The famousCrisis on Infinite Earthswas a 12-part groundbreaking comic series published in 1985.

Perhaps youve heard of it?

The main purpose of this incredible storyline was to simplify the DC continuity.

At that point, characters and storylines had become convoluted.

The crisis came about as an explanation thereof and an eraser.

But this novel also added a layer of detail and internal monologue that didnt exist in the comic.

Crisisslams the forces of good and evil together in a big way.

He sees a hand reaching through a black hole unleashing a cluster of stars.

What he thinks is the hand of God is actually the Anti-Monitor reaching into the past.

At this moment, the paradox creates the anti-matter universe and innumerable positive matter universes.

The Anti-Monitors anti-matter universe grows stronger with the destruction of positive matter universes and thus begins his conquest.

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The book is an expansive, universe hopping, time traveling mess.

He himself is a ghost and is relegated as a frustrated, intangible hero.

He does have rare opportunities when he is able to speak to someone or touch something.

Barry Allen is a delightful narrator.

Im glad Marv Wolfman decided to have him carry the story.

It simply wouldnt have had the depth of human emotion and wit told by Superman or The Monitor.

Barry Allens life up to that point and personal experiences tied in nicely to what he was dealing with.

True, the naysayers have a point…the narrative is all over the place.

Also, there are still some moments where the dialogue is comic-booky.

Im happy to note Barrys narration is much more naturally written than that.

One of the big changes made to DC comics was the death of Supergirl.

The writing isnt perfect.

For some reason, the paperback edition I read was rife with typos.

There are also point-of-view issues.

The narrative switches from Barrys first-person perspective to third-person descriptions of scenes in which Barry isnt present.

Another problem I had was the anachronism.

The original story was written in 1985, so why does Lois have a cell phone?

Barry makes a reference to Pong one minute, and Mapquest the next.

Perhaps when the novel was written, the original plan was to update to the present.

Whatever the reason, these issues escaped the editor and needlessly took me out of the story.

Crisiscovers a ridiculously long cast of characters impossible to list while having you remain awake.

Suffice to say just about everyone from Pariah to The Blue Beetle is at least mentioned.

Much time is spent with The Monitor and Lyla/Harbinger, who orchestrate the banding together of heroes and villains.

Superman, Green Lantern, Flash and Alexander Luthor are main characters.

Dont expect much from Batman.

Hes there, just not all that vocal, though he proves to be the strategist near the end.

Details from the original story are missing from this novel.

This includes a scene with DeSaad and Darkseid observing from afar and commenting that they wont act.

Doesnt add much story-wise, so we dont miss it.

Many such scenes and characters are trimmed.

Its a big story that influenced the superhero genre for years to come.