Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 3 Review

I love the Crisis story from DC Comics. It is one of their most popular runs. The CW's Arrowverse despite its flaws did a solid job with their version a few years ago, centered heavily on my favorite character: The Flash. Barry Allen's heroic sacrifice, mirroring the pivotal moment from the Crisis on Infinite Earths comic, establishes the high stakes and emotional depth of the trilogy. Justice for Barry Allen always.

The final installment of the Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths movie trilogy concludes the Tomorrowverse, adapting the last part of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez's Crisis on Infinite Earths comic event. This trilogy was a part of the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU), which began with Superman: The Man of Tomorrow in 2020. The Tomorrowverse was shaping its own continuity within DC's animated offerings.

However, changes at Warner Bros. Discovery, particularly with James Gunn and Peter Safran taking over DC Studios, led to a shift in direction. They aimed to streamline the DC Universe across both TV and movies. This strategic decision effectively ended the Tomorrowverse while it was still in its early stages. This move suggests a larger initiative to consolidate DC's storytelling across different media platforms, potentially aligning continuity and creative direction more closely across TV shows and theatrical releases.

The Tomorrowverse, despite its brief existence, attempted to establish a unique animated continuity for DC characters. Its closure marks a transition in how DC properties are managed and presented, reflecting broader shifts in the entertainment industry's approach to shared universes and franchise management.

Following Supergirl's pivotal action of killing the Monitor, his body unleashes energy that relocates all surviving parallel Earths to The Bleed. This dimension is characterized as a pocket dimension outside of time and space, inaccessible to the Anti-Monitor. Unlike the first two parts, which focused on character setup and establishing key players, Part Three dives straight into action. The first hour of the movie is dedicated to depicting the immediate aftermath of the relocation to The Bleed. This suggests a shift towards exploring the consequences of this drastic move, likely focusing on how the heroes and inhabitants of the surviving Earths adapt and cope with their new reality.

By emphasizing immediate consequences and reactions rather than prolonged setup, Part Three aims to intensify the sense of urgency and stakes. This approach keeps the narrative momentum high, potentially leading to faster-paced developments and escalating conflicts as characters navigate their new environment and confront ongoing threats.

The departure from extended setup to immediate action not only serves to engage the audience with dynamic storytelling but also allows for significant character development under pressure. Alliances will be tested, new challenges will arise, and the heroes will have to quickly adapt their strategies to survive and ultimately overcome the crisis.

Two other relationships that are briefly explored are the ones the Supermen of Earths 1 and 2 have with specific heroes from their respective worlds. In the case of the Earth-1 Superman, his relationship with his cousin Kara Zor-El AKA Supergirl is the one that gets the most focus. This makes sense given the larger role the Girl of Steel has in the Crisis storyline, especially in Part Three. While Crisis Part Two focused on Kara's relationship with the Monitor and how it shaped her decision to become a hero, Part Three brings her storyline full circle when she chooses to sacrifice her life to destroy the Anti-Monitor and keep her cousin safe. When the Earth-1 Superman holds Supergirl's lifeless body, the weight of her death is more strongly felt. Who doesn't love that iconic cover?

Kevin Conroy's last movie as Batman did him justice. He has left a void that can never be filled.

This trilogy not only serves to wrap up ongoing storylines but also aims to celebrate DC's expansive multiverse and the interconnectedness of its characters. By weaving together diverse elements such as multiple Earths, legacy heroes, and epic battles, it attempts to deliver a comprehensive and emotionally resonant experience for fans of DC's animated universe.

What did you think of the trilogy? Leave a comment!