Infinite Crisis FAQ

[Paul Newell]

A very talented guy called petersvensson has assembled an excellent FAQ and checklist over at the DC Comics Message Boards. He kindly gave his permission for me to post them here.


Infinite Crisis FAQ:

Q: What is Infinite Crisis?

A: Infinite Crisis is a 7 issue miniseries published October by DC Comics. It not only draws off of over two years of preparation, but is also a sequel to 1985's Crisis on Infinite Earths. Geoff Johns is writing the miniseries, while Phil Jimenez pencils it, with Andy Lanning inks.

Q: Do I have to have read Crisis on Infinite Earths to understand Infinite Crisis?

A: No. But having read it will probably make some references clearer. For more info on Crisis on Infinite Earths, check our Crisis on Infinite Earths FAQ.

Q: Do I have to read anything else to understand Infinite Crisis?

A: No. You can pick up issue one of Infinite Crisis and understand what is going on with that issue alone. However, Infinite Crisis builds off of several other comics, the reading of which might help your comprehension of what is going on.

Q: What if I don’t want to read those comics?

A: You can always ask questions about them on the message board and get answers. Most of those comics are pretty entertaining in my humble opinion. You shouldn't feel pressured into reading a comic if you don't want to. They are there if you want them however.

Q: Okay. Can we get back to Infinite Crisis now?

A: Yes. Lets. However, I do want to start a trend, which is using Pre-Infinite and Post-Infinite to refer to events before and after Infinite Crisis, since Pre- and Post-Crisis have already been taken.

Q: So what's with this Countdown thing?

A: Countdown to Infinite Crisis was an 80 page one shot that introduced most of the plot elements that will feature in October's Infinite Crisis. It was written by Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, and Judd Winnick, and featured pencils by Rags Morales, Phil Jimenez, Ed Benes, Ivan Reis and Jesus Saiz. The plot dealt with the Blue Beetle's investigation into a growing darkness that threatens the DC Universe.

There are four miniseries that spun out of Countdown to Infinite Crisis, each one focusing on an area of the DC Universe, and each one builds up to Infinite Crisis.

Q: What are the Countdown Miniseries about?

A: About six issues each. But seriously, here we go.

The Rann/Thanagar War – The destruction of Thanagar at the end of Adam Strange: Planet Heist leads to a war between the refugees from Thanagar and the natives of Rann, a war that spills out over the entire Galaxy, as alliances between worlds and empires draw everyone into this conflict. Can Adam Strange, Hawkman and Hawkgirl save the Galaxy? Dave Gibbons writes, Ivan Reis pencils.

The OMAC Project – Batman created a spy satellite to keep watch over Earth’s superheroes. Now the covert organization Checkmate is in control of it, and the mysterious Black King is in control of Checkmate, using weapons known as OMACs to force their will. Now Earth’s heroes investigate the death of one of their own, and face an organization that knows all their secrets. Greg Rucka writes, Jesus Saiz pencils.

Day of Vengeance – The Spectre and Eclipso united in darkness, out to destroy all magic on Earth. The heavy hitters of the magical community have been defeated, leaving only a ragtag group of sorcerors to defeat what might be the most powerful entity in the universe. Bill Willingham writes, Justiniano pencils.

Villains United – Lex Luthor has organized a society of Supervillains, with himself, Deathstroke, Dr. Psycho, Talia al Ghul, The Calculator, and Black Adam at the lead. Most of Earth's villains have joined this society. Opposing them are the Secret Six - Cheshire, Parademon, Catman, Scandal, Ragdoll and Deadshot - a group of villains blackmailed by the mysterious Mockingbird into performing missions to combat Luthor's society. Who is Mockingbird, and what is the Society’s secret plan? Gail Simone writes, Dale Eaglesham pencils.

Each mini-series also has a special one shot that ties directly into Infinite Crisis.

Q: Talking of tie-ins, what about all these crossovers into the regular DC series?

A: For the most part, none of them are crucial to understanding the various miniseries. They're just showing that events from the miniseries are effecting the DC Universe as a whole. The exception is for The OMAC Project, in which the Sacrifice crossover is crucial.

Q: Wuh?

A: Between issues 3 and 4 of The OMAC Project, major events occur in a Superman/Wonder Woman crossover entitled Sacrifice – Part One: Superman 219, Part Two: Action Comics 829, Part Three:Adventures of Superman 642 and Part Four: Wonder Woman 219. Of the four parts of this story, you really only need parts three and four to understand it, and personally part one is totally forgettable.

Q: What’s Sacrifice about?

A: I’ll just quote the promo material. “In his darkest hour, Wonder Woman will save Superman. He’ll never forgive her.”

Q: When will trade paperback collections of these be made available?

A: The four Countdown miniseries have all been collected.

The OMAC Project, in addition to the 6 issues of the miniseries will also include Countdown to Infinite Crisis itself, and Wonder Woman 219, the final part of the Sacrifice crossover which was crucial to The OMAC project.

Day of Vengeance, in addition to the 6 issues of the miniseries will also include Superman: Lightning Strikes Twice, a prelude to the event which included Superman 216, Adventures of Superman and Action Comics.

Villains United and The Rann/Thanagar War both have the six issues of each respective mini.

Q: Is it true that only one of these miniseries will lead to Infinite Crisis?

A: No. All four lead to Infinite Crisis.

Q: Okay, what other storylines buildup to Infinite Crisis?

A: Well, here’s a reminder that you don’t have to buy all of them. You really don’t. But if you’re interested the essential trades are… *SPOILERS*

Superman: Sacrifice - as mentioned above.

Teen Titans/Outsiders: The Death and Return of Donna Troy – The Teen Titans and Outsiders must save Donna Troy to save the universe.

JLA: Crisis of Conscience – The secret sins of the Justice League have returned to haunt them, and the League might not survive them.

[Paul Newell]

Q: What's the connection to Identity Crisis ?

A: Identity Crisis was 2004's big event, a seven issue miniseries written by Brad Meltzer, with pencils by Rags Morales. It was a superhero murder mystery, the results of which permenantly changed the DC Universe. It's also responsible for 3 out of 4 of the Countdown miniseries. The OMAC Project, Day of Vengeance and Villains United are all spun out of plots introduced in Identity Crisis.

Q: What's responsible for the fourth?

A: Adam Strange: Planet Heist, written by Andy Diggle with art by Pascal Ferry. All eight issues of which are now available in trade paperback. It leads up to the Rann/Thanagar War.

Q: What's Prelude to Infinite Crisis ?

A: Prelude to Infinite Crisis is a book collecting three sold out stories pertinent to Infinite Crisis (Superman Secret Files 2004, and Truth or Dare: Flash 291, Wonder Woman 214) and also summarizes events from Titans/Young Justice Graduation Day till Countdown, using segments from some comics.

Q: Segments from which comics?

A: Segments from Action Comics #826, Breach #3 Superman #216, Adventures of Superman #630, Adventures of Superman #638, Superman/Batman #6, Green Lantern: Rebirth #4, Wonder Woman #215, Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day, Teen Titans #18, Teen Titans #19, Teen Titans #21, Teen Titans #23, JSA #58, JSA #70, JSA #72, Robin #135, Outsiders #21, Outsiders #22, Manhunter #6, Aquaman #29, Birds of Prey #80, Adam Strange #8 are included.

Q: When did this all begin?

A: Officially, it began with 2003's “Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day” miniseries, though plot elements dating back to 2000 and earlier are also being referenced.

Q: Okay. Can you tell me which comics lead up to Infinite Crisis?

A: Check the replies to this post. I'm dividing them into "Comics published before the official start of the event that introduce pertinent plot elements - BACKSTORY" "Comics published from the beginning of the event until Countdown to Infinite Crisis - PRELUDE", "Comics published from Countdown to Infinite Crisis till the Crisis begins - COUNTDOWN" and comics published during Infinite Crisis - "INFINITE CRISIS".

Q: That's a lot of comics. Which do you recommend?

A: Well, apart from those already listed, such as Countdown, the mini's and other trades, pretty much anything you want to. There is also the aforementioned one-shot sequels to the mini's and an Infinite Crisis Secret Files that is written by Marv Wolfman.

Your milage may vary. Buy what you like, don't buy what you don't like.

Q: What's up with Seven Soldiers ?

A: What about it? It's a series of 7 miniseries (and two bookend specials) all written by Grant Morrison, each of which can be read on their own, but if you read all seven of them you'll see how they all connect. The main plot deals with the invasion of Earth by the interdimensional alien/faeries known as the Sheeda. And yes, you can read any of the seven miniseries (Manhattan Guardian, Zatanna, Shining Knight, Klarion the Witch Boy, Mister Miracle, Bulletteer, Frankenstein!) on their own, without reading the two bookend series or the prelude in JLA: Classified (issues 1-3 are an unofficial prelude to Seven Soldiers) or any of the other miniseries.

Q: But does it tie into Infinite Crisis ?

A: DC brass says yes, but we don't know how yet. The current fan theory is that the events in Seven Soldiers occur during the One Year Gap. The fact that both Infinite Crisis and Seven Soldiers end in the same month also needs to be taken into consideration.

Q: What “One Year Gap?”

A: Oh. Well, after issue 5 of Infinite Crisis is released in February, the entire DC Universe will jump ahead one year later. Issues 6 and 7 of Infinite Crisis not withstanding.

Q: So we get to see what the results of Infinite Crisis will be before the series finishes publication?

A: Yep, though we won't understand the reasons why everything changes until Infinite Crisis #7 is released in April.

Q: So this is a temporary thing, right?

A: Nope. Permanent. The events in Infinite Crisis are going to change the DC universe drastically, and we won't be going back to the way things used to be. And yes, they’ve said that in the past, but this time they just might mean it.

Q: Wow. So will we learn about what happened during the one year later gap?

A: Yeah. The current plan is to release a 52 part weekly comic, tentatively titled 52, to cover the gap between Infinite Crisis and the March 2006 shipping DC titles. The idea is that the title would cover the entire DC Universe over the course of the year, but focus on a group of characters who won't be appearing in any of the one year later titles, that way there's some suspense about what can happen to them.

Q: So will there be any cancellations or the such?

A: Yeah, some titles have been cancelled, and we'll be seeing some new ones.

Q: Is anyone going to die in Infinite Crisis?

A: Many characters have died and a few more to go. A list of characters can be found here

Q: I heard that so-and-so will be the new status quo after Infinite Crisis, is that true?

A: Once again, we only have rumors. It’s worth pointing out that a previous time that a planned story was leaked to fans months in advance, that DC changed it. *cough*Armageddon 2001.*cough*

Q: Is this going to be worth it?

A: I think so. Your opinion may differ, since everyone likes different things, but I like this new direction for the DC Universe, and I hope you do to.

[Paul Newell]

This is a listing of various stories that lead up to Infinite Crisis. It's a work in progress so questions and comments are welcome. There are tons of spoilers here, so be warned.


Backstory: Stories leading up to the start of the event


JLA vs the Secret Society of Supervillains – Justice League of America 166-168

The Justice League faced an incarnation of the Secret Society of Supervillains who traded bodies with the leaguers. The league managed to reverse this. (Later we learned that the SsoV learned the Justice League’s secret identities during the body switch, and the Leaguers wiped their memories of that after everyone was restored to their proper body.)

Teen Titans #44 – Dr. Light, who formerly was a major threat to the Justice League was taken down by the Teen Titans.

Crisis on Infinite Earths – When the Anti-Monitor, dread lord of the Anti-Matter universe, targeted Earth in his quest to wipe out all Positive-Matter existence, Earth’s heroes rose to the challenge. Despite many set backs, including the death of the Flash (Barry Allen) and other heroes, the Anti-Monitor was defeated and peace was restored to Earth.

(What no one remembers is that the single positive-matter universe that the heroes reside in used to be a fragmented set of parallel universes, where different heroes lived on different parallel Earths, and that the heroes’ actions in the Crisis rewrote history so that there never was a multiverse, shifting the timeline which erased some characters from existance, and radically altered others. But they don’t remember that. The Psycho-Pirate does though…)

Infinite Crisis Secret Files '06 - Manipulated by Alexander Luthor, Superboy-Prime learned that every time he struck the crystal barrier of the dimension they were trapped in, he altered events on Earth.

Legends -- Darkseid promoted anti-superhero propaganda through an agent, leading to, among other things, a temporary Presidential ban on superheroes, the dissolution (and in some cases, deaths) of the ragtag final roster of the original Justice League, and the formation of a set of government agencies designed to oversee metahuman activity.

Justice League: A New Beginning – Multimillionaire Maxwell Lord took over command of the new Justice League, recently reformed after the Legends affair resulted in the disbanding of the previous incarnation of the team. Lord had originally planned to kill his boss, but fell under the control of a sentient computer built by the New God Metron. After the League he'd formed beat the computer, Lord became somewhat more benevolent in manner, though still petty and selfish. During his reign, the League received official UN status, opened embassies all over the globe, and had two full rosters, one in America and another in Europe. Meanwhile, during their off time the leaguers were prone to silly behavior.

The Suicide Squad – Amanda Waller formed the Suicide Squad, a covert operation that gave amnesty to Supervillains in exchange for performing Black-Ops for the US government.

Checkmate – The covert US Government Organization was formed, and was a sister-organization to the Suicide Squad.

Checkmate, the Squad, and the Captain Atom project were all under the aegis of Task Force X, itself originally a designation for a non-metahuman incarnation of the Suicide Squad from old DCU war comics.

Millennium – The Manhunters, ancient android rivals of the Green Lantern Corps, activate their sleeper agents, many of whom are close friends and relatives of earth’s heroes, in their bid to prevent humanity from reaching the next stage in evolution.

Batman: A Death in the Family – Robin II (Jason Todd) is killed by the Joker.

Invasion! – An armada of different alien races target Earth, and end up using a weapon which scrambles the powers of Earth’s native heroes, and which triggered powers in many others, including Maxwell Lord who gained the power to control the minds of others. This also led to a "metahuman boom" in general, paranoia about which which may be fueling the agenda of the OMAC Project. See Legends, also.

Batman Annual 25 - Before he broke free into our world, Superboy-Prime "sent a ripple across time" that resulted in Jason Todd — with a little help from the infamous Lazarus Pit — returning to life.

Teen Titans: Who is Troia? – The Teen Titans learn that Donna Troy was empowered by the Titans of Greek Mythology, and journey to their world to learn Donna’s origin and to save the Titans of Myth.

Animal Man: Dues Ex Machina - James Highwater is having issues with the nature of reality and receives a note "Ask the Psycho-Pirate". He visits the Psycho Pirate who is clearly insane. Later people begin materializing out of the Psycho Pirates head, notably the Crime Syndicate, Streaky the Supercat, Bug-Eyed Bandit, Psimon, Ten-Eyed Man, Maaldor the Darklord, Prince Ra-Man, and Aquagirl, all characters who died in or were retconned out of existence by the Crisis. There are other characters too, who's Earths were presumably destroyed in the Crisis. Highwater again visits, as more characters and more objects continue to flow out of the head of the Psycho Pirate. Eventually all the returned characters and objects vanish, even the Psycho Pirate. There are references to something called Purification Day when all the inconsistencies will be removed from the continuum. Highwater becomes the keeper of the Medusa Mask, and takes up the mantle of being the only person to remember the pre-Crisis world.

Justice League: Breakdowns – Maxwell Lord was shot, and during his convalescence the league was disbanded and later reformed, without his being in control.

Day of Judgment – The Spectre, no longer in possession of a host is taken over by a rogue Angel who is out to destroy Earth. Hal Jordan is plucked from Purgatory to become the new Spectre and save the Earth.

JLA: Tower of Babel - First time it's made clear that Batman has big plans to take out his teammates if he needs to; the plans were stolen and deployed by Ra's Al Ghul, and the result was that Batman was briefly expelled from the League. The situation was rectified, significantly, by the League's institution (or perhaps reinstitution) of a "shared secret identities" policy, presumably the means by which some of the younger heroes, and maybe even Jean Loring, learned each others' IDs.

Superman: President Lex – Lex Luthor ran for, and won the office of President of the United States of America. Lex managed to cover up his past crimes, as well as his association with the supervillain community while running as an independent candidate. Amanda Waller became his secretary of Metahuman Affairs.

Batman: Obsession – Bruce Wayne was forced to accept a body guard, one Sasha Bordeaux at the behest of Waynecorps. Sasha eventually learned of Bruce’s identity as Batman, and assisted him on occasion. There was the hint of a possible romance.

Superman and Batman: Lord of the Ring – Batman and Lois Lane raided the White House and regained the Kryptonite Ring that Batman had lost to Lex Luthor some time prior. Meanwhile, Lois and Clark worked to undermine Lex’s position as President.

Batman: Bruce Wayne, Murderer? and Batman: Bruce Wayne, Fugitive? – Bruce Wayne was framed for murder. Batman escaped from prison to clear his name, leaving Sasha in prision. He returned to find that Sasha had died while he was gone, but found that was but a ruse, and that Sasha had been recruited by Checkmate.

Batman: Hush – A new villain by the name of Hush knows who Batman is, thanks to the Riddler. Batman is shocked when Hush is revealed to be Jason Todd, but that turns out to be false. After all, Jason Todd is dead. Right?

[Paul Newell]

Prelude to Countdown: Stories from the beginning of the event until Countdown itself.


Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day 1-3 (TPB available)– The Titans and Young Justice were assembled by a company wishing to sponsor them as corporate heroes. This assembly turned to tragedy when a time traveling robot from the future went amuck, resulting in the death of Lilith Jupiter, the Titan known as Omen, and in the apparent death of Donna Troy at the hand of a berserk Superman robot. The Titans and Young Justice disbanded after the tragic events of that day.

Outsiders/Teen Titans Secret Files – The Titans and Young Justice mourn the loss of their friends, and then form new super teams.

JSA: Princes of Darkness – Eclipso, Mordru, and Obsidian attack the JSA. Eclipso is trapped in his Black Diamond, Mordru entrapped as well, and Obsidian cured. Power Girl learns that she is not in fact an Ancient Atlantean like she was told. Meanwhile, Black Adam prepares for something big.

Teen Titans: A Kids Game (1-7) – The new Teen Titans consisted of Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg, Starfire, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash (formerly known as Impulse) and Superboy. Superboy soon discovered that half of his DNA came from Lex Luthor. The elder members of the team decided to help the younger ones out by being superheroes on the weekends.

Outsiders: Looking for Trouble (1-7) – The Outsiders, formed by Arsenal and lead by Nightwing consisted of Indigo, the timetravelling android who had been reprogrammed by Arsenal, Shift – a clone of metamorpho, Jade, Grace and Thunder, Black Lightning’s daughter. They went looking for supervillains before they caused trouble. These new Outsiders rescue President Luthor and face Brother Blood.

Batman: Death and the Maidens 1-9 (TPB) – Ra’s Al Ghul is killed, his previously unknown daughter Nyssa takes over his organization, leaving Talia (his other daughter) to find a new life.

Wonder Woman: Down to Earth – (195-200) Jonah begins working for Wonder Woman at the Themsycria embassy, and Diana’s book leads to trouble as new enemies and old start gunning for her.

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (1-6) – A kryptonite meteor heads towards Earth. Lex Luthor tries to blame it on Superman, and to use the office of the president to kill him. Superman and Batman stop him, revealing to the world that Lex Luthor is a raving mad supervillain. Captain Atom apparently “dies” destroying the Kryptonite Meteor. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, presumed dead by the world, swears vengeance, and that there will come a Crisis.

Flash 209 – (Collected in The Secret of Barry Allen) – Black Canary, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Atom, and others confront Wally West after the Spectre erases the world’s memory that he is in fact the Flash. Later we learn their reasons for doing so.

Superman/Batman #7 – Robin and Superboy discuss the revelation that Superboy has Lex Luthor’s DNA. (Not collected in any TPB)

Wonder Woman: Bitter Rivals (201-205) – Wonder Woman learns more about the conspiracy against her, and Dr. Psycho gets jiggy with it.

JSA: Black Reign – Black Adam has formed a nation in Khandaq, with Eclipso and others at his side. At the end, the JSA lets Black Adam keep his nation, whilst Eclipso’s hold on Alex Montez leads to Montez’s death, and the freedom of Eclipso.

Superman/Batman: Supergirl – From the Kryptonite meteor comes a girl who claims to be Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin from Krypton. Darkseid sends his female furies to claim her, and the heroine Harbinger, who had been a crucial part of the original Crisis, dies to protect her. At the end, Darkseid is trapped on the Source Wall (again) and it appears that this Supergirl is the real deal.

Batman: As the Crow Flies – Batman faces a manifestation of what might be Jason Todd, the former Robin who was killed by the Joker. Though he believes it to only be the result of the Scarecrow’s hallucinogenic gas, there appears to be more to this than meets the eye.

JSA: Redemption Lost (60-63, collected in JSA: Lost) – The Spectre renounces its role as the spirit of redemption, and returns to being a power of vengeance, devouring the mystic darkness known as the Spirit King in the process.

Superman: Unconventional Warfare – A new villain known as Ruin begins to cause trouble for Superman, as his friends and family begin to be targeted. Meanwhile, Mxy warns Superman of a coming crisis. A great darkness is coming.

Robin: Unmasked – Tim Drake’s secret life as Robin is discovered by his father, who forces him to quit as Robin, or else he’ll blow Batman’s secret identity.

Superman Secret Files 2004 (reprinted in Prelude to Infinite Crisis and Superman: That Healing Touch) – Pete Ross quits as President after being confronted by Sarge Steel in the Oval Office, telling him to stop looking into crimes of the Luthor Administration. Someone is trying to eliminate Amanda Waller, former head of the Suicide Squad and Checkmate, who had been convicted of treason due to her being in Luthor’s cabinet. Superman protects Waller, who refuses to name names. Sarge Steel is arrested, though we learn that this was a set up by Nemesis, who is now working for a shadowy group that seems to control the new President, Thorne.

Teen Titans: Family Lost (Teen Titans 8-12, ½) – Deathstroke versus the Teen Titans, whilst his daughter Rose, who had been a Titans ally in the past becomes the new Ravager, and joins her father in a life of crime.

Batman: War Drums – The new Robin (formerly The Spoiler, and Tim Drake’s ex) has a dismal career and Batman ends up firing her because she doesn’t follow orders exactly perfectly. (He’s being a bit of a jerk.) She decides to use one of his contingency plans to stop all organized crime in Gotham, to try and impress him, but fails because Batman didn’t tell her all the details.

Batman: War Games (Acts 1-3) – Stephanie is killed, the other heroes are driven out of Gotham, Black Mask now controls most of Gotham’s underworld, and Batman is a jerk.

Aquaman: American Tidal - San Diego sinks due to a catastrophic earthquake caused by a company known only as ProGene Tech. Incredibly many in the city survive as water-breathing beings via a serum created by scientist, Anton Geist, himself a pawn of the mass-murderers. Aquaman allies himself with Lorena, a denizen of the renamed Sub Diego who eventually becomes known as Aquagirl, and exiles Geist to the underwater city.

Teen Titans: Beast Boys and Girls (TT 13-15) – We get a glimpse of what happened to Donna Troy, and meanwhile Beast Boy’s powers go haywire.

Outsiders: Sum of All Evil (8-15) – The Outsiders continue to adventure, facing the Fearsome Five and other threats.

Titans Tomorrow (Titans/Legion Special, 16-19 – Collected in Teen Titans: The Future is Now) – The Teen Titans go to the 31st century to help Superboy and the Legion of Superheroes. Brainaic 5 sends the Fatal 5000 back to their home dimensions, but something goes awry, "There's some other force out there...Something that's pounding against reality." The Teen Titans end up being lost in a dark future on the way back home, meeting their future selves who weren’t there to help the rest of the heroes during an upcoming Crisis. Upon seeing this dismal sight, they swear that they will be there and remain the Teen Titans, and return to the present.

Identity Crisis 1-7 – Sue Dibny, the Elongated Man’s wife and former Justice League administrator has been killed. Black Canary, Zatanna, Hawkman, Green Arrow, Elongated Man and the Atom blame Dr. Light, who we learned raped her years ago. Green Lantern (Kyle) and Flash (Wally West) learn that after Light ravaged Sue, that Zatanna altered his mind to make him less of a threat, in effect giving him a mystic lobotomy. Meanwhile, other loved ones of heroes are threatened, and Light’s memories are restored in a combat between himself and Deathstroke versus the Justice League. Wally later learns that when Batman found that they had altered Dr. Light’s mind, that the Leaguers in question erased his memory of the event. The Shadow Thief kills Firestorm during the investigation into Sue’s murder. Jack Drake, Robin’s father is killed as is Captain Boomerang, who recently learned he had a son. The Atom’s exwife, Jean Loring is attacked, but is later revealed to have staged the attack, just as she was responsible for the rest of the attacks on the hero’s loved ones. She hoped to use the attacks to bring her ex-husband back to her. She is placed in Arkham Asylum, and the Atom vanishes, possibly for good.

[Paul Newell]

JSA 67 (Collected in JLA: Lost) - The JSA react to the events of Identity Crisis, and Dr. Midnite learns who the murderer was. (This occurs before Identity Crisis #7)

Flash: The Secret of Barry Allen (Flash 214-217) – Wally learns that Barry had Zatanna turn his enemy, the Top, into an ally by altering his addled mind. Wally undoes Barry’s biggest mistake, knowing that it may cost him in the future. Also, a funeral for Captain Boomerang leads to more Rogue trouble for the Flash.

Manhunter 1-5 – Kate Spencer, district attorney, became a superheroine and was drawn into the midst of the events of Identity Crisis.

Teen Titans 20 (To be collected in Teen Titans: The Future is Now) – The Teen Titans investigate the whereabouts of Luthor’s armor, while Robin mourns the death of his father.

Firestorm 1 – Jason Rusch receives the Firestorm powers.

Wonder Woman: Stoned – Wonder Woman faces Medousa and her sisters, and when all appears lost, she blinds herself in order to defeat Medousa and prevent her from turning most of Earth to stone.

Firestorm 6 – Jason Rusch learns of the tragic death of Ronnie Raymond from the Martian Manhunter.

Superman/Batman: Absolute Power (13-18) – Superman and Batman are thrown throughout time and space, as the universe is changed by people who shouldn’t exist. Superman and Batman go through several alternate universes, including one that just might be the original Pre-Crisis DC Universe, picking up memories of these alternate universes.

JSA: JSA/JSA (JSA 68-72) – The JSA of the present goes back in time to the 1950s to prevent time traveling villain Per Degaton from destroying the JSA. Degaton makes references to JSAers who never existed, at least, not in this universe, and Power Girl suffers from a major power glitch once the returning JSA hit the year 1985. Meanwhile, Black Adam is recruited into Luthor’s society.

Green Lantern Rebirth (1-6 + Green Lantern Secret Files 2005) – Hal Jordan is reborn, the Green Lantern Corps begins to be fully restablished, and the Spectre is freed from its host.

Superman: That Healing Touch (includes Adventures of Superman 636) – Ruin continues to plague Superman. Meanwhile, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman gather to discuss the events and fallout of Identity Crisis. Superman reveals that he knows about what the league did to Dr. Light, and informs Batman and Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman claims that if a villain cannot be reformed, or captured, that they must be destroyed, and that killing Dr. Light would have been the proper solution. Meanwhile, Mxyptlyk continues to warn Superman about the coming Crisis.

Firestorm 9-11 – The Return of Ronnie Raymond. Lorraine Reilly, formerly Firehawk checks up on Jason, only to face Killer Frost, and the return of Ronnie Raymond. But this return isn’t permanent, as Ronnie’s former high school rival turned supervillain, Cliff Carmichael manages to kill Ronnie once more.

Breach 3 – The Society watches and monitors the new hero known as Breach.

Flash/Wonder Woman – Truth or Dare (Flash 219, Wonder Woman 214, collected in Prelude to Infinite Crisis) – The Cheetah teams up with Zoom in an attempt to gain superspeed. Cheetah and Zoom escape capture, and Cheetah ends up introducing Zoom to Dr. Psycho of Luthor’s society.

Aquaman 29 – The Martian Manhunter warns Aquaman that the JLA are busy wrestling with an "escalating global emergency" and cannot help at this time. It is revealed that ProGene has acquired Aquaman's DNA for the purposes of genetic re-engineering. Unbeknownst to Aquaman Progene is linked to the newly organized criminal community.

Superman: For Tomorrow – It’s been a while since the vanishing, in which a million people vanished from the face of the Earth. Superman mopes, makes friends with a priest, fights new enemies, fights Wonder Woman, destroys the Fortress of Solitude and eventually learns that he accidentally sent a million people, including Lois Lane into a safe haven in the Phantom Zone he created in case Earth blows up, and faces General Zod. Meanwhile, Superman’s priest friend is taken over by the OMAC project, whatever that may be…

Adam Strange: Planet Heist (1-8) – Rann is presumed destroyed, and Adam Strange is determined to find the truth. He learns that a rogue Thanagarian officer who worshipped the Starbreaker, a cosmic vampire that faced the JLA several times, wants to use the new Rannian Omega Beam device to grant Starbreaker infinite power by absorbing the entire universe. Starbreaker is defeated thanks to the sacrifice of the last active Darkstars, and help from the LEGION and Omega Men. Rann is teleported back into reality from the null universe where it had been hiding, but is placed in Thanagar’s orbit due to interference by the rogue Thanagarian, who hoped this would cause Thanagar to declare war on Rann. However, the orbit Rann enters will throw Thanagar into the sun, causing Adam Strange and company to work towards saving the residents of Thanagar.

Teen Titans: Lights Out – TT 21-23 (Collected in Teen Titans: The Future is Now) - The Teen Titans fought Dr. Light, who had become vicious and willing to kill now that his memories are fully restored. The Titans learned of what happened to Light, and managed to defeat him with help from an armada of Titans past and present, he was escorted into custody by Batman and Batgirl, who revealed themselves as Deathstroke and the Ravager once away from the heroes, and prepared to escort Light to Luthor’s society.

Outsiders: Wanted – (Specifically 20-23) - Suspicion hits the team, as all is not what it seems. There is a traitor in their midst, as they find that they’ve been funded by Batman, but also that Arsenal hasn’t been getting hints from Batman, as he thought he was, but rather from Deathstroke pretending to be Batman. Finally, the true traitor is revealed…

Wonder Woman: The Bronze Doors (215-217) – Diana, Cassie and Ferdinand the Kithotaur quest to revive Hermes, God of Communication, Healing and Speed. Cassie learns that Zeus is her father, and Diana is granted the vision of Athena, making her grey eyed as well.

Aquaman #32 - ProGene Tech hires Black Manta to be their first subject for the genetic re-engineering, using Aquaman's DNA, so he can eventually take over Sub Diego.

Birds of Prey 80 – Oracle is infected with a Brainiac virus.

Supergirl #0 AKA Superman/Batman #19 – Supergirl notices that she’s being observed by Batman and Superman, and almost notices the Calculator watching her. She faces Clayface, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, who were hired by the Society to test her. Lex Luthor has a gauntlet of many colors of Kryptonite, and is ready for business.

Hawkman: Year of Hell – I believe the current “Death of Hawkman/Return of the Golden Eagle/Year of Hell” storyline occurs here chronologically, though that may change.

Superman: Lightning Strikes Twice (Action Comics 826, Adventures of Superman 639, Superman 216) – Eclipso’s black diamond heads into Metropolis, where it corrupts a STAR Labs worker into fighting Superman with a remodeled Lexcorps armor, and then corrupts Lois Lane, and finally Eclipso takes over Superman. Captain Marvel faces the Eclipsed Superman, and manages to free Superman with assistance from the wizard Shazam, who calls upon the Spectre. Eclipso’s black diamond is lost during these proceedings, and ends up in the cell of Jean Loring.

Countdown to Infinite Crisis – Blue Beetle begins an investigation into OMAC, as he begins to be targeted by various attacks on his company and his person. We learn that Batman is aware that he was mindwiped, and that he created a Spy Satellite. 100 pounds Kryptonite is stolen from Ted Kord’s company werehouse, Meanwhile, Luthor’s society is fully revealed: Talia al Ghul, Slade Wilson AKA Deathstroke, Dr. Psycho, Black Adam, Noah Cutter ALA The Calculator, and Lex Luthor himself. Booster Gold is hit by a beam that destroys Beetle’s house, leaving the scarab of the original Blue Beetle charged with energies that lead Ted Kord to the wizard Shazam. Blue Beetle is shown images of a coming magical darkness, and the Wizard Shazam is worrying now, the first time in ages. Blue Beetle confides in Wonder Woman as news of the Rann/Thanagar war hits the JLA watchtower. Beetle tracks down the source of his troubles to the Swiss Alps, and finds the headquarters of Checkmate, their computer files on every hero, (which get erased) and the Black King of Checkmate, former JLA head Maxwell Lord. Beetle is given a choice to join him or die, and refuses. He is killed, and Lord begins Project OMAC.

[Paul Newell]

Countdown to Infinite Crisis: collecting stories from countdown until Infinite Crisis begins.

The OMAC Project 1 – Beetle is incinerated, and Sasha Bordeaux is worried. We find that Batman erased the Superhuman database, but can no longer control the Brother Mk I Satellite itself.

Batman: Under the Hood
Batman 639 –Batman tells Zatanna and Green Arrow that he doesn’t trust them, as he investigates the return of Jason Todd. Meanwhile, the Red Hood is revealed to be the one who stole the Kryptonite, as Black Mask’s turf is encroached.
Batman 640 – Batman talked to Superman, still investigating the Red Hood. Meanwhile, Jason Todd teamed up with Onyx, only to betray her.
Batman 641 – The Red Hood unmasked himself to Batman, revealing himself as Jason Todd!

Manhunter 6-10 – The Trial of the Shadow-Thief – Ronnie Raymond, who was Firestorm, was killed by the Shadow Thief. Now Kate Anderson is trying to prosecute him. Meanwhile, the Society hires the Calculator to get Merlyn, Monocle and Phobia to “deal with” Shadowthief. Firehawk and Manhunter defeated the villains, but Shadowthief was recruited by Calculator.

Day of Vengeance 1 – Jean Loring, now Eclipso, has allied herself with the Spectre to destroy all Magic. The remaining magicians are held up in a mystic tavern, where a small group of them decide to take down the Spectre, perhaps the most powerful being in creation. Their leader? Bobo, the Detective Chimp.

Villains United 1 – Luthor’s society has successfully recruited almost all of the Supervillain community, except for the Secret Six. Catman refuses to join Luthor’s society, and is recruited to join the Secret Six after former member the Wizard is killed for botching a mission. The Six, Scandal, Cheshire, Catman, Parademon, Ragdoll, and Deadshot are given a chance to rule the world should they obey the mysterious Mockingbird.

Robin 137 – Robin, now in Bludhaven, found himself the target of attacks arranged by the Penguin, who is now an ally of Luthor’s society.

Batgirl 63 – Batgirl, also in Bludhaven, also found herself targeted by Deathstroke and the Ravager, courtesy of the Penguin.

Robin 138 – Robin questioned the Penguin about his current affairs but the Penguin didn’t reveal anything about the Society.

Batgirl 64 – Batgirl faced the Ravager!

Nightwing 109 – Nightwing, undercover, was recruited by Black Mask, who is now a member of Luthor’s society, to infiltrate Bludhaven.

The Insiders (Occurs almost immediately after Countdown.)
Teen Titans 24 – Superboy is turned evil by a trigger phrase from Lex Luthor, attacking his teammates, shaving his head and cutting an L on his chest. The Titans asked for help from the Outsiders, to find that Indigo was really Brainiac 8!
Outsiders 24 – The Outsiders faced Indigo, and barely survived. The two teams regrouped, as Indigo and Superboy faced their fathers: the Lex Luthor and Brainiac team. A squadron of Superman robots then attacked the heroes.
Teen Titans 25 – Superboy was revealed to have been cloned from Luthor to be a sleeper agent, while Indigo was sent from the future to kill Donna Troy so as to prevent her and the Titans from interfering with planet Colu’s destiny after the Crisis.
Outsiders 25 – The heroes barely win, though Nightwing quits the team, and Shift is forced to kill Indigo, his lover.

Teen Titans 26 – Raven confronts Superboy and reveals he has a soul.

Birds of Prey 82 – Oracle continues to suffer from the Brainiac Virus, as Booster Gold asks for help in finding out what happened to Blue Beetle.

JSA: Black Vengeance
JSA 73 – Spectre and Eclipso face the Crimson Avenger, and prepare to take on Black Adam in Khandaq. Captain Marvel and Hawkman rejoined the JSA to prepare for this menace.
JSA 74 – The JSA prepared to face the Spectre and Eclipso, and got beaten. Meanwhile, Dr. Fate was sealed within his helmet by the Spectre.
JSA 75 – Black Adam tries to beat Eclipso, but fails. During the fight, Power Girl’s powers go out of control again, as she uncontrollably manifests heat vision. Atom Smasher is judged for his sins, and is killed by Spectre, who then departs, having trapped J. J. Thunder in his pen. Black Adam manages to revive Atom Smasher, and the JSA departs Khandaq.

Day of Vengeance 2 – Blue Devil, Enchantress, Nightshade, Nightmaster, Ragman and Detective Chimp set out to defeat the Spectre! Meanwhile, Captain Marvel prepared to face the Spirit of Vengeance!

Day of Vengeance 3 – Blue Devil used his trident to defeat Eclipso. Meanwhile Captain Marvel faced the Spectre, fueled by the Enchantress who tapped the collective powers of Earth’s mages to grant Captain Marvel additional power, whilst Nightshade and Detective Chimp tracked down teenaged Lori Zechlin AKA Black Alice.

Day of Vengeance 4 – Nightshade and Detective Chimp talk to Lori’s father, as the Enchantress taps their energies. This proves to be too much for her, as her darker side reemerges. The mystic link is severed, and Captain Marvel is defeated by the Spectre, who manages to pull the spear out of Eclipso and run away. The Shadowpact greets their best chance for victory, Black Alice, who may be the most powerful teenager in the universe.

Superman 217 – Superman is attacked by an OMAC in the vicinity of his new Fortress of Solitude.

Adventures of Superman 640 – Superman unmasked Ruin as Pete Ross!

The OMAC Project 2 – Batman told Booster Gold and Wonder Woman about his Spy Satellite, about Blue Beetle’s death, and that his memory was wiped. Sasha was pulled into a coup by Maxwell Lord to take sole command of Checkmate. Sasha then tried to inform Batman, only for the two of them to be ambushed by three OMAC units.

Adventures of Superman 641 – Pete Ross, now in jail for his crimes as Ruin, revealed to Superman that Luthor told him his secret identity. Superman dealt with the Parasite twins attempt at breaking out of jail, when an OMAC attacked and killed the male Parasite. In the confusion, Pete Ross escaped!

Superman 218 – Superman tried to find out about the OMAC, to no avail. Meanwhile, Maxwell Lord was pleased at Superman’s current mental condition, saying that he was nearly ready.

Birds of Prey 83 – The OMAC network considers taking Oracle out as a threat, but decides against it due to Oracle’s immenient death at the virus’ hands.

Wonder Woman: 218 – Diana realizes that Jonah is hiding a secret, (we know he’s a Checkmate agent) as Ares and Circe reunite.

Batman: Gotham Knights 66 – Talia and Deathstroke captured Hush and Prometheus (who recently has become Hush’s bodyguard.) with help from Kobra. They want Prometheus’ key, which has vanished. (But will be seen in JSA Classified #5, coming soon.)

Action Comics 828 – Superman defeated Dr. Polaris, who was escorted away by Black Adam and Dr. Psycho. Adam warned Superman of an eventual clash between the heroes and the villains.

Villains United 2 – The Secret Six raid a shipment of weapons heading towards the Society, only to be ambushed and captured.

Green Arrow 50 – Deathstroke blows up Green Arrow’s home.

Breach 7 – The Society sent a goon after Breach.

Villains United 3 – The Secret Six are interrogated by the Crime Doctor and other minions of the Society. They eventually escape, defeating their captors and sending a message to the Society, that they are already dead, they just haven’t fallen down yet. Meanwhile, the Society discusses the Secret Six’s plans, which seem to include planting explosives armed with poisons in certain spots around the world, including Khandaq.

Nightwing 111 – Nightwing confronts Deathstroke.

[Paul Newell]

The OMAC Project 3 – The OMACs managed to capture Sasha, and would have killed Batman had Superman not made a last minute rescue. Sasha is interrogated by Maxwell, who mysteriously finds her immune to his mental powers. Booster and Wonder Woman fail to locate the Brother MK I Satellite, and Guy Gardner convinces Booster to join him in reuniting their Justice League roster to avenge Beetle’s death, starting with Fire. Maxwell plays his trump card, realizing that Batman is too dangerous to his plans, and prepares to mind control Superman.

Sacrifice – (Sacrifice occurs somewhere between 2 to 6 days after The Insiders)
Superman 219 – Superman awakens in the Fortress of Solitude, to find blood on his hands. He remembers fighting Brainiac, who murdered Lois, but his memories don’t feel fight. Then, the JLA come to the Fortress to ask for a reckoning.
Action Comics 826 – The JLA confront Superman, as Lois talks to the Martian Manhunter. Superman tries to recall what happened, that he was fighting Darkseid, who murdered Lois, but still his memories aren’t accurate. He is taken to the Watchtower where he sees the true target of his recent aggression. Batman.
Adventures of Superman 642 – As Wonder Woman uses the Purple Healing Ray on Batman, Superman’s battle with him is replayed from the Watchtower monitors. The Martian Manhunter probes Superman’s mind to learn that he can’t undo what has been done to Superman, and that person responsible is Maxwell Lord. Superman is controlled by Lord again, and attacks the league and escapes to the Checkmate castle in Switzerland. Wonder Woman prepares to face him.
Wonder Woman 219 – Diana proves immune to Lord’s mind control, though Superman doesn’t. She fights Superman, and finally is able to delay him long enough to trap Maxwell Lord in her lasso of truth and ask him how to break his control over Superman. His response? “Kill Me.” And she does.

The OMAC Project 4 – Superman is shocked by Diana’s actions, but is unable to do anything about it because the Brother MK I then becomes autonomous, causing emergencies all across the world for the JLA to face. Booster and Guy confront Fire, who has been investigating the death of Beetle herself, and asks whether Beetle and Maxwell Lord saw each other recently. Brother also begins using OMACs to kill every member of Checkmate. Jessica Midnight and Sasha Bordeaux work together to escape their cell and take down Maxwell Lord, though Midnight realizes that Sasha is some form of OMAC. They are attacked by OMACs as they prepare to take down the Brother MK I computer. Meanwhile, Brother contacts Batman, informing him that he is now Brother Eye, and that nothing can stop him from eliminating the Superhuman threat to humanity. An OMAC tries to kill Rocket Red #5, as Sasha is struck by an OMAC.

Adventures of Superman 643 – The events of Wonder Woman 219 and OMAC 4 are reprised through Superman’s point of view, and we see Superman strive to deal with the worldwide troubles that followed the death of Maxwell Lord. He learns that OMACs are people trapped within the mechanical shell. He talks to Batman, and it seems that their friendship is quite strained…

Wonder Woman 220 – Superman confronts Wonder Woman about killing Maxwell Lord, but they are both called away to separate disasters before they can resolve the issue. Diana eventually returned to her embassy, only to learn that staff member Jonah McCarthy was an agent of Checkmate. Later, she tells Batman that she killed Max, and when she asks if this has killed their friendship, he orders her to leave.

JSA 76 – Atom Smasher pleads guilty for his actions, as the Society observes. Calculator talks of a rumor that makes the mindwiping of Dr. Light pale in comparison. Hourman searches for Dr. Fate’s tower, and ends up hearing the voice of Nabu offering assistance. An OMAC attacks the JSA, and proves unable to track Mr. Terrific. Atom-Smasher helps drive it away. Meanwhile, as Power Girl prepares for a physical, she is informed of Blue Beetle’s death by Fire and Metamorpho. Atom-Smasher, in Belle Reve prison, is approached by Amanda Waller…

JSA Classified: Power Trip
JSA Classified #1 – Power Girl’s physical at the hands of Dr. Midnite proves inconclusive, as she’s not Kryptonian, and she’s not Atlantean. Her powers go on the fritz again as she fights what she believes to be Garn Daanuth, from ancient Atlantis, though it’s revealed that he was never there at all. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure manifests the Legion of Superheroes into existance!
Supergirl #1 – Power Girl and Supergirl meet, and it isn’t good. Power Girl is driven mad by Supergirl’s presence, and Mr. Terrific believes it is because their similar origins make them like two objects trying to occupy the same place. Stargirl realizes that Power Girl’s power fluctations only occurred after Supergirl arrived on Earth.
JSA Classified #2 – Power Girl runs into the Legion of Superheroes, who tell her that she’s really Andromeda, a Daxamite known Laurel Gand from the 31st century sent back in time to deal with Mordru. They interfere with her attempt to rescue an airplane, but when Superman and Supergirl show up, once again it’s revealed that no one was really there at all. Superman and Power Girl talk, and Power Girl resolves to figure things out on her own. Meanwhile, the Legion vanishes as we learn that they were the tools of the Psycho-Pirate, who vows to make Power Girl as crazy as he is!
JSA Classified #3 – While explaining her personal "identity crisis" to Huntress, Power Girl is besieged by numerous metahumans—including the Crime Syndicate of America, the Teen Titans of the future, Kandor's Nightwing and Flamebird, Captain Marvel and General Zod—who all claim to be related to her. The horde finally disappear, only to be replaced by the Psycho Pirate who (on instructions from Lex Luthor) tells Power Girl: "We're going to take a trip, you and I. And you'll finally understand I'm only trying to help you. Worlds lived...worlds died...but you survived!"
JSA Classified #4 – Power Girl discovers that she is the cousin of the Earth-Two Superman.

Firestorm 16 – Firestorm is captured by Amazo for the Society.

Superman 220 – An OMAC took out the Eradicator, as Superman and Superboy dealt with their recent actions under mind control.

Manhunter 13 – As Dumas faces current Manhunter Kate, DEO Agent Chase investigates the US Government records of the Manhunter Project only to find a link to the OMAC Project in the records. (With the implication that the OMACs are descended from Manhunter technology...) Trying to pry into that information almost gets her killed, but she stops in time to save her life. Meanwhile, Brother Eye sends an OMAC after the staff used by Manhunter Mark Shaw, now in the possession of Kate.

The OMAC Project 5 – Rocket Red 5 is saved by heroes formerly known as the Justice League: Guy Gardner, Fire, Metamorpho, Mary Marvel, and Booster Gold. They manage to defeat one OMAC, but more OMAC units are sent, overwhelming them until Rocket Red sacrifices his life to defeat them. Meanwhile, Sasha reboots, as she’s become a form of OMAC hybrid created by direct experimentation. Her attempts to shut down Brother Eye fail, as Brother Eye has activated Phase II, which means that every person infected with the OMAC virus will activate as an OMAC unit. Sasha warns Batman, just as 1,373,462 OMAC units go online…

Outsiders 28 – Shift mourns the death of Indigo.

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy 1 – Donna, now living as a Titan of Myth has hazy memories of her previous life as a Teen Titan. Meanwhile, the other Titans prepare to steal an ancient weapon from the planet of Minoyss as the Galaxy is torn by war.

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy 2 – The Titans and Outsiders are summoned to Minoyss by a Titan Sphere, though not by the Titan they were expecting. Atyhns, Troia’s brother has called them to help break Donna Troy from the reprogramming of the Titans of Myth. They fail, as Donna prepares to kill her former friends.

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy 3 – They fight, but eventually Raven is able to free Donna from the influence of the Titans of Myth. The heroes learn that the planet is both a dimensional nexus, and a sun-eater factory that the Titans of Myth wish to use in the cosmic war. The Titans of Myth prepare to invade by force, and our heroes are ready for them.

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy 4 – Finally learning her true origin and the true history of the DC Universe, Donna Troy decides to once again take her place among Earth's champions she becomes the new Harbinger...and realizes that she must now gather a team of heroes to address the evil growing on New Cronus.

[Paul Newell]

Manhunter 14 - Kate Spencer, D.E.O. agent Cameron Chase and former Manhunter Mark Shaw barely survived an OMAC attack!

Batgirl 66 – Batgirl faces an OMAC on her quest to learn who her mother is.

Aquaman 35 - While trying to heal his wife Mera, Aquaman was attacked — and nearly killed — by an OMAC.

Action Comics 830 – Dr. Psycho came to Metropolis. Superman faced Shrapnel, who was sent by the Society, and prepared to face Black Adam.

Breach 8 – The Society goon was killed.

Blood of the Demon 6 – Etrigan is sealed away by the Spectre, causing Jason Blood to rapidly age in response!

Blood of the Demon 7 –In a hellish spiritual realm, Eclipso and the Spectre torture Etrigan...but the Demon manages to escape and once again merge with his human host Jason Blood, de-aging him.

Villains United 4 – The Secret Six infiltrate a Society base in Brazil, where they find that Firestorm and an unknown woman are being used as a power source in a plan to mindwipe all of Earth’s heroes. Meanwhile, Talia and Luthor find that Dr. Psycho is trying to mentally influence them, and that the Society’s recruitment levels are coming up short. The Secret Six, battered and beaten release Firestorm as a distraction to keep Black Adam and the Royal Flush Gang away from them. And Cheshire tells Catman that she knows he’s trying to be good, and that she wants him to give her a baby.

Flash 225 –At the end of the Rogues War, the Rogues decide to join the Society.

Day of Vengeance 5 – The Shadowpact and Captain Marvel regroup at the Oblivion Bar, though Captain Marvel leaves early to get back to work. Marvel tells the Wizard Shazam that he may not need to risk his life in combat, though Shazam explains that a Shadowpact is formed whenever things look dark, and that this is his fight. The Shadowpact have their plan, Black Alice will steal the Spectre’s powers so that half of the team can defeat him while the other half takes on Eclipso. However, Black Alice finds that once she’s stolen his power, that there isn’t anything of the Spectre left to attack, and their plan appears to be going downhill….

Villains United 5 –The Society hunts down two figures central to CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, Lady Quark and Pariah. The cursed scientist told Lex Luthor, "You think you're this planet's apex predator. But there's another. And I don't think you'll survive his coming!"
The Six raid a Society safe house and steal data from its computer systems. In retaliation, the Society send a massive squad of villains to assassinate the Six...led to their home base by one of their own, Cheshire.

Superman 221 - After battling an OMAC, Bizarro strengthened the Society by joining the ranks of the ever-growing villain army.

Nightwing 112 - In an attempt to prove to Deathstroke that he was not an undercover hero, Dick Grayson agreed to teach the villain’s daughter, Ravager.

Nightwing 113 - To prove he's no longer on the side of the heroes, Dick Grayson spends hours training Ravager, the daughter of Deathstroke.

Nightwing 114 - With Ravager at his side, Dick Grayson (now calling himself Renegade) interrupts a Society plan to use the Venom formula to create a super strong army...and even takes down Arsenal to do it.

Nightwing 115 - Deathstroke outfits his daughter Ravager with a kryptonite eye, but after a botched attempt to attack Superman, Nightwing and the Man of Steel show Slade's daughter the error of her evil ways. Dick Grayson then strikes a deal with Deathstroke: he'll stop inspiring Ravager if Slade keeps all Society members out of Blüdhaven.

Firestorm 17 - With the help of the mysterious Gehenna, the Nuclear Man destroys a Society base (which the Six attacked in VILLAIN UNITED #4).

Firestorm 18 - A de-powered Nuclear Man seeks help at S.T.A.R. Labs...and barely survives an attack by an OMAC.

Action Comics 831 – Superman drove Black Adam and Dr. Psycho out of Metropolis, and—thanks to the investigative work of Lois Lane—Superman learned of the existence of the Society!

Day Of Vengeance 6 - Nightshade teleportes the new Eclipso (a.k.a. Jean Loring) into a perpetual orbit around the sun. The Phantom Stranger regains his form and shows the Shadowpact the battle between the Spectre and Shazam...during which the spirit of vengeance kills the wizard and shattered the Rock of Eternity. The magical fortress sheds fragments as it tumbles through hundreds of dimensions...and then explodes high above Gotham City, showering it with a billion enchanted pieces!
As the mystical castle crumbled, Billy Batson fell to the Earth, unable to recall the magic word that would transform him into Captain Marvel. Also, the Blue Beetle scarab landed in El Paso, Texas...and the Seven Deadly Sins escape. Witnessing all of these horrific events, the Shadowpact vowed to stay together and battle these new supernatural threats!

Outsiders 29 - The demon known as Sabbac joins the Society—and then, when the Rock of Eternity shatters, he absorbs the Seven Deadly Sins.

Adventures Of Superman 644 - While questioning Zatanna on whether he might still be under the influence of Maxwell Lord, Superman learned that the sorceress had "fixed" the mind of the Toyman...and quickly zoomed off to halt his latest evil actions.

The OMAC Project 6 - Carrying out the "Annihilation Protocols," over one million OMACs swept the globe and attacked Earth's metahumans. Following a plan hatched by Batman, a gathering of heroes (including the JLA, the JSA, the Metal Men and the Freedom Fighters) lure a large force of OMACs into a final standoff in a remote area of the Sahara. There, Batman triggered a prototype EMP generator — which he deduced was the target of Maxwell Lord's burglary of the Kord and deactivated the gathered OMACs. At the same time, Sasha Bordeaux (now the OMAC/human hybrid dubbed Black Knight) used a "shut down" command to turn off many other OMACs. 200,000 OMACs remain functional...and a wounded Brother Eye sent out a transmission across all telecommunication equipment that showed Wonder Woman killing Maxwell Lord.

Wonder Woman 221 - Returning to her embassy, Diana informs her staff that she is going to turn herself over to the authorities for murdering Maxwell Lord but before she can do so, three OMACs attack. After defeating them, Wonder Woman takes one of the wounded human hosts to a hospital...and sees (on the waiting room TVs) that Brother Eye is broadcasting footage of her killing Max across all worldwide channels.

Action Comics 832 - On his mission to destroy all magic, the Spectre invades Metropolis and focuses his wrath on Satanus (who had been living in Superman's city as network exec Colin Thornton).

Villains United 6 - The Society's leader reveals to his prisoner Pariah that he is actually an alternate Luthor...and, to keep his upcoming plots secret, murders Pariah. Our world's Lex Luthor reveals that he is the mysterious Mockingbird, who assembled The Six to oppose his imposter.
Once again donning his battle suit, Lex left his hiding place, vowing to the alternate Luthor that he would "make you pay for taking my place!" Catman reveals to Green Arrow that the Society plans on mindwiping the world's heroes, and that "people are going to die because you took the shortcut!"

Batman 646 - Deathstroke invites Black Mask to join the Society.

Batman 647 - After Black Mask agreed to join the Society, Deathstroke sent Captain Nazi, the Hyena and Count Vertigo to kill Batman...forcing the Dark Knight to fight side-by-side with the Red Hood.

Birds of Prey 87 - On a quest to flush out Oracle, the Calculator tells Deathstroke and Talia that they have to target her allies, such as Huntress, Savant and Black Canary.

Birds Of Prey 88 - The Calculator tortures Savant, but Oracle's ally refuses to reveal her secret identity.

Birds Of Prey 89 - After the Birds rescue Savant, the Calculator tells Oracle that she has to give control over several satellites back to Lex Luthor...or he would kill her operatives. Meanwhile, Barbara Gordon reveals to her father that she was once Batgirl...and is currently Oracle. Batman confronts Oracle and Commissioner James Gordon, and orders Barbara to shut down the Huntress' underworld operations.

[Paul Newell]

Birds Of Prey 90 - Black Canary, Huntress and Lady Blackhawk narrowly escape an assault by Deathstroke. Unable to crack Oracle's agents, the Calculator ends his quest to learn Barbara Gordon's secret identity.

Superman #222 - In the apartment she shares with Clark Kent, an OMAC attacks Lois Lane.

JLA: Crisis of Conscience
JLA 115 – The Martian Manhunter learns of the mindwipings, as Wally prepares to tell Batman the truth. The Secret Society of Supervillains has their memories restored, and they attack the league, almost destroying the Red Tornado, and ambusing J’onn, Batman and Catwoman.
JLA 116 – The League and SsoV fought. The villains escaped, though leaving a symbol meaning that they know the League’s secret sins. Batman and the JLA discuss the mindwipings, leading to aggravated tempers and batman punching Hawkman. The league left, and J’onn returned to the watchtower only to find Despero there, waiting.
JLA 117 – Despero and J’onn fought, reminding him of how the league mindwiped him once upon a time. Meanwhile, the SsoV targeted Lois Lane and the Daily Planet. Batman refused to help the league, though with Superman’s help they managed to defeat the SsoV. Superman discusses that Batman quit the league, and that he’s considering it as well. They decide to vote on what to do with the villains, now that their memories have been restored.
JLA 118 – The team’s vote to once again mindwipe the Secret Society of Super-Villains was tied at three to three…and then Zatanna, the deciding vote, quits the JLA. Despero possesses Martian Manhunter, Aquaman and Batman.
JLA 119 – Taking advantage of their disagreements surrounding another proposed villain mindwipe, Despero manipulates the JLA into fighting each other. The heroes, thanks to the timely aid of the Red Tornado and Zatanna, eventually defeated the evil alien...but, in the face of their recent troubles, they disband! Zatanna, against the wishes of her teammates, once again mindwips the Secret Society of Super-Villains. Alone in the JLA Watchtower, the Martian Manhunter—tracking the Rann/Thanagar War and the heroes battles with the OMACs, villains and Spectre—begins to identify subtle threads tying these separate events together. Even more, he suspects that one entity is behind it all. But before he could contact his teammates, he is interrupted by what the JLA computers identify as Superman...only seconds before the lunar headquarters explodes.

Hawkman 46 - The Atom returned...and told his good friend Carter: "I might be going away for awhile...maybe for good." Hawkman and Hawkgirl battle OMACs, then chase a mysterious phoenix...which leads them right into THE RANN/THANAGAR WAR.

The Rann/Thanagar War 1 – Adam Strange recruits Hawkman and Hawkgirl to help him bring peace to Rann and Thanagar, filling them in on recent history. They arrive too late, war has begun.

JSA 77 - Air Wave crashes into the JSA HQ, driven mad by intergalactic messages! Green Lanterns Alan Scott and Hal Jordan then followed the troubled hero into space…and come face-to-face with Donna Troy, who quickly recruits Scott and Air Wave to investigate New Cronus.

Outsiders 30 - After helping the Outsiders drive the Seven Deadly Sins out of Sabbac, Donna Troy recruits members of the team into her strike force.

Firestorm 19 - Recruited by Firehawk, Jason accepts the invitation to join Donna Troy's space squad.

Teen Titans 29 - Donna Troy recruits Cyborg to join her space squad. Along with the rest of the world, Wonder Girl and Superboy see the footage of Wonder Woman killing Maxwell Lord. Back from the dead, Jason Todd attacks Tim Drake. The Spectre's rampage hastens the return of Brother Blood.

The Rann/Thanagar War 2 – Green Lantern Kyle Rayner gets between LEGION and the Khunds. War heats up, with the Omega Men, Prince Gayvn (Starman) of Throneworld, Blackfire of Tamaran, Hawkwoman of Thanagar, and others all being pulled into the conflict. Meanwhile on the dead planet of Thanagar, Onimar Synn was resurrected, and prepared to use Rann’s sciences to eat the souls of the entire universe. Kyle and Captain Comet team up to look into the possible rebirth of Onimar Synn.

The Rann/Thanagar War 3 – Adam Strange, Hawkman, Hawkgirl face Hawkwoman. Blackfire betrays the Thanagarians looking to recruit the Tamaraneans to their side of the battle. Thanagar is trying to get to the Zeta Beam device stored in Throneworld, as Tigorr and Prince Gayvn work to stop them. Komand’r, Adam Strange, Hawkman, Hawkgirl and Hawkwoman unite to defeat Onimar Synn and the Seven Devils Cult that has taken control of Rann. Kyle and Comet face the armies of, and finally Onimar Synn himself.

The Rann/Thanagar War 4 – Onimar Synn manages to escape Thanagar, forcing Captain Comet and Kyle Rayner to deal with the life support pods containing his followers. They find a vault of his worshippers, and Kilowog there as well. Tigorr manages to stop the Thangarian invasion of Throneworld, and Zeta Beams himself back to Rann. Prince Gayvn destroys the Zeta Beam device afterwards. Adam Strange and company enter the Thanagarian headquarters. The captured Grand Mor of Thanagar refuses to obey Onimar Synn, leading Strange and company determined to free him in their bid to end the war.

Rann/Thanagar War 5 - Kilowog, Kyle Rayner and Captain Comet brought life back to the devastated surface of Thanagar, Komand’r betrayed the heroes by kidnapping the leader of Thanagar…and killing Hawkwoman. The cosmic heroes – including Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Tigorr, Captain Comet and Adam Strange – gathered on Rann’s Mount Ebalon…and were soon attacked by the combined forces of Onimar Synn.

Rann/Thanagar War 6 -By combining their abilities—and utilizing zeta beam technology—the cosmic crusaders teleported Onimar Synn to seven different suns. The forces of Thanagar moved in on Rann, but before they could attack, a mysterious "force" ruptured the fabric of space-time.

Hawkman 47 - Hawkman and Hawkgirl — alongside ally Adam Strange — fight Psions, Durlans, Gordanians, Thanagarians and the Citadel. After surviving this non-stop war, our heroes are then attacked by a massive army led by Blackfire!

Hawkman 48 - As the fabric of space-time unravels, Hawkman and Hawkgirl — joined by allies such as Adam Strange, Kilowag and Kyle Rayner — drive Blackfire and her legions off Rann.

JSA 78 - Mordru escapes his prison in the Rock of Eternity and quickly blindsides the JSA.


JSA 79 - Due to the events of DAY OF VENGEANCE, half the JSA battle a now-evil Jakeem Thunder while the rest of the squad struggles against a re-energized Mordru.

JSA 80 - Mr. Terrific convinces T-Bolt to act for himself. Nabu squares off against Mordru. Mordru is defeated by the returning Jakeem, who asks Thunderbolt to send him where they'll never see him again. Nabu leaves to investigate the growing cosmic crisis. In Hell, Hector and Lyta Hall lose the battle for their lives. Lyta cries out to their son, Daniel/Dream, who welcomes them into his kingdom and leaves their dead bodies behind.

Robin 143 - When OMACs overrun Blüdhaven, the city's odd collection of heroes (and villains) — including Junkyard Dog, Gasbag, the Veteran and Tarantula — united. Seeking help detaining a defeated Johnny Warlock, Robin contacts Ragman...who brings along Shadowpact (from DAY OF VENGEANCE)!

Adventures Of Superman 645 - Metropolis is rocked by a Brother Eye one-two punch when the satellite system broadcast the footage of Wonder Woman killing Maxwell Lord—then awakened dozens of OMACs throughout the city. When the OMACs inexplicably ignored Superman, the Man of Steel sought out answers by confronting Lex Luthor. On assignment in Umec, Lois Lane figured out that her would-be assassin had to have connections to Max Lord. Umec...OMAC...coincidence or conspiracy?
When Superman asked Luthor about Ruin, the masked villain suddenly appears...but just as Superman discovered that his armored enemy was using Phantom Zone technology, his foe disappears once more. Zooming off to the JLA lunar headquarters, Superman discovers that the team's base had been destroyed.

[Paul Newell]

Infinite Crisis: Infinite Crisis begins.

Infinite Crisis 1 - Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman convene at the devastated JLA headquarters, attempting to determine who had destroyed it...along with all traces of Martian Manhunter. Around the world, heroes faced attacks by super-villains, supernatural forces and squads of OMACs.
Donna Troy led her strike force—including Cyborg, Starfire, Supergirl and more—off Earth to confront an evil growing on New Cronus. In deep space, heroes including Hawkman, Adam Strange, Kyle Rayner and more were caught up in the war between Rann and Thanagar. Observing the conflagration, the Guardians remarked: "For the first time in history, Oa is no longer at the center of the universe...this tear in reality is. Someone or something has purposefully changed the nature of the cosmos."
As the Rock of Eternity exploded in the skies over Gotham City, Captain Marvel crashed to Earth...and revealed that the Spectre had killed the Wizard Shazam. The Freedom Fighters walk into a Society ambush...and are brutally struck down. Fatalities included Black Condor, Phantom Lady and the Human Bomb.
Back at the JLA headquarters, Mongul blindsided Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman...leading to a greater schism between the world's three greatest heroes. With this famous trio divided, a mysterious group of champions stepped out of the shadows.
Returning to action: the Earth-Prime Superboy, Earth-3's Alexander Luthor, Earth-2 Lois Lane and Earth-2 Superman!

Robin 144 - Shadowpact members Ragman and Blue Devil arrive to help Robin deal with the aftermath of the OMAC invasion of Blüdhaven. The Boy Wonder learns that the OMACs had imprisoned — and were killing — hundreds of super-villains...but a horde of the foes escaped and have now assembled to crush Robin!

Robin 145 - After Robin — along with his allies the Shadowpact and the Veteran's squad — defeat the horde of villains who had overrun Blüdhaven, Wonder Girl arrives and announces that the Teen Titans desperately needed his help with an emergency!

World Without a Justice League
JLA 120 -Aquaman once again calls available JLA reservists to the Secret Sanctuary to participate in a ceremony. Batman's distrust pervades the proceedings and he clashes with the others. Green Arrow accuses him of destroying the Watchtower. Dawn (now using the title Manitou Dawn) receives a telepathic message from J'onn. He warns that a "being of vast power" has been awakened and that J'onn will reveal himself in time. At Arkham Asylum, the Key escapes after unlocking his telepathic powers.
JLA 121 – Dawn is searching the astral plain for J’onn only to find her ex-husband Manitou Raven. He gives her a warning. Aquaman sets off to recruit Nightwing into a new JLA. Nightwing rejects the offer, saying he won’t be used as a pawn against Batman. He reports back to Batman about their offer, and Batman thanks him for rejecting them.
JLA 122 - While trying to solve a mysterious murder, Green Arrow, Black Canary, John Stewart, Dawn, Aquaman and Supergirl are assaulted by OMACs! A repaired Red Tornado returns, Flash looks oddly sic, and Donna Troy appears to recruit the heroes into her space strike force.
JLA 123 - Supergirl, Red Tornado and John Stewart leave Green Arrow's gathering of heroes to join Donna Troy's galactic squad.
JLA 124 – Possessed by the Deadly Sin, Envy, Green Arrow attacks Batman.
JLA 125 - The Key drives the Deadly Sin Envy out of Green Arrow. Oliver, Manitou Dawn, Black Canary and Batman defeat their foe and then go their separate ways...as the JLA remains disbanded.

Outsiders 31 - Starfire, Jade, Shift and Captain Marvel Jr. join Donna Troy on her mission into space. Feeling the ill effects of the current magic crisis, Captain Marvel Jr. fell back to Earth...leaving his new teammates open to a blindside blitz by Starfire's sister, Blackfire.

Wonder Woman 222 - The Amazons' preparation for war intensifies when they learned that the world knows that Diana killed Maxwell Lord. Wonder Woman plead s not guilty to a charge of homicide in the first degree, but is subjected to confinement in a detention facility by the Hague tribunal. Diana refuses to join Donna Troy's space squad, insisting that her mission is here on Earth...and then defeats Cheetah, who attacked from the shadows. While battling this savage member of the Society, Wonder Woman is unaware that an armada of OMACs have attacked Paradise Island.

Gotham Central 37 - When the Rock of Eternity explodes over Gotham City, Captain Marvel falls to Earth...and crashes into the car of detectives Renee Montoya and Crispus Allen. As super-villains overrun the city, the Fisherman is about to kill Allen, but then detectives Marcus Driver and Josie MacDonald shoot the nautical-based criminal dead.

Superman 223 - Now in possession of the energy-absorbing crystal, Talia creates a new Blackrock. Distracted while battling this new foe, Superman is unaware that Lex Luthor is overseeing a mysterious "project" around the former Fortress of Solitude.

Green Lantern 7 - After fleeing from his battle with Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman on the (now destroyed) JLA HQ, Mongul returned once more to Earth...and quickly enslaved Green Arrow and Green Lantern with Black Mercy parasite plants.

Green Lantern 8 - The world famous tag team of Green Arrow and Green Lantern defeat Mongul, driving their foe off-world.

Infinite Crisis 2 - Power Girl is attacked by Clayface and a host of villains...until the Earth-2 Superman rescues her. The Earth-2 Superman leads Power Girl to Antarctica, where she is introduced to the Earth-Prime Superboy, Earth-2 Lois Lane and Earth-3's Alexander Luthor. Alexander explains to Power Girl that she — like they — came from alternate universes that were either destroyed or absorbed during a former Crisis. Meanwhile, Animal Man joins Donna Troy's space-faring squad on New Cronus, Lex Luthor experiences mental difficulties, Booster Gold returns, the Joker learns that the Society doesn't want him to join their ranks, and Batman learns that an armada of OMACs have attacked Paradise Island. After touching Lois' hand, Power Girl remembers her former life...and Earth-2 Superman tells her that his "true purpose in this universe" was to save Lois by taking her home and that "this corrupted and darkened Earth must be forgotten as ours was, so that the right Earth can return!"

Wonder Woman 223 - With Paradise Island under attack by an OMAC invasion, Diana defied the ruling of the Hague International Criminal Court and broke out of their detention facility. She swiftly journeyed to Themyscira...and was immediately overwhelmed by swarming OMACs.

Aquaman 36 - While trying to heal Mera, the sorcerers of Atlantis attract the attention of the Spectre.

JSA 81 - After helping the JSA save an out-of-control Liberty Belle, Stargirl learns from the Shade that her biological father has died during a Crisis-triggered storm in Star City.

Manhunter 16 - Director Bones of the DEO invites Kate Spencer to work directly for him.

Superman 224 - Flying a stolen jet across the Alaskan tundra, Lex Luthor is blasted out of the sky by an OMAC. Drawing upon his hatred of Superman, Lex was able to defeat the cybernetic soldier, once again donned his infamous armor and continued his mission to kill his doppleganger.

Infinite Crisis 3 - Attempting to heal Mera, the sorcerers of Atlantis attract the attention of the Spectre...who destroys the undersea kingdom. Earth-2 Superman invites Batman to join his quest to bring back his vanished world...but the Dark Knight rejects his offer. Donna Troy's space squad reach the center of the universe, the Flash enters the fray, and an El Paso teenager finds the Blue Beetle scarab. Under an all-out OMAC assault, the Amazons depart with their gods...while Wonder Woman remains to watch Paradise Island sink into the sea. Lex Luthor, Power Girl and Batman all made shocking discoveries about Alexander Luthor and Superboy Prime's hand in the current Crisis.

JSA 82 - After reading the Earth-2 Lois Lane's last written story, Power Girl agonizes over choosing which world she would help live!

Aquaman 37 - While Aquaman was busy fighting an army of Society villains led by Black Manta, Tempest attempted to repel the Spectre from Atlantis...but the embodiment of God's wrath obliterated the fabled undersea kingdom.

Firestorm 20 - While traveling through space with Donna Troy's strike force, Firestorm and Animal Man get entangled in the Rann/Thanagar War.

[Paul Newell]

Teen Titans 30 - As a result of the recent magic crisis, Brother Blood once again returns to life...and brings with him his "new Titans West", comprised of the all-zombie line-up of Phantasm, Kole, Lilith, Hawk, Dove and Aquagirl. Sensing a great disturbance, Raven explains that "death has lost its meaning. The doorway between life and death has been cracked open for years. Ever since Superman came back to us. And then Oliver Queen, Hal Jordan, Jason Todd." Meanwhile, on Earth C, former Zoo Crew members Pig Iron, Rubber Duck and Yankee Poodle reunite to solve the death of Little Cheese...as the mysterious American Eagle hunts for Captain Carrot!

Manhunter 17 - Kate Spencer agrees to become a personal agent for DEO's Director Bones...and then discovers that her grandfather was Al Pratt, the original Atom.

Catwoman 50 - Selina learns that Zatanna — as the sorceress had with the rest of the Secret Society of Super-Villains — altered her mind to "turn from villain to hero!"

Wonder Woman 224 - After Brother Eye had broadcast them killing many OMACs, the Amazons (and Paradise Island) leave our world...while Wonder Woman remains behind to face yet another wave of cybernetic attackers.

Day Of Vengeance: Infinite Crisis Special - The Phantom Stranger, Zatanna, Madame Xanadu and Nabu gather to discuss how to end the Spectre's path of rage. The spirit of vengeance destroys T'Charr and Terataya, the hosts who supplied power to Hawk and Dove. The Phantom Stranger leads an army of supernatural fighters — including the Shadowpact, the Marvel Family, Arion, Zauriel, Deadman, Dr. Occult, Vixen, Black Orchid, Jennifer Morgan, Empress, Freedom Beast, Amethyst, Sala, Traci 13, Valda, Witchfire, Janissary, El Muerto, the Ghost Patrol and Rex the Wonder Dog — to Gotham City, where they recapture the Seven Deadly Sins. During the battle, at the behest of Lex Luthor and his Society, the Wizard and the Demons Three capture Nightshade. The assembled magic users rebuild the shattered Rock of Eternity...but to keep it held together (and trap the Sins back inside), Captain Marvel has to become the Rock's new eternal occupant. Nabu succeeds in driving the Spectre over the edge. In doing so, he attracts the attention of "the Higher Authority", who places the wrathful spirit into a new — and at present time, unknown — host. With this action, Nabu perishes, and with him the Ninth Age of Magic. He instructs the heroes to choose a new Dr. Fate and begin a new age of magic!

Outsiders 32 - Masquerading as Deathstroke, Arsenal "defeats" Grace in front of several Society members, taking the two Outsiders one step closer to infiltrating the villains' HQ. After her evil sister has absorbed a copy of her destructive powers, Starfire barely survives an attack by Blackfire. Starfire, Jade and Shift are unable to learn who had resurrected Blackfire, but they were able to rejoin Donna Troy's team and reach the center of the universe...where a devastating crisis awaits.

Outsiders 33 - Arsenal (disguised as Deathstroke), Grace, Katana, Thunder and Captain Marvel Jr. infiltrate a Society stronghold and rescue Mary Marvel.

Superman 225 - Troubled by Batman's remarks in INFINITE CRISIS #1, Superman defeats a group of fire-based Society members, and tells them that the heroes were no longer mind-wiping villains.

Teen Titans 31 - The Teen Titans free Kid Eternity, who had been chained to the door separating life and death. He then banished Brother Blood to Hell. After discovering that Alley-Cat-Abra murdered Little Cheese, Captain Carrot — joined by American Eagle — reforms the all-new Zoo Crew. Earth-Prime Superboy vows to confront Superboy!

Infinite Crisis 4 - The Society drop Chemo on Blüdhaven, destroying Gotham's sister city. Alexander Luthor reveals to a captive Power Girl that the formation of the Society, the Spectre's war on magic, the O.M.A.C. Project and the Rann/Thanagar war were all part of his plan. Booster Gold learns that the Blue Beetle Scarab is now fused to the spine of teenager Jaime Reyes. Detective Crispus Allen rises from the dead...apparently having become the new human host for the Spectre. Earth-Prime Superboy brutally beats Superboy...and kills Bushido, Wildebeest and Pantha. The combined might of Bart Allen, Max Mercury, Johnny Quick, Jay Garrick, Wally West and Barry Allen removs Earth-Prime Superboy from our world...and with them takes the Speed Force. Alexander Luthor succeeds in bringing Earth-2 back into existence.

Firestorm 21 - The consciousness of Professor Martin Stein saves Jason Rusch from death, then agrees to merge with the troubled young man to help him become a better Firestorm.

Batman 649 - Batman, too far away to avert the disaster, watches in horror as the Society drops Chemo the living bomb on Blüdhaven — the home of Nightwing, Batgirl and Robin.

Adventures Of Superman 648 - Superman battles Chemo in the ruins of Blüdhaven. Chemo strengthens itself by absorbing all radiation from the city and Superman hurls it into space.

Nightwing 116 - Nightwing's grand plan to clean up Blüdhaven is literally blown to bits when the Society drops Chemo on his city. Racing across town, Dick Grayson attempts to save as many citizens as possible...then collapses at the feet of Batman!

Catwoman 51 - Confused about her true moral leanings, Selina breaks into Wayne Manor and told Bruce that she now knows that Zatanna manipulated her mind to the side of good. Bruce then confronts Zatanna, saying that the JLA should have revealed to him what they had done.

Robin 146 - In an effort to find a cure for the mortally injured Superboy, Robin (who recently learned that Blüdhaven was bombed) sneaks into one of Lex Luthor's secret underground laboratories. The Boy Wonder — along with Wonder Girl, Speedy and Beast Boy — quickly encounter a giant, shambling zombie.

Robin 147 - Robin and the Teen Titans invade one of Lex Luthor's secret labs and escaped with an antidote that they use to heal the mortally wounded Superboy.

Crisis Aftermath: The Battle For Blüdhaven #1 - After the Society drops the toxic giant Chemo on Blüdhaven, the government erects a wall around the devastated city...while the Teen Titans rush in to help the surviving citizens. A group of government sanctioned metahumans calling themselves Freedom's Ring order the Titans to vacate the city.

Wonder Woman 225 - With Themyscira gone, Wonder Woman closes her embassy, releases her staff, and flies off to help the heroes that no longer trust her.

Rann/Thanagar War: Infinite Crisis Special - At the center of the universe an assembled superhuman strike force — including Donna Troy, Kyle Rayner, Jade, Alan Scott, Supergirl, Starfire, Adam Strange, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Captain Comet, the Omega Men and more — battle Blackfire's massive army. As two mysterious hands — who we now know belonged to Alexander Luthor — emerge from the destructive cosmic storm, Rann and Thanagar leaders discover that Superboy-Prime was responsible for pushing Thanagar out of its orbit. Realizing the true culprit behind their problems, the leaders end their war. Luthor's giant hands send out waves of destructive energy that kill Jade But before she dies, she transfers her remaining energy into Kyle Rayner, transforming him into Ion — who was called by the Guardians "the first of a new breed, the next step in the evolution of our cause!"

[Paul Newell]

Green Arrow 52 –Green Arrow asked Zatanna to watch Speedy, as he thinks someone is targeting his secret identity.

Green Arrow 53 –Green Arrow and Black Lightning face off against the Mirror Master. But even as they contend with one of the Flash's most fearsome foes, our heroes are left to wonder if someone much scarier is behind the latest Star City scourge.

Green Arrow 54 – Green Arrow and Black Lightning (who revealed to Ollie that he knew the JLA had lobotomized Dr. Light) searched for the newly returned villain…but before they could locate him he attacked Dr. Kimiyo Hoshi, the retired heroic Dr. Light. The evil Dr. Light stole the powers of Hoshi…and then used her to lure Green Arrow and Black Lightning into an ambush by Killer Frost and Mirror Master.

Green Arrow 55 – The Emerald Archer and Black Lightning battle Mirror Master and Killer Frost...who have been sent to distract the heroes while Dr. Light stalks Speedy and Connor Hawke.

Green Arrow 56 – After narrowly escaping Dr. Lights attack, Speedy accidentally led the fiend straight to Team Green's hidden HQ.

Green Arrow 57 – Chased from the Arrow HQ by Ollie and Black Lightning, Dr. Light leaves Mia near death. Summoned by Dr. Light, the archer Merlin then detonates the Arrow HQ...with Black Lightning, Connor Hawke and Speedy still inside.

Green Arrow 58 – A wounded Black Lightning helps emergency rescuers pull a badly injured Connor Hawke from the rubble of Green Arrow's destroyed HQ. Dr. Light leads Green Arrow in a chase across Star City...until the Emerald Archer comes face-to-face with Merlyn, the Society member who blew up Oliver's building.

Green Arrow 59 – While fighting the Emerald Archer, Merlyn detonates numerous hidden bombs and devastates Star City...and then drives two arrows straight through Green Arrow's chest.

Hawkman 49 - After battling an alien armada, Carter and Kendra — alongside their allies Adam Strange, Kyle Rayner, Starman, Captain Comet and the Omega Men — fly headfirst into the cosmic storm at the center of the universe.

Nightwing 117 - Gaining a measure of revenge on Deathstroke (for bombing Blüdhaven), Nightwing tells Ravager that the new eye her father had implanted in her could kill her. Dick Grayson asks Barbara Gordon if she would marry him.

Teen Titans 32 - Superboy-Prime attacks Superboy at the Kent family farm. Titans past and present, the Doom Patrol and the JSA arrive to help subdue the out-of-control teen...only to see him kill Bushido, Wildebeast and Pantha. During the devastation, Beast Boy and the Doom Patrol remember all of their former variations The assembled Flashes sacrifice themselves to remove Superboy Prime from the world.

Birds Of Prey 91 - The new Jack of the Royal Flush Gang — freed from prison during the events of VILLAINS UNITED — goes face-to-face with the Huntress.

Firestorm 22 - Inside the Firestorm Matrix, Jason Rusch and Professor Martin Stein select abilities to rebuild the Nuclear Man...then rush off to join the battle in INFINITE CRISIS #5.

Manhunter 19 - Alan Scott tells Todd Rice (a.k.a. Obsidian) that Jade (daughter of Alan and sister of Todd) has died in the cosmic Crisis. Manhunter kills her father, the son of the original Atom.

Wonder Woman 226 - After reflecting on her long relationship with Superman, Wonder Woman sets off to help her ally during his moment of need.

Infinite Crisis 5 - To launch an all-out assault on Brother Eye, Batman gathers a strike team that includes Booster Gold, Mr. Terrific, Black Canary, Metamorpho, Black Lightning, Green Arrow, Hal Jordan, Jon Stewart and the new Blue Beetle. The Earth-2 Lois Lane dies. Pushed to near madness by grief the Earth-2 Superman goest toe-to-toe with Superman. His mind eventually cleared by Wonder Woman's lasso, the Earth-2 Superman finally realizes what Alexander Luthor was planning...but not soon enough to stop him from triggering his machine and bringing back multiple parallel Earths. Superboy-Prime escapes from the Speed Force and returns to Earth.

This is your life, Superman
Superman 226 - As reality itself splintered, the Earth-2 Superman experiences key moments in his life, from his courting of Lois Lane to his adventures during World War II.
Action Comics 836- From his arrival on our world to his battle with Doomsday to the crisis on the JLA satellite, the Man of Steel experiences multiple versions of key moments in his life.
Adventures of Superman 649 - The Men of Steel continue to live each others "lives" up until the original Crisis, when they suddenly split into multiple versions of themselves fighting.

Teen Titans Annual 1 - As the Titans help the victims of the Blüdhaven bombing, Superboy and Wonder Girl consummate their relationship. After he recovers from his injuries suffered at the hands of Superboy-Prime, Superboy flies off to help his allies in the Crisis.

Teen Titans 33 - With infinite Earths colliding in the heavens, Nightwing and Superboy journey to Alexander Luthor's world-multiplying tower on a mission to smash it.

Infinite Crisis 6 - Batman and his hand-selected squad — including Green Arrow, Black Canary, Mr. Terrific, Black Lightning, Metamorpho, Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Sasha Bordeaux, Booster Gold and the new Blue Beetle—succeed in knocking out the Brother Eye satellite. As a second cadre of heroes attack Alexander Luthor's giant world-smashing hands in the center of the universe, a massive wave of energy explodes outward, leading to the injury and disappearance of many heroes. Power Girl, Martian Manhunter, Lady Quark, Breach, Nightshade, Ray and Black Adam all escape from Luthor's tower The Spectre kills Star Sapphire...and Black Adam kills the Psycho-Pirate. Locked in savage combat, Superboy and Superboy-Prime collide into Luthor's tower...creating a huge explosion. When the smoke clears, the tower is destroyed, Superboy is dead...and only New Earth remains

Omac Project: Infinite Crisis Special - The remains of the Brother Eye satellite-containing secret detailed information on every hero and villain — crashes into the Rub Al-Khali Desert in Saudi Arabia. Multiple international forces — including Checkmate's Sasha Bordeaux and Fire, Israeli Commandos, a Chinese metahuman and Russia's Rocket Reds — descend upon the still-active satellite. Defying the orders of Amanda Waller (Checkmate's acting Black King), Sasha succeeds in destroying Brother Eye...and the ensuing blast kills her newly acquired nanobots, freeing Sasha of her body's armor.

Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special - The Society arranges simultaneous prison breaks around the globe — then assembles the legion of super-villains to attack Metropolis. Using Oracles files, the Martian Manhunter telepathically gathers an army of heroes to face the foes — who are joined by Doomsday.

Infinite Crisis 7 - In Metropolis, a wave of heroes defeats a horde of marauding super-villains — but not without massive property damage and many fatalities. During the fight, Alexander Luthor narrowly eludes the grasp of Wonder Woman and Batman — and instead is killed by the Joker and Lex Luthor. Amidst the action, Bart Allen returns in the Flash costume — but later gives up his mantle and surrenders the suit to Jay Garrick. After a violent brawl through space, Superman and Earth-2 Superman defeat Superboy-Prime. Tragically, due to the injuries he suffered at the hands of his foe, Earth-2 Superman dies. Back on Earth, word spread that many heroes — including Cyborg, Adam Strange, Firestorm, Starfire, Animal Man, and Uncle Sam — are either missing or have given their lives to save the world. After the dust cleared, Batman, Wonder Woman, and (a now depowered) Superman repaired their friendship — and each went their separate ways to re-evaluate their actions, vowing to reunite should the world need them again. In their place, an army of heroes stand ready to defend humanity, including many new champions.

[Lord S]

Ok I bought 'Infinite Crisis' #1, plus the 'OMAC Project' trade...I have been a Marvel guy ever since I started collecting comics...the only DC titles I've ever bought are those in conjunction with Marvel, (Marvel vs DC, Amalgam stuff, The Hunger, etc)...and of course I know of some of the more popular characters in DC, (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Darkseid, a little bit of Green Lantern), but not much else.

As stated, I'm a Marvel guy...but there's so much buzz about 'Infinite Crisis', that I just had to pick it up. I have a basic understanding of what happened during 'Crisis on Infinite Earths', (the multiverse was basically pruned, right?), but I really have no sense of what's going on in DC continuity.

Given the fact that I know so little about DC, will I have any hope of understanding what's happening during 'Infinite Crisis'?

I really want to get into DC...but there are too few 'Marvel Directory' type sites out there, dedicated to DC Comics. Or maybe there are, and I just haven't found them.

[Paul Newell]

Geoff Johns said that the first two issues of IC will "catch you up" on events.

Check out this site:

http://www.mykey3000.com/cosmicteams/index.html

Plus there's the FAQ's here and, anything else, don't be afraid to ask questions. :)

[Steven Spielbergo]

Hi, I'm new here. Yep.

Anyway, I have a question for clarification. In the checklist, you have Rann/Thanagar happening after all the other tie-ins, and before Crisis of Conscience. I don't know if you grouped them up for easier posting (if you did for those, you didn't for the others), but it appears that they're all happening at once.

However, I think this may result in a large continuity snafu. You see, Hawkman appears in both CoC and R/TW. However, if they're happening at roughly the same time (by the logic presented above, and the first issue of IC), then how is this possible?

Again, just clarification.:)