Crisis on Infinite Earths is a landmark 12-issue American comic book limited series published by DC Comics from 1985 to 1986. Written by Marv Wolfman and pencilled by George Pérez, it was conceived as a way to celebrate DC's 50th anniversary while streamlining its notoriously convoluted multiverse continuity. The story features a vast ensemble of heroes from across parallel Earths who unite to battle the Anti-Monitor, a cosmic entity determined to destroy all of existence.
The series is famous for its epic scale and high stakes, resulting in the deaths of major characters such as the Flash (Barry Allen) and Supergirl (Kara Zor-El). Its conclusion merged all surviving parallel Earths into a single, unified timeline, fundamentally reshaping DC Comics continuity for decades. This event established the concept of the 'mega-crossover' event in mainstream superhero comics.
Crisis on Infinite Earths is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential comic book stories ever published. Its narrative structure and universe-altering consequences set a template that both DC and Marvel would follow for years, making it a touchstone for superhero storytelling and a frequent reference point for adaptations in other media.
