Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

The Multiversity

The Multiversity is a miniseries written by and published by Comics from August 2014 to April 2015, consisting of eight interconnected one-shots and a guidebook that explore the DC Multiverse through diverse alternate Earths and heroic archetypes. The series centers on an invasion of the by the , extradimensional parasites who corrupt realities via haunted that infect readers' minds, prompting heroes from various Earths—including pulp adventurers, Nazi conquerors' foes, and cosmic monitors—to unite against this meta-fictional threat. Morrison's narrative innovates by embedding recursive storytelling, annotations, and philosophical reflections on comics as a medium, drawing from his prior works like while expanding the 52-Earth framework established in continuity. Critically acclaimed for its ambitious scope and artistic variety—featuring collaborators like , , and —the project has been lauded as a pinnacle of Morrison's oeuvre for its imaginative multiversal traversal, though some readers note its dense, non-linear structure demands multiple readings to unpack.

Origins and Conceptual Foundations

Grant Morrison's Multiverse Vision

conceived The Multiversity as a project to impose structural order on DC Comics' by delineating distinct parallel Earths, each embodying archetypal genres such as heroism on Earth-20, motifs on Earth-18, and elements on Earth-13, thereby countering the fragmentation caused by decades of retcons and crossovers. This classification aimed to treat the as a foundational system akin to a periodic table, enabling predictable interactions and evolutions among universes rather than perpetual chaotic resets via events. Initially discussed in with an intended release, the series gained renewed focus in 2011–2012 amid DC's initiative, which rebooted the primary continuity; Morrison adapted the framework to integrate with this relaunch, emphasizing empirical mapping of variant realities over further narrative upheavals. The Bleed, depicted as the hyperdimensional fluid separating and linking these Earths, facilitates cross-universal travel and influence, underscoring Morrison's intent for a causally interconnected cosmology grounded in mythos. Central threats like the Empty Hand emerge from meta-fictional strata beyond the standard —perceived as the "" realm from a reader's vantage—embodying forces that consume and recycle entire continuities, mirroring real-world publishing cycles of reboots and cancellations. This villainy highlights Morrison's critique of external disruptions to internal narrative logic, positioning the as a resilient, self-aware construct defending against such incursions.

Influences from DC History and Broader Comics

The concept of parallel Earths in DC Comics originated during the Silver Age, with The Flash #123 (September 1961) introducing "The Flash of Two Worlds," where Barry Allen () meets Jay Garrick (), establishing a framework that reconciled and Silver Age continuities by positing separate dimensions for older heroes. This expansion allowed for diverse storytelling without overwriting established lore, empirically boosting market interest through crossovers like the encounters. Subsequent DC events like (1985–1986), written by and illustrated by , consolidated the into a single universe to address overload from decades of parallel worlds, but this simplification inadvertently fostered new narrative bloat as writers retroactively reconciled histories, complicating rather than resolving long-term canon issues. (2005–2006) partially revived multiversal elements by reintroducing Hypertime and alternate realities, yet retained a core single-universe structure, setting precedents for layered realities that The Multiversity (2014–2015) directly referenced in mapping Earths while critiquing the deletion of characters and worlds as seen in . Post-New 52 reboot (September 2011), which imposed a unified timeline and erased much pre-2011 continuity, DC experienced an initial sales surge— with 52 #1 issues collectively exceeding 2.5 million units in North America—but subsequent plateauing, as average unit sales for ongoing titles dropped from peaks like Justice League #1's 187,160 copies to under 50,000 by 2013, signaling reader fatigue with constrained narratives and demand for legacy expansions including multiversal returns. Grant Morrison's The Multiversity responded by fully restoring an infinite multiverse within the New 52 framework, drawing on these historical cycles to define Earths via prior DC precedents rather than wholesale reinvention. Broader comics influences include Alan Moore's (1986–1987), whose deconstructive narrative techniques—employing nonlinear storytelling and superhero archetypes as cultural critique—informed The Multiversity's "Pax Americana" one-shot, which mirrored 's structure across backward-forward panels to subvert causality while expanding multiversal scope. Morrison's earlier meta-experiments, such as fourth-wall breaks in (1988–1990), provided causal groundwork for The Multiversity's self-referential , where comics-within-comics enable interdimensional threats, echoing industry-wide shifts toward reader-aware fiction post-1980s .

Development of the 52-Earth Framework

The 52-Earth framework for The Multiversity was constructed by writer in collaboration with designer Rian Hughes, who illustrated the multiversal map featured in The Multiversity Guidebook #1, published by DC Comics on January 28, 2015. This map systematically cataloged the by assigning numerical designations to 52 parallel Earths, drawing directly from verifiable archetypes in DC's publishing history rather than inventing new ones arbitrarily. Morrison referenced prior events and character variants to define each world, ensuring the framework reflected empirical precedents like the Silver Age's (heroic mainstream) and (villain-dominated Crime Syndicate). Specific designations highlighted archetypal variations: Earth-1 embodies aspirational, youthful heroes akin to those in DC's Earth One graphic novel series, emphasizing potential and idealism. Earth-3 serves as the inverted counterpart, home to the Crime Syndicate of America—Ultramann, Owlman, and Superwoman—as evil doppelgangers of the Justice League, a concept originating in 1964's Justice League of America #29-30. Earth-23 introduces Calvin Ellis, a Superman who doubles as the U.S. President, modeled on Barack Obama's 2008 election and styled in a socio-political vein to explore leadership archetypes. These assignments prioritized structural fidelity to DC's accumulated lore over narrative convenience. The rationale for exactly 52 Earths stemmed from the multiverse reconfiguration in DC's 2005-2006 Infinite Crisis event, which explicitly generated 52 parallel universes to resolve prior continuity paradoxes, a count later echoed in the 2011 relaunch with its 52 ongoing titles. Morrison extended this into a tiered cosmology, dividing the into positive-matter spheres (the core 52 Earths), negative-matter regions, and the universe (Qward), mirroring real physical distinctions between types to underpin interdimensional travel mechanics—such as vibrational or Bleed traversal—thus enforcing causal constraints on cross-Earth interactions rather than permitting unchecked . To avoid selective omission, the framework incorporated Earths spanning DC's full historical genres, including underrepresented ones like Earth-47's retro-futuristic pirate societies (evoking 1970s and crossovers) and Earth-13's gothic vampire and magic-dominated realm (drawing from and occult titles). This exhaustive approach mapped pulp sci-fi (Earth-11), Westerns (Earth-18), and post-apocalyptic settings (Earth-17), ensuring the served as a complete archival representation of DC's output from onward.

Creative Team and Production

Writing and Scripting Process

Grant Morrison scripted The Multiversity as a modular series of eight issues, comprising six one-shots and two framing installments, each designed to function independently while interconnected through multiversal "bleed"—a causal mechanism allowing narrative elements, threats, and motifs to seep across parallel Earths. This hyperlink structure emphasized non-chronological linkages, such as recurring symbols like the or interdimensional travel via comic books within the story, enabling readers to trace influences retroactively rather than via linear exposition. Unlike standard DC superhero events that rely on sequential crossovers with centralized plot threads, Morrison's incorporated nested s to embed sub-stories reflecting higher-dimensional oversight, as seen in The Multiversity #1 where protagonists navigate tales printed on paper, fostering a reader-as-participant dynamic that resolves apparent inconsistencies through interpretive engagement. This approach aimed to minimize plot holes by treating discrepancies as deliberate manifestations of multiversal interference, contrasting with the streamlined of prior DC initiatives like . Scripts included detailed panel breakdowns to guide artists in visualizing these layered realities, with dialogue often refined post-layout to enhance thematic density. The intensive scripting phase followed extended development, with Morrison composing most scripts in a concentrated "torrent" akin to his Seven Soldiers project, after initial outlines post-Final Crisis in 2008. Core writing and revisions spanned 2012 to 2014, culminating in the script for The Multiversity #1 by its August 20, 2014 publication. This burst method allowed holistic integration of the 52-Earth framework, ensuring causal realism across issues without compromising individual autonomy.

Artistic Contributors and Styles

Ivan Reis provided the artwork for The Multiversity #1, released August 20, 2014, with inks by Joe Prado, delivering expansive, detailed compositions that capture the cosmic scope of interdimensional incursions and multiversal architecture, emphasizing against vast, otherworldly backdrops. Chris Sprouse illustrated The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World #1, published September 17, 2014, employing clean, precise linework and meticulous panel layouts to depict a diverse of pulp-era navigating a comic-book-within-a-comic on Earth-20, highlighting intricate designs and dynamic sequences that evoke early 20th-century serials. Frank Quitely's contributions to Pax Americana #1, dated November 19, 2014, featured hyper-detailed realism and non-chronological panel structures, including deliberate 9-panel grids reminiscent of Watchmen, to explore causality loops and moral ambiguities among Charlton Comics analogs on Earth-4, with Quitely's anatomical precision and environmental storytelling underscoring themes of predestination and conspiracy. Cameron Stewart handled Thunderworld Adventures #1 from September 2014, adopting a fluid, exaggerated style with bold shading and kinetic poses to homage golden-age pulp aesthetics for Earth-5's Marvel Family, rendering thunderous battles and archetypal heroism in a vibrant, period-specific manner that contrasts sharply with more modern issues. Ben Oliver's gritty, textured rendering for The Just #1, released October 22, 2014, conveyed teen angst and monstrous transformations on Earth-Prime through heavy inks and distorted perspectives, amplifying the horror elements of young heroes confronting cosmic entities. This deliberate deployment of disparate artistic styles—ranging from Reis's epic grandeur to Quitely's structural experimentation—served to visually delineate the parallel Earths' cultural and thematic archetypes, empirically reinforcing the series' core premise of multiversal variance by assigning tailored that mirror each world's inspirational sources, such as golden-age or deconstructive cynicism. However, the abrupt shifts between collaborators introduced inconsistencies in visual continuity, with handoffs occasionally disrupting pacing and reader immersion, as noted in contemporaneous reviews critiquing the lack of a unified house style despite the innovative per-issue tailoring. Such variance achieved breakthroughs in formal experimentation, like Quitely's time-bending layouts, but demanded reader to sustain engagement across the format.

Editorial Oversight and Challenges

DC Comics' editorial leadership, particularly co-publisher , emphasized integrating The Multiversity's multiversal framework with initiative to reinforce across titles while preserving Morrison's conceptual . DiDio advocated for the project's alignment with the relaunch's streamlined , viewing Morrison's decades-spanning ideas as a foundational expansion rather than a contradiction, which facilitated approval without imposing wholesale revisions. Production challenges stemmed from logistical constraints, including artist scheduling conflicts and the intensive demands of rendering diverse, high-fidelity worlds by specialized talents such as and , whose detailed approaches extended timelines. These issues caused the series to deviate from its initial late-2013 target, postponing the debut as editorial coordinated to mitigate disruptions without curtailing Morrison's scope. Oversight maintained a pragmatic by endorsing modular one-shots that tested commercial —evidenced by selective assignments to issues—while averting vetoes on ambitious elements like the 52-Earth structure, thereby prioritizing narrative innovation over rigid cost controls amid New 52's sales pressures. This approach reflected causal factors like variable throughput rates, which empirically delayed output but preserved quality integral to the project's viability.

Publication History

Announcement and Intended Schedule

Grant Morrison first teased The Multiversity at the 2011 , presenting it as an ambitious event series exploring ' multiverse through a structure of one-shots bookended by a central , with an initial target launch in summer 2012. provided further details in September 2012 at "MorrisonCon," confirming a late 2013 publication schedule for what was described as an eight-issue consisting of six standalone one-shot issues framed by a two-part opening and closing story. Promotional materials highlighted the project as a comprehensive atlas of the DC Multiverse, explicitly linking it to the 52 parallel Earths framework established in relaunch of 2011, positioning The Multiversity as the publisher's authoritative mapping of these realities ahead of the solicited issues.

Release Delays and Adjustments

Originally announced in September 2012 with an intended publication start in late 2013, The Multiversity #1 faced significant delays, ultimately releasing on August 20, 2014. The postponement stemmed primarily from scheduling challenges in coordinating the series' diverse artistic team, each issue featuring a different matched to specific narrative styles and Earths. Subsequent issues followed a staggered schedule across 2014 and 2015, comprising eight one-shots, the framing Multiversity #1 and #2, and The Multiversity Guidebook (designated as #0), for a total of nine releases. Publication adjustments included shifting the Guidebook to January 28, 2015, to precede later one-shots, while planned explorations of additional Earths were omitted to accommodate artist availability and production timelines. The series finale, Multiversity #2, was delayed from an initial April 1, 2015, target to April 29, 2015, aligning with broader event scheduling like . Despite these delays, initial market reception remained strong, with Multiversity #1 selling 90,551 copies to North American comic shops in August 2014, ranking fourth overall that month. Later issues like Thunderworld Adventures #1 moved 47,714 units in 2014, indicating sustained reader interest amid the adjusted rollout.

Initial Sales and Market Performance

The Multiversity #1 debuted strongly in August 2014, with an estimated 90,551 copies sold to North American comic shops according to sales estimates derived from data, securing the fourth position on the month's top sales chart behind titles like Batman #34 and #8. This performance reflected heightened retailer orders driven by Morrison's established reputation for innovative storytelling, particularly following successes like . Subsequent one-shot issues showed a decline, with The Multiversity: Society of Super-Heroes #1 selling approximately 65,022 units in 2014, a 28.2% drop from the debut issue. Pax Americana #1, released in November 2014 after delays, recorded an estimated 53,001 units sold to shops, placing it within the top 50 but indicative of waning momentum amid the series' irregular schedule. Overall initial sales positioned The Multiversity as moderately successful within DC's lineup, outperforming many ongoing titles but falling short of blockbuster events like , whose #1 issue in 2013 exceeded 170,000 units through aggressive crossover promotion. The drop-off from the flagship issue correlated with reader fatigue from the initiative's expansive continuity, which had seen average sales plateau after early post-relaunch highs in 2011-2012. Retailer interest waned for later entries due to the project's structural complexity and setbacks, contributing to that, while respectable for a miniseries, did not sustain the debut's velocity in a market shifting toward more accessible event-driven narratives. Diamond's market share data for in late highlighted this trend, with The Multiversity's figures underscoring a reliance on creator draw rather than broad franchise appeal.

Narrative Structure and Synopsis

Overarching Plot and Threat

The central conflict in The Multiversity revolves around an by the Empty Hand, a malevolent extradimensional force that commands the —entities described as voracious consumers of fictional realities who infiltrate universes by manipulating to corrupt inhabitants into mindless, story-devouring agents. These attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the Bleed, the cosmic medium forming barriers between parallel Earths, allowing them to propagate destruction across the Multiverse's dimensions by treating and stories as permeable gateways rather than impermeable shields. This peril amplifies the supervisory role of the Monitors, cosmic entities introduced in (2008–2009), where figures like Dax Novu—originally a pristine observer who succumbed to multiversal corruption—embodied the ongoing vigilance against existential threats to narrative integrity; the Empty Hand emerges as a superior adversary, orchestrating incursions that Monitors such as Nix Uotan detect and counter through multiversal alerts. To combat this, protagonists from disparate Earths convene in a coalition orchestrated by Nix Uotan, prioritizing ensemble resilience and cross-dimensional synergy over isolated messianic interventions, thereby underscoring the multiverse's dependence on unified heroic action to seal breaches and repel the encroaching void.

Framing Issues: The Multiversity #1 and #2

The Multiversity #1, released on August 20, 2014, serves as the opening frame for the series' meta-narrative, introducing the structural map of the Multiverse and the initial incursion by extradimensional invaders known as the . The issue features Nix Uotan, the last surviving —a cosmic overseer of realities—who detects anomalies signaling a breach between worlds, prompting him to assemble the , a team comprising champions from across the Earths, to investigate and counter the threat on Earth-7. This oversized 80-page installment includes annotations that elaborate on the multiversal architecture, emphasizing the fragility of narrative barriers and the role of higher-dimensional entities in maintaining cosmic order. In The Multiversity #2, published on April 29, 2015, the narrative culminates in a trans-multiversal confrontation, uniting heroes from various Earths against the Gentry's ultimate weapon, culminating in a symbolic act of resistance. Nix Uotan, empowered as the , coordinates the defense, leading to a climactic sequence where assembled protagonists deliver an "infinite-mass punch"—a metaphorical construct representing willpower and reader agency—to breach protective fields and vanquish the adversary. This resolution underscores themes of narrative intervention, portraying the act of reading and engagement as a participatory force capable of altering fictional outcomes and restoring multiversal equilibrium. These framing issues distinguish themselves from the intervening one-shots by prioritizing oversight from Monitor-level perspectives and abstract threats transcending individual Earths, rather than localized adventures. While the one-shots explore grounded conflicts on specific worlds, #1 and #2 establish and resolve the overarching , framing the as a vulnerable superstructure susceptible to meta-fictional incursions that demand intervention beyond conventional heroism. This bookend structure reinforces causal links between disparate realities, highlighting the Monitors' diminished guardianship post-previous cataclysms.

Interconnected One-Shots and Earths Explored

The one-shots in The Multiversity form a relay-like sequence where each serves as a multiversal "transmission" alerting subsequent Earths to an encroaching cosmic threat, often visualized as a propagating through comic books as interdimensional conduits. This structure positions the stories as interconnected vignettes rather than isolated tales, with subtle signals—such as distorted panels or bleeding realities—hinting at the Gentry's influence, a multiversal adversary that manifests variably as invasive entities demanding existential "rent" from realities. described these links as intentionally loose upon first read, rewarding re-examination with clearer patterns of the threat's infiltration, akin to a adapting to each world's heroic archetypes. Diversity across the probed Earths underscores the multiverse's prismatic nature, with each one-shot sampling a unique facet of superhero mythology: Earth-20 evokes pulp-era adventurers in "The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World," featuring WWII-inspired explorers confronting interdimensional criminals from Earth-40. Earth-11 in "The Just" spotlights adolescent heroes grappling with maturity and cosmic intrusion, while Earth-5's "Thunderworld Adventures" channels 1940s Shazam-family whimsy against apocalyptic forces. Earth-4's "," analogizing the acquisitions that inspired , dissects deconstructed vigilantism through a nonlinear lens of causality and . Earth-10's "Mastermen" examines authoritarian distortions of heroism in a Nazi-victory scenario, and "Ultra Comics" on Earth-33 (a meta-reflection of real-world readers) literalizes the virus motif via a possessed narrative artifact. Thematically, these explorations function as diagnostic "samples" of multiversal health, each illuminating vulnerabilities like narrative stagnation or reader disconnection, which the Gentry exploits. Morrison intended them to feed causally into the finale by aggregating insights—via the House of Heroes and figures like the cosmic monitor Nix Uotan—culminating in a collective defense that reinforces comics' regenerative power against existential decay. This design probes deeper questions of heroism's adaptability across realities, without resolving into a singular canon, preserving the multiverse's infinite potential.

Detailed Issue Analyses

The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World

The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes – Conquerors of the Counter-World, released on September 17, 2014, depicts the formation and initial exploits of the Society of Super-Heroes on Earth-20, a reality dominated by pulp adventure archetypes reminiscent of 1930s magazine serials such as Doc Savage and The Shadow. The core team comprises Doc Fate, a mystically empowered explorer modeled after Kent Nelson's Doctor Fate but infused with Doc Savage-like physical prowess and scientific acumen; the Immortal Man, an ageless wanderer reincarnating across eras; Lady Blackhawk, a skilled aviator and combatant drawing from the Blackhawk Squadron's wartime exploits; the Mighty Atom, an diminutive strongman akin to Al Pratt's Atom; and Green Lantern Abin Sur, wielder of a power ring rooted in willpower-based constructs from Ungaran origins. In the narrative, Doc Fate summons the Immortal Man to amid incursions from a parallel dimension, compelling the group to unite as the Society of Super-Heroes to repel immortal antagonists, including , who embody eternal threats unbound by mortality. Each hero confronts tailored adversaries—such as the Immortal Man clashing with —highlighting individualized -style skirmishes that echo the episodic structure of serials, where protagonists leverage intellect, brawn, and gadgetry against archaic evils. This setup underscores empirical adventure tropes, including resourcefulness against superior longevity and the mobilization of disparate specialists into a cohesive unit, mirroring historical narratives' reliance on serialized heroism to sustain reader engagement through tangible, high-stakes action. The issue innovates by evoking the visual and thematic density of classic covers and interiors, with Chris Sprouse's artwork employing dynamic panel layouts and shadowed, high-contrast shading to replicate the era's newsstand aesthetic, thereby grounding feats in a pre-deconstructive heroic focused on and rather than existential doubt. This approach celebrates the causal mechanics of storytelling—where villains' immortality amplifies heroic ingenuity without subverting genre conventions—contrasting implicitly with more introspective multiversal entries through its unadorned emphasis on collective triumph over otherworldly leaks.

The Just

"The Multiversity: The Just" centers on the adolescent superhero team of Earth-11, a DC Multiverse parallel where societal roles and many character genders are inverted relative to the prime Earth-0, resulting in a matriarchal structure dominated by female equivalents of traditional male icons. The protagonists, dubbed The Just, comprise teenaged counterparts to the Justice League—such as Aquagirl (analogous to Aquaman), Supergirl, and others—operating in a ostensibly utopian society policed by an army of robotic enforcers modeled after Superman. Released on October 22, 2014, the 30-page one-shot was written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Ben Oliver, whose dynamic, expressive artwork captures the kinetic action sequences and emotional turbulence of the young heroes with fluid linework and vivid detailing. The plot unfolds as The Just detect anomalous signals emanating from beyond their universe, prompting an investigation that intertwines multiversal intrigue with the protagonists' personal crises, including romantic tensions, identity struggles, and impulsive decision-making emblematic of . Unlike portrayals of mature teams, which routinely demonstrate strategic coordination and unyielding efficacy against cosmic threats, this narrative foregrounds the protagonists' immaturity: their hesitation, infighting, and rash judgments precipitate avoidable setbacks, culminating in a confrontation that exposes the fragility of youthful empowerment when burdened with existential stakes. Oliver's visuals amplify these contrasts, rendering the heroes' vibrant, idealized exteriors against scenes of chaotic disarray and visceral failure, such as brutal combat marred by uncoordinated efforts. This issue diverges from other Multiversity entries by emphasizing the practical perils of inexperience over heroic triumph, portraying a world where advanced technology supplants human guardians yet fails to mitigate the fallout from the teens' lapses in judgment. The story's resolution underscores a cautionary : while the characters possess abilities, their developmental shortcomings—doubts, distractions, and emotional volatility—impose tangible costs, challenging idealized tropes of teen saviors in by illustrating how such narratives overlook the causal links between immaturity and operational incompetence.

Pax Americana

"Pax Americana" depicts events on Earth-4, a reality inspired by the Charlton Comics acquisitions and paralleling the deconstructive tone of Watchmen, where superheroes grapple with the fallout from atomic-era advancements and moral compromises in heroism. The issue, written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, was released on November 19, 2014. It centers on the investigation into the assassination of the U.S. President by Peacemaker, a government-sanctioned vigilante, amid tensions over superhero regulation and a shadow government's push to abolish independent heroic activities. Key figures include Captain Atom, whose quantum powers enable perception across time, Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), The Question, and other analogs to Watchmen characters, as they uncover layers of conspiracy tied to predestined events. The narrative employs a , commencing at the story's climax and unraveling backward to reveal causal chains, thereby mimicking the time-perception abilities of and emphasizing inescapable loops. This non-linear structure utilizes an eight-panel grid per page, a deliberate variation from Watchmen's nine-panel format, symbolizing and cyclical entrapment rather than rigid stability; the shift from nine to eight evokes a "countdown" into eternal recurrence. Quitely's artwork, with its meticulous detail and dynamic compositions, reinforces these loops through recurring visual motifs—like infinity symbols and patterned visions—allowing readers to experience the characters' dawning realization of fated outcomes. Philosophically, the issue probes tensions between and , portraying superheroes ensnared in deterministic patterns akin to scripted narratives, where attempts to alter only reinforce it via self-fulfilling prophecies. A central character's trauma-induced of as interlocking patterns underscores this, drawing empirical parallels to real-world historical cycles, such as atomic-age escalations from the onward, where technological "progress" begets uncontrollable consequences. Critics have praised the causality loops for their structural ingenuity, arguing they elevate the of heroism by illustrating how foreknowledge erodes , much like quantum observer effects in physics where measurement collapses possibilities into fixed reality. This approach avoids simplistic moralizing, instead grounding heroic failures in causal realism: actions propagate inexorably, mirroring historical precedents like where perceived inevitabilities shaped policy.

Thunderworld Adventures

"Thunderworld Adventures" is the fourth one-shot in Grant Morrison's The Multiversity series, published by DC Comics on December 17, 2014. Written by Morrison with artwork by , the issue spotlights Earth-5, a vibrant parallel world dominated by the heroic —analogs to the classic , including Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), Mary Thunder, and Sergeant Thunder. The narrative unfolds as a high-energy, retro-styled adventure where the Thunder Family invokes magic to battle technological perils orchestrated by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana and his empowered kin. Sivana, having discovered the Rock of Eternity's location, allies with multiversal variants of himself to imprison the wizard and unleash chaos, including a "synthetic day" engineered to suppress magic in favor of machinery. The Sivana family members—such as Thaddeus Jr. and —gain superhuman abilities mimicking the Thunders', leading to parallel one-on-one clashes amid an invasion threatening Fawcett City's reality. A meta-element emerges as the heroes interact with a artifact, underscoring the story's self-referential pulp heroism against existential multiversal encroachment. Stewart's dynamic illustrations, colored by Nathan Fairbairn, evoke the exaggerated, optimistic aesthetics of 1940s-1950s , with bold compositions and vibrant energy that prioritize spectacle over grim realism. This approach delivers unadulterated , pitting the Thunders' mythological —rooted in , strength, , speed, and other virtues—against Sivana's gadgetry and robotic adjuncts, including echoes of foes like Mr. Atom. In contrast to the series' darker installments, such as those on Earth-10 or Earth-4, "Thunderworld " celebrates unblemished triumph, drawing directly from the Fawcett legacy of whimsical, family-oriented romps where magic invariably prevails over mechanical villainy. The issue's lighthearted tone reinforces Earth-5's position as a bastion of classic adventure amid the multiverse's broader cosmic perils.

Guidebook

The Multiversity Guidebook #1 functions as a dedicated supplement to the series, compiling an exhaustive index of DC's 52 parallel Earths, alongside biographical sketches of their inhabitants and assessments of cross-dimensional threats. Published on , 2015, with a of March 2015, the issue eschews conventional progression in favor of encyclopedic utility, framed by an introductory perspective from Little Luthor of Earth-42, a counterpart to operating from a punk-infused, graffiti-laden world. Spanning 32 pages, the primer dedicates significant space to visual and textual aids, including a central double-page map of the on pages 24-25 that diagrams the vibrational frequencies and interconnections among the Earths, followed by annotated entries from pages 28-61 outlining key heroes, villains, and cosmic perils. These sections provide data-driven profiles—such as those of the Agents of Vengeance, interdimensional enforcers combating entities like the Oblivion—emphasizing empirical details on power sets, origins, and threat vectors rather than dramatic arcs. This referential approach distinguishes the Guidebook from the core issues' storytelling emphasis, offering readers a standalone tool for parsing the Multiverse's hierarchical structure and populating it with verifiable character data, thereby enhancing analytical engagement with the series' cosmological framework without advancing plot elements.

Mastermen

"The Multiversity: Mastermen #1" examines Earth-10, an alternate timeline where the Nazis achieved global domination during after a Kryptonian rocket carrying Kal-L landed in in 1938, leading to the establishment of an by 2016. In this world, Kal-L, known as Overman, was indoctrinated into Nazi and became the regime's supreme enforcer, enabling conquests including the fall of in April 1956. Overman, now 98 years old, presides over a superficial sustained by mass atrocities, including a delayed implemented during his three-year absence from Earth, which resulted in widespread extermination upon his return. The narrative centers on Overman's internal moral conflict amid signs of regime decay, as he confronts the ethical horrors underpinning his rule, such as the death of his clone, Overgirl, and persistent guilt over genocidal policies. A key figure is Leatherwing, a Batman analogue and descendant of pilot Hans von Hammer, who serves as a tactical operative for the New Reichsmen using brutal methods like bats in interrogations. The plot escalates with an assault by the Freedom Fighters—resistance heroes including and the —who deploy trans-universal weaponry acquired from multiversal sources, culminating in the destruction of when the is crashed into the city, killing numerous Reichsmen including Leatherwing. This issue, written by and illustrated by and released on February 18, 2015, portrays totalitarianism's inherent instabilities through Overman's disillusionment and the regime's vulnerability to both internal dissent and external multiversal threats like the , foreshadowing broader cosmic incursions without romanticizing the Nazi victory. Unlike more fantastical Multiversity entries, "Mastermen" grounds its in realistic divergences—such as intervention altering wartime outcomes—while illustrating causal breakdowns, where atrocity-fueled dominance erodes cohesion and invites collapse. Overman's potential sympathy toward the Freedom Fighters underscores the regime's ideological brittleness, as enforced uniformity fails to suppress human resistance or conscience.

Ultra Comics

"Ultra Comics" is the eighth one-shot in Grant Morrison's The Multiversity series, released on March 25, 2015, with pencils by and inks by Christian Alamy and Keith Champagne. Set on Earth-Prime—the Multiverse designation for a world mirroring real-life Earth where superheroes exist only as fiction—the story depicts protagonist Ultra Comics awakening in a post-apocalyptic overrun by a contagious, zombie-like plague originating from infected pages. Ultra, a newly manifested hero derived from the 1939 character Ultra-Man, discovers faded billboards and ruins evoking superhero tropes, while battling distorted, undead versions of figures that seek to assimilate readers into a narrative-consuming horde. The plot hinges on a literal , portraying comic panels as infectious agents that "zombify" victims, compelling them to devour stories and propagate the contagion across realities. breaks the extensively, addressing the reader directly as a co-participant in the , warning that merely turning the pages risks personal and blurring the boundary between fictional threat and real-world consumption of . This device positions the reader as an integral element of the "organism" sustaining 's existence, with belief in the hero's plight purportedly fueling his resistance against the encroaching . Mahnke's artwork amplifies the horror through dynamic spreads of shambling emerging from panel gutters and 's desperate pleas rendered in urgent, oversized bubbles that mimic spread across the page. As a meta-experiment, the issue innovates by treating the comic book medium itself as a for existential , empirically illustrating how serialized can "infect" audiences by demanding sequential engagement that mirrors propagation—each page turn advancing the plague. Unlike prior Multiversity installments, "Ultra Comics" uniquely implicates the audience in the defense mechanism, with 's monologues framing readership as both vulnerability and salvation, thereby heightening the stakes through direct rather than observational multiversal . This approach culminates in escalating visual and textual incursions, such as ink bleeds and fragmented narration simulating the breakdown of narrative barriers, underscoring causal links between media immersion and perceptual alteration without relying on abstract .

Themes, Innovations, and Criticisms

Meta-Comics and Reader Engagement

The Multiversity incorporates self-referential meta-comic devices, including marginal annotations that function as expository guides to multiversal lore and structural elements mimicking hyperlinks to interconnect disparate narratives across its issues. These techniques draw on Grant Morrison's longstanding interest in as a medium capable of simulating higher-dimensional storytelling, positioning the form itself as a defensive mechanism against fictional threats like "bleed" incursions. A hallmark of reader engagement appears in sequences where the audience is cast as an active , such as instances requiring the reader to "" or contain antagonistic forces through the physical of page-turning or book-closure, thereby blurring the between consumer and narrative agent. This approach aims to foster a , transforming passive consumption into participatory puzzle-solving, particularly evident in the inaugural issue's labyrinthine layout that rewards iterative examination for hidden interconnections. By embedding such mechanics, the series seeks to demystify complexity, enabling readers to mentally map infinite variations as a cohesive, navigable whole rather than an overwhelming . Empirical indicators of these devices' impact reveal mixed outcomes in audience immersion. Positive assessments highlight enhanced comprehension and , with reviewers noting the annotations and interactive prompts compel deeper investment, yielding revelations on subsequent reads that affirm the multiverse's internal logic. Conversely, critiques point to alienation effects from the dense referentiality, where the hyperlinked opacity and meta-layers exacerbate confusion for non-specialist readers, mirroring challenges in Morrison's prior works like Final Crisis and potentially deterring broader accessibility. This duality underscores a causal : while the techniques immerse attuned audiences through intellectual empowerment, they risk disengaging others via cognitive overload, as quantified in aggregated review scores averaging 8.7/10 yet tempered by frequent caveats on narrative elusiveness.

Multiverse as Metaphor for Diversity and Conflict

In The Multiversity, conceptualizes the as a collection of parallel Earths, each manifesting unique ideological variants of core archetypes shaped by divergent historical and cultural causal trajectories. For instance, Earth-10 depicts a world where Nazi forces achieved victory, producing authoritarian heroic figures, while Earth-23 features Calvin Ellis, a black serving as U.S. , illustrating adaptations of mythic ideals to specific societal contexts. These Earths maintain independent causal realities, where heroic narratives evolve organically from local conditions rather than imposed uniformity, underscoring a in which parallel worlds operate as self-contained systems vulnerable to external disruption. Conflicts emerge not from inherent harmony among these variants but from "bleed" incursions— leaks through the multiverse's —that enable invasive threats to corrupt or conquer realities. Morrison positions such antagonists, including the , as embodiments of nihilistic or anti-human forces that exploit weakened barriers, representing the causal peril of unchecked ideological cross-pollination. In Morrison's framework, these incursions critique super-societies by dramatizing how "bad ideas" infiltrate compromised structures, mirroring real-world dynamics where incompatible cultural or memetic elements precipitate clashes rather than seamless . This metaphorical structure privileges the integrity of separate causal domains over idealized , as evidenced in narratives like The Society of Super-Heroes, where multiversal invaders from darker realms force defensive alliances across Earths, highlighting existential tensions inherent to variant ideologies. Morrison's approach achieves a rigorous cataloging of these variants via the series' guidebook and multiversal map, which delineate vibrational frequencies and archetypal deviations with empirical precision akin to a quantum of possibilities. Yet, the emphasis on reveals a cautionary : diversity thrives in isolation but risks annihilation when causal boundaries erode, echoing Morrison's broader intent to interrogate the fragility of narrative and societal constructs.

Storytelling Strengths and Accessibility Shortcomings

The Multiversity demonstrates notable storytelling strengths through its innovative non-linear causality, particularly in , where events unfold across multiple timelines and interpretive layers, rewarding rereads with revelations about character motivations and multiversal threats. This approach, echoing but expanding upon structures in Alan Moore's , integrates forward and backward panel readings to depict causality as malleable, enabling dense explorations of superhero deconstruction without sacrificing narrative momentum. The series further excels in genre breadth, with one-shots spanning pulp adventures, horror-infused Westerns, and authoritarian dystopias across distinct Earths, thereby empirically expanding DC's multiversal framework beyond conventional linear event comics like . These variations allow for archetype reinvention—such as teen heroes confronting existential voids in The Just or Nazi-conquered worlds in Mastermen—fostering causal depth in how alternate realities reflect ideological divergences in heroism. Despite these innovations, accessibility shortcomings arise from the series' heavy dependence on familiarity with DC's pre-New 52 multiverse lore, including obscure characters and Earth designations, which presumes extensive prior reading and often leaves newcomers disoriented amid referential . This opacity contributes to mixed reception, with aggregated critic ratings averaging 7.1 out of 10 on Comic Book Roundup, reflecting praise for ambition tempered by critiques of impenetrable complexity for casual audiences. Publication delays, including multiple postponements of from its 2014 slot into 2015, intensified reader confusion by fragmenting the intended sequential rollout of interconnected plots, hindering comprehension of the overarching threat posed by the . Ultimately, this complexity functions causally as a double-edged mechanism: it amplifies intellectual depth for veteran fans, as evidenced by higher user scores of 8.2 out of 10, yet curtails broader appeal relative to more streamlined events that prioritize self-contained accessibility over layered esoterica.

Ideological Elements and Character Archetypes

Calvin Ellis, the Superman analogue from Earth-23, embodies the archetype of the competent statesman-hero, serving as both a protector and the . designed Ellis with direct inspiration from , the 44th U.S. President inaugurated on January 20, 2009, to evoke a of power and executive leadership without contrived pandering. This portrayal grounds the character in a real-world model of perceived efficacy and , prioritizing narrative functionality over identity-driven revisionism. Overman, the Kal-L variant from Earth-10—a world where prevailed in —represents the corrupted archetype, referencing Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the superior individual twisted into supremacist ideology. Morrison depicts Overman not as a simplistic, rage-driven tyrant but as a Shakespearean tragic figure, guilt-ridden by his regime's genocidal history and the death of his cloned sister Overgirl in 1945 experiments. Haunted by visions of a ruined house symbolizing his world's moral decay, Overman ultimately betrays the New Reichsmen by aiding the Freedom Fighters, illustrating causal consequences of ideological extremism: internal erosion and inevitable collapse. These archetypes highlight The Multiversity's ideological framework, where the multiverse enables raw examination of heroic ideals across spectra, including unvarnished depictions of fascist outcomes on Earth-10 without sanitization. Morrison intended diverse hero variants to reflect demographic realities—such as non-white leads in several Earths—while insisting this served storytelling fidelity over explicit politics. The structure avoids normative progressive overlays by rooting characters in verifiable historical or philosophical causations, allowing variants like Ellis's Obama echo or Overman's burdened fascism to stand as empirical extrapolations rather than tokenized gestures. Fan discourse acknowledges benefits of such archetypes in broadening appeal to global audiences, with diverse representations potentially capturing market segments underrepresented in traditional comics. Yet critiques persist that heavy emphasis on altered demographics can evoke tokenism when archetypes deviate closely from source inspirations, as some perceive Ellis's Obama mimicry as fannish imposition diluting Superman's universal appeal. This tension underscores the multiverse's strength: juxtaposing aspirational competence against ideological failure without enforced equivalence.

Reception and Critical Evaluation

Contemporary Reviews and Ratings

The Multiversity received predominantly favorable contemporary reviews upon its staggered release from August 2014 to May 2015, with aggregate critic scores across its issues averaging around 8.5 out of 10 on Comic Book Roundup, based on over 200 reviews. The flagship issue, The Multiversity #1, earned an 8.7/10 from 46 critics, lauded for its expansive multiversal setup and meta-commentary on comics as a medium. IGN rated the overall series 9.3/10, highlighting Grant Morrison's ambitious integration of DC's disparate Earths and thematic depth on narrative fiction's power. Standout installments like The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1 drew particular acclaim for its intricate, Watchmen-inspired of superhero causality, scoring 9.1/10 from for its rewarding layered storytelling. Similarly, The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1 achieved high marks, including 9.8/10 from , for its exuberant homage to pulp adventure and character vitality. The Multiversity: Guidebook #1, functioning as an encyclopedic supplement with visual aids and lore, garnered 9.1/10 from 16 reviews, appreciated for enhancing accessibility to the project's cosmology despite its non-narrative format. Criticisms centered on the series' intellectual density and occasional inaccessibility, with some reviewers assigning scores as low as 6/10 for issues perceived as overly labyrinthine for audiences. For instance, Pax Americana's reverse-chronological structure and symbolic overload were called "the least accessible and possibly confusing" entry by Major Spoilers, demanding multiple reads to unpack. Detractors argued this prioritized esoteric experimentation over straightforward heroic fun, contrasting Morrison's cerebral style against more plot-driven , though such views remained minority amid broader enthusiasm for its innovative form.

Fan Responses and Community Debates

Fans expressed appreciation for The Multiversity's unconventional "weirdness" and layered structure encouraging multiple reads, with users describing the debut issue as fulfilling long-held expectations through dynamic action and innovative concepts. Dedicated enthusiasts on forums hailed it as a "" for its trippy, expansive exploration, distinguishing it from more straightforward superhero narratives. The collected edition averages 3.81 out of 5 on , based on 2,809 ratings, reflecting solid fan approval among readers valuing experimental comics. Community discussions frequently debated the series' dense complexity against its intellectual ambitions, with some praising Morrison's narrative genius while others questioned its accessibility for broader audiences. Critics among fans argued that Morrison's approach prioritized esoteric references and canon alterations over clarity, potentially alienating casual readers in favor of rewarding completists familiar with DC's history. Dissenting views highlighted perceived ego-driven complications to established , viewing the expansions as unnecessarily labyrinthine rather than organically innovative. At the 2015 panel on The Multiversity and beyond, feedback revealed a divide: dedicated fans displayed fervent enthusiasm, including audible excitement from younger attendees upon sequel announcements, while broader attendee reactions underscored splits between those embracing the project's depth and casual comic enthusiasts preferring simpler storytelling. This mirrored online trends, where completists lauded re-read value amid the intricacy, but others reported frustration with decoding its metafictional elements without extensive prior knowledge.

Long-Term Critical Reassessments

In retrospective scholarship and commentary during the 2020s, The Multiversity has been reevaluated as one of Grant Morrison's most ambitious yet underappreciated works, with a April 2025 analysis arguing it fundamentally redefines comics' structural possibilities through its layered multiverse exploration and reader-interactive elements. This view contrasts with earlier mixed receptions, emphasizing the series' sustained intellectual depth over its initial accessibility challenges, as evidenced by ongoing annotations Morrison provided via Substack from 2022 to 2023, which unpack its thematic density and interdimensional storytelling mechanics. However, these reassessments also highlight persistent flaws, including the project's contribution to DC's continuity overload by introducing an infinite multiverse without sufficient resolution mechanisms, which burdened subsequent event comics with referential complexity and unresolved cosmic threats like the Gentry. User-driven aggregates reflect this balanced legacy, with The Multiversity maintaining a 4.2/5 average rating on League of Comic Geeks as of October 2025, driven by praise for individual issues' artistic highs (e.g., Pax Americana's nonlinear plotting scoring 4.5+) amid critiques of overarching narrative sprawl. Morrison himself addressed post-series developments in 2022 interviews and writings, expressing frustration over DC writers' handling of Multiversity's core concepts—such as the reader-as-hero paradigm and multiversal bleed—often reducing them to plot devices rather than philosophical frameworks, which diluted the original's causal emphasis on narrative as a living, reader-shaped entity. Scholarly takes, including 2022 IGN retrospectives, affirm the series' meta-innovations as a high point, crediting its use of comics' form to metaphorize diversity-through-conflict in parallel Earths, yet fault loose ends like the Ultra Comics virus for fostering a fragmented canon that prioritizes spectacle over coherent causal progression. Ultimately, long-term evaluations underscore The Multiversity's dual impact: pioneering reader engagement via fourth-wall breaches and multiverse-as-mirror metaphors that influenced DC's 2010s-2020s cosmology, while its unresolved archetypes and infinite-worlds escalation imposed editorial burdens, evidenced by DC's repeated multiversal resets (e.g., in 2022) struggling to integrate Morrison's unresolved threads without contradicting established continuity. This tension positions the series as a bold but imperfect pivot, lauded for empirical innovation in form—drawing on comics' historical precedents like (1988-1990)—yet critiqued for causal gaps that privileged conceptual breadth over narrative closure, as Morrison noted in his 2023 annotations.

Legacy, Impact, and Continuations

Redefining DC's Multiverse Continuity

The Multiversity (2014–2015) introduced a detailed cartography of the DC Multiverse, delineating 52 distinct Earths as archetypal reflections of superhero narratives, each vibrating at unique frequencies within a structured cosmic hierarchy guarded against interdimensional incursions like the Bleed and the Empty Hand. This framework reconceptualized the post-Flashpoint (2011) New 52 era's singular universe by reintegrating a finite multiversal array, positioning Earth-0 as the central hub amid variants ranging from utopian Earth-11 to dystopian Earth-10. Grant Morrison, the series' writer, intended this as a stabilizing map to navigate DC's fractured continuity, drawing from string theory analogies to depict realities as overlapping membranes rather than isolated silos. The series' 52-Earth schema became canonized in DC lore, directly informing editorial strategies for crossovers and influencing the 2016 DC Rebirth initiative, which transitioned from a limited multiverse to an infinite one while preserving archetypal Earth designations for narrative utility. This integration enabled expansive events like Convergence (2015), where pre-Flashpoint worlds collided with New 52 variants, but also amplified continuity demands on creators and readers. DC editorial, under figures like Dan DiDio, later conceded that such multiversal expansions, while facilitating high-stakes team-ups, exacerbated reboot cycles—evidenced by the in-universe warning in Justice League #39 (2015) that "reality cannot survive another crisis"—contributing to acknowledged fatigue from serial overhauls. Empirical persistence of the Multiversity map appeared in Doomsday Clock #10–12 (2019), where referenced its Earth designations to contextualize layers and Dr. Manhattan's timeline manipulations, treating the 52-world structure as a foundational reference for reconciling elements with prime continuity. Subsequent crises, including Dark Nights: Metal (2017–2018), however, eroded this specificity by proliferating infinite Dark Multiverses and omniverse-spanning threats, diluting the original finite model's causal clarity in favor of perpetual expansion. This shift, while sustaining crossover viability, underscored critiques of unsustainable lore inflation, as editorial resets post-2015 repeatedly refracted rather than resolved multiversal paradoxes.

Influence on Subsequent DC Works

The Multiversity's establishment of a structured 52-Earth "Orrery of Worlds" provided a foundational blueprint for 's multiversal storytelling, enabling targeted explorations of individual Earths in later . Multiversity: Teen Justice (2022–2023), written by Ivan Cohen and Danny Lore with art by Marco Failla, directly extended the Earth-11 concepts from The Multiversity's "The Just" one-shot, featuring teen heroes like Kid Quick, , and Robin combating threats from the Church of Blood in a gender-flipped . This six-issue series, released starting June 7, 2022, emphasized team dynamics and multiversal incursions tied to the original framework. Similarly, Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU (2023), co-written by Frank Tieri and Logan Faerber, spawned as a six-issue where uses a time machine to disrupt and repair multiversal timelines, incorporating chaotic crossovers and meta-humor reminiscent of The Multiversity's narrative devices. Launched in early 2023, it concluded with a Starro-involved finale on July 10, 2023, explicitly branding itself under the Multiversity imprint to capitalize on the established multiverse lore. Broader meta-elements from The Multiversity, such as interdimensional threats and reader-comic interactions, informed subsequent events like Dark Nights: Metal (2017) by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, which introduced a Dark Multiverse of nightmare variants below the primary Orrery, amplifying cosmic horror while presupposing familiarity with post-Multiversity continuity. However, Grant Morrison critiqued the handling of these concepts in 2022, noting that expansions by other writers over-complicated the multiverse, exacerbating fan confusion over canon and connectivity. Characters like the Earth-20 Society of Super-Heroes, debuting in The Multiversity #2 (November 2014), saw limited revivals in ancillary stories but primarily served as archetypes for pulp-inspired team revivals in multiversal tie-ins.

Recent Developments and Morrison's Returns

In June 2023, returned to The Multiversity with the short story "Love's Lightning Heart," published in the DC Pride: Better Together anthology. Illustrated by Hayden Sherman, the tale features the hero undertaking cosmic efforts to honor a lost love, incorporating elements like the restoration of Optiman to heroic status and explicitly integrating The Multiversity's multiversal framework into ongoing . This marked Morrison's first direct narrative contribution to the series since its 2015 conclusion, addressing prior ambiguities in its canonical status amid DC's repeated reboots. DC expanded the Multiversity imprint with Multiversity: Teen Justice #1–6, serialized from June 2022 to November 2022. Written by Danny Lore and Ivan Cohen with art by Marco Failla, the series explores Earth-11's teen heroes, including Kid Quick and a brooding Raven, building on the gender-swapped archetypes Morrison introduced in The Multiversity: The Just (Earth-11 one-shot). It collected in trade paperback in March 2023, incorporating the team's debut from DC's Very Merry Multiverse holiday special and a tie-in from DC Pride 2023. Similarly, Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU #1–6 ran from February to July 2023, written by Frank Tieri with art by Logan Faerber and others. The miniseries depicts inheriting a , inadvertently altering timelines and enabling multiversal disruptions like Starro's conquest, framed within The Multiversity's infinite Earths concept but without Morrison's direct involvement. Collected in December 2023, it highlighted the imprint's ongoing use for chaotic, self-contained multiversal tales. Morrison has voiced protectiveness over The Multiversity's innovations, criticizing subsequent DC creators for treating its unique Earths and characters—such as those from Earth-11 or the —as disposable "cannon fodder" in broader events, diluting the project's emphasis on structured multiversal diversity. In a 2022 forum discussion reflecting his stance, Morrison expressed frustration at the unfulfilled potential of his blueprint, where infinite variations serve narrative convenience over coherent cosmic architecture. These expansions, while extending the brand, have not fully realized Morrison's vision of a safeguarded, expansive immune to periodic collapses.

Ongoing Criticisms of Post-Morrison Handling

Grant Morrison has publicly critiqued DC Comics' post-Multiversity approach to the multiverse, arguing that the publisher prioritizes event-driven crossovers over nurturing individual alternate Earths as distinct franchises. In 2022 annotations shared on his Substack, Morrison stated, "In my view, the general rule of thumb is that each of these alternate worlds should be treated as its own potential franchise rather than squandered as disposable cannon fodder for the nineteenth nervous re-run of Crisis on Infinite Earths." He highlighted this as a corporate pattern that dilutes auteur-driven visions like his own, favoring shock-value deaths and reboots over sustained character development across 52+ Earths. A specific grievance involves the handling of Earth-26's Red Racer, a gay speedster introduced in The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1 (2015). Morrison expressed disappointment over writer Peter J. Tomasi's decision to kill the character in The Flash #50 (2018), calling it "for no great reason and [it] robbed of a gay character with a lot of potential." This exemplifies broader complaints that unique elements from Multiversity—envisioned as metafictional safeguards against multiversal collapse—are repurposed for mainstream titles without preserving their thematic depth. The Empty Hand, Multiversity's central antagonist representing reader-induced narrative decay, faced similar dilution. While Morrison depicted it as an abstract, existential threat in The Multiversity #1 (2015), its return in Justice League Incarnate #4 (2022) recast it as a more conventional foe with a physical form and alliances, reducing its metafictional horror to standard villainy. This shift, amid Infinite Frontier (2021)'s canonization of all DC stories, expanded multiversal access but invited criticisms of causal oversight, as repetitive threats like Great Darkness entities echoed Multiversity's warnings without advancing its hierarchical structure of "bleed" barriers and higher-dimensional monitors. Fan communities have echoed these concerns through metrics like engagement on platforms tracking continuity disputes. For instance, 's r/DCcomics subreddit features threads with thousands of upvotes discussing mishandled Earths, such as Overman's generic portrayal in Dark Nights: Death Metal (2020) or the unresolved fate of the Empty Hand post- (2022), reflecting backlash against perceived erosion of Multiversity's innovations. While DC's expansions have commercially sustained multiversal events—evidenced by 's role in boosting tie-in sales—these come at the cost of fragmenting Morrison's cohesive framework, prioritizing volume over visionary restraint.

Publication Formats

Single Issues and Variants

The Multiversity was published by DC Comics from August 2014 to May 2015 as a series of eight standalone one-shot issues, each focusing on a distinct Earth within the DC Multiverse, alongside the supplementary The Multiversity Guidebook #1 released in February 2015. These issues ranged from standard 32-page formats to expanded lengths, such as the 48-page The Multiversity #1, allowing for self-contained narratives that explored multiversal threats like the without requiring prior reading. Variant covers enhanced collectibility during the original run, with most issues offering editions at a 1:10 retailer ratio, resulting in scarcer print runs compared to standard covers. The Multiversity #1 included a variant, popular among collectors for commissioning original artwork, while later issues like The Just #1 featured ultra-rare 1:100 variants, such as the cover edition, which commanded premium prices due to limited distribution. Additionally, each issue had "History of the " variant covers depicting key events, appealing to long-term fans tracking references. Certain editions incorporated polybagged extras that influenced resale dynamics, notably #1, which shipped sealed with a 26.5 x 30.5-inch Map of the poster derived from Morrison's notes, preserving unopened copies as desirable for completeness. The Guidebook, at 80 pages, functioned as an essential reference compiling multiversal and annotations, often bundled or sought separately to contextualize the issues' interconnected elements, though its standard lacked widespread variant incentives. These single-issue releases prioritized immediate to individual stories over serialized , contrasting with later compiled formats by enabling variant-driven and polybag-preserved artifacts.

Collected Editions and Reprints

The Multiversity was initially collected in a trade paperback edition published by DC Comics in October 2015, compiling The Multiversity #1–2, The Multiversity Guidebook #1, and the seven one-shot issues (Society of Super-Heroes, The Just, Pax Americana, Thunderworld Adventures, Mastermen, Ultra Comics, and The Just). This 464-page volume provided a comprehensive single binding for the series' contents, facilitating broader accessibility beyond individual floppy issues. A deluxe edition followed, featuring an oversized format to showcase the artwork by , , and others across its 512 pages, again collecting the full run including the guidebook. Released as a premium option, it emphasized the series' visual and narrative density, with contributions from artists like and Karl Story. Digital reprints became available through platforms such as and , offering the deluxe edition contents in format for electronic reading devices. In 2025, DC Comics released the Absolute Multiversity hardcover, an expanded 620-page edition under the Absolute line, reprinting the complete series with additional production values including a cover by Rian Hughes. This iteration further enhanced reprint accessibility for contemporary audiences.

References

  1. [1]
    THE MULTIVERSITY - DC Comics
    Join visionary writer Grant Morrison, today's most talented artists, and a cast of unforgettable heroes from 52 alternative Earths of the DC Multiverse! Prepare ...
  2. [2]
    The Multiversity by Grant Morrison | Goodreads
    Rating 3.8 (2,810) Oct 27, 2015 · The biggest adventure in DC's history is here! Join visionary writer Grant Morrison, today's most talented artists, and a cast of unforgettable ...
  3. [3]
    The Multiversity: Grant Morrison Reveals the Fascinating Secrets ...
    Aug 10, 2022 · The Multiversity is a followup of sorts to Morrison's 2008 crossover Final Crisis, with the character Nix Uotan serving as the main connective tissue.
  4. [4]
    Grant Morrison's 'The Multiversity 'Annotations, Part 1
    Aug 20, 2014 · The Multiversity is a universe-jumping series of DC Comics one-shots tracking the cosmic monitor Nix Uotan and an assemblage of star-crossed heroes.
  5. [5]
    This 10-Year-Old Grant Morrison Series Is a Must-Read For Fans of ...
    Aug 14, 2025 · When the time for Grant Morrison's Multiverse story finally rolled around, it was in the form of a two-issue miniseries titled The Multiversity, ...<|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Interview: Grant Morrison Takes Us On A Multiversity Tour
    Jul 26, 2014 · In the time since this was first conceived, it was part of 52, or came out of 52, now Multiversity accounts for the New 52. Did you have to ...Missing: announcement | Show results with:announcement
  7. [7]
    Into the black hole: an interview with comics author Grant Morrison
    Sep 2, 2014 · More than almost anyone, Grant Morrison has plumbed the weirdness that lies at the heart of comics. ... It's almost like the periodic table of ...
  8. [8]
    Grant Morrison Officially Announces DC's 'Multiversity'
    Apr 14, 2014 · The official announcement tweaks much of what ComicsAlliance learned about Multiversity in a 2012 interview with Morrison at Morrisoncon.
  9. [9]
    Grant Morrison Says "The Multiversity" is a "Culmination" of His DC ...
    Jul 29, 2014 · It's been a half-decade since "The Multiversity" was first announced. In 2009, writer Grant Morrison first discussed the ambitious project, ...
  10. [10]
    Multiversity #1 and The Past, Present and Future of Grant Morrison's ...
    Sep 3, 2014 · Long term DC readers will of course be familiar with the Rock of Eternity, Orrery of Worlds, and the Bleed. Avid acolytes of Morrison will ...
  11. [11]
    The DC Multiverse Can Be Destroyed By Just ONE Being
    Jul 20, 2020 · The Empty Hand holds the power to devour and reset multiverses endlessly, enabling the churn of continuity resets that define the ever-changing ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    Fanboy Theories: Who is the Empty Hand? - Weird Science DC Comics
    May 6, 2015 · I believe that Grant Morrison created the Empty Hand to be an analogue for the reboots that DC goes through every few years. This is where I ...Missing: Bleed | Show results with:Bleed
  13. [13]
    Unlocking the History of the Multiverse - DC Comics
    Sep 10, 2021 · Well, it's generally accepted that the idea of the Multiverse first took root in 1961's The Flash #123, in a story called “The Flash of Two ...
  14. [14]
    History of the DC Multiverse - Cosmic Teams!
    The Silver Age and Earth-Two. In 1956, DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz decided to try out a new character in the fourth issue of the ongoing try-out series ...
  15. [15]
    Monitoring the Past: DC Comics' Crisis on Infinite Earths and the ...
    Mar 11, 2021 · Crisis on Infinite Earths (referred to hereafter as “ Crisis “) brought lasting change to DC Comics from a narrative point of view.
  16. [16]
    DC and The Matter Of Crisis- Part III - Comic Book Herald
    Feb 4, 2023 · Grant Morrison's The Multiversity was the first to bring back the Infinite Multiverse, when it was still novel and fresh and had not been done.
  17. [17]
    Comparing DC's 'Rebirth' and 'New 52' - ICv2
    Dec 30, 2016 · There was no obvious pattern of sales differences on the Rebirth issues vs. the New 52 issues. Overall, the Rebirth titles were selling about 3% ...
  18. [18]
    DC's 'New 52′ Sales Bump May Be Plateauing - ComicsAlliance
    Jun 5, 2012 · The "New 52" boost to the average number did not prove to be very sustaining, however. Between April 2005 and December 2007, average DC Universe ...
  19. [19]
    Unlocking the History of the Multiverse - DC Comics
    Jan 14, 2020 · In writing The Multiversity, Morrison looked to DC's past in defining exactly what Earths existed within in the Multiverse. Along with the ...
  20. [20]
    Exploring Morrison & Quitely's "Watchmen"-esque "Pax Americana"
    Nov 22, 2014 · Tim Callahan digs deep into the infinite storytelling used in Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's "Watchmen" influenced "Multiversity" issue.
  21. [21]
    The Multiversity: Guidebook #1 | DC Comics Issue
    The guidebook to the greatest adventure in DC's history is here! With a detailed concordance featuring each of the 52 worlds in the Multiverse.Missing: Earths development
  22. [22]
    ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY reveals a mapped DC Multiverse! | DC
    Jul 25, 2014 · ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY just revealed Grant Morrison's realized vision of the 52 alternative Earths of the known DC Multiverse.
  23. [23]
    The Multiversity Annotations, Part 6: The Guidebook - Comics Alliance
    Feb 26, 2015 · Earth-0: The main DC Universe of the New 52. Earth-1: The Earth One graphic novel line. Earth-2: The Earth of, well, uh, Earth 2. Earth-3 ...
  24. [24]
    Digging Deep Into 'The Multiversity' With Grant Morrison [Interview]
    Jan 28, 2015 · ComicsAlliance spoke with writer Grant Morrison about the Multiversity project in conjunction with the release of the Multiversity ...Missing: Bleed | Show results with:Bleed
  25. [25]
    Grant Morrison Talks Method - Oz and Ends
    May 5, 2011 · Grant's scripts have full page and panel breakdowns, but the dialogue is either very rough or not included. Most of his dialogue is written ...Missing: Multiversity | Show results with:Multiversity
  26. [26]
    'Multiversity': Grant Morrison Interview And Frank Quitely Art From ...
    Sep 29, 2012 · Morrison explained that he's been actively writing and rewriting the series since Final Crisis concluded several years ago, marking a break ...Missing: scripting methodology
  27. [27]
    Comics Legend Grant Morrison Unveils DC's Multiversity Story
    Sep 29, 2012 · The story is an eight-issue series comprised of six one-shots and a two-part story, featuring different titles but working under the rubrick of ...
  28. [28]
    THE MULTIVERSITY: THE SOCIETY OF SUPER-HEROES #1 | DC
    THE MULTIVERSITY: THE SOCIETY OF SUPER-HEROES #1. The biggest adventure in ... Art by: Chris Sprouse · Karl Story. Cover: Chris Sprouse · Karl Story. Variant ...
  29. [29]
    THE MULTIVERSITY: PAX AMERICANA #1 - DC Comics
    The acclaimed ALL-STAR SUPERMAN team of writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely investigate the conspiracy on Earth-4, home of Pax Americana!
  30. [30]
    THE MULTIVERSITY: THUNDERWORLD #1 - Comic Art Community
    Sep 15, 2014 · THE MULTIVERSITY: THUNDERWORLD #1 by Cameron Stewart Captain Capt ... -- Joe Kubert, -- Aaron Kuder, -- Szymon Kudranski, -- Andy Kuhn ...
  31. [31]
    ​Grant Morrison's The Multiversity Remixes What Makes DC ...
    Created with a team of artists, the series seems to want to reflect a multiplicity of tones and understandings in terms of how to implement superhero ideas.
  32. [32]
    The Multiversity Annotations, Part 4: Pax Americana - Comics Alliance
    Dec 10, 2014 · The book is filled with cute Alan Moore-style scene transitions like this. The last time Morrison used this trick this prominently was in his ...
  33. [33]
    Grant Morrison's 'The Multiversity' is in session - USA Today
    Aug 18, 2014 · DC co-publisher Dan DiDio figures Morrison has been mapping all this out since the first day he picked up a comic. "Given how expansive this ...Missing: oversight challenges delays
  34. [34]
    DiDio Dishes "Convergence" Details, Talks "Multiversity" Connection
    Jan 20, 2015 · "Multiversity" is a book Grant Morrison has been talking about for years and years before it came into fruition. Yeah. So was it coincidence ...
  35. [35]
    Comic-Con: Multiversity Release Date? - IGN
    Of course, we're still awaiting a solid release date. Morrison did have this to offer fans: "You'll see it next summer." So there you have it, ...<|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Grant Morrison's 'Multiversity' Release Date Finally Set
    Apr 14, 2014 · Long-awaited series exploring the parallel worlds of the DC Universe will finally be released beginning in August.
  37. [37]
    DC's The Multiversity Solicited as a New 52 Title - ComicBook.com
    Sep 6, 2017 · With the just-released solicitations for DC Comics products shipping in August, it seems as though Grant Morrison's long-delayed The ...
  38. [38]
    Examining "The Multiversity" and Its Four Issues so Far--A Mini-Run ...
    Nov 26, 2014 · Regardless of the extended wait for a conclusion, it's a good issue and Ivan Reis is an artist whom is incredibly capable of illustrating the ...
  39. [39]
    The Multiversity (2014—2015) - DC Database - Fandom
    The Multiversity is a limited series of interrelated one-shots set in the DC Multiverse in The New 52. The one-shots in the series are written by Grant ...
  40. [40]
    The Multiversity Guidebook Vol 1 1 | DC Database - Fandom
    Jan 28, 2015 · The Multiversity Guidebook #1 is a one-shot with a cover date of March, 2015. It was published on January 28, 2015.
  41. [41]
    August 2014 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops - Comichron
    Multiversity, 1, $4.99, DC, 90,551. 5, 3, Superior Spider-Man, 32, $4.99 ... One point on the chart released by Diamond equals 1,122 copies. COMICS UNIT SALES.
  42. [42]
    December 2014 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops - Comichron
    Multiversity Thunderworld, 1, $4.99, DC, 47,714. 32, 28, Avengers, 39, $3.99 ... One point on the chart released by Diamond equals 1,133 copies. COMICS UNIT SALES.
  43. [43]
    DC Comics Month-to Month Sales: October 2014 - The Sweet Smell ...
    Nov 25, 2014 · 33 - THE MULTIVERSITY ($4.99) 08/2014: The Multiversity #1 -- 90,551 09/2014: SoS-H: CotC-W #1 -- 65,022 (- 28.2%) 10/2014: The Just #1 ...
  44. [44]
    What Were the Best-Selling Comics of August 2014? - IGN
    Sep 8, 2014 · Diamond Comics released their sales figures for August 2014. While ... 4) The Multiversity #1 (DC) 5) Superior Spider-Man #32 (Marvel)
  45. [45]
    2014 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops - Comichron
    (up 4.39% year-over-year). #1 Most Ordered Issue #1 #2 Most Ordered Issue #2 ... Multiversity the Society of Super-Heroes, 1, $4.99, DC, 66,507. 160, 145 ...
  46. [46]
    2014 Comic Sales: A Sign of Things to Come, or Much Ado About ...
    Apr 7, 2014 · The first quarter of 2013 saw gigantic releases in the form of the variant infused “Justice League of America” #1 (over 300,000 units moved), ...
  47. [47]
    Top 100 Comics: 2014 - Diamond Comics
    which includes the monthly market ...
  48. [48]
    Who Is The Empty Hand, The Multiversity's Missing God? - CBR
    Jun 10, 2020 · In Grant Morrison, Ivan Reis and Marcus To's The Multiversity Guidebook, the Empty Hand was revealed. While he might not have the most ...
  49. [49]
    DC's Official Version of Doctor Who Is Its Biggest Missed Opportunity
    Aug 15, 2022 · During the 2008 event Final Crisis, Uotan regains his powers and assists the heroes of the Multiverse in defeating Mandrakk the Dark Monitor.<|control11|><|separator|>
  50. [50]
    The Multiversity: Darkseid, The Gentry and the "Empty Hand"
    Oct 20, 2015 · The Gentry serve some sort of being or force called "The Empty Hand." This is implied to be the same hand that was seen creating the DC ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  51. [51]
    THE MAP OF THE MULTIVERSE | DC
    Aug 18, 2014 · Map of the Multiversity. Hover over an Earth to see its details. Click on it to learn more. Explore The Map of the Multiverse.
  52. [52]
    The Multiversity #1 Review - Wethenerdy.com
    Aug 22, 2014 · The basic premise, as told by Morrison, shows Nix Uotan, the last Monitor, and his new mission to save a threat to the multiverse. He recruits ...
  53. [53]
    THE MULTIVERSITY #2 - DC Comics
    Issue #1 artist Ivan Reis reteams with mastermind Grant Morrison to end THE MULTIVERSITY and bring together the greatest and bravest heroes of the DC ...
  54. [54]
    Review: The Multiversity #2 - DC Comics News
    May 4, 2015 · The Multiversity #2 asks a lot of the reader . His exploration of the fourth wall and meta-textual storytelling is singular. It's worth it.Missing: punch | Show results with:punch
  55. [55]
    Review: Multiversity deluxe hardcover/paperback - Collected Editions
    Nov 30, 2015 · In The Multiversity, Morrison takes it a step farther, positing the reader as the ultimate villain responsible for every indignity any hero ...Missing: overarching plot
  56. [56]
    Grant Morrison's 'The Multiversity 'Annotations, Part 2
    Sep 19, 2014 · We'll be focusing here on the second issue of the maxiseries, the unwieldily titled The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of ...
  57. [57]
    The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes - Conquerors of ... - IGN
    Rating 8.8/10 · Review by Jesse SchedeenSep 17, 2014 · The story truly grows interesting as Morrison pulls in the characters from Earth-40 and pits the two teams against one another - Immortal Man ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  58. [58]
    ComicAlly: The Multiversity #2: The Society of Super-heroes
    Sep 21, 2014 · On Earth-20, Doc Fate assembles the Society of Superheroes or S.O.S: the Immortal Man, Al Pratt aka The Mighty Atom, Lady Blackhawk and the ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  59. [59]
    Society of Super-Heroes (Earth-20) | DC Database - Fandom
    The Society of Super-Heroes is a group of skilled adventurers and heroes gathered by Doc Fate, to protect their world from their otherworldly counterparts.Missing: Multiversity | Show results with:Multiversity
  60. [60]
    Earth-20 - The DC Omniverse - WordPress.com
    Apr 15, 2017 · Doc Fate, aka Kent Nelson, is the leader of the team. · Dr. Fate · Green Lantern, aka Abin Sur, is the Green Lantern of his home planet Ungara and ...
  61. [61]
    The Multiversity Spoilers & Review: The Society Of Super-Heroes ...
    Sep 17, 2014 · Story by: Grant Morrison Art by: Chris Sprouse, Karl Story & Walden Wong Colors by: Dave McCaig Letters by: Carlos M. Mangual Covers by ...
  62. [62]
    A Clarion Call to Adventurers of Special Talent Beckons In “The ...
    Sep 18, 2014 · S.O.S.! Grant Morrison tosses us into Earth-20 and its very familiar Society of Super-Heroes who must battle Vandal Savage and other assorted ...Missing: plot summary
  63. [63]
    The Multiversity was a high quality run, & doesn't get talked ... - Reddit
    Apr 16, 2018 · Taken as a whole, The Multiversity is Grant Morrison's excuse to play around in as many different genres and concepts as possible. Most of the ...Can somebody explain me The Multiversity's ending? : r/DCcomicsFinished Grant Morrison's Multiversity today... : r/DCcomics - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com
  64. [64]
    Gender-Swapped Justice League: Who Are Earth 11's Justice Guild?
    Feb 3, 2022 · Aquawoman Is the Leader of Earth-11's Justice Guild. The Multiversity Aquawoman Earth-11 Justice Incarnate. The leader of the Justice Guild ...
  65. [65]
    Multiversity: The Just #1 review - Batman News
    Oct 24, 2014 · “The Just” focuses on a Utopian type world where super heroes are no longer needed thanks to an army of robot Supermen (as in Superman, but plural).Missing: analysis | Show results with:analysis
  66. [66]
    The Multiversity: The Just 1 | Retcon Punch
    Oct 27, 2014 · Today, Spencer and (guest writer) Michael D. are discussing The Multiversity: The Just 1, originally released October 22nd, 2014.<|separator|>
  67. [67]
    The Multiversity: The Just #1 Review and *SPOILERS
    Oct 22, 2014 · All the meta was wasted on unlikable characters and the only saving grace was the fantastic art by Ben Oliver. 6/10. Eric Shea.Missing: analysis | Show results with:analysis
  68. [68]
    Grant Morrison's 'The Multiversity 'Annotations, Part 3
    Oct 24, 2014 · Described by Morrison as “the ultimate statement of what DC is”, The Multiversity naturally offers the reader much beyond the surface level ...<|separator|>
  69. [69]
    Review: Multiversity: The Just | Travelling Man's Blog - WordPress.com
    Nov 20, 2014 · The art is kinetic, expressive and brutal when it needs to be and the character work is all detailed, fluid and expressive. Oliver and Brown do ...Missing: analysis | Show results with:analysis
  70. [70]
  71. [71]
    The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1 Review - Major Spoilers
    Nov 23, 2014 · The basic plot revolves around solving the mystery of why Peacemaker assassinated the President of the United States.
  72. [72]
    The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1 - Weird Science DC Comics
    Monday, November 24, 2014. The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1. Written By: Grant Morrison Art By: Frank Quitely Cover Price: $4.99. Release Date: November ...
  73. [73]
    Annotated [Kinda]: 'The Multiversity: Pax Americana'
    Jun 19, 2015 · It means everything and nothing. It's determinism and free will. At the levels we're looking at, they just keep writing each other. It's ...Missing: predestination | Show results with:predestination
  74. [74]
    Just read Pax Americana, can somebody explain to me ... - Reddit
    Jan 28, 2017 · Traumatized by having accidentally killed his father, a man who will one day become President of the United States begins seeing life as a series of patterns.[Comic Excerpt] Gotta be my favorite Watchmen story (The Multiversity[Discussion] What do y'all think of Pax Americana? : r/DCcomicsMore results from www.reddit.com
  75. [75]
    THE MULTIVERSITY: THUNDERWORLD #1 - DC Comics
    What impossible villains are Sivana teaming up with who could spell doom for the Multiverse? From where did Sivana's children get their newfound super powers?Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  76. [76]
    7 Best Grant Morrison Single Issue Stories - ComicBook.com
    May 5, 2025 · Morrison worked with regular artist Howard Porter for the majority of their run, with most stories running for several issues. However, there ...
  77. [77]
    The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1 Review and *SPOILERS
    Jan 27, 2015 · Our story begins with Dr. Sivana and his Sivana Family finally finding the source of Captain Marvel's power....... The Rock of Eternity. With ...
  78. [78]
    The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1
    Dec 18, 2014 · There's a new day come-a calling, it's the one day of the week when evil Dr Sivana can defeat Captain Marvel. The 'synthetic' day is the ...Missing: plot summary
  79. [79]
    The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures #1 - iBLOGalot
    Dec 26, 2014 · Dr. Sivana has teamed up with a legion of parallel versions of himself from other universes and invaded The Rock of Eternity and imprisoned the ...Missing: plot summary
  80. [80]
    The Multiversity: Thunderworld Adventures Vol 1 1 - DC Database
    Dec 17, 2014 · In Fawcett City, Captain Marvel faces the Sivana Family, whose members have power, but lack training. Thaddeus, Jr. and Georgia are briefly able ...
  81. [81]
    Comic Review: Multiversity Thunderworld - ComicsOnline
    Jan 17, 2015 · This chapter of the Multiversity project provides a pitch-perfect homage to the Fawcett Universe, and is a must-read for fans of Captain Marvel ...
  82. [82]
    HEY, KIDS! COMICS! THE MULTIVERSITY - DoomRocket
    Dec 18, 2014 · Thunderworld brings bits over to Earth-5 that were touched on in 52 and Final Crisis: Sivana's children, and his invention Suspendium (a great ...Missing: plot summary
  83. [83]
    The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1 review - Batman News
    Dec 20, 2014 · The theme rings true through the entire issue as the Marvels face off against the Sivanas, fighting one-on-one with each other, and also having ...
  84. [84]
    Throwback Thursday: The Multiversity Guidebook #1 Review
    Nov 22, 2018 · Our story begins with the aftermath of Thunderworld, where Dr. Sivana's from all over the Multiverse have been coming together and adding to ...
  85. [85]
    The Multiversity Guidebook (DC, 2015 series) #1 - GCD :: Issue
    Batman (of Earth-42); Batman (of Earth-17); Sivana; Little League [Martian Manhunter; Cyborg; Aquaman; Batman; Hawkman; Green Arrow]; The Legion of Sivanas; ...
  86. [86]
    Multiversity Guidebook #1 2nd Ptg: Grant Morrison - Amazon.com
    Rating 5.0 (2) With a detailed concordance featuring each of the 52 worlds in the Multiverse, a complete history of DC Comics' universe-shattering “Crisis” events, a map ...
  87. [87]
    'The Multiversity: Guidebook' is the most DC comic ever - CBR
    Jan 29, 2015 · On flip-through, you'll note that about half of its 70 pages are devoted to illustrated prose in an airy, space-filling format, defining each of ...
  88. [88]
    The Multiversity Annotations, Part 7: Mastermen - Comics Alliance
    Mar 4, 2015 · The seventh issue of Grant Morrison's Multiversity, Mastermen, chronicles the story of Earth-10, a world where the Nazis conquered America.
  89. [89]
    The Multiversity: Mastermen #1 Review and *SPOILERS
    Feb 19, 2015 · The story moves throughout World War II to the fall of America to the present day where Overman rules over the world, but is plagued by ...
  90. [90]
    THE MULTIVERSITY: MASTERMEN #1 - DC Comics
    Rising from the ashes of oppression are a diverse band of heroes raging against the fascist regime – a band of heroes known as THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS! What ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  91. [91]
    THE MULTIVERSITY: ULTRA COMICS #1 | DC
    With the Multiverse under attack, a team of scientists create one final savior to take on the otherworldly threat…and its name is Ultra Comics! Literally held ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  92. [92]
    The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 by Grant Morrison & Doug Mahnke
    Mar 27, 2015 · Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Doug Mahnke Publisher: DC Release Date: March 25, 2015. I'm not going to sit here and tell writer Grant ...
  93. [93]
  94. [94]
    REVIEW: The Multiversity: Ultra Comics, #1 | Page 3 | CBR Community
    Mar 25, 2015 · Gary Concord is the Ultra-Man from All-American comics published by one of the predecessors of DC Comics. The joke is that all those characters ...<|separator|>
  95. [95]
    Review: The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 Is a metatextual masterpiece
    Mar 27, 2015 · The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 paints the fan as the individual leading the protagonist to his ultimate fate. This is it – the haunted story teased since ...
  96. [96]
    The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 Review - Major Spoilers
    Mar 27, 2015 · We immediately begin as Ultra Comics talks directly to us, the reader, warning that our world is in danger. As he is overtaken by the spreading ...Missing: plot summary
  97. [97]
    The Multiversity: Ultra Comics Vol 1 1 | DC Database - Fandom
    Mar 25, 2015 · Through that process, Ultra and his readers are one living organism. Earth-Prime now faces an attack by a HIT which is using comic book fiction ...
  98. [98]
    The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 Review and *SPOILERS
    Mar 25, 2015 · Ultra finds himself in a strange apocalyptic New York, where he fights strange distorted versions of the Justice League that seem to want to take possession of ...
  99. [99]
    “Meta-Commentary” in Morrison's “Multiversity”: Obsessions with ...
    Dec 8, 2014 · Morrison may be positing that readers have more of an influence on the multiverse than creative orchestrators of graphic narratives do. While ...
  100. [100]
    You Must (Not) Read “The Multiversity: Ultra Comics” #1 [Review]
    Mar 27, 2015 · “Ultra Comics” isn't a comic, not really. The story itself is vague and characters drop in and out. If you thought “Final Crisis” was confusing, ...
  101. [101]
    Comic Review: MULTIVERSITY #1; Or How I Learned to Stop ...
    Aug 26, 2014 · Multiversity is a book asking for you to play a part, it's asking the reader to stop and think about what they're reading. At one point the ...
  102. [102]
    Is It Good? The Multiversity #1 Review - AIPT
    Aug 20, 2014 · This is one complex story, with stories inside stories, characters familiar to any Marvel reader popping up in alternate universes and a threat ...
  103. [103]
    The Multiversity #1 Reviews (2014) at ComicBookRoundUp.com
    Rating 8.7/10 (46) Event\Storyline: The Multiversity Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Nei Ruffino, Joe Prado, Ivan Reis Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: August 20, 2014 Cover ...
  104. [104]
    Multiversity Turns the DC Universe Into a Quantum-Theory Freakfest
    Aug 13, 2014 · In his upcoming nine-issue DC Comics miniseries The Multiversity, Morrison is bending the “reality” of superheroes—and ourselves—again.
  105. [105]
    Multiversity Explores The Multiversity #0: A Primer for the Main Event
    Aug 19, 2014 · The brilliantly detailed map of the DC Multiverse created by Grant Morrison and Rian Hughes. After spending countless hours pouring over its contents.
  106. [106]
    The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1 Review - IGN
    Rating 9.1/10 · Review by Mike LogsdonNov 20, 2014 · The Multiversity: Pax Americana is an incredibly rich and deep storytelling experience that most will find rewarding.Missing: plot summary
  107. [107]
    The Multiversity: Pax Americana #1 review - Batman News
    Nov 20, 2014 · Although it carries similar themes that have already been touched on in Multiversity, none of the other issues have been this blatant or ...Missing: free predestination analysis<|separator|>
  108. [108]
    The Multiversity Deluxe Reviews at ComicBookRoundUp.com
    Rating 8.6/10 (509) Never has the multiverse been explored so well. That's probably the strongest point about the entire set of issues. The stories told in each one-shot explore ...
  109. [109]
    The Multiversity: The Just #1 Reviews - Comic Book Roundup
    Rating 8.1/10 (26) 10/10 concept from Morrison but less than perfect execution by Morrison. The art by Oliver is surprisingly great. I almost wish this issue was longer, as I feel ...Missing: analysis | Show results with:analysis
  110. [110]
    The Multiversity: Guidebook #1 review - Batman News
    Jan 31, 2015 · But instead of discussing each artist (we would be here all day) I’m just going to provide a screenshot of the credits for this issue, and add ...
  111. [111]
    The Multiversity Comic Series Reviews at ComicBookRoundUp.com
    The biggest adventure in DC's history is here! Join visionary writer Grant Morrison, today's most talented artists, and a cast of unforgettable characters from ...
  112. [112]
    The Multiversity Review (Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely) - ComicAlly
    Sep 5, 2015 · Grant Morrison's long-awaited Multiversity series is nine extra-long issues of a Crisis-like event that threatens to destroy DC's 52 universes that make up the ...
  113. [113]
    The Multiversity by Grant Morrison | Goodreads
    Oct 27, 2015 · GenresComicsGraphic NovelsDc ComicsSuperheroesFictionComic BookScience Fiction ... 2,809 ratings428 reviews. 5 stars. 779 (27%). 4 stars. 1,043 ...
  114. [114]
    Who is President Superman of the DC Universe? - GamesRadar
    May 5, 2021 · In fact, co-creator Grant Morrison has stated that Calvin Ellis is specifically inspired by both Obama and legendary boxer and political ...
  115. [115]
    Who is Kalel from Earth 23? All About Black Superman
    Mar 5, 2021 · In an interview, writer Grant Morrison admitted that Kalel was directly inspired by Barack Obama - the 44th US president who took office the ...
  116. [116]
    15/7 The Multiversity annotations Pt 8 - Xanaduum
    Jul 15, 2023 · Acquired by DC, Quality characters like the Ray, Black Condor, Phantom Lady and Human Bomb were recreated as the Freedom Fighters by Wein and ...<|separator|>
  117. [117]
    Beyond Good and Evil: "Multiversity: Mastermen #1" - PopMatters
    Feb 25, 2015 · Grant Morrison's and Jim Lee's The Multiversity: Mastermen #1 opens with Adolf Hitler straining on the toilet. It's all downhill from there.
  118. [118]
    New Reichsmen (Earth 10) - DC Database - Fandom
    However, the New Reichsmen faced betrayal from their very leader, Overman, who was guilt-ridden by decades of Nazi oppression, helped the Freedom Fighters ...
  119. [119]
    Mastermen - I Am NOT the Beastmaster - TypePad
    Feb 23, 2015 · Morrison has inherited Newman's angsty, guilt-ridden Overman and placed him front and center in this story of a world gone wrong. With its ...
  120. [120]
    Grant Morrison's "multiversity": His new comics universe doesn't ...
    Dec 13, 2014 · Morrison's latest DC Comics series "The Multiversity" breathes much-needed life into the nearly exhausted superheroes dragging their (mostly white and male) ...
  121. [121]
    What's your thoughts on Calvin Ellis? : r/superman - Reddit
    Jan 13, 2023 · I think he was too closely based on a politician who Grant Morrison was a fan of. ... TLDR: Love Calvin Ellis when he's not Obama and gets ...CALVIN ELLIS or VAL-ZOD? : r/DCcomics - RedditThe Goofy Superman: Fun panels and a Grant Morrison inspiration ...More results from www.reddit.comMissing: Multiversity | Show results with:Multiversity
  122. [122]
    The Multiversity Comic Reviews at ComicBookRoundUp.com
    The Multiversity Comic Reviews ; Publisher: DC Comics ; Released: Aug 2014 - Mar 2023 ; Issues: 10 ; Critic Reviews: 237 User Reviews: 274.Missing: score | Show results with:score
  123. [123]
    The Multiversity [Reviews] - IGN
    Rating 9.3/10 · Review by IGNThe Multiversity #1 Review​​ Morrison's The Multiversity #1 is exactly the trip that you've all been hoping for with a huge story and a vast cast.
  124. [124]
    The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1 Review - IGN
    Rating 9.8/10 · Review by Mike LogsdonDec 17, 2014 · The issue is filled with incredible levels of fun, excitement, and above all an absolute love of the characters depicted on every page.
  125. [125]
    The Multiversity: Guidebook #1 Reviews - Comic Book Roundup
    Rating 9.1/10 (16) While this an over-sized and over-priced ($8!!) guidebook, it delivers a lot more comic book goodness then , i expected AND a lot more pages! I really enjoyed ...
  126. [126]
    Grant Morrison's The Multiversity #1 is everything that fans have ...
    Aug 21, 2014 · "Brand Building" (script; plot by Chris Burnham and art by Frazer Irving, in #0, 2012). "Leviathan: The Demon Star" (with Chris Burnham and ...Anybody know when Multiversity is coming out? : r/comicbooksGuys, The Multiversity finally starts tomorrow! : r/DCcomics - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com
  127. [127]
    Let's talk about Grant Morrison... : r/comicbooks - Reddit
    May 31, 2015 · The Multiversity is a masterpiece, but it's a hell of a place to try to break into Morrison. It's not one of his more accessible books, and ...Missing: reactions | Show results with:reactions
  128. [128]
    Is Multiversity worth reading? : r/DCcomics - Reddit
    Aug 3, 2023 · Personally I love it. The plot is not lineal and each book is an experiment in different style of comics. The main books and the guidebook are ...Grant Morrison's The Multiversity : r/graphicnovels - Reddit[Discussion] What do you think of the Multiversity? : r/DCcomicsMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: meta- self- referential techniques engagement
  129. [129]
    Who else has this experience with Grant Morrison's work? - Reddit
    Nov 4, 2022 · [Discussion] Grant Morrison criticizing how the concepts introduced in The Multiversity have been handled by other writers · r/DCcomics ...
  130. [130]
    SDCC '15: Grant Morrison - Multiversity and Beyond! - Bleeding Cool
    Jul 11, 2015 · The hall is filling up for Grant Morrison to unspool his mind and blow all of ours, and whilst we waited for the panel to begin, it was easy to ...
  131. [131]
    SDCC: DC Entertainment -- Grant Morrison: The Multiversity and ...
    Jul 11, 2015 · The first question came from a young, very enthusiastic fan that Morrison already knew, calling the fan - who responded with a loud, "Yes!!" to ...Missing: feedback | Show results with:feedback
  132. [132]
    Grant Morrison's The Multiversity : r/graphicnovels - Reddit
    Nov 23, 2023 · Grant Morrison's The Multiversity ... Love Morrison. This is such a crazy cool concept, and a bit trippy. Anybody else read it? Thoughts?Missing: reactions | Show results with:reactions
  133. [133]
    Grant Morrison's Most Underrated Work Will Change Everything You ...
    Apr 20, 2025 · The Mutliversity is a bravura work throughout, but Ultra Comics is the heart of the whole thing. Morrison introduces many ideas throughout The ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
  134. [134]
    2/8 The Multiversity Annotations Pt 10 - Xanaduum
    Aug 2, 2023 · To update it, I read extensively on 'pre-suasion' sales techniques to create the Man's speech at the beginning and the opening commercial ...Missing: process methodology
  135. [135]
    The Multiversity from DC Comics - League of Comic Geeks
    Comprising six complete adventures – each set in a different parallel universe – plus a two-part framing story and a comprehensive guidebook to the many worlds ...
  136. [136]
    [Discussion] Grant Morrison criticizing how the concepts introduced ...
    May 2, 2022 · Grant Morrison criticizing how the concepts introduced in The Multiversity have been handled by other writers.Grant Morrison's The Multiversity #1 is everything that fans have ...I just finished Multiversity. : r/DCcomics - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com
  137. [137]
    Opinion: We need a Codified DC Multiverse post- Dark Crisis "Big ...
    Dec 13, 2022 · The DC Multiverse should be codified and restored in the wake of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths as suggested by Dark Crisis : Big Bang #1.
  138. [138]
    6/11 The Multiversity annotations Pt 5 - Xanaduum
    Nov 6, 2022 · In the following sequence with Nightshade Eve Eden and her mother, we contrast the singular, explosive and ejaculatory masculinity of the previous page's Big ...Missing: nested hyperlink
  139. [139]
    DC Comics (Sort of) Admits They Reboot Their Universe Too Damn ...
    “Reality cannot survive another crisis,” says a character in the latest issue of Justice League. Dare we hope reboots are a thing of the past for DC Comics?
  140. [140]
    DOOMSDAY CLOCK #10: How the Metaverse is the Salvation of ...
    Jun 1, 2019 · Issue #10 does something that no comic has been able to since Crisis on Infinite Earths – explain how all iterations of the DC Universe connect to one another.
  141. [141]
    MULTIVERSITY: TEEN JUSTICE - DC Comics
    Mar 21, 2023 · Kid Quick-the Future State Flash-and their fellow heroes Supergirl, Robin, Aquagirl, Klarienne the Witch Girl, and Troy take center stage in a miniseries.
  142. [142]
    MULTIVERSITY: TEEN JUSTICE #1 - DC Comics
    MULTIVERSITY: TEEN JUSTICE 2022. U.S. Price: 3.99. On Sale Date: Tuesday, June 7th, 2022. Volume/Issue #:. 1. Trim Size: 6 5/8 x 10 3/16. Page Count: 32. Rated:.
  143. [143]
    Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU | DC Comics Series
    Explore the Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU comics series on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE, the ultimate destination to read DC Comics online | Harley's back.
  144. [144]
    Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU #6 | DC Comics Issue
    Harley's time-hopping, universe-screw-upping adventure comes to a close in this Starro-studded finale! Rating: 12+Pages: 25 pages Released: Jul 10, 2023 ...
  145. [145]
    How to Read Dark Nights: Death Metal in Order - CBR
    Jun 8, 2025 · It is highly recommended that the Metal be read first. This is the event that introduced the Dark Multiverse, the legion of corrupted Batman analogs that ...
  146. [146]
    DC PRIDE: BETTER TOGETHER - DC Comics
    May 28, 2024 · Legendary scribe Grant Morrison returns to the world of The Multiversity for a tale of the cosmic lengths Flashlight will run to in order to ...
  147. [147]
    Grant Morrison's Multiversity Officially Returns to DC Continuity - CBR
    May 29, 2023 · Grant Morrison's Multiversity officially returns to DC Comics continuity in a new preview of DC Pride 2023, an oversized anthology releasing ...
  148. [148]
    Grant Morrison returns to Multiversity for DC Pride 2023, and much ...
    Mar 13, 2023 · First up, the 2023 edition of the annual DC Pride one-shot will feature eight stories from a variety of all-star creators including Grant ...
  149. [149]
    Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU (2023—2023) | DC Database
    Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU (Volume 1) was a limited series, published by DC Comics. It ran from 2023 until 2023. It starred Harley Quinn.
  150. [150]
    Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU - Amazon.com
    30-day returnsMultiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU (2023). Print length. 144 pages. Language. English. Publisher. DC Comics. Publication date. December 12, 2023. Dimensions.
  151. [151]
    Grant Morrison On Multiverse Characters Becoming Canon Cannon ...
    May 5, 2022 · Nevertheless, I'm quite protective of my Multiversity work and I get about as riled as I can get about these things nowadays when other creators ...
  152. [152]
  153. [153]
    17/8 The Multiversity annotations Pt 2 - Xanaduum
    Aug 17, 2022 · Thunderer decks Wundajin with a single punch, putting the case for more accurate cultural representation going forward. DAMON VAN DEE AKA ...
  154. [154]
    Justice League's Cosmic Retcon Turns a Terrifying Threat Into Basic ...
    Feb 1, 2022 · Justice League Incarnate #4 transforms the Empty Hand from a uniquely existential threat to a more basic villainous form.
  155. [155]
    13/9 The Multiversity Annotations Pt 11 - Xanaduum
    Sep 13, 2023 · Tragically, they ignored his chirpy personality and identified him immediately as a robot spy drone of the Empty Hand! The post-apocalyptic ...
  156. [156]
    So uh... what happened to the Empty Hand? (Dark Crisis #7 spoilers ...
    Dec 22, 2022 · This means its highly probable the Empty Hand we saw was just a Emanation a "Faked Real World" Grant Morrison DC character style hence resolving ...[Discussion] Grant Morrison criticizing how the concepts introduced ...[Discussion] Infinite Frontier Theory: The Empty Hand and Darkseid ...More results from www.reddit.com
  157. [157]
    The DC Universe in 2022 explained - Games Radar
    Feb 1, 2022 · DC is now well into its current 'Infinite Frontier' status quo, in which every story that has ever been told in a DC comic is considered to be canon.
  158. [158]
    Multiversity #1 (Bryan Hitch variant cover - 00141) - Westfield Comics
    Multiversity #1 (Bryan Hitch variant cover - 00141) ; Cover Artist. Bryan Hitch ; Pages. 48 ; Color. Full Color. ; Special Notes. Special Price ; Format. Comic Book ...
  159. [159]
    Multiversity Variants Gallery - CBSI Comics
    May 5, 2015 · Every single issue has a B&W 1:10 variant that I am not going to include in the article to avoid the image overload, it's just the same ...Missing: list collectibility
  160. [160]
    Multiversity The Just #1 1:100 Morrison Variant Cover - Amazon.com
    30-day returnsMultiversity The Just #1 1:100 Morrison Variant Cover.Missing: ratio | Show results with:ratio
  161. [161]
    [Other] "History of the Multiverse" variants from the Multiversity series
    Jul 11, 2021 · Each issue in the Multiversity series had a variant cover depicting a major event from DC's past. I thought it would be nice to see the set together.[July 2023 Book Club] The Multiversity : r/DCcomics - RedditMultiversity Reading Order : r/DCcomics - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com
  162. [162]
    Multiversity: Pax Americana Issue # 1f (DC Comics)
    This special comes polybagged with a 26.5 x 30.5 version of the sensational Map of the Multiverse poster, designed by Rian Hughes from Grant Morrison's notes!
  163. [163]
    Multiversity comic books issue 1 - MyComicShop
    4.9 113 · $12.95 deliveryArt by Cameron Stewart. Cover by Cliff Chiang. The fifth chapter of the greatest adventure in DC Comics history is here! Acclaimed for their collaborations ...
  164. [164]
    THE MULTIVERSITY DELUXE EDITION - DC Comics
    This deluxe edition hardcover collects all nine MULTIVERSITY issues, plus the indispensible GUIDEBOOK issue! ... Page Count: 448. Rated: Teen. Starring. Superman.Missing: primer | Show results with:primer
  165. [165]
    The Multiversity Deluxe Edition - Grant Morrison - Barnes & Noble
    In stock Free in-store returns... THE MULTIVERSITY tells an epic tale that span 52 Earths. Collects THE MULTIVERSITY #1 and 2, THE MULTIVERSITY GUIDEBOOK #1 and MULTIVERSITY issues: THE ...
  166. [166]
    Deluxe Edition (The Multiversity (2014-2015)) eBook - Amazon.com
    30-day returnsCollects THE MULTIVERSITY #1 and 2, THE MULTIVERSITY GUIDEBOOK #1 and MULTIVERSITY issues: THE SOCIETY OF SUPER-HEROES #1, THE JUST #1, PAX AMERICANA #1, ...
  167. [167]
  168. [168]
    Absolute Multiversity HC - InStockTrades
    Absolute Multiversity HC ; Publisher: DC Comics ; Writer: Grant Morrison ; Artist: Various ; Cover Artist: Rian Hughes ; Page Count: 620.<|separator|>