by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

All of the chapters of the Tomorrowverse DC Universe Movie series have been leading to this. Something has caused a wave of destruction that is rapidly spreading across the multiverse. To stop this ultimate threat, a being known as The Monitor has gathered heroes from scattered worlds to save all of reality. Get ready, because Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One has arrived!

“Worlds will live, worlds will die and nothing will ever be the same”. 

If you are a fan of DC Comics, you probably know that the term “Crisis” ties back to game-changing events that help to redefine the state of the DC Universe as we know it. “Crisis on Infinite Earths” was a multi-part epic that was released in January 1985, and the ramifications of that event continue to be felt to this day. The convoluted alternate universes and different character interpretations at the time lead to an event that would provide a clean slate for creators, streamlining characters and their respective histories in order to offer a new jumping on point for readers. If this sounds familiar, it’s because DC has reset the table a number of times since this event, but none of them did it quite as big Crisis did. Despite the short lived Tomorrowverse, it is an appropriate way to wrap up this universe as James Gunn and Peter Safran take the reigns of both the future live-action and animated installments. This is the first time that the Warner Bros. Discovery animation team has done a 3-part release like this, and it feels appropriate that an adaptation of the ultimate fan-favorite story is the final bow on this series. 

The Flash takes center stage for this first chapter, which feels like the best possible choice given his previous reality-hoping adventures in Justice Society: World War II. The Monitor has recruited heroes from a variety of Earths (that specific choice will be explained later), and some of the teases that we’ve seen from previous Tomorrowverse finally come together to create the bigger picture in this adventure. We quickly learn how dire the situation has become, but through the eyes of The Flash, we also get to experience a ray of hope in the fight against impossible odds. What is really going on with Barry’s non-linear “time-skipping”, and what does it have to do with the battle at hand? Although this might be the beginning of the end of this universe, we are treated to the formation of the Justice League and the development of some key relationships in the DC Universe.

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One features Darren Criss as Superman & Earth-2 Superman, Stana Katic as Wonder Woman & Superwoman and Jensen Ackles as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Matt Bomer as The Flash/Barry Allen, Meg Donnelly (Legion of Super-Heroes) as Supergirl & Harbinger, Jimmi Simpson as Green Arrow, and Zachary Quinto as Lex Luthor. The film also features Jonathan Adams as Monitor, Ike Amadi as J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter, Amazing Man & Ivo, Geoffrey Arend as Psycho Pirate & Hawkman, Zack Callison as Dick Grayson/Robin, Alexandra Daddario as Lois Lane, Alastair Duncan as Alfred, Matt Lanter as Blue Beetle & Ultraman, Ato Essandoh as Mr Terrific, Cynthia Hamidi as Dawnstar, Aldis Hodge as John Stewart/Green Lantern & Power Ring, Erika Ishii as Doctor Light/Dr. Hoshi & Huntress, David Kaye as The Question, Ashleigh LaThrop as Iris West, Liam Mcintyre as Aquaman & Johnny Quick, Nolan North as Hal Jordan, Amazo & Homeless Man, Lou Diamond Phillips as The Spectre & Owlman, Keesha Sharp as Vixen and Harry Shum Jr. as Brainiac 5. As big as the adventure is, this story ultimately becomes a character study on Barry and Iris. Matt Bomer and Ashleigh LaThrop perfectly capture the magic of their relationship, and this movie is a testament to the importance of that couple in DC’s history. Jensen Ackles gets some truly impressive Batman moments in this story, including a wonderful interaction with an alternate version of Dick Grayson. The creative team included a few surprises as well, including memorable interactions with the Charlton Comics characters (The Question & Blue Beetle), Huntress, Aquaman and more. Liam Mcintyre’s performance as Johnny Quick was surprisingly impactful and tragic, adding a nice layer to the Earth-3 villain. Nolan North’s portrayal of Amazo rivals that of Robert Picardo from Justice League/Justice League Unlimited, and you will absolutely feel for the android by the story’s end. 

The creative team for Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One featured producers Jim Krieg and Kimberly S. Moreau, executive producers Butch Lukic, Sam Register, and Michael Uslan, director Jeff Wamester, casting and voice direction by Wes Gleason, and script by Jim Krieg. Of all of the installments in the Tomorrowverse series of films, this one feels like the strongest. The source material is revered amongst comic fans, and it feels like the creative team truly understood the assignment. I’ll admit, these last few movies have been hit or miss for me from a story perspective (I’m still frustrated by the narrative of Green Lantern: Beware My Power), and I was pleasantly surprised by all of the choices in this adventure. 

Special Features

Crisis Primer: The filmmakers reveal in detail their intricate plan to create a comprehensive animated universe across seven films, concluding with the events of the three-part adaptation Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths.

The Selfless Speedster: Explore The Flash’s legendary role in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” comic series, the creative process that brought him to life in the animated adaptation, and the vocal performance behind his heroic and romantic story.

Silent Treatment – Film Clip from Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two (Digital Only)

Overall

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One is a win for DC fans, and hopefully the future parts will continue with this upward trend as this iteration of the DC Animated Movie Universe comes to an end. 

Rating:
ComicsOnline is pleased to give Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One – 4.5/5 Flash-centric stories. 

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