DC Crisis Reading Order: Timeline & Essential Issues
Table of Contents
In the sprawling narrative landscape of DC Comics, the word “Crisis” carries seismic weight. It’s not just a dramatic title—it’s a signal that the very foundation of the universe is about to shift.
At its core, a Crisis is a large-scale crossover event designed to tackle continuity chaos, streamline timelines, or radically reinvent the status quo. These stories often feature multiverse-level threats, sprawling casts of heroes and villains, and high emotional stakes that leave permanent marks on the DC Universe. From collapsing parallel Earths to rewriting the origin stories of major characters, Crises are narrative turning points—some resetting the board entirely, others deepening the mythos.
The concept began with Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985, which sought to unify decades of tangled storytelling into a single coherent universe. Since then, DC has returned to the Crisis well to reboot, clarify, or challenge its continuity—each time inviting readers to witness history in the making.
If you’re wondering how to make sense of DC’s universe-shattering events, this guide is your roadmap. We’ll walk you through each major Crisis, explain how they connect, and show you exactly where to start. Whether you’re a casual fan or a continuity obsessive, there’s a path through the chaos—and it starts here.
The Main DC Crises in Chronological Order
DC’s Crisis events are seismic shifts—narrative earthquakes that reset, redefine, or reimagine the multiverse. Here’s a chronological breakdown of the ten most pivotal Crises, each reshaping the DC Universe in its own radical way.
1. Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985–1986)
Overview:
The event that started it all. Designed to simplify decades of continuity, Crisis on Infinite Earths collapsed the Multiverse into a single universe, killing off entire worlds and rewriting the rules of existence.
Core Issues:
- Crisis on Infinite Earths #1–12
Key Tie-Ins:
- DC Comics Presents #78
- All-Star Squadron #50
- Swamp Thing #46
- Dozens of series were affected across the line.
Top Resources:
2. Zero Hour: Crisis in Time (1994)
Overview:
A temporal reboot, Zero Hour tackled inconsistencies left behind by Crisis on Infinite Earths, offering a clean slate by unraveling time itself.
Core Issues:
- Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #0–4
Key Tie-Ins:
- All DC titles released in August 1994 (marked with “Zero Month”)
Top Resource:
3. Identity Crisis (2004)
Overview:
Not a literal reboot, but a moral and emotional Crisis. This murder mystery rocked the Justice League’s foundations and revealed disturbing secrets behind the cape-and-cowl fraternity.
Core Issues:
- Identity Crisis #1–7
Key Tie-Ins:
- None required, but the fallout ripples across several series.
Top Resource:
4. Infinite Crisis (2005–2006)
Overview:
A direct sequel to Crisis on Infinite Earths. The Multiverse cracks open again, heroes clash, and long-lost legends return in a story that reintroduces chaos to DC’s newly ordered cosmos.
Core Issues:
- Infinite Crisis #1–7
Key Tie-Ins:
- Countdown to Infinite Crisis
- The OMAC Project
- Day of Vengeance
- Rann-Thanagar War
- Villains United
- Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman arcs
Top Resources:
5. Final Crisis (2008)
Overview:
Grant Morrison’s metaphysical mind-bender. Final Crisis pits DC’s heroes against the Anti-Life Equation and a reality-warping Darkseid, with the fate of free will itself on the line.
Core Issues:
- Final Crisis #1–7
Key Tie-Ins:
- Superman Beyond
- Legion of Three Worlds
- Revelations
- Rogues’ Revenge
- Final Crisis: Submit
- Batman #682–683 (key fallout)
Top Resources:
6. Flashpoint (2011)
Overview:
Barry Allen’s personal tragedy unravels the timeline, leading to a broken world—and the launch of The New 52. A fast-paced, reality-shattering mini-event.
Core Issues:
- Flashpoint #1–5
Key Tie-Ins:
- Multiple character-based mini-series (Batman: Knight of Vengeance, Project Superman, etc.)
Top Resource:
7. Convergence (2015)
Overview:
DC’s attempt to reconcile decades of timelines by trapping them in domes and forcing characters to battle across eras. A nostalgia-fueled sandbox before Rebirth.
Core Issues:
- Convergence #0–8
Key Tie-Ins:
- 40+ two-issue mini-series spotlighting characters from various timelines.
Top Resource:
8. Dark Nights: Metal (2017)
Overview:
Batman opens a portal to the Dark Multiverse, unleashing nightmare versions of himself—including the infamous Batman Who Laughs. A heavy metal fever dream of cosmic proportions.
Core Issues:
- Dark Nights: Metal #1–6
- Prequel: Dark Days: The Forge and The Casting
Key Tie-Ins:
- Batman: Lost, The Wild Hunt, Gotham Resistance
Top Resource:
9. Dark Nights: Death Metal (2020)
Overview:
The sequel to Metal amps the stakes. The Multiverse is dying, Wonder Woman leads the charge, and DC continuity is reimagined for a new era.
Core Issues:
- Dark Nights: Death Metal #1–7
Key Tie-Ins:
- Trinity Crisis, Speed Metal, Rise of the New God, The Last 52
Top Resource:
10. Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths (2022)
Overview:
A return to the legacy of Crisis on Infinite Earths. With the Justice League “dead,” it’s up to a new generation to rise—and for the Multiverse to return in full.
Core Issues:
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #1–7
- Prelude: Justice League #75, FCBD Dark Crisis #1
Key Tie-Ins:
- Dark Crisis: Worlds Without a Justice League
- The Deadly Green, Young Justice, and others
Top Resources:
Crisis at a Glance – Summary Table
| Crisis Event | Core Issues | Years | Main Resources |
| Crisis on Infinite Earths | 1–12, multiple tie-ins | 1985–86 | [1][2] |
| Zero Hour | 0–4 | 1994 | [3] |
| Identity Crisis | 1–7 | 2004 | [4] |
| Infinite Crisis | 1–7 preludes/tie-ins | 2005–06 | [2][5] |
| Final Crisis | 1–7 full tie-in suite | 2008 | [2][6] |
| Flashpoint | 1–5 mini-series tie-ins | 2011 | [7] |
| Convergence | 0–8 supplemental titles | 2015 | [7] |
| Dark Nights: Metal | 1–6 | 2017 | [7] |
| Death Metal | 1–7 | 2020 | [7] |
| Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths | FCBD + 1–7 | 2022 | [8][3] |
How to Read DC Crisis Events (Tips for Beginners)
So you’re ready to dive into DC’s most reality-bending events—but where do you actually begin? With dozens of timelines, tie-ins, and multiverse resets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s your beginner-friendly strategy to make sense of it all.
Start with Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985–1986)
This is ground zero. Crisis on Infinite Earths marks the first major overhaul of the DC Universe, collapsing the original Multiverse into a single timeline. Even if you don’t read every issue, understanding this event is essential—it’s the narrative DNA behind nearly every Crisis that follows.
Pro Tip: Read issues #1–12 of Crisis on Infinite Earths first, then use a modern guide to explore any tie-ins that interest you.
Mainline First, Tie-Ins Optional
Each Crisis has a “core” mini-series—these are your essentials. Tie-ins vary in relevance. Some deepen character arcs (Rogues’ Revenge in Final Crisis), others are pure filler. If you’re new to DC or short on time, stick to the main series.
Core reading = the Crisis itself
Tie-ins = the Crisis in full color
Completionists might want every perspective. Casual readers? Just follow the mainline.
Understand the Continuity Stakes
Not every Crisis is a clean slate. Some reshape the entire universe (Crisis on Infinite Earths, Flashpoint), others deepen existing narratives (Identity Crisis, Final Crisis), while a few serve as connective tissue (Convergence, Zero Hour). Think of them as points on a spectrum:
- Hard reboots: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Flashpoint
- Soft reboots: Infinite Crisis, Death Metal
- Continuity-rich stories: Identity Crisis, Final Crisis
Understanding where a Crisis sits on this spectrum helps set your expectations—and guides your reading priorities.
Not Every “Crisis” Reboots the Universe
Crisis may be in the name, but not every event is about hitting the reset button. Identity Crisis is a grounded, emotionally charged mystery that changes characters more than timelines. Dark Nights: Metal explores cosmic horror and alternate Batmen, but doesn’t reboot continuity directly.
If you’re looking for tight storytelling over big cosmic changes, don’t skip Identity Crisis or Metal.
Match Your Reading Depth to Your Curiosity
- Just Curious? Stick to the mainline Crisis series—no tie-ins needed.
- Getting Invested? Add a few prelude and aftermath issues to understand the build-up and fallout.
- Going Full Detective? Use a guide (like Comic Book Herald or Treasury) to read every tie-in, crossover, and subplot in order.
There’s no wrong way to read a Crisis—just the way that keeps you turning pages.
Recommended Resources & Reading Lists
Navigating the Crisis landscape can be overwhelming—but thankfully, the comics community has mapped the terrain. Whether you want clean checklists, annotated timelines, or every tie-in in publication order, these resources will help you read smarter and deeper.
1. Comic Book Treasury
What it offers:
- Clear breakdowns of each major DC Crisis
- Core reading lists + tie-ins
- Excellent for beginners and collectors
Start here if: You want a guided, no-fuss tour through every Crisis.
Visit Comic Book Treasury »
2. Comic Book Herald
What it offers:
- Event-by-event reading orders with tie-in recommendations
- Commentary on continuity shifts and character arcs
- Preludes and aftermath coverage
Start here if: You’re a continuity geek who wants to see how the puzzle fits together.
Explore Herald’s Crisis Guides »
3. Omniverse Comics Guide
What it offers:
- Clean, chronological story maps
- Reading orders by event and by character
- Helpful for tracking down collected editions
Start here if: You care about collecting and prefer an intuitive layout.
See Omniverse Crisis Map »
4. Comics Bookcase – Dark Crisis Focus
What it offers:
- Dedicated checklist for Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths
- Covers preludes, tie-ins, and FCBD issues
Start here if: You’re jumping in with DC’s most recent Crisis.
View the Dark Crisis Checklist »
5. Wikipedia
What it offers:
Start here if: You want a broad overview before committing to reading.
Start with Crisis on Infinite Earths »
- High-level synopses of events
- Publication history and context
- Cross-media connections (TV, film)
6. CBR & Screen Rant
What they offer:
- Opinionated rankings of Crisis events
- Chronological breakdowns
- Commentary on what each event means
Start here if: You want historical perspective or are deciding which Crisis to read first.
CBR’s Crisis Ranking »
7. Reddit (r/DCcomics) Fan Guides
What it offers:
- Community-vetted reading lists
- Deep dives from passionate fans
- Excellent for alternate suggestions and obscure tie-ins
Start here if: You want reader-driven insight and discussion.
Browse Crisis Order Thread »
8. ComicBookReadingOrders.com
What it offers:
- Master DC timeline
- Crisis-centric event flowcharts
- Integration with character and imprint timelines
Start here if: You’re building a mega reading list across DC history.
Go to Master Timeline »
Optional Deep Dive – Crisis Themes & Impact
Crisis events aren’t just explosions of capes and cosmic stakes. They’re editorial inflection points—bold statements about who the DC Universe is, who it should be, and what needs to be left behind. Here’s how each Crisis reshaped the DC landscape, both in-story and behind the curtain.
What Each Crisis Changed in the DC Universe
- Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985):
Obliterated the original Multiverse. Reset all continuity to a single timeline. Rebooted origins for Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and others. Deaths of Supergirl and Barry Allen defined the era. - Zero Hour (1994):
Attempted to clean up Crisis’ lingering inconsistencies. Collapsed alternate timelines, reestablished a unified chronology, and subtly rebooted characters like Hawkman and Green Lantern. - Infinite Crisis (2005–2006):
Reopened the multiverse concept while restoring legacies. Reintroduced Earth-2 and the idea of a “Hypertime.” Solidified the moral divide between old-school heroes and postmodern ethics. - Final Crisis (2008):
Reached deep into metafiction. Destroyed the idea of a fixed continuity, challenged reader perception, and temporarily removed Bruce Wayne from the timeline. - Flashpoint (2011):
Erased nearly all prior continuity in favor of The New 52. Younger versions of heroes. New origins. A clean break—controversial, bold, and ultimately temporary. - Dark Nights: Metal / Death Metal (2017–2020):
Reintroduced the Dark Multiverse as a realm of fear and failure. Redefined canon: “everything happened, everything matters.” Ended with the idea of an Omniverse. - Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths (2022):
Reaffirmed legacy and hope. Brought the Infinite Multiverse back permanently. Elevated second-generation heroes like Jon Kent and Wally West to central roles.
The Evolution of the Multiverse
- Pre-Crisis Era:
Dozens of Earths (Earth-1, Earth-2, Earth-X) with wildly different versions of the same heroes. - Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths:
One Earth, one timeline. Simpler—but messier in the long run. - Post-Infinite Crisis / 52:
52 universes. Controlled diversity. A sandbox for alternate stories. - Post-Death Metal:
An Omniverse. Everything is canon. Reality is flexible. Continuity is shaped by story, not enforced editorial lines.
From one Earth to infinite Earths to “everything happened”—DC’s multiverse has morphed into a narrative tool as much as a setting.
Character Arcs Impacted
- Barry Allen:
Dies in Crisis on Infinite Earths, becomes a legend. Returns in Final Crisis, ushering in Flashpoint and The New 52. - Wally West:
Steps out of Barry’s shadow post-Crisis. Becomes the Flash. Marginalized during The New 52. Restored as a legacy icon in Rebirth and Dark Crisis. - Superman:
Rebooted multiple times (Crisis, Birthright, New 52, Rebirth). His origin is often the first reset when a new continuity begins. - Batman:
Surprisingly stable across Crises. Always a cornerstone—but events like Final Crisis and Metal challenge his role as the multiversal constant. - Wonder Woman:
Rewritten post-Crisis and again for New 52. Restored as a pillar of truth in Death Metal and elevated to cosmic relevance.
Behind the Curtain: Editorial Motives vs Narrative Needs
- Crisis on Infinite Earths was driven by the need to simplify decades of tangled continuity—and boost sales with a once-in-a-generation event.
- Zero Hour came in response to post-Crisis confusion and the desire to clean house mid-90s.
- Infinite Crisis was a thematic reaction to darker storytelling. DC wanted to re-embrace legacy, but didn’t fully commit.
- Flashpoint and The New 52 were motivated by declining readership and a desire to modernize. The reboot was less about story, more about marketing.
- Death Metal and Dark Crisis reflect a shift away from rigid continuity. DC embraced the idea that stories should come first—continuity is a tool, not a cage.
Each Crisis is a mirror: what’s happening on the page often reflects what’s happening in the boardroom.
F.A.Q
1. Do I need to read every DC Crisis in order?
No—but it helps.
You can absolutely enjoy individual Crisis events on their own, especially Identity Crisis, Flashpoint, or Dark Nights: Metal. However, reading them in order—from Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985) onward—offers a richer understanding of how the DC Universe evolved. If you’re continuity-curious, chronological reading is the way to go.
2. Which DC Crisis rebooted the universe?
Several Crises have rebooted continuity, but these are the most significant:
Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985): Collapsed the original Multiverse into a single Earth.
Zero Hour (1994): Attempted to fix post-Crisis continuity and timeline confusion.
Flashpoint (2011): Rewrote the entire timeline, launching The New 52 universe.
Dark Nights: Death Metal (2020): Ushered in the Omniverse concept, where all past stories are canon.
3. What’s the best starting point for new readers?
Start with Crisis on Infinite Earths if you want the full legacy context. If you’re looking for something more modern and accessible:
Flashpoint (2011) is fast-paced and self-contained.
Identity Crisis (2004) is grounded, emotional, and character-driven.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths (2022) is great for fans of legacy heroes like Jon Kent and Wally West.
Choose your jumping-on point based on whether you prefer cosmic stakes, emotional depth, or modern continuity.
4. Are the Crisis events connected to DC movies or TV shows?
Yes—especially in the Arrowverse.
The CW’s “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover (2019–2020) drew heavily from the original 1985 comic, featuring cameos from various DC film and TV universes.
In animation, several Crises are adapted in pieces. In film, the upcoming DCU reboot (under James Gunn) is expected to loosely incorporate Crisis-level multiverse concepts.
5. Where can I find collected editions of each Crisis?
Most DC Crisis events are available in trade paperback, hardcover, and digital formats. Look for:
Amazon or Bookshop.org for physical editions
Comixology / DC Universe Infinite for digital reading
Local comic shops and libraries for curated recommendations
Many collections include tie-in issues and companion volumes for a fuller reading experience. Check guides from Comic Book Treasury, Comic Book Herald, or Omniverse Comics for edition recommendations.
Bonus Resources
1. Timeline Infographic: Major Crises by Year & Continuity Impact
DC Crises Through the Years: What Changed and When
| Year | Event | Continuity Impact |
| 1985 | Crisis on Infinite Earths | Reboot: Multiverse collapsed to single Earth |
| 1994 | Zero Hour | Timeline reboot and restructuring |
| 2004 | Identity Crisis | No reboot; psychological shift in storytelling |
| 2005 | Infinite Crisis | Soft reboot; multiverse reintroduced |
| 2008 | Final Crisis | Metaphysical shift; reality and free will |
| 2011 | Flashpoint | Hard reboot; The New 52 begins |
| 2015 | Convergence | Continuity bridge; pre-Crisis worlds revived |
| 2017 | Dark Nights: Metal | Introduced Dark Multiverse |
| 2020 | Dark Nights: Death Metal | Reboot to Omniverse; “everything is canon” |
| 2022 | Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths | Reaffirmed legacy; Infinite Multiverse restored |
2. Core Issues + Key Tie-Ins
Ultimate DC Crisis Reading Checklist
Core Reading List
- Crisis on Infinite Earths #1–12
- Zero Hour #0–4
- Identity Crisis #1–7
- Infinite Crisis #1–7 + tie-ins (OMAC Project, Villains United, etc.)
- Final Crisis #1–7 + Superman Beyond, Revelations, Submit
- Flashpoint #1–5 + key minis (Knight of Vengeance, etc.)
- Convergence #0–8
- Dark Nights: Metal #1–6 + prequels/tie-ins
- Dark Nights: Death Metal #1–7 + specials
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #1–7 + Justice League #75
Bonus Tie-In Recommendations
- Countdown to Infinite Crisis (2005)
- Batman #682–683 (Final Crisis)
- Superman #220–225 (Infinite Crisis lead-up)
- Dark Days: The Forge / The Casting (Metal prelude)
- Worlds Without a Justice League (Dark Crisis)
Great for collectors, checklist lovers, or digital readers building a library.
3. Suggested Bundles (Physical/Digital)
Print Collections (Available via Amazon, Bookshop, or DC)
- Crisis on Infinite Earths Deluxe Edition
- Infinite Crisis Omnibus
- Final Crisis Absolute Edition
- Flashpoint: The 10th Anniversary Box Set
- Death Metal: Deluxe Hardcover
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths: Complete Collection
Digital Reading (Platforms)
- Comixology Unlimited – Frequent bundles and sales
- DC Universe Infinite – Best for subscribers; full Crisis catalog available
- Humble Bundle (limited runs) – DC Crisis packs for cheap
- Libby / Hoopla – Free access via public libraries