Event comics can be a mixed bag when it comes to enjoyment. On the one hand, they are the equivalent of big, block buster events. While on the other, they are a culmination of character arcs, plot points, and devices from various stories that the reader may or may not have read, or even heard about. Infinite Crisis is very much a block buster when it comes to the scope of the book. But for someone just picking up the book, it can be somewhat confusing.

Infinite Crisis finds the Justice League at a very low point. The Watch Tower has been destroyed, members are turning on each other left and right, and villains seem to be banding together as people are going missing. Watching on as the world feels like it’s falling apart, are four figures. Survivors of the multiverse, lamenting about how they gave up everything in order for this world to exist. And how the heroes we know have become tainted and lesser. Breaking through the barrier, it’s time for the Earth-2 Superman, Earth-2 Lois Lane, Superboy Prime and Alexander Luthor to prove themselves the better heroes. But sometimes even when you have the best intentions, that doesn’t mean the outcome will be any better. And at the end of it all, what truly makes the perfect reality?

A lot of plot points lead into the story, from as recent as The OMAC Project from the same year. Right the way back to Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1986. Geoff Johns does incorporate the plot points from these stories very well. He gives you enough context to understand what they are discussing, in the case of Wonder Woman and Maxwell Lord, a full conversation is given over to explaining it as well as flash back panels. But in others, you have vague references to mind wiping, without giving the reader context as to who was wiped and why. This also carries over to the Brother Eye satellite, as while it plays a major role, it can be confusing as to what it is and why it was made. The story is enjoyable without supplementary material. But it can still feel lacking without research.

The theme of the book does very much seem to be failure and perceived perfection. The characters are often confronted with what they should be, and what they should have done. While trying to figure out how to overcome the major mistakes they have made. This is most apparent in the cases of Connor Kent, Batman and Wonder Woman. Conner is struggling with his own identity after learning about his connection to Lex Luthor, to the point of letting his team mates down by avoiding battles where he is needed. Superboy Prime confronts him on this most heavily when it comes to how he feels life should have gone for him, and how lucky Connor should feel in his life. However, Prime is the one looking from the outside in. It’s his perception of Connor’s life, rather than the reality. Prime possibly personifies the underlying question of the book more than anything. What makes the perfect reality?

With Wonder Woman, it’s her then recent actions that put her at odds with the rest of the League, as well as the general public. Her actions in regards to killing Maxwell Lord are questioned by both her fellow teammates, and the public, who saw her actions without context. This distrust of her makes her question not only how she views herself, but her role in the world. Even when trying to help, she finds herself in a difficult position with those around her. Actions constantly being questioned, and people now in fear of her.

In the case of Batman, it’s his failure that plays a major role. A failure to keep the peace, to keep the hope alive. His actions to try and keep the world safe, have recently turned against them in the form of the Brother Eye satellite. Batman’s paranoia about how he would help save people if his comrades went rouge, falls into the wrong hands and causes more and more damage. This causes the rest of the league to keep him at arm’s length. Just before Earth-2 Superman shows up to talk to Bruce, he suffers a panic attack while confronting Brother Eye, as his previous failures playback in his mind. His actions in Infinite Crisis heavily rely on Batman’s paranoia and PTSD, while playing into the overall theme of failure, fear and perceived perfection. The first two especially in Batman’s case.

The book does give us our first look at the current Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes. A teenager who becomes possessed by an alien scarab. The books status as an Event Comics does allow us to see a large amount of characters interacting in exciting ways. Some new, some old. Though not everyone will make it out alive. Given the nature of comics however, death is not always the end.

The art of Phil Jimenez is stunning throughout. Very detailed and cinematic in its presentation. Though the benefit of the trade collection is that some previously incomplete pages have been allowed to be retouched and finished. There are a few sequences that include other dimensions, such as Earth-2, and for a very interesting contrast, all-star Superman artist Jerry Ordway, came back to the book to give that dimension it’s very own feel. One that very much fits the Era in time they are aiming for.

The story overall is very enjoyable. It’s on a grand scale that you would expect from an event comic. Particularly one written by Geoff Johns. But if you go into it blind, be prepared to do a little bit of research just to make sure you fully understand a few of the plot points and motivations behind actions. Otherwise it may leave a bit to be desired.

Research recommendations:

Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985 – 1986)

Identity Crisis (2004)

Teen Titans/Outsiders: The Insiders (2005)

The OMAC Project + tie ins (2005)