Overview
- The DC Universe (DCU) should steer clear of adapting Crisis on Infinite Earths due to its recent portrayals and concentrate instead on fresh crossover narratives.
- Storylines such as Infinite Crisis and Final Crisis present numerous adaptation prospects, potentially elevating the DCU to compete on par with the MCU.
- By uniquely reimagining elements from past crossover events, similar to how Infinity War and Endgame were crafted, the DCU could develop into the impactful cinematic universe it aims to be.
The anticipation surrounding the debut of the first movie in the revamped DC Universe, Superman, is palpable as it is set to premiere later this year. Under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safron, audiences are curious about the creative direction of DC Comics’ live-action adaptations. As this film promises to introduce established DC heroes within its narrative, the path carved out for the inaugural chapter of the DCU titled Gods and Monsters remains largely unexplored. However, a crucial aspect for the DCU’s future is clearly the avoidance of the iconic Crisis on Infinite Earths story arc.
Understanding the Original Crisis on Infinite Earths
A Transformative Saga
The foundational narrative of Crisis on Infinite Earths, originating from the 1985-1986 series, chronicles the emergence of the Anti-Monitor, an immensely powerful entity intent on annihilating various universes within the DC multiverse. Released into the main multiverse due to a scientific accident by Pariah, the Anti-Monitor unleashes a devastating anti-matter wave.
As Earth-3 falls victim to this catastrophe, Alexander Luthor Jr. is transported to another reality, prompting the Monitor—an overseer of the multiverse—to unite heroes and villains. Their mission: to establish towers capable of halting the anti-matter wave by merging the cosmos into one unified entity. Pariah, burdened by the horrific sight of each universe’s destruction, bears witness to this catastrophic chain of events.
The plot thickens as the Anti-Monitor captures Barry Allen, the Flash, while the Monitor’s ally, Harbinger, succumbs to the influence of a shadow demon and eliminates him. In a desperate attempt, the remaining Earths are thrown into limbo, causing Luthor Jr. to convene a coalition of heroes and villains against the Anti-Monitor in the anti-matter realm. The battle results in injuries for the Anti-Monitor, yet the lives of Supergirl and the Flash are lost in the fray.
The climactic battle occurs at the Dawn of Time, where the fragmented Earths coalesce into a rejuvenated universe. After a fierce confrontation with the Anti-Monitor, aided by the combined might of Luthor Jr., Kal-L, and Superboy Prime, the villain is finally defeated. The fates of several heroes are sealed, with select characters transported to a paradise dimension and others to Olympus, ensuring their legacies endure.
The DCU’s Call for Innovative Stories and Adaptations
Exploring Uncharted Territories in the DC Universe
Since its initial release, Crisis on Infinite Earths has been revisited through numerous adaptations, prominently featuring in the Arrowverse series, including Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman, alongside references in Black Lightning. This saga has also been captured in three recent animated films, reviving various animated interpretations of the DC universe. Given the multitude of adaptations over the past ten years, it is essential for the DCU to shift its narrative focus away from this particular crossover.
Beyond the original Crisis, compelling narratives like Infinite Crisis, which reintroduces survivors facing a formidable foe in Superboy Prime, and Final Crisis, featuring Darkseid’s attempt to harness the anti-life equation, offer diverse avenues for exploration. The recent Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths delves into the Great Darkness, a shadowy force that’s long manipulated the DC Comics canon and drawn numerous significant villains under its influence. The narrative possibilities that stem from these stories are virtually limitless, but the DCU must carve its unique identity to compete meaningfully with franchises like the MCU.
The most promising course for the DCU involves adapting these fresh narratives with innovative twists. Similar to how Infinity War and Endgame incorporated elements from the Infinity Saga while weaving an original plot, the DCU can take select components from these crossover events and mold them into a unique cinematic experience. This approach could further build on the foundations laid by Zack Snyder’s previous films, potentially crafting a new multiverse in their aftermath and enhancing emotional connections with fans. Moving beyond Crisis on Infinite Earths would undoubtedly put the DCU on the path toward realizing its cinematic ambitions.