CRISIS COMPANION

In 1985, DC Comics launched the most ambitious crossover event in comics history: Crisis on Infinite Earths. Four decades later, filmmaker and lifelong comic book fan Kevin Miller unpacks the tangled web of continuity, creators, and corporate pressures that gave rise to this multiverse-shattering epic. The Crisis Companion is both a personal love letter to the series and a deep dive into its history, from the classic 1961 Gardner Fox "Flash of Two Worlds" story that introduced the concept of multiple Earths, through the annual Justice League/Justice Society team-ups that led to the complicated DC continuity that Crisis aimed to fix. This book features original interviews with Marv Wolfman, Paul Levitz, Jerry Ordway, Bob Greenberger, Mike DeCarlo, Peter Sanderson, Roy Thomas, Cary Bates, Dan Jurgens, Mike Gold, and others who helped shape the series and the DC Universe itself. It explores how Crisis transformed our perception of comics continuity, redefined superhero storytelling, and introduced the multiverse concept to mainstream culture. This richly layered volume includes a full-color gallery, and a detailed, issue-by-issue commentary and examines the event’s far-reaching consequences, from the rise of endless reboots to the dominance of event-driven publishing. Whether you’re a casual fan or a full-fledged “Crisisologist,” this is the definitive companion to one of the most influential comic book series ever published.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs