Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Edition Vol. 1 by Marv Wolfman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


More than 500 pages of comics tying in to Crisis on Infinite Earth plus introductions to the state of each major series. This is the first of three volumes.

DC Comics Presents #78: Yes, this is the second part of a two-parter and there's only a brief cameo from the Monitor and Harbinger. However, I give this one a pass because not only hasn't this been reprinted, but it's got a ton: of rare gold and silver age characters. It's a blast.

All-Star Squadron #50-#60: Given that Crisis was a celebration of the entire DCU, the All-Star Squadron is a great tie-in because it features so many characters from the gold and silver ages of a wide variety of comic companies. We get to see a reprint/revision of a JSA Adventure, multiple direct conflicts that intersect with Crisis as well as some additional conflicts including a battle with Mister Mind with his first version of the Monster Society of evil, appearances by Captain Marvel (Shazam.) There are so many great moments. It's a shame that most of this series hasn't been reprinted, but it's treat to read these and Roy Thomas' obvious love for these characters.

Fury of Firestorm #41 and #42: In #41, Harbinger and the Pyscho Pirate arrive to recruit Ronnie Raymond and Professor Stein just as they're getting settled in a new collected. In #42, Firestorm's gone, so we actually get a book with Wonder Girl and Firehawk and they get thrown back in time to the Revolutionary War. It's good fun.

Green Lantern #194-199: This is an interesting period for the Green Lantern corps. Hal Jordan had resigned his as a lantern with John Stewart now being the Green Lantern. However in #194, he's called away to fight in the Crisis, leaving fellow Green Lantern (and love interest) Katma Tui to guard Earth, but while he's away, the Guardians are making a variety of moves that end up with Guy Gardener with a ring and leading a plan to stop the Crisis. Sinestro and Hal Jordan get done before it's all said and done. Overall, this is really fun story. I will say that unlike other stories in this book, this has been reprinted elsewhere.

In addition to the comics, you get an introduction to the book itself by Crisis Writer Marv Wolfman, and intros to the three series featured by Roy Thomas and Robert Greenbrier, there's some great background stuff here.

Overall, a really solid collection. Look forward to the next volume.



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