks) spreads The Great Darkness influence over people, and Jon Kent reveals that Pariah is corrupting the Great Darkness. Damian Wayne tells Doctor Light to follow him as he has a secret plan while Nightwings prepares the Titans to fight against Deathstroke's Secret Society of Super Villains despite Black Adam's complaint. Flash and Green Lantern manage to free Batman and Wonder Woman from their imprisonment. As they rescue Superman, who is fully aware of his prison world. He reveals to them that he managed to break free of his prison after studying his alternate reality allowing him to absorb the crisis energy. Desperate to recreate the worlds, Pariah discovers that the infinite Earths are unstable and he requires more heroes to stabilize them. Imbued with cosmic powers, Superman manages to free all of the Justice League members, including the revived Green Arrow, as they confront Pariah. Pariah disappears back to Earth-Zero where he attacks the rest of Earth's heroes with Deathstroke's Secret Society and his Dark Army.
The Shadow Demons quickly ambush the
Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern Corps is a intergalactic Peacekeeping, peace keeping agency appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing on the plan ...
as they flush out from the central power battery, while the heroes on Earth are overwhelmed by Pariah's Dark Army. As Pariah laments his desire toward the Great Darkness, Deathstroke is still leading the Secret Society of Super Villains (which now has
Cluemaster
The Cluemaster (Arthur Brown) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman as well as a recurring enemy of Tim Drake, the third Robin. Cluemaster first appeared in ' ...
among its ranks) and pleads with Pariah to end this pain. Pariah states Deathstroke will be freed after he succeeded in Darkness' mission before confronting Nightwing and a recovered Beast Boy. Jace Fox arrives to help the heroes on Earth alongside
Miss Martian
Miss Martian (M'gann M'orzz; alias Megan Morse) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. An extraterrestrial, she is a White Martian who usually appears in stories as a member of the Teen Titans. Created by write ...
,
Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle is the name of three superheroes appearing in a number of American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939. The most recent of the companies to own rights to Blue Beetle is DC Comics, which bought the rights to the ...
,
Connor Hawke
Connor Hawke is a fictional DC Comics superhero who operated as the second Green Arrow, created by Kelley Puckett and Jim Aparo. In the post-''Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!, Zero Hour'' continuity, Connor is the eldest son of Oliver Queen, the orig ...
,
Nubia
Nubia (, Nobiin language, Nobiin: , ) is a region along the Nile river encompassing the area between the confluence of the Blue Nile, Blue and White Nile, White Niles (in Khartoum in central Sudan), and the Cataracts of the Nile, first cataract ...
, and
Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that demonstrates improved mechanical properties compared to the pure form of iron. Due to steel's high Young's modulus, elastic modulus, Yield (engineering), yield strength, Fracture, fracture strength a ...
. Pariah vaporizes Steel, Ted Kord, Firestorm, Booster Gold, and Connor Hawke, which recreates more worlds to allow the Great Darkness to overrun the Multiverse. Yara Flor uses her Lasso of Truth on Pariah long enough for Jace Fox and Mister Terrific to use Pariah's machine on him, killing him in the process. Overpowered by the combined strength of Darkseid, Eclipso, Ares, Nekron, Doomsday, and Neron, Jonathan Samuel Kent is about to accept his fate until he was joined with Superman, along with the Justice League and the Green Lantern Corps, who manages to arrive back home thanks to Hal Jordan and Barry Allen's combination of the speed force and the power ring (although Green Arrow is killed once again since he wasn't vaporized by Pariah). The heroes manage to gain the upper hand on the Dark Army. However, the Great Darkness chooses Deathstroke as its final host, causing him to mutate into a Doomsday-like monstrosity. The now-insane Deathstroke prepares to kill Nightwing and Ravager as he declares that he intends not to control the Multiverse, but to destroy it instead.
As the Justice League tries to fight off the mutated Deathstroke, Nightwing and Deathstroke fight in their minds with Deathstroke explaining he wants to destroy the Multiverse to break the cycle of villains rising again and causing everyone to suffer as a result. Damian Wayne brings in the Justice League Incarnate as well as Doctor Light who reveals she is connected to the DC Multiverse just like The Great Darkness. As the Justice League fend off the Great Darkness, Doctor Light combines her power with the Speed Force that The Flash has charged up to repel the Great Darkness from the DC Multiverse becoming more infinite. As Doctor Light and the speedsters successfully healed the multiverse, the Dark Army vanished pulling back from where they came from while the heroes who were erased by Pariah were restored from their deaths. Black Adam gives his powers to the rest of the heroes while weakening Deathstroke but the Great Darkness chooses Nightwing as its new host. Nightwing manages to fight off the Great Darkness influence and knocks out Deathstroke before he could kill Black Adam, and Ravager convinces Deathstroke to stop. As the rest of the heroes reunited with their family and celebrated their victory for saving the multiverse, Deathstroke loses his Super Soldier serum due to the Great Darkness corrupting him, Spectre reconnected with
Jim Corrigan
James Brendan "Jim" Corrigan is a fictional character that have appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics.
The first Corrigan initially appeared in ''More Fun Comics'' #52 (February 1940), a deceased cop acting as host to the cosm ...
along with the restored quintessences, Darkseid returns to Apokolips regaining his leadership, Dr Light exploring the multiverse under Justice League Incarnate supervision, Canary and Arsenal mourns Oliver Queen's death, and members of the Legion of Doom and the Secret Society escaped from chaos and plot their next schemes. With the Great Darkness laid in rest, the heroes concluded that Pariah was never really corrupted by the Great Darkness but it was all in his head. Pariah was only able to tap into a fraction of the Great Darkness' true power. Barry Allen decided to investigate the multiverse for upcoming threat with Wallace West while Hal Jordan rejoins with the Green Lantern Corps for their mission. Superman and Jonathan Samuel Kent thank Black Adam for his help, and Black Adam begrudgingly compliments Jonathan Samuel Kent. While meeting up with Nightwing, Batman announces the Justice League are disbanded because of their experiences and decides that every hero will work together before hearing a call. In the epilogue,
Amanda Waller
Amanda Belle Waller (née Blake), also known as "the Wall", is a fictional character featured in some American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in '' Legends'' #1 in 1986 and was created by John Ostrander, Len We ...
and her
Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...
meets up with the Council of Light to try to convince them to eradicate all
metahumans
In the DC Universe, a metahuman is a human with superpowers. The term is roughly synonymous with the terms ''mutant'', '' inhuman'' and ''mutate'' in the Marvel Universe and ''posthuman'' in the Wildstorm and Ultimate Marvel Universes. In DC Comi ...
. They give her the resources needed to deal with the superheroes and supervillains which pleases her, leading to "
Absolute Power".
Tie-ins
Aquamen
After Jackson Hyde,
Mera, and
Garth defeat
Black Manta
Black Manta (David Milton Hyde) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Bob Haney and artist Nick Cardy, the character first appeared in ''Aquaman'' #35 (September 1967). He has since endured a ...
, they hear that the
Justice League
The Justice League, or Justice League of America (JLA), is a group of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). Writer Gardner Fox conceived the ...
was killed. Jackson goes to Mera to console her over the death of Arthur Curry.
Dark Crisis: Big Bang
After the final battle, the restoration of the infinite Multiverse led to the return of the
Anti-Monitor
The Anti-Monitor is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He served as the main antagonist of the 1985 DC Comics miniseries ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' and later appears as an enemy to the Green Lantern Corps ...
. The Anti-Monitor once again attempted to destroy the Multiverse, but was foiled by
Barry Allen
Bartholomew Henry "Barry" Allen is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the second character known as the Flash, following Flash (Jay Garrick), Jay Garrick. The character first appeared in ''Showcase (comic ...
,
Wallace West and a team of Multiversal heroes.
Dark Crisis: The Dark Army
Damian Wayne
Damian Thomas Wayne is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman. He was created by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert. Damian Wayne is the biological son of Bruce Wayne/Batman. His mo ...
leads
Sideways
''Sideways'' is a 2004 American comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne and written by Jim Taylor and Payne. A film adaptation of Rex Pickett's 2004 novel, ''Sideways'' follows two men in their forties, Miles Raymond ( Paul Giamatti), a de ...
,
Power Girl
Power Girl, also known as Kara Zor-L, Karen Starr, and Paige Stetler, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books by DC Comics, making her first appearance in ''All Star Comics'' #58 (January/February 1976).''Who's Who in the DC Unive ...
,
Doctor Light, and Red Canary to Earth 53 to find a way to prevent The Great Darkness from taking over more heroes and Earths. There they realize that the Great Darkness is trying to infect the orrey of worlds. They then travel to the House of Heroes where they are then ambushed by Justice League Incarnate, who are now possessed by the Great Darkness. Doctor Light learns that her powers are connected to the source and frees Justice League Incarnate, as well as preventing the Great Darkness infecting the orrery of worlds, but Doctor Light frees them thanks to her powers, and they head back to their homeworld.
Dark Crisis: War Zone
Linda Park
Linda Park (born July 9, 1978) is a South Korean-born American actress. She is best known for playing communications officer Hoshi Sato in the science-fiction series ''Star Trek: Enterprise.''
Early life
Park was born in South Korea and raised ...
helps save
Iris West
Iris Ann West-Allen is a fictional character, a supporting character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She has been the main love interest and later wife of Barry Allen, the alter ego of the Silver Age version of the supe ...
while revealing she has super-speed, and together they hold off some villains until the Justice League arrives. Meanwhile,
Jim Corrigan
James Brendan "Jim" Corrigan is a fictional character that have appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics.
The first Corrigan initially appeared in ''More Fun Comics'' #52 (February 1940), a deceased cop acting as host to the cosm ...
who has been separated from
The Spectre, with the help of
Raven
A raven is any of several large-bodied passerine bird species in the genus '' Corvus''. These species do not form a single taxonomic group within the genus. There is no consistent distinction between crows and ravens; the two names are assigne ...
, manages to subdue The Spectre long enough to merge back together in order to remove the influence of the Great Darkness.
Nubia
Nubia (, Nobiin language, Nobiin: , ) is a region along the Nile river encompassing the area between the confluence of the Blue Nile, Blue and White Nile, White Niles (in Khartoum in central Sudan), and the Cataracts of the Nile, first cataract ...
has a vision where Deathstroke and his army will cause Dark Crisis in Themiscyra. When the Justice League arrive on Earth, the Green Lanterns manage to repel the Great Darkness. During the battle,
Damian Wayne
Damian Thomas Wayne is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman. He was created by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert. Damian Wayne is the biological son of Bruce Wayne/Batman. His mo ...
belittles Red Canary. But with the help of
Black Canary
Black Canary is the name of two superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. As one of the earliest female superheroes in the DC Comics universe, the character has made numerous appearances in prominent team-up titles, ...
,
Cassandra Cain
Cassandra Cain (also known as Cassandra Wayne and Cassandra Wu-San) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Kelley Puckett and Damion Scott, Cassandr ...
and
Stephanie Brown, Red Canary regains her confidence and helps defeat some villains.
The Flash
Mister Terrific asks
Wally West
Wallace Rudolph "Wally" West is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics as the original Kid Flash and the third Flash (DC Comics character), Flash. His power consists mainly of speedster (fiction), superhuman speed. T ...
,
Wallace West,
Jay Garrick
Jason Peter "Jay" Garrick is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the first character known as the Flash. The character first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1 (January 1940), created by writer Gardner Fox and ...
,
Jesse Chambers
Jesse Belle Chambers is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Chambers, who mainly uses the superhero name Jesse Quick and briefly Liberty Belle, is the daughter of Golden Age of Comics, Golden Age heroes Johnny Qui ...
, and
Max Mercury
Max Mercury (Maxwell Crandall), also known as Windrunner, Whip Whirlwind, and Lightning, is a DC Comics superhero similar to Quality Comics' Quicksilver. Initially an obscure speedster, the character was rebooted by Mark Waid in 1993 in the page ...
to help save Barry Allen by going into the Speed Force and finding Barry's vibrations.
Linda Park
Linda Park (born July 9, 1978) is a South Korean-born American actress. She is best known for playing communications officer Hoshi Sato in the science-fiction series ''Star Trek: Enterprise.''
Early life
Park was born in South Korea and raised ...
meets up with Wally and is about to tell him that she has powers when their kids Irey and Jai West go into the Speed Force portal that Mister Terrific opened. Irey and Jai West, as well as Max Mercury and Jesse Quick land on two different worlds while Wally and Wallace West land on Barry's prison world. Max Mercury and Jesse Quick land on an Earth where Barry is not a speedster and is in an apocalyptic world while Irey and Jai West land on an Earth where they escape from a speedster Night-Flash (an amalgamation of Batman and Flash). Wally tries talking to Barry Allen, but Barry sees
Eobard Thawne
Eobard Thawne, also known as the Reverse-Flash and Professor Zoom, is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by John Broome (writer), John Broome and Carmine Infantino, the character first appeared in ''T ...
instead due to the prison world and nearly kills him.
Linda Park manages to persuade Mister Terrific to let her go in the Speed Force after waiting for a long time and punches Barry before he could kill Wally. Wallace West is nearly tricked to stay in the Prison World but snaps out of it. Jay Garrick arrives to take Irey and Jai West home, and all the speedsters rendezvous at Barry's prison world, with Barry realizing that the Justice League are alive and they're trapped in prison worlds like he was when he encountered Pariah. The rest of the speedsters return to Earth while Barry Allen goes out to try to free the rest of the Justice League before rejoining them.
Young Justice
Tim Drake
Timothy Jackson "Tim" Drake is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick, he first appeared in ''Batman'' #436 (August 19 ...
,
Arrowette
Arrowette is a superheroine that appear in American comic books published by DC Comics.
Publication history
The Bonnie King version of Arrowette appears in ''World's Finest Comics'' #113 and was created by Dave Wood and Lee Elias.
The Cissie Ki ...
,
Cassie Sandsmark
Cassandra "Cassie" Sandsmark, also known as Wonder Girl, is a superheroine appearing in DC Comics. She was created by John Byrne (comics), John Byrne and first appeared in ''Wonder Woman (comic book), Wonder Woman'' (vol. 2) #105 (January 1996). ...
,
Bart Allen
Bartholomew Henry "Bart" Allen II is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A speedster (fiction), speedster, he first appeared under the alias Impulse and later became the second Kid Flash and the fourth Flash (c ...
, and
Conner Kent
Conner Kent is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared as a modern variation of Superboy in ''The Adventures of Superman (comic book), The Adventures of Superman'' #500 (June 1993), and ...
set up statues after Nightwing's speech in ''Dark Crisis'' #1. While talking in a table, Tim, Conner, and Bart are suddenly transported into different worlds where Tim sees
Alfred Pennyworth
Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, originally Alfred Beagle and commonly known simply as Alfred, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman.
Alfred is ...
again, Connor sees
Dubbilex
Beatriz Da Costa
Reep Daggle
Dagon
Dan the Dyna-Mite
Dan the Dyna-Mite is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.
Danny Dunbar was the star pupil of Thomas N. Thomas, a high school chemistry and phys ...
, and Bart meets up with Max Mercury. Cassie tries asking Wally West, Nightwing, and Jonathan Samuel Kent but they don't know where they are. The trio meet up with each other on Happy Harbor (first headquarters of the Justice League) where they are confronted by a female villain name The Mighty Endowed but an alternate version of Cassie saves them.
Cassie manages to convince Arrowette to help her, and they track down
Red Volcano
Red Volcano is a fictional android supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in ''DC Universe'' #0 (April 2008), and was created by Kevin VanHook, Grant Morrison, Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti from a concept by Greg Weisman.
Publica ...
and
Red Tornado
Red Tornado is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. As the second character to assume the identity of Red Tornado, he is the result of an android being merged with a sentient tornado by T.O. Morrow.
...
. Connor, Tim, Bart, and alternate Cassie go to Metropolis to fight Tora where they realize something's not right with this world. They go to the Justice League headquarters where they debate whether they should stay in the prison world. When they go back to Happy Harbor, they see
Lex Luthor
Alexander "Lex" Joseph Luthor () is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the character first appeared in ''Action Comics'' #23 (published on February 22, 1940, with a cover d ...
,
Deathstroke
Deathstroke is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character first appeared in ''The New Teen Titans'' #2 (December 1980) as Deathstroke the Terminator. In his co ...
, and
Captain Boomerang
Captain Boomerang is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, who respectively serve as enemies to both the Barry Allen and Wally West versions of the Flash (DC Comics character), Flash. Created by wr ...
.
I Am Batman
Sinestro
Thaal Sinestro () (or simply Sinestro) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, particularly those featuring Green Lantern. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Sinestro is a former Green Lantern Corps member w ...
, under orders of
Pariah and Deathstroke, tries to torture Jace Fox (the new Batman) and have Jace get the Yellow Lantern ring. This fails when Jace Fox sees through Sinestro's illusions, and decides to go help the Justice League fight against Pariah's Great darkness enemy.
Superman: Kal-El Returns Special
After
defeating Mongul
Mongul () is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Writer Len Wein and artist Jim Starlin created the first version of the character, who debuted in ''DC Comics Presents'' #27 (November 1980). Jerry Ordway created the s ...
, Superman
returns
Return may refer to:
In business, economics, and finance
* Return on investment (ROI), the financial gain after an expense.
* Rate of return, the financial term for the profit or loss derived from an investment
* Tax return, a blank document or t ...
to Earth where he reunites with his family and friends. After talking to Lois, Superman heads to the Hall of Justice where he meets with
Naomi McDuffie
Naomi McDuffie, also known as Powerhouse, is a fictional superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by the writer Brian Michael Bendis for his Wonder Comics imprint, along with writer David F. Walker and ...
,
Wally West
Wallace Rudolph "Wally" West is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics as the original Kid Flash and the third Flash (DC Comics character), Flash. His power consists mainly of speedster (fiction), superhuman speed. T ...
, and
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz) is a superhero in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in the story "The Manhunter from Mars" in ''Detective Comics ...
. As they bond and talk about their recent's adventures, Superman is transported to the Justice League Incarnate to help them deal with
Pariah and his dark army. This issue sets up Superman's prior actions before ''Justice League'' #75: the death of the Justice League.
Dark Crisis: Worlds Without a Justice League
Following the events of ''Justice League'' #75 and the supposed deaths of the League, they are not dead but instead trapped in dream universes by Pariah, in order to power his machine. In these universes the rest of the Justice League does not exist, just the titular character and their supporting cast. These dream universes are meant to show the Justice League their perfect lives. This happiness powers Pariah's machine, which helps him and his Dark Army exert influence and power in the main DC multiverse.
Superman
Superman is trapped in a world where he has to deal with his son
Jon Kent growing up and being independent.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is trapped in a world where
Etta Candy
Etta Candy is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics publications and related media, commonly in association with Wonder Woman. Spirited and vivacious, with a devil-may-care attitude, Etta debuted as a young white woman with red hair in 1942 ...
is president of the United States and
Artemis of Bana-Mighdall
Artemis of Bana-Mighdall is a fictional Amazons, Amazon superheroine, a comic book character published by DC Comics. The character was created by William Messner-Loebs and Mike Deodato, and debuted in ''Wonder Woman'' (vol. 2) #90 (September 1994 ...
did not murder her mother,
Queen Hippolyta. She encounters
Doctor Psycho
Doctor Psycho is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics publications and related media, commonly as a recurring adversary of the superhero Wonder Woman. Doctor Psycho first appears in ''Wonder Woman'' #5 (1943), written by Wonder Woman creat ...
who is held captive by the Amazons.
Batman
Batman is trapped in a world where his Bruce Wayne persona is separated by Alfred because Alfred wants Bruce and Batman to be happy. Meanwhile, Zatanna is trapped in a world, but is freed by
Zatara
Giovanni "John" Zatara, simply called Zatara, is a fictional magician and superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''Action Comics'' #1 in 1938 during the Golden Age of Comic Books, mak ...
,
John Constantine
John Constantine (), also known as Hellblazer, is an antihero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben, and first appeared in ''Swamp Thing'' #37 (June 1985). I ...
,
Aquaman
Aquaman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in ''More Fun Comics'' #73 (November 1941). Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles ...
,
Batman
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
,
Superman
Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
,
Flash
Flash, flashes, or FLASH may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
Fictional aliases
* The Flash, several DC Comics superheroes with super speed:
** Flash (Jay Garrick)
** Barry Allen
** Wally West, the first Kid Flash and third adult Flash ...
,
Hal Jordan
Harold "Hal" Jordan, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created in 1959 by writer John Broome (writer), John Broome and artist Gil Kane, and f ...
, and
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superheroine who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''All Star Comics'' Introducing Wonder Woman, #8, published October 21, 1941, with her first feature in ''Sensation Comic ...
.
Green Lantern
John Stewart is transported to a world where John helps fight off an enemy called The Radiant Dead who killed
Guardians of the Universe
The Guardians of the Universe are a race of extraterrestrial superhero characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Green Lantern. They first appeared in ''Green Lantern'' (vol. 2) #1 (July 19 ...
. Meanwhile,
Kendra Saunders
Kendra Saunders is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by writers James Robinson (comics), James Robinson and David S. Goyer and artist Scott Benefiel, and first appeared in ''Justice Society of ...
is trying to enter the Temple of Life to break her reincarnation cycle to be her own person.
Green Arrow
Green Arrow
Green Arrow is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and designed by George Papp, he first appeared in ''More Fun Comics'' No. 73 on September 19, 1941 (cover dated November 1941), th ...
is in a world where he is
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary noble outlaw, heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature, theatre, and cinema. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions o ...
alongside
Connor Hawke
Connor Hawke is a fictional DC Comics superhero who operated as the second Green Arrow, created by Kelley Puckett and Jim Aparo. In the post-''Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!, Zero Hour'' continuity, Connor is the eldest son of Oliver Queen, the orig ...
,
Roy Harper, and
Mia Dearden
Mia Dearden is a DC Comics superheroine, the second character to take up the mantle of Green Arrow's sidekick Speedy (comics), Speedy. Created by writer Kevin Smith and artist Phil Hester (comics), Phil Hester, she first appeared in ''Green Arrow' ...
trying to fight
Merlyn, who is the
Sheriff of Nottingham
The Sheriff of Nottingham is the main antagonist in the legend of Robin Hood. He is generally depicted as an unjust tyrant who mistreats the local people of Nottinghamshire, subjecting them to unaffordable taxes. Robin Hood fights against him, ...
. Green Arrow is attacked by Black Canary, but they stop fighting in order to get to know each other. While at a club, they are attacked by an alternate version of Oliver Queen who never left the island, but Black Canary saves Green Arrow and they kiss, revealing that no matter what world they are in, they will always be soulmates.
Issues involved
Prelude issues
Main series
Tie-in issues
Collected issues
Critical reception
According to Comic Book Roundup, ''Dark Crisis'' has a score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 131 reviews. The series as a whole has an average rating of 3.91 out of 5 based on 1,461 readers of the League of Comic Geeks.
References
{{Infinite Frontier
2022 in comics
2022 comics debuts
2022 comics endings
Comics set on fictional planets
DC Comics titles
Storylines in comics