Welcome ComicVine to the first installment of Project 500 . Project 500 came as an idea from reviewer Silkcuts as a Jam session style review where a few users come together to write a review. The issue before you in review is Crisis on Infinite Earths #1; it can be read free at the DC Site ( here ), so you can take a moment now to read the issue before reading the review. To make this review more reader friendly the key few paragraphs of each reviewer will make the main part of the body, while the rest of each reviewers review will remain unabridged but collapsed in the “Spoiler Warning” section their respected location. This separation is to remove the overwhelming appearance of this jam session, while keeping each voice accessible. Enjoy.
- Note from Editor.
Birth of the DCU Gutter play at its best ( Silkcuts) What makes Crisis on Infinite Earths (CoIE or simply “Crisis”) so special, is not the key deaths later on, not the end of the Multiverse , but the way the narrative is pushed. This series was very experimental with its panel work, before Scott McCloud defined terms like "Gutter" to us; the comic medium was a place where indescribable magic occurred on printed pages. This magic would be known later as the Invisible Language of comics. Crisis is a perfect balance of words and picture to express information in a form unique to comics. For those who have not read McCloud's Understanding Comics, a "Gutter" is that dead space between panels, where pictures are in transition. Our minds must make closure with the minimal information in the Gutter. Crisis is one of the oldest comics I can remember where the gutter is played with as much as the panels themselves. The layout for Crisis alone is an amazing achievement in comic history. The Gutter Space is maximized in Crisis, so the series is really not a Crisis at all. It is a dense visual essay on the death of the Multiverse and the birth to a newer era in the DCU.
There really is no such thing as a new story anymore, just new ways to present them. Most stories are archetypes with different players playing them out. There is a lot of DC and Marvel characters that are similar, because they can be seen really as alternate realities to each other, much like the Greek and the Roman Gods are the same but have different names. In Crisis many characters that have similar Marvel Mirrors are used to save the day. This is likely no coincidence; it is likely DC Comic's way of saying look at our version of "X" over Marvel's version "Y". Examples of such characters are Dr. Polaris and Magneto , they are not much different. This story could have been told in the Marvel universe just the same, but DC was the one who wanted to shrink their Multiverse, so this series came from that idea. This story is presented fresh because there are so many characters and stories being told at the same time. This bold move I still believe translates best in comics because Time works differently in comics. Information competes as well as shares both as time and space on a printed page and with Crisis there is a lot of information given. There are the key narratives and the definition of the Multiverse seamlessly sharing the page by forfeiting the perfect amount of space to each other. Crisis really is a marvel of the visual narrative.
Silkcuts' Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
( G-Man) 1984 was the beginning of a lot of things for me. That's the year I started reading comics and it feels like that's when publishers got the idea of doing massive crossover events. 1984 marked Secret Wars for Marvel and Crisis on Infinite Earths for DC. Marvel went with a fun adventure which had some repercussions but Crisis was a game-changer for a lot of characters. This was their way to clean up their Multiverse.
What better way to start off a twelve-issue miniseries than with the death of an entire universe. At the time for me, I had no idea what was going on. Seeing different versions of characters I knew suddenly being wiped from existence was heavy stuff. Everything was in jeopardy. It was the sort of thing you never saw before. I didn't realize that comics could be so dark or foreboding. Didn't the heroes always win? How could they survive when they were told their entire universe was about to die?
Looking at the comic today is like traveling in a time machine. Being written by Marv Wolfman with pencils by George Perez and inks by Dick Giordano, this comic simply exudes a classic feel. The whole vibe of the story is completely different from today's comics. I had no idea this would be such an epic comic when I bought it for seventy-five cents way back then. I just thought it was really cool since it had an extended cover.
Reading it again now almost makes me a little sad. Comics have changed quite a bit since then. Some things have been good and others...not so much. Despite all the major crossovers and deaths we've seen lately, you can't really capture the feel that was conveyed in the pages here. This was something big and something new. When the big crazy events happen today, you know it will only last a short while.
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a comic series everyone should read. It changed the DC Universe completely (even if many of those changes have been reverted back). When I look at my copy, I look at it with respect. Today's big event issues are cool but after I read it, I just set it aside in an ever-growing stack of comics without giving it a second thought. New readers might not dig it as much today but it's a comic that I will always remember.
G-Man's Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
( Liberty) First of all I want to echo a lot of G-Man said. I started a few years after him but I know what he is talking about and agree with him a lot. This comic is a perfect issue, especially for such an epic story. To me there has never been a story arch with such impact. After this series everything was separated into Pre-Crisis and Post-Crisis. Kinda like the New Testament and the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. DC Comics was creating a new "covenant" with their readers.
Unfortunately, it was all slowly undone. This was tremendously brave for DC Comics and much of it was needed and done well. Barry Allen and Supergirl died noble deaths. Barry's death was so epic I really never wanted him to come back. Wally took up the mantle perfectly and Barry was given respect, but I digress. I really believe DC had the right idea with this legendary story arc and I think it needs to be done again. DC has muddied up the waters with so many characters dying and coming back. Characters like Hawkman, Starman, Firebrand, Hal Jordan, Supergirl and Sandman are a mess with their histories. It is time to reboot it and not in the halfway story arcs of today. It needs to be done like it was the last time the Detroit Tiger won the World Series. BTW that is another thing that needs to be done; the Tigers need to win another World Series.
Liberty's Star Rating: 5 out of 5
( grifter78) I’m actually coming at this from a totally fresh perspective. Unlike most comics fans, I have committed the grave sin of never reading Crisis on Infinite Earths (pauses for boos and hisses*). Now, that’s not to say I’ve never tried. When I discovered my local library stocked graphic novels, I saw Crisis on their list and requested it almost immediately. But I found when I went to pick it up, it was the novelization. This was not the way I wanted to experience this story for the first time. I know friends of mine probably have this trade but as my tastes as a comic fan have changed over the years, I’ve found myself less inclined to pick up the classic stories I never got to read. As G-man said, there is something that is lost in the style these old stories are told in, but for me, it’s not something I miss as much as most do.
*Note from Editor: It is okay to “boo and hiss”; I am currently doing it as I read a long with you.
First and foremost, there is a lot going on in this first issue. Because this is written in classic style, there is more exposition here than I am used to in modern comics. I don’t mind a little exposition in comics. It’s actually something I think is missing in most modern comics. But some of these classic stories have way too much for my taste. Although, I will say I couldn’t believe it was only 32 pages worth of story because it felt so much longer with all that was packed into these pages. I also have to admit that the exposition also helped me know who some of these characters are and what their powers do without having to go to online to find out, so that was nice. And there are a lot of characters to keep track of in this first issue. Despite how long I’ve followed comics, there were still several characters in here I’ve never heard of.
I will agree that there is an epic feel to this story right of the bat. Despite how many big event comic stories I’ve read, this one really did start off with a sense of impending doom. The title, “The Summoning” is a great summary of what happens in this issue because ultimately that’s all that happens here. After the basis for the crisis is laid out we follow each of the players as they are brought into the story. I liked that Wolfman made sure we knew which Earth we would transition to in order to help avoid any confusion. It was also cool to see characters I’ve only read about in modern stories like the Crime Syndicate. Their modern incarnations are definitely more sinister than those that perished here.
Silkcuts talked about the “Gutter” and how George Perez uses this concept perfectly to illustrate what’s going on here. I think when I first really appreciated it was the scene where Harbinger gives Psycho Pirate his mask. I love the layout of the mask floating in front of Harbinger towards Pirate’s face. It was an incredible use of panels to give the illusion of movement. It made me stop and appreciate the genius of George Perez for a moment. Another scene that stood out for me was the introduction of Blue Beetle. I love the way Perez portrayed Beetle’s fighting style.
So in the story structure we’ve got the introduction of the crisis, the summoning of the characters, and then one big action scene before we get to the end. I’m not sure how relevant the attack of the shadow creatures was yet but I hope it was not inserted simply to have an action scene. But I’ll give Wolfman the benefit of the doubt and assume it’s not. This of course leads to the first full appearance of The Monitor in a classic and extremely well executed cliffhanger.
All in all, it is a very interesting story even if it is a little dense on the writing side. But that’s to be expected from the comics of the time period. I think as a modern comic reader you really have to remove your biases and try to appreciate this story for its historical importance as far as comics are concerned. I enjoyed it but I’d have to read the whole story before I can finally determine if I think it’s as great as everyone says it is. But for now, it’s a good start and I wouldn’t mind reading the rest of it…at least once. :)
grifter78's Star Rating:3.5 out of 5
( aztek the lost) In this jam of various reviewers and comic lovers, I'd say I represent the reader new to the massive world of comics, although I have read hundreds of comics, I'm still new to the scene in comparison to many and came to love comics long after the big changes that the industry went through in the late 80's in 90's...in fact, I was born after the release of Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns (the comics that are oft-credited as the starting point of the current age in comics). So that means I do not hold a classic like Crisis on Infinite Earths in as high regard as those who picked it up when it was still hot off the printer, in fact, only a few hours before writing this review I read the first issue for the first time.
Now this is not to say I do not read comics from before the mid-2000's (when my interest in comics outside of Calvin and Hobbes and Garfield began), many of my favorite comics are from the 90's, and the late 80's. But Crisis is from 1985, comics were different back then. It may sound lame to differentiate between just a few years of history in the same company but I have actually read comics from the 80's that where to change so drastically due to the switch-up of a writer that I couldn't even imagine the issues were tied to each other at all.
The perfect example I would give in this situation is Doom Patrol (the 1987 series)...the first eighteen issues were written by Paul Kupperberg and while he was trying to be new and fresh with the team in the end to me it just felt SOOOOO...cheesy...now, not to get sidetracked here, which I know I do, but let me continue. With #19, Grant Morrison came on the book, and COMPLETELY changed things up, in fact he had Paul kill off some of the characters he had introduced because Grant had no interest in them and wanted to remake the team (not too unlike Crisis). But to change things he didn't just kill off characters, he made something that was altogether different in style, atmosphere, concepts, etc. Unfortunately, I do not feel Crisis does that...it's not a comic that stands out because it's different from its peers (such as Alan Moore's Swamp Thing of the time) but just because it was...a big event that literally affected the entire line and is the reason old comics are no longer in continuity.
This brings me to another point I have about Crisis, as you may or may not know about me...I don't often dabble in the current mainstream comic world, however, I respect the fact that each of the Big Two have released classics over their lifetime and I make a great effort to seek these out and read them because if the publisher is willing to back their entire reputation on a book, it must be pretty good and I seek out the best, to remind myself why I love comics. And recently I made myself a comprehensive list of 77 comics of every type from DC's catalog that they pushed as masterpieces of the medium...and guess what? CoIE was nowhere to be found on those lists of comics that pushed boundaries or redefined superhero comics. If even DC does not push the book alongside the "essential reads"...can it be essential?
Also...like the Doom Patrol run where Lodestone was a "sex sells" device, this first issue of Crisis had that essence of cheesiness that doesn't sit properly with me (mainly the accursed thought bubble)...but to give specific examples:
although the plight of the Crime Syndicate should make you feel something, the observation that they are now trying to save a world they abused doesn't bring an emotional response because as far as the reader knows having just read this FIRST issue, these guys have always been good, I knew they were evil because I knew my history but I have not read any comics pre-1985 of these characters and there's nothing provided in this story alone that makes me feel empathy towards them
Harbinger's, "remember I am an equal, not your slave" statement followed by her doing exactly what she was told comes off as the writer wanting to make her seem to be an independent and strong woman but by her not actually standing her ground and still making the statement, I felt it made her weaker not stronger, I feel the statement should just have been left out if anything
Dawnstar's, Firebrand's and Arion's thought bubbles made me cringe...nobody actually thinks like that, it was atrocious, I am not a fan of a character's thoughts being used to fill the reader in because it ruins the authenticity of being inside a character's deepest thoughts
Blue Beetle had that kind of dialog I associate with Spider-Man (see that one Cracked article about the 6 Worst Comic Husbands if you don't know what I'm talking about)
but the worst was the Firestorm/Killer Frost stuff...I can't hold anything against Frost as she wasn't in her right mind but Firestorm seemed like a little boy in elementary school
Now, before you think all I'm going to do is utterly disparage the book, I think the concept behind it was a good one (even if the things it sought to achieve have been undone) and I appreciated that, like the more modern 52, it seems to be a series focusing on some of those superheroes not everyone knows or cares about. I thought it was cool to see some characters like Solovar, Dawnstar and Psimon being part of the chosen few. I'm certain some of the more popular characters pop in later in the story but I still applaud kicking off a company-wide event without any of the Trinity (well except variations of Superman...and you do see Superwoman for a bit/Wonder Woman). Plus, I liked the Superman homage with Alexander Luthor, Jr. and his story in all this was one that I never found myself rolling my eyes or anything of the sort, I'm interested to see what becomes of him (even if I know the gist of it due to keeping up with comic history). Oh and I liked Psycho-Pirate, though that could be a consequence of enjoying Morrison's Animal Man.
In conclusion, despite my problems with the book I believe if you want to truly experience and understand the continuity of the current DCU, Crisis on Infinite Earths will always be an essential read. However, if you're simply looking for a good self-contained story, a graphic novel to share with your friends to show them how awesome comics are...I don't think CoIE is that book. Due to its impact on not the industry, but the DC universe, I am still inclined to recommend it more then I would were it just some book with no consequences outside of itself. So, I give it a 3.25 of 5. That's a 65% (and a passing grade, better then several of mine were in high school).
aztek the lost's Star Rating 3.25 out of 5
The Average Star Rating Score is 4.15 Stars out of 5
( Silkcuts) I would like now to thank the members who participated in this Jam Session: ( G-Man, Liberty, grifter78 and aztek the lost ), thank you all for helping me see this Project off the ground. Project 500 is not just my Landmark, but it is Comicvine's as well, this review being the first Jam Session review written by the community for the community. To continue this spirit of unity I humbly invite any users; Veteran reviews to those who have never written a review before to volunteer and continue what we have started. An official relay review is what is planned next. Please don't just review the next issues of Crisis on your own. Please volunteer to participate in this relay idea. The more volunteers the more fun it will be to review the remaining series single issues. Reviews by other VC users for example is Sha to write a review for issue #7 (The Death issue of Supergirl) as agreed in advance. If you are interested in Project 500 click the highlighted Project 500 and sign up on my blog.
Thank you Comicvine for 500 reviews and hopefully many more. Cheers - Kevin "Silkcuts" Gorospe
" This is a very neat idea, way to do a special review. "
Thanks ^_ ^
It was an idea floating around and I am glad it came together the way it did. I am very proud of the relay reviewers, each with their own touch. The Project was my way to give back to the site, and reviewers like out more recent community star, understood my end game, which was to bring awareness to the medium. Comics are more then just pictures and words, it is an language of its own that each individual deciphers themselves. A great comic should also be treated like good art. CoIE was overlooked, so it worked out as the jam and relay series of choice.
Thanks again, it makes my day knowing that this Project was a success. Make sure to check out the relays. Cheers - Kevin
" well done to all involved in this review- I love reading the reviews on this site, they legitimize comic fandom in a great way. And this is a great project for your 500, Silk. Congrats my friend! "
" well done to all involved in this review- I love reading the reviews on this site, they legitimize comic fandom in a great way. And this is a great project for your 500, Silk. Congrats my friend! "
" well done to all involved in this review- I love reading the reviews on this site, they legitimize comic fandom in a great way. And this is a great project for your 500, Silk. Congrats my friend! "
Thanks you sir. Like mentioned in the review, volunteers are welcome for the relay.
@Silkcuts: Spoiler warning? I have to say if you don't know what happened in this arc by now you never will =] Oh wait this just in the ship sinks at the end of the Titanic movie. Hope that doesn't ruin the movie for anyone. =] I keed, I keed. Great job bud. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
dude! You should of seen the raw reviews unedited and all together... most people would not read 6 MSWORD pages without the pictures, 7 with pictures. It was the only way to trim size without cutting out peoples words. Aztek even said I can chop him, but it is not what I wanted. This was a learning experience and the next jam I attempt, if I ever do again, hopefully will be tighter and better.
But glad you were apart of this. Great Job to you too man, you helped make it happen. Cheers
@Silkcuts: Spoiler warning? I have to say if you don't know what happened in this arc by now you never will =] Oh wait this just in the ship sinks at the end of the Titanic movie. Hope that doesn't ruin the movie for anyone. =] I keed, I keed. Great job bud. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@CM_Cameron: Thanks buddy. Glad you liked the Jam session. And thanks for the congrats. I wanted to do something special for #500 and I am glad a few friends came out to help.
Slam Bang Review folks! Loved the varying perspectives on this First arc of the Modern DCU and the Last Arc of the previous era. I was amazed at the All-Star team that was assembled for this review and was pleased to see the thoughts of luminaries like G-Man and Aztek along personal favorites like Liberty and Silkcuts. The Project 500 Idea is brilliant! Though I feel I must stress that any card-carrying Fans of the DCU who don't read Crisis on infinite Earths are doing themselves a terrible disservice. Will Eisner liked to play in the gutters too I think BTW.
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