In October 2005, something big happens to the DC Universe. This guide lists all of the major issues required to follow the story of the Infinite Crisis, from the set up in Identity Crisis to the kickoff with Countdown, all the way up to the Infinite Crisis mini-series itself.
And now, enjoy this modern day epic saga in proper reading order.
What has gone on before: In Young Justice/Titans: Graduation Day, Donna Troy was killed by a Superman robot, and the two teams were reformed into the Teen Titans and the Outsiders. Then, Batman and Superman finally took down President Lex Luthor, who vowed revenge, saying that a crisis would be coming in World's Finest #6. When Black Adam and his warriors overthrow the country of Khandaq, Hawkman urges the JSA to intervene. In the end, the JSA acknowledges that Adam truly cares for the people of his homeland and agreed to allow him to rule - provided that he did not leave the borders in JSA: Black Reign (includes JSA #56-58 and Hawkman #23-25).
1: Prelude
SUPERMAN
SECRET FILES AND ORIGINS 2004
Written by Geoff and Jeremy Johns; art by Jim Fern and Larry Stucker; cover
by Ed McGuinness
Discover what former
President Luthor learned about Superman . . . and who stands to benefit from
that knowledge today. Also: profiles of Superman's new cast of friends and
foes, by Michael Turner, Karl Kerschl, Matthew Clark, Ivan Reis, and more!
Main story reprinted in Prelude to Infinite Crisis, along with Flash #219 and Wonder Woman #214.
JSA
#60
Written by Geoff Johns; art by Don Kramer and Keith Champagne; cover by Ethan
Van Sciver
The murder of a new legacy hero in the deep South puts the JSA on the trail of a very unlikely killer. Mr. Terrific, Doctor Mid-Nite, Flash and Hourman take the spotlight in this twisted mystery tale! Plus, the new Doctor Fate gets a visit from the Spectre.
JSA
#61
Written by Geoff Johns; art by Don Kramer, Tom Mandrake, and Keith Champagne;
cover by Ethan Van Sciver
As the dead continue to rise, the JSA is faced with a horrible decision regarding how to stop them. Meanwhile, Mr. Terrific and Doctor Mid-Nite come face to face with a being who left a hole in the JSA roster many years ago — and he’s all for making the JSA suffer again! And the Spectre loses something he desperately needs!
JSA
#62
Written by Geoff Johns; art by Don Kramer, Tom Mandrake, and Keith Champagne;
cover by Ethan Van Sciver
Portsmouth is overrun with the walking dead, and The Spectre must make the ultimate sacrifice to reclaim the evil that has infected the city. Meanwhile, Jay Garrick struggles with an inner demon from his past, and Mr. Terrific witnesses an event that shakes his very soul!
notable issue: Adventures of Superman #630 - Mr. Mxyzptlk appears to Superman, warning him of upcoming danger.
TEEN
TITANS #17
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
The 3-part “Titans Tomorrow” kicks off here, as the Titans return from the trip with the Legion…ten years too late!
Get ready to meet the all-new Titans lineup: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Animal Man, Aquawoman and the Flash! But all is not as well as it seems in the future, and the Teen Titans are going to find out why.
TEEN
TITANS #18
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
Part 2 of the 3-part “Titans Tomorrow!” Face to face with themselves ten years from now, the Teen Titans make a pact that doesn’t bode well for the future. Now they must find a way home, before the Titans of Tomorrow catch up with them! Plus, discover the Flash’s shocking secret!
TEEN
TITANS #19
Written by Geoff JohnsArt and cover by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
The 3-part “Titans Tomorrow” concludes! The Teen Titans continue their desperate attempt to return home ten years in the past, where they’ve made a frightening decision about the future. But to protect this future, Batman, Superman and the other adult Titans are willing to sacrifice everything!
IDENTITY
CRISIS #1 (of 7)
Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; cover by Michael
Turner
The biggest event of 2004 begins here! Uncover the DCU’s deadliest secret with a miniseries that explores the DCU from a whole new perspective. It’s a secret they’ll fight to keep, a secret they're willing to sacrifice themselves for. But this sacrifice, this victim seems almost too much for them to bear . . .
Second printing cover
is a negative version of Turner's original cover, and the third printing showcases
new art by Morales. All final printings of Identity Crisis feature covers
with the original cover art recolored red.
IDENTITY
CRISIS #2 (of 7)
Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; cover by Michael
Turner
In the aftermath
of a devastating loss, past and present members of the JLA revisit a deep
dark secret of their collective past. Alliances will form and trusts will
be broken as the heroes and villains try to solve the greatest mystery to
hit the world in decades!
IDENTITY
CRISIS #3 (of 7)
Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; cover by Michael
Turner
The mysterious murders in the DCU continue to fuel the flames of unrest in both the heroic community and the emerging cabal of villains! And if the knock-down, drag-out battle supreme between Deathstroke the Terminator and the Justice League is any indication, things are going to get far worse before they get better!
THE
FLASH #214
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Howard Porter & Livesay
Cover by Ethan Van Sciver
Part 1 of the 3-part “Sins of the Father,” guest-starring Green Arrow, Hawkman, Zatanna and The Atom, and tying in to IDENTITY CRISIS! The Flash has a personal crisis when he discovers that not everything he believed about the legacy of Barry Allen is true!
IDENTITY
CRISIS #4 (of 7)
Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; cover by Michael
Turner
How could anyone get past the Thanagarian, Martian, Apokoliptian and Kryptonian security systems installed since the murder of a loved one in IDENTITY CRISIS #1?
And look out, because new suspects in the serial killings just may start involving the villains’ loved ones too!
THE
FLASH #215
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Howard Porter & Livesay
Part 2 of the 3-part “Sins of the Father.”
Wally West continues to struggle with the secrets he’s uncovered about Barry Allen’s time with the JLA. But making peace with them may not be as easy as he’d hoped. Plus, a new arrival in Keystone City spells trouble for the Rogues!
IDENTITY
CRISIS #5 (of 7)
Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; cover by Michael
Turner
The heroes take a proactive stance against the villains of the DCU . . . at the cost of lives on both sides of the crisis! Unfortunately, nothing can prevent another loss in a hero's private life. With the stakes raised for everyone involved, things are going to get a lot worse before they get better!
THE
FLASH #216
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Howard Porter & Livesay
The thrilling conclusion of the 3-part “Sins of the Father.” Flash is forced to make one of the toughest choices of his life, as he comes face-to-face with Barry Allen’s biggest regret. Plus, witness the fate of Linda Park. And how can Wally stop the Top?
JSA
#67
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dave Gibbons & James Hodgkins
Cover by J.H. Williams III
Guest-starring Superman! Doctor Mid-Nite and Mr. Terrific examine Sue Dibny’s corpse in search of clues to the killer’s identity, and they’ll be shocked at what they find!
IDENTITY
CRISIS #6 (of 7)
Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; cover by Michael
Turner
From the very start, he's been on the case and sifting through clues. No one knows better what it’s like to lose someone you love. He's the World’s Greatest Detective. Now it’s time for Batman to prove it.
IDENTITY
CRISIS #7 (of 7)
Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; cover by Michael
Turner
It’s the shocking conclusion of the most talked-about comic book event of the year! For the past seven months, a new level of humanity has been brought to the DC Universe. Here's where it all comes together. Lives are saved but souls are wrecked as this landmark story concludes!
MANHUNTER
#5
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Jesus Saiz & Jimmy Palmiotti
Cover by Jae Lee
Guest-starring the
JLA! As the heroes of the DC Universe reel from several deaths in their community,
Manhunter resolves to track a hero-killer on her own — but can she find
him before the JLA does?
TEEN
TITANS #20
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tom Grummett & Nelson
Cover by Duncan Rouleau
Spinning out of the events of IDENTITY CRISIS! Recovering from their trip through time, the Teen Titans are asked to track down one loose end from Identity Crisis: the armor of Lex Luthor! But there are others after it too, including Warp and the Electrocutioner! Plus, Robin continues to cope with his personal loss while another Titan heads off in a new and unexpected direction.
GREEN
LANTERN: REBIRTH #1 (of 6)
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver
A turning point in the history of the Green Lanterns begins here, in a 6-issue miniseries written by fan-favorite Geoff Johns with art by Ethan Van Sciver!
Hal Jordan was one
of the greatest heroes in the DCU until tragedy turned him into one of its
greatest villains. Today, his soul searches for redemption as the Spectre.
But redemption may not be what Jordan himself needs...or wants. The fates
of Kyle Rayner, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and the rest of the Green Lantern
mythology unfold in this colossal tale of heroism involving the entire DCU!
GREEN
LANTERN: REBIRTH #2
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ethan Van Sciver & Prentis Rollins
Hal Jordan searches
for his next role as he pays a visit to his old airfield. But what’s
happening to Guy Gardner, Coast City and Kilowog? The JLA wants answers —
now!
GREEN
LANTERN: REBIRTH #3 (of 6)
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver
As his willpower grows, Hal Jordan continues to fight the forces of the Spectre. But is the world ready for him? And what exactly does Hal Jordan's return mean to the Guardian, Ganthet? Plus, Green Arrow makes a startling discovery as a hero from the stars returns!
GREEN
LANTERN: REBIRTH #4 (of 6)
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver
One of the deadliest
villains in the DCU returns: Parallax! Things continue to twist and turn for
John Stewart, Guy Gardner and Kilowog as they come face-to-face with their
greatest enemy — the man who destroyed the Green Lanterns. Meanwhile,
Green Arrow struggles to find a way to stop Parallax as the JLA, the JSA,
and the Teen Titans join the fight!
GREEN
LANTERN: REBIRTH #5 (of 6)
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver
In this shocking issue,
learn the final fate of Kyle Rayner! And as Hal Jordan's rebirth explodes
across the DCU, the JLA continues its epic battle against one of the oldest
powers in the Universe. But are the heroes prepared for the return of Hal
Jordan, Green Lantern?
GREEN
LANTERN: REBIRTH #6 (of 6)
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver & Prentis Rollins
The return of Hal Jordan concludes here! The heroes of the DCU are split, and it may mean doom for some . . . unless Hal Jordan can accomplish what many believe impossible and lead them to victory!
notable issue: Adventures of Superman #634 - Mr. Mxyzptlk appears to Superman, warning him of upcoming danger, yet again.
ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN #636
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Rags Morales and John Dell
Cover by J.H. Williams III
This special issue
examines the fallout from the earthshattering IDENTITY CRISIS! Superman, shaken
by Lois’ shooting and the events in IDENTITY CRISIS, looks to consult
with Batman and Wonder Woman, and neither have the time or interest in helping
him. Are the pillars of the DCU starting to crack?
ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN #637
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Matthew Clark & Andy Lanning
Cover by Brian Stelfreeze
Ruin begins his search for Superman's loved ones, which puts Lois in danger again! Unbeknownst to Superman, one of those closest to him is Ruin…who is it?
ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN #638
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Matthew Clark & Andy Lanning
Cover by Carlos Meglia
Mr. Mxyzptlk returns, and when he hears Lois make a wish, he gives the Super-couple just what they want. Waaah!
ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN #640
Written by Greg Rucka
Art and cover by Karl Kerschl
Hot off his critically
acclaimed work on the MAJESTIC miniseries, artist Karl Kerschl joins the ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN writer Greg Rucka as Superman's world is shattered! The Man of
Tomorrow won't know who's friend or foe, and it all begins with the shocking
unmasking of Ruin!
ADAM
STRANGE #1 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
In this action-packed 8-issue miniseries, things have changed drastically for Adam Strange. Once the greatest hero of the distant planet Rann, he’s now a wanted man on Earth. Pursued by the police and hunted by aliens, Strange has learned that his adopted planet has been destroyed. With his wife and daughter gone, is there any hope left, or is this the end of the space hero?
Sit back for a thrilling ride that takes one man on a trek though the DC Universe to rediscover the remnants of the L.E.G.I.O.N., the Darkstars, the Omega Men, and more as he faces a threat that will herald a galactic war!
ADAM
STRANGE #2 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
Adam Strange survives
an alien attack as he discovers clues to what's happened to his adopted homeworld,
Rann!
ADAM
STRANGE #3 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
Drifting helplessly
in the radioactive void that once was Rann’s star system, Strange is
as good as dead, until he’s waylaid by a Thanagarian battle cruiser!
But his struggle for survival is just beginning, as he’s blamed for
an act of stellar genocide!
ADAM
STRANGE #4 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
The spine-tingling
adventures of the DCU’s premier science-fiction hero continue as the
search for Rann leads Adam to seek help from DC's strangest space-faring team:
the Omega Men!
ADAM
STRANGE #5 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
What does the fate of Rann have to do with a prophecy of universal armageddon? In order to uncover the answers, Adam and The Omega Men must confront the ruthless interstellar law enforcement agency L.E.G.I.O.N.!
ADAM
STRANGE #6 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
Adam Strange and the
Omega Men discover the location of the missing planet Rann! But when death
strikes from an unexpected quarter, they find themselves hunted by L.E.G.I.O.N.
— and even the quick-witted Adam Strange can't outwit Vril Dox . . .
or can he?
ADAM
STRANGE #7 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
It's all-out battle as Adam is joined by intergalactic lawmen the Darkstars to discover what happened to the planet Rann . . . a mystery that may lead to a new Rann/Thanagar war!
ADAM
STRANGE #8 (of 8)
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Pascal Ferry
Adam Strange's star-spanning adventure comes to its deadly conclusion! But the end of Adam's struggle is only the beginning of the greatest threat the universe has ever seen. Get ready for the opening salvos of the Rann/Thanagar War!
notable issues: JSA #68-72 - First, Black Adam is recruited by the villains society. Then, on a return trip from 1951, the JSA experiences some difficulties as they pass 1985; Power Girl is hit the hardest.
FLASH
#219
Written by Geoff Johns; art by Justiniano; cover by Howard Porter
Truth or Dare, Part 1: The Cheetah has come to Keystone City in search of the man she believes can teach her to be faster: Zoom, the Reverse-Flash! And where the Cheetah is, Wonder Woman can’t be far behind!
WONDER
WOMAN #214
Written by Greg Rucka
Art and cover by Drew Johnson and Ray Snyder
Truth or Dare, Part 2: The Cheetah has joined forces with Flash-foe Zoom, and the need for speed has turned her into an even deadlier threat for Wonder Woman. Will Diana’s blindness — and tensions with the Flash — turn the tide of battle?
OUTSIDERS
#21
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Carlos D’Anda
Cover by Doug Mahnke
A shocking IDENTITY CRISIS follow-up guest-starring Batman and featuring guest art by Carlos D’Anda (ACTION COMICS)! Nightwing and Batman have a confrontation that could change the future of the team! Meanwhile, Arsenal has his own secret meeting with Batman that threatens to splinter the team forever!
OUTSIDERS
#22
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Carlos D’Anda
Cover by Doug Mahnke
Arsenal vs. Batman! When Roy learns that someone on the team has betrayed them, he confronts the Dark Knight to learn the truth. And what he finds out might not be what he bargained for...
OUTSIDERS
#23
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Shawn Moll & Kevin Conrad
Cover by Doug Mahnke
The Outsiders are trapped in their own headquarters as they try to uncover the traitor in their midst. What happens when seven trapped super-heroes stop being polite and start getting real?
TEEN
TITANS #21
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
Part 1 of the 3-part “Lights Out,” an IDENTITY CRISIS follow-up story! Doctor Light has forced the Titans’ hand and staged a publicized battle with the young heroes to take back his reputation. But as the Titans fall, help arrives in the form of two young heroes. Get ready for the debut of the new Hawk and Dove!
TEEN
TITANS #22
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
What Doctor Light tells the young heroes in this issue will shock them! Plus, Starfire initiates “Plan B."
TEEN
TITANS #23
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
The Teen Titans engage in a final battle with Doctor Light! But Cyborg’s contingency plan may fall apart before it’s even put together, and the new Speedy learns firsthand what it means to be a Titan when she discovers Doctor Light’s secret!
WORLD'S
FINEST #19
Written by Jeph Loeb; Art by Ian Churchill and Norm Rapmund
In this stand-alone story, writer Jeph Loeb is joined by superstar artists Ian Churchill and Norm Rapmund for a new tale of the Supergirl from Krypton!
Now that Kara Zor-El has accepted her role as Supergirl, what will she do with it? And just how powerful is she? How will her life impact Batman and Superman? This issue is the starting point of an incredible journey that will lead to bigger things for Supergirl — hang on tight! (Series more properly known as Superman/Batman. Issue also available as Supergirl #0.)
ACTION
COMICS #826
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund
Get ready for a spectacular 3-part story that brings together the Man of Steel and Captain Marvel! “Lightning Strikes Twice,” which runs through the core Superman titles in April, is written by award-winner Judd Winick and features art by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund! In Part 1, the wizard Shazam makes Captain Marvel aware of a great evil awakened in Metropolis and seeking Superman. On its path to the Man of Steel, it drives the citizens of Metropolis to insanity. How can Superman stop the madness? Will he need the help of Captain Marvel and the power of Shazam?
ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN #639
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund
Superman confronts the evil force plaguing Metropolis. What will Superman do when some of those closest to him turn against him?
SUPERMAN
#216
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund
The thrilling conclusion of the 3-part “Lightning Strikes Twice!” The final confrontation among heroes! The great evil turns Superman against Captain Marvel. Can any force on Earth stop this?
BATMAN
#635
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen
Cover by Matt Wagner
Part 1 of the 4-part “Under the Hood." In the wake of “War Games,” Batman must deal with a city in turmoil. While battling new criminal chieftains raiding his city, Batman is confronted with a face from the past — or rather, a hidden face from the past. Welcome the return of the Red Hood!
BATMAN
#636
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen
Cover by Matt Wagner
The Black Mask and the new Red Hood carve up the Gotham underworld — and Batman continues to reel from a startling revelation as “Under the Hood” continues! Is Gotham headed toward another Gang War?
BATMAN
#637
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen
Cover by Matt Wagner
Batman gets wind of a massive — and unique — arms shipment on its way to Gotham. But who’s behind it? Gotham’s criminal kingpin, The Black Mask? The deadly new Red Hood? Or an even more sinister menace?
BATMAN
#638
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen
Cover by Matt Wagner
In the stunning conclusion of “Under the Hood,” the Red Hood is revealed! With the murderous Black Mask controlling the Gotham City underworld, what role will this villainous addition to Batman’s Rogues Gallery have when all is said and done?