Going into this conclusion, many questions have arisen after reading the series and its tie-in issues. At the end of this, the biggest question that came to my mind was, “is this Crisis worthy?” With all the hype, drama, and multiverse involvement, does this live up to being a big part of DC Comics’ history? I can confidently say that the art team of Daniel Sampere, Jack Herbert, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, and Rafa Sandoval deliver some wild spectacles for the eye to behold.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7!
The first thing that hit me about this event was the use of Nightwing, and I enjoyed how Joshua Williamson went full circle. There is an excellent callback to the opening with the oath that Dick Grayson took and how he kept the candle. The exchange that Bruce and Dick have at the end is emotional and reminds us of their bond as father and son. I loved that Bruce shared that Dick was the only one to hold back the darkness. I am very curious about the future of Nightwing and the Justice League, as hinted in the scene.
That moment helps to amplify the idea of legacy in the DC Universe. The original Crisis on Infinite Earths started in April of 1985, so that would make 2022 the 37th anniversary of the story; Infinite Crisis began in December of 2005, which was the 20th anniversary. Why is it essential to have a Crisis this year? I’m sure some of the fallout with the increase of new characters and changes have made some feel like DC Comics is way different than what it was, and I think there is some truth to that. A significant change came with Flashpoint, and even the most recent Infinite Frontier helped to show that things are different. Williamson nailed that concern perfectly by having Black Adam and Deathstroke voice that issue.
Having those two be that voice worked throughout this series, and in the end, it was inevitable that they would face off and one would turn. I know I haven’t invested too much with the modern heroes, but seeing them featured here showed their potential and value, so I can understand how Black Adam had a change of heart. There was another moment of value for the rookies with an exchange between Barry Allen and Hal Jordan, helping to remind us that they are part of that legacy and how accepting we were of them, while challenging us to open up to new characters as well. Williamson did a fine job of showing how all these characters can work together and exist. He sold me on the current legacy of DC Comics with Jon Kent and others while even looking forward to more heroes to build up these families. Speaking of families, you’ll like some great scenes with the Flash and Green Lantern families.
Now to the big question: did this have to be a Crisis? The inclusion of Pariah, the Great Darkness, and the return of the Multiverse help to make it so. Those items were the hype that enabled this to be big and justify all those beautiful scenes of heroes and villains clashing, groups of characters for splash pages, and even moments of awe in space. Yet the central struggle of Pariah and the Great Darkness seemed to be of him dealing with his madness and sorrow, which resolved the last issue, and the anger of Deathstroke could’ve been a minor story arc within its own thing. This event seemed on a level of JLA’s Crisis of Conscience combined with a multiverse threat.
In the end, the art department kept Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths at a top-tier level with page after page of spectacle. I cheered when I saw the Flash family race across the Multiverse and when Black Adam lit up the DC Heroes. I was worried when Dick Grayson was alone in the darkness, and I’m hopeful for what will come next that all the heroes feel like they have a place. Massive applause to all the artists mentioned earlier, and colorists Alejandro Sanchez, Alex Guimaraes, Romulo Fajardo Jr, and Matt Herms, along with the letterer Tom Napolitano for a fantastic feast for the eyes. While I appreciate the return of the Multiverse, it did take a backseat to the drama and trauma of Deathstroke, which made it feel grounded. In the end, Joshua Williamson’s saga was very entertaining and helped to gather heroes to rise and bring hope.
Nightwing fans won’t want to miss Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 as it is a huge character moment for the character. Legacy and darkness will be challenged in the DCU, and we will see the outcome with this conclusion. Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere, along with an All-Star lineup of talent, deliver a show for the ages for the future of all worlds.
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