Dark Crisis Reading Order: The Complete Guide
The comic book world is full of different tie-ins and crossover events that involve different comic book series working together to form one bigger event that affects the greater narrative of the comic book universe. Of course, DC is full of those different crossover events, as we have seen this in the form of some of the biggest events that eventually changed the entire DC universe and retconned some of the stories involving certain characters.
With that said, the latest crossover event in the DC universe is the Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths (Dark Crisis for short), which follows the death of the Justice League at the hands of a group of powerful beings called the Dark Army, which is controlled by the Great Darkness. As such, the entire multiverse was set to become a stage for a huge battle between the Dark Army and the remaining heroes that needed to step up to fill the hole left by the Justice League.
So, for those interested in getting to know more about Dark Crisis, which is still an ongoing superhero crossover event in the DC universe, we have a Dark Crisis reading order that will allow you to catch up and understand more about what is happening in this event.
Dark Crisis Reading Order At A Glance
Background Reading
- Crisis on Infinite Earths
- Swamp Thing (1982 series) #49-50
- Multiversity #2
- Dark Nights: Death Metal
- Trial of the Amazons
- I Am Batman
- Teen Titans Academy #1-15
- Superman: Son of Kal-El
Prelude
- Infinite Frontier #0-6
- Infinite Frontier Secret Files
- Justice League Incarnate #1-5
- Justice League vs. Legion of Super-Heroes #1-6
- Shadow War Crossover
- Justice League (2016 series) #75
- Dark Crisis Free Comic Book Day Special Edition 2022 #1
- Justice League: Road To Dark Crisis #1
Dark Crisis
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #1
- Dark Crisis: Young Justice #1
- The Flash #783
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #2
- Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Superman #1
- Dark Crisis: Young Justice #2
- The Flash #784
- Aquamen #6
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #3
- Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Green Lantern #1
- Dark Crisis: Young Justice #3
- The Flash #785
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4
- Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Wonder Woman #1
- Dark Crisis: Young Justice #4
- The Flash #786
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #5
- Dark Crisis: The Deadly Green #1
- Dark Crisis: Young Justice #5
- Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Green Arrow #1
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #6
- Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1
- Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Batman #1
- I Am Batman #15
- Dark Crisis: Young Justice #6
- Dark Crisis: War Zone #1
- Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7
Dark Crisis Reading Order
While these comic books aren’t entirely important to the overall Dark Crisis storyline, it is worth mentioning that you won’t be able to understand a few things about the characters involved without getting to know them first. As such, you might want to read these comic books for you to enrich yourself with the knowledge you need to understand Dark Crisis.
Crisis on Infinite Earths
One of the biggest DC comic book events in history is Crisis on Infinite Earths, which set up an entire war against an incredibly powerful being called the Anti-Monitor, who is one of the strongest beings in the DC universe and is capable of easily defeating Superman and all of the members of the Justice League. There are a lot of references regarding this comic book, and that means that the entire reading experience will be quite long if you also want to read the buildup and tie-ins related to Crisis on Infinite Earths, which is actually connected to Dark Crisis.
Swamp Thing (1982 series) #49-50
While Swamp Thing isn’t necessarily an important part of the Dark Crisis storyline, it is worth mentioning that the ultimate enemy in Dark Crisis is the Great Darkness, which is the embodiment of darkness in the DC multiverse and was created to kill God itself. In that regard, reading Swamp Thing 49 to 50 will allow you to understand more about the Great Darkness, which first appeared in the Swamp Thing comic book series.
Multiversity #2
One of the most important teams that will be involved in the storyline of the Dark Crisis is the Justice League Incarnate. Of course, reading Multiversity 2 will allow you to see the first-ever appearance of the Justice League Incarnate, which should be a good experience for those who want to get to know more about this group.
Dark Nights: Death Metal
Dark Night: Death Metal isn’t necessarily an important read for those who want to see what’s up with Dark Crisis. But the thing about this comic book is that it allows you to understand the very concept of the DC Omniverse and how it became what it is today.
Trial of the Amazons
Trial of the Amazons is a Wonder Woman event that happened in 2021, and it was one of the comic books that introduced more Amazon characters while giving them the spotlight they needed to shine. The reason why you might want to read this comic book is to understand Yara Flor’s position in the DC universe and to get to know more about the character herself.
I Am Batman
Jace Fox is a legacy Batman character and is the son of Lucius Fox, who is one of Bruce Wayne’s most trusted allies. In that regard, the only way for you to get to know more about Jace Fox is to read the I Am Batman comic book.
Teen Titans Academy #1-15
Teen Titans Academy 1 to 15 will allow you to get to know more about the Titans and the Teen Titans and what they have been doing before the events of Dark Crisis. That’s because the younger heroes are going to be important during the events of the entire Dark Crisis storyline.
Superman: Son of Kal-El
Superman: Son of Kal-El will allow you to get to know more about Jon Kent, who is the son of Cark and Lois Kent. Of course, Jon is a legacy character that ended up carrying the Superman mantle himself. And he is going to be one of the most important characters in the entire Dark Crisis storyline due to the death of his father.
Before the events of Dark Crisis, there are also comic book storylines that will allow you to understand what led to the rise of the conflict and problems during the entire Dark Crisis storyline. This is why these comic books are going to be important for you to truly understand the greater Dark Crisis crossover event.
Infinite Frontier #0-6
Infinite Frontier is a miniseries that allows you to see some of the events that will lead up to Dark Crisis, as this involves some storylines that are actually quite informative regarding the different characters involved in Dark Crisis.
Infinite Frontier Secret Files
Infinite Frontier Secret Files is actually an optional read that you may want to read after Infinite Frontier or in between issues 3 and 4. Nevertheless, it is a tie-in with Infinite Frontier, and that’s why it is a great storyline to follow.
Justice League Incarnate #1-5
Justice League Incarnate is a comic book storyline that is actually the sequel to Infinite Frontier. That means that this is one of the comic books that actually sets up the entire Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths event.
Justice League vs. Legion of Super-Heroes #1-6
While Justice League vs. Legion of Super-Heroes isn’t necessarily an important read, the thing that you will notice is that there are a lot of hints that will make you see that a bigger event (Dark Crisis) is on its way.
Shadow War Crossover
Shadow War is a crossover series involving different Batman characters, like Batman, Robin, and Deathstroke. While it isn’t necessarily directly connected to Dark Crisis, it has a few elements that will build up the events of Dark Crisis.
Justice League (2016 series) #75
Even though Justice League 75 is a prelude story, it is actually the most important comic book issue to read if you want to understand the greater Dark Crisis storyline. That’s because, yes, this is the comic book that allows you to see the death of the Justice League and the reason why the rest of the heroes left on Earth know that the Dark Army of the Great Darkness is on its way.
Dark Crisis Free Comic Book Day Special Edition 2022 #1
Dark Crisis. Free Comic book Day Special Edition 2022 is a free comic book series that will allow you to understand some of the events that led to the Dark Crisis storyline. It follows how a new generation of superheroes are given the opportunity to rise up after the death of the Justice League so that they can save the entire multiverse and the DC universe itself.
Justice League: Road To Dark Crisis #1
Justice League: Road to Dark Crisis #1 is another prelude story that tells the story of how the world reacted to the death of the Justice League. It also allows you to see which superheroes will try to rise up to the challenge of filling the massive hole left by the universe’s greatest superhero group. In that regard, it sets up a great roster of heroes that are going to help make Dark Crisis more interesting.
The following comic books are the main part of the entire Dark Crisis storyline. As such, this is where the Dark Crisis event really comes to fruition.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 (of 7)
This is where the Dark Crisis truly begins, as we now follow the events that happened after the death of the Justice League and the rise of the Dark Army. The remaining heroes that stepped up to the challenge to protect the universe are caught in a series of violent attacks from some of the greatest villains in DC history. Nevertheless, these legacy heroes are given a chance to step up and step into the shadows left by their predecessors as the Dark Crisis commences.
Dark Crisis: Young Justice #1
Dark Crisis: Young Justice is a tie-in series with the larger Dark Crisis storyline. It follows the events that happened after the start of the Dark Crisis, as Tim Drake, Impulse, and Superboy go missing. And the only person concerned about them is Wonder Girl, who ends up discovering that the three Young Justice boys are in a dream world that they possibly wouldn’t want to leave.
The Flash #783
Barry Allen is still alive because he wasn’t with the Justice League during the death of the mightiest superhero group in the universe. However, both Wally and Wallace, two characters that carried the mantle of the Flash, now have to look for Barry Allen not only because of his abilities but also because he is their mentor.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #2
After the first Young Justice comic book series in the Dark Crisis storyline, we return to the main story, which is issue 2 of Dark Crisis. In this storyline, we follow the events that transpire as the different forces of evil are trying to seize the opportunity to wreak havoc on a planet with no more justice league to defend it. The one leading this attack is Slade Wilson, who is fueled by his inner rage and is about to lay siege on the Titan Tower, with Nightwing being the only one left to defend it. In that regard, Dick Grayson has to find a way to contend with Deathstroke’s army, all while Pariah and the Dark Army make their landing on planet Earth.
Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Superman #1
After the death of the Justice League at the hands of the Dark Army, there are comic books that chronicle the events of the world without some of the members of the Justice League, as we see how the world is affected by the death of Superman in this issue. Essentially, it allows you to see an entire world that mourns the loss of the Man of Steel.
Dark Crisis: Young Justice #2
Dark Crisis: Young Justice 2 follows the story of Wonder Girl after she saved Impulse, Superboy, and Tim Drake in the fantasy world they were trapped in. However, the problem was that there was another Wonder Girl back on Earth, searching for the trio of Young Justice heroes. This makes you wonder if the Wonder Girl with Impulse, Superboy, and Trim Drake is the real one or if the one on Earth is the one who is actually trying to find them.
The Flash #784
The one hero that was noticeably absent during the events that led to the death of the Justice League was Barry Allen, who is the Flash. That’s because he was busy with some sort of a reality-warping event. In that regard, Wally and Wallace go on the planet where Pariah trapped Barry, but the thing is that this wasn’t the happiest of reunions between the different characters carrying the mantle of the Flash.
Aquamen #6
Aquamen is a comic book issue that follows the story of the different Atlantis heroes after the death of Arthur Curry, who we know as Aquaman. Mera and the rest of the heroes have to find a way to accept the loss of their beloved Arthur. However, Jackson himself ends up finding comfort from his own father, who is the last person he would expect to mourn with him.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #3
The third issue of Dark Crisis follows the story of the war that Hal Jordan launched against Pariah and the Dark Army. Take note that Hal wasn’t the Green Lantern that died during the death of the Justice League. In that regard, it is basically one Green Lantern against an entire army of some of the most powerful villains in the universe. Meanwhile, we also follow the story of how Deathstroke continues his assault on Titan Tower and how the young heroes are going to have to trust Black Adam’s brutal tactics to defeat Slade Wilson’s own army.
Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Green Lantern #1
The death of Green Lantern John Stewart affected the entire world, but his spirit lives on in Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Green Lantern, where he takes flight with Red Hood and Kyle Rayner to defend his planet in this storyline. In that regard, this is also a comic book that celebrates John Stewart’s Green Lantern, who died fighting the Army of Darkness alongside the rest of the Justice League.
Dark Crisis: Young Justice #3
Dark Crisis: Young Justice continues with its third issue as we get to see the dream world holding Superboy, Impulse, and Tim Drake captive, bringing back Deathstroke, Captain Boomerang, and Lex Luthor. In that regard, the real Wonder Girl has to hurry to save her friends in time before they end up perishing at the hands of the people that caused them pain.
The Flash #785
The Flash 785 allows you to see the continuation of the search for Barry Allen as the speedsters thought that they had saved him from Pariah, as Wallace ends up falling into the clutches of the leader of the Dark Army himself. That said, we get to see how the younger speedsters are going to have to find a way to save themselves and Barry just in time.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4
Dark Crisis 4 is set to release in September 2022. Of course, it will continue the larger Dark Crisis storyline, wherein the Dark Army is still on Earth to wage war against the remaining members of the DC superhero core.
Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Wonder Woman #1
Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Wonder Woman is the Wonder Woman storyline that will tell the story of Diana and her legacy. The comic book will also include a Martian Manhunter backup story that will also shed some light on the character’s legacy.
Dark Crisis: Young Justice #4
At this point, we hardly know anything about the fourth issue of Dark Crisis: Young Justice except for the fact that it will be released in September. Nevertheless, we do know that it’s going to continue Wonder Girl’s search for her allies.
The Flash #786
In The Flash 786, Wally is seen exhausted after having to run nonstop ever since he stepped up after the loss of the Justice League. However, he finally finds a way to save Barry while also preventing Wallace from falling into the hands of Pariah. The issue will be available on September 20.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #5
Available on October 4, Dark Crisis 5 will continue the entire Dark Crisis storyline as we are now nearing the conclusion of one of the biggest comic book events in DC history.
Dark Crisis: The Deadly Green #1
We don’t know a lot about what the Deadly Green will be, but we do believe that it is a one-shot comic book issue that will try to explore the Green and how it will try to affect the greater storyline regarding the Dark Army’s effect on the planet.
Dark Crisis: Young Justice #5
Dark Crisis: Young Justice 5, which will be released on October 18, is set to be the penultimate issue of the Young Justice side story in the greater Dark Crisis narrative.
Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Green Arrow #1
Available in October, Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Green Arrow will narrate the story behind Green Arrow following his death. In that regard, this is another legacy issue that will also include a story regarding Black Canary.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #6
Available in November, Dark Crisis 6 is the penultimate issue of the greater Dark Crisis storyline. Of course, it will continue the story from where Dark Crisis 5 ended.
Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1
Dark Crisis: The Dark Army is a one-shot comic book that will be available on November 22. It is possible that this will tell the story of the Dark Army and the different characters that are a part of it.
Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League – Batman #1
Finally, we get to the Batman issue of the Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League. Of course, this will tell the story about the legacy left behind by Batman, who is one of the greatest heroes the DC universe has ever seen.
I Am Batman #15
I Am Batman will seek to continue the Jace Fox storyline as the new Batman and how he is involved with the entire Dark Crisis storyline.
Dark Crisis: Young Justice #6
This will be released in November and will finally conclude the storyline of Young Justice in the entire Dark Crisis storyline.
Dark Crisis: War Zone #1
At this point, we are unsure of what War Zone will be, but we do know that it will be released early in December.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7
The final issue of Dark Crisis will be released in December and will conclude the entire Dark Crisis storyline. It is possible that there will be other comic book issues that are going to connect with the Dark Crisis storyline after the end of the Dark Crisis. But as far as the mainline Dark Crisis story is concerned, the seventh issue will be the conclusion.