Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4 is an event comic published by DC, written by Joshua Williamson, art by Daniel Sampere, colours by Alejandro Sánchez and letters by Tom Napolitano. As Hal Jordan and Barry Allen travel to Multiverse in search of the Justice League, alliances on Earth are forged.
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The title of this chapter is “Crossovers,” and that is truly what it feels like. The size of this event remains clear from the several different threads happening at the same time as different heroes and villains alike are trying to deal with the oncoming darkness and Deathstroke’s army. It makes the scale of the threat seem universal. But throughout the story are groups joining together. Black Adam and the Legion of Doom. The Justice Society and the scraps of the Titans and the new Justice League. Flash and Hal. Not only is it a broad variety of characters but disciplines.
On Earth, both scientists and magic users have sensed the dark energy and are starting to analyze it. But whilst there are these big groups, no one is safe. There is a sudden and explosive ambush on one of the outfits, causing a surprising and powerful battle. The final act of this issue is gigantic in its stakes as Pariah’s plans start to come to fruition.
Whilst Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4 is the size of a universe, it is still the characters within that make it beat. Every interaction is gorgeous and shows Williamson’s remarkable understanding of each figure in this book. Even if they have one line of dialogue, they shine. A defeated feeling is prevalent in many characters and it is palpable. The interactions are also beautiful. Perhaps the greatest of them all is Nightwing and Alan Scott. It is a brilliant example of the mood within much of this comic, as Dick struggles with the guilt of Garfield’s attack. The emphasis placed on Nightwing and his leadership in this event is amazing, highlighting his importance. But it is also heartwarming to see Flash and Green Lantern fighting to save the universe again as a duo and trying to rescue their friends. Detective Chimp is another character with a damaged soul due to losing a friend, and it is heartbreaking to see so many heroes be so shattered. And the politics among the villain community is fascinating, as the upper echelons of the Legion of Doom consider what to do with the mercenaries within Deathstroke’s squad.
The art is glorious yet again. Every character looks incredible and Sampere’s designs are stunning. It is also the worlds themselves that are jaw-dropping. The different Earths Barry and Hal explore have tall skyscrapers that are entirely unique. This book has a real majesty to it and it is the locations and the locations that are crucial for that. Each area feels fully realised. The changes in Deathstroke and his army show that something has changed and are implemented through heavy inking. There are big battles filled with a lot of players, and those different matchups are choreographed and planned brilliantly.
The colours are sensational. The relationship between light and darkness is magnificent, especially in pages involving Alan Scott. Places like Garfield’s hospital room have been displayed in darkness since the last issue, but Green Lantern illuminates that area, In the alternate worlds, the colours are less natural, covered in specific shades. This creates an artificial look on the planet, hinting that they aren’t real. The lettering remains easy to read and the SFX are extremely dynamic.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4 has everything an event issue needs. It has some characters rallying to arms and some shrinking under the pressure. It has unlikely allies being made to face horrific, monstrous enemies. It has shining beacons of hope before that is submerged in darkness. The art is jaw-dropping and the battles are intense. And then an ending that could threaten everything on a universal scale. The name change of the event has just elevated the stakes to an extreme level.
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Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4
TL;DR
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4 has everything an event issue needs. It has some characters rallying to arms and some shrinking under the pressure. It has unlikely allies being made to face horrific, monstrous enemies. It has shining beacons of hope before that is submerged in darkness. The art is jaw-dropping and the battles are intense. And then an ending that could threaten everything on a universal scale. The name change of the event has just elevated the stakes to an extreme level.
