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Crisis on Infinite Earths

Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 1985–1986 DC Comics crossover event written by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by George Pérez.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 1985–1986 DC Comics crossover event written by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by George Pérez. It follows the Anti-Monitor’s attempt to destroy the DC Multiverse and ends with the creation of a single, merged continuity called New Earth.

Publication history

Crisis on Infinite Earths was published by DC Comics as a 12-issue limited series in 1985 and 1986. It was designed to address DC continuity by simplifying the company’s multiverse.

Plot

The Anti-Monitor begins destroying alternate Earths, while the Monitor recruits heroes and villains to fight back. The story culminates in a final confrontation that reshapes reality into a single timeline.

Legacy

The event had a major impact on DC storytelling by reorganizing continuity and influencing later crossover events. It remained one of the most important company-wide comic book events in DC history.

Adaptations and influence

The title later inspired other DC projects, including television crossover events in the Arrowverse. Its name and premise became shorthand for large-scale universe-altering comic book events.

Key facts

  • The story centers on the Anti-Monitor, who attacks and destroys worlds across the DC Multiverse.
  • The Monitor gathers heroes from across the Multiverse to resist the threat.
  • The event is known for major character deaths, including Barry Allen and Kara Zor-El.
  • Its ending consolidates the multiverse into a single Earth, later known as New Earth.
  • The series is widely regarded as a major continuity reset for DC Comics.
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Canadian context

The series has been widely read in Canada through DC Comics publication and helped shape the continuity of characters familiar to Canadian comic readers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Crisis on Infinite Earths?
It is a DC Comics crossover series in which the Anti-Monitor attacks the DC Multiverse and reality is ultimately rewritten into a single Earth.
Who wrote Crisis on Infinite Earths?
The series was written by Marv Wolfman.
Who drew Crisis on Infinite Earths?
George Pérez is the best-known artist associated with the series.
How many issues does it have?
It ran for 12 issues.
Why is it important?
It is significant because it streamlined DC continuity and permanently changed how the publisher used its multiverse.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths
    Supports: Basic plot, publication format, major deaths, and the creation of a single Earth.
  2. CBR — https://www.cbr.com/crisis-on-infinite-earths-explained/
    Supports: Continuity-reset purpose, multiverse context, and broader DC impact.
  3. DC Database (Fandom) — https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths
    Supports: Story setup and Anti-Monitor-related plot details.