Absolute Final Crisis

[Mr. Holmes]

Because it wasn't the popcorn action-fest they wanted to read about.

[Desaad]

Why is Final Crisis bashed by reviewers critically?

At the time? I think at least some of it had to do with ill will built up over the mediocre lead up. Final Crisis was likewise just a more challenging book than people were and are accustomed to in a crossover event; frankly, the widespread reaction indicates that this kind of ambition just isn't appropriate for the big crossover. Not only was the general audience more satisfied with something like Blackest Night (at least as far as sales indicated), but I suspect all of us fans of Final Crisis would have been more satisfied had it NOT be touted as the big summer crossover, and instead had it been allowed to do its own thing at its own pace without any of the pressures, editorial and scheduling, that the big crossovers have to suffer.

Morrison might have been freer, in all regards, to tell the story as he wanted to, the artists might have been allowed to be late, as they were on Seven Soldiers, and everyone might have been a bit more satisfied.

[T Hedge Coke]

Why is Final Crisis bashed by reviewers critically?

Because some didn't like it. Or, they believed its perceived flaws overwhelmed the perceived strengths. It's not universally bashed, or it wouldn't be in print still, really, much less getting new, fancy, expensive editions. The most negative reviews seem, to me, to be the least genuinely critical or analytical, though, by people who feel they need an objective defense for why they didn't enjoy something, as opposed to just saying, "I didn't like it."

[Robotman4]

At the time? I think at least some of it had to do with ill will built up over the mediocre lead up. Final Crisis was likewise just a more challenging book than people were and are accustomed to in a crossover event; frankly, the widespread reaction indicates that this kind of ambition just isn't appropriate for the big crossover. Not only was the general audience more satisfied with something like Blackest Night (at least as far as sales indicated), but I suspect all of us fans of Final Crisis would have been more satisfied had it NOT be touted as the big summer crossover, and instead had it been allowed to do its own thing at its own pace without any of the pressures, editorial and scheduling, that the big crossovers have to suffer.

Morrison might have been freer, in all regards, to tell the story as he wanted to, the artists might have been allowed to be late, as they were on Seven Soldiers, and everyone might have been a bit more satisfied.

yeah i think the extreme vitriol from fans was intensified because of the absolute mess that was Countdown. readers buy a weekly comic that they are told will lead up to a huge event and it turns out it has little to do with it. plus as you said fans were expecting a "summer blockbuster" comic like Blackest Night or AvX and got a cerebral super hero drama. i think this book has just gotten better with age and can truly be appreciated now that Countdown and Death of the New Gods can be forgotten.

[zryson]

I found nothing epic nor memorable (for the right reasons) about Final Crisis. I found it morbid and chaotic. Almost a last gasp by DC to drum some life into their Crisis over-view.

[carabas]

I found nothing epic nor memorable (for the right reasons) about Final Crisis. I found it morbid and chaotic. Almost a last gasp by DC to drum some life into their Crisis over-view.

Well, it was intentionally chaotic. How was it morbid?

[stk]

Well, it was intentionally chaotic. How was it morbid?

I find all the Crisis events a bit morbid. They always dig up some old characters, say, "Hey, remember these guys? You forgot you liked them, didn't you?" And then kill them off. Although both CoIE and IC were much, much worse than FC in that regard.

I know it may sound weird, but the one that really stands out to me in FC is Turpin. Maybe because in the Superman Animated Series, they based the character's appearance on Kirby himself.

[T Hedge Coke]

I find all the Crisis events a bit morbid. They always dig up some old characters, say, "Hey, remember these guys? You forgot you liked them, didn't you?" And then kill them off. Although both CoIE and IC were much, much worse than FC in that regard.

I know it may sound weird, but the one that really stands out to me in FC is Turpin. Maybe because in the Superman Animated Series, they based the character's appearance on Kirby himself.

The only folks FC killed, it ensured us they'd come back. "Pray for resurrection" comes at the same time as seeing Barry return. Even the dog-riding knights probably got resurrected by the time J'onn did. And, Sonny's death, "our" Sonny, not the Earth-51 Sonny, was good and sweet anyway.

Turpin's not dead at the end, and there's no reason to believe he will die.