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It was very ambitious for Warner Bros to attempt an animated adaptation of one of the most complex and critical events in DC Comics history. Crisis on Infinite Earths was considered a landmark of its time for forcing the entire DC Comics roster to merge in a universe-destroying crossover event. There’s a fatal flaw with this adaptation, however, as that comic is only made compelling by being fully invested in aware by the comics that preceeded it. The reverence is not that present and the tale arrives during an era where the multiverse is more tired than intriguing.
It doesn’t help that Warner Bros’ Tomorrowverse saga of direct-to-video animated films haven’t had a good batting average. Despite the mild victories with the old-fashioned wonder of Man of Tomorrow and the body-horror aspect of Legion of Superheroes, few films have found their groove. For a universe that has been around for less than four years, it’s hard to feel something for it all coming to an end.
Part One of this trilogy does have some bright spots for the struggle of this adaptation. Barry “The Flash” Allen plays a crucial role in the events of Earths from various dimensions being obliterated. He works alongside other heroes, as well as his love interest of Iris West to save as many Earths as possible. What makes this arc so unique is that we get to witness a lifetime of romance and dedication, culminating in a bittersweet finale for Barry and Iris as they struggle to fight off the inevitable.
While the arc of The Flash alone would make for a decent animated film, the crowding of Crisis is in full swing for this film as the story becomes complicated and confusing. Many heroes in different variations converge and you better have your Tomorrowverse flow chart handy to catch everything. You’ll also need to watch the previous DC Comics animated movie arc involving John Constantine to grasp why he plays a role in all of this.
But even if you have been buying/renting every DC Comics animated film prior, you’ll still be scratching your head if you’re familiar with the events of comic book origins. A host of essential figures are introduced, as with the conspiring Psycho Pirate, the exposition spewing Harbinger, the all-knowning Monitor, and the even-more-knowing Spectre that haunts Monitor. Their presence adds an unecessary level of intricacy, especially for a film that throws the evil Justice League of Earth-3 into the mix.
There’s potential in the first chapter of Crisis on Infinite Earths, but it’s squandered as it progresses. Barry’s story has some heart to it, but it rarely has a chance to fully take flight amid the meet-and-greet of DC Comics characters. Had the film only been about the relationship between Barry and Iris, this would’ve been a great way to adapt the complex story by George Pérez and Marv Wolfman. Sadly, the faithfulness to the source makes this film stumble into boring territory, presenting little faith for the two other installments. For a film that seems as though it wants to adhere to the lore, Part One chose the most boring parts to preserve.
