DC launched its Finest line to deliver large-format, full-color trade paperbacks that are both accessible and collector-friendly. The rollout began with 10 volumes in late 2024, expanding to 35 more throughout 2025—averaging roughly three new releases each month. Contrary to expectations, DC isn’t just leaning on its top-tier icons like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman; instead, the line showcases a broader range of characters and genres, drawing on its publishing vault. Things like war, science fiction, and some more obscure things, like a collection of The Giant Turtle Man Jimmy Olsen stories, are being released—in some cases—for the first time.
With this year being the anniversary of the original Crisis maxi-series, it would seem appropriate for the Finest line to tackle the event in some way. DC Finest: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One does something a bit different by releasing all the issues in chronological order. The first volume contains the first quarter of Crisis. Now, DC hasn’t released the Crisis trades in chronological order. Still, a few years ago, DC did release three companions, aptly titled Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion, which listed the comics in chronological order, and a quick search did find me a reading guide. I’m torn over whether to suggest reading all those companions in one go or in pieces, since it might be easier for newer readers.
However, it isn’t necessary to read Crisis and the tie-ins to get the whole picture. Like many fans, I have reread Crisis countless times over the years, but not always the crossovers. The first collection brings together Crisis on Infinite Earths issues #1–4 along with pivotal tie-ins such as DC Comics Presents #78, All-Star Squadron #50–52, The Fury of Firestorm #41, Infinity, Inc. #18–19, Detective Comics #555–558, and Green Lantern #194–196. By presenting these stories in their original publication sequence, the volume immerses readers in the escalating chaos of the multiverse—complete with crimson skies, encroaching shadow demons, and the full scope of DC’s cosmic upheaval.
The problem with the tie-ins is that not everyone will be familiar with comic book series published all those years ago. A newer fan might get a little lost reading, say, All-Star Squadron or Infinity, Inc. But on the other hand, this collection can act as a sampler of those past comics and entice newer fans to seek them out. Comics, as all die-hard fans know, can be fantastic reads—no matter when they were released.
Another problem is that not everything ties into Crisis. Detective Comics doesn’t directly refer to the event, but you get the “red skies,” which were a sign that all was not well with the DC Universe in 1985. Here, there is more of a continuation and wrapping up of ongoing storylines. And before Crisis, Jason Todd looked different — initially — and had a different backstory.
Outside of some minor quibbles, it is a fantastic read. The tie-in issues—penned by Roy Thomas, Doug Moench, and others—enrich the crisis by revealing its impact across the spectrum, from grounded street-level heroes to far-reaching cosmic forces.
Marv Wolfman’s writing remains urgent and operatic, capturing the existential dread of collapsing realities while juggling dozens of characters. George Pérez’s art, even in the earliest issues, is a masterclass in composition and scale. The tie-in issues, contributed by Roy Thomas, Doug Moench, and others, add texture to the crisis, showing how it affects street-level heroes and cosmic entities alike.
What sets this edition apart is its thoughtful editorial framing. With fresh introductions and detailed timeline notes, it helps readers navigate the narrative’s complexity. Newcomers will find it an essential guide, while longtime fans can enjoy a nostalgic yet accessible return to the source material. DC Finest: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One is essential for collectors, comics historians, and fans seeking the definitive edition of DC’s most iconic crossover. More than a reprint, it’s a meticulous restoration—reviving the story’s full narrative ambition, editorial vision, and multiversal mayhem.
About Author
