Chronology of the Crises

Dawn of Time: The time-travelling Anti-Monitor attempts to prevent birth of positive matter universe & ensure birth of anti-matter universe. An army of super-heroes tries to stop him. The Spectre, backed by other mystics, arm-wrestles the Anti-Monitor, allowing both positive matter & anti-matter universes to be created.

Crisis #10 (1.86)

4.4 billion years ago: Using his special time-bending device, the mad scientist Krona gazes unto the beginning of the universe. He unwittingly creates an anti-matter Universe, home of the world Qward, and sets in motion events that will birth the Monitor and Anti-Monitor. Krona witnesses the creation of the Shadowlands, also called the "Primordial Darkness," which is actually the Anti-Monitor's hand, rising up from the chaoplasm oceans of Hell. NOTE: The "Hand of Darkness" first appeared in Green Lantern v.2 #40, first chronological in Crisis #10, and first explained in Swamp Thing #50.

Green Lantern v.2 #40 (10.65)

3 billion years ago: The Anti-Monitor is born on the moon of Qward. The Anti-Monitor grows to conquer Qward and creates the Thunderers and Shadow Demons. The Monitor is born on Oa's moon. He and the Anti-Monitor sense each other's existence and fight for one million years.

Crisis #7 (10.85)

The border between universes is breached when the Flash of Earth-2 (Jay Garrick) and the Flash of Earth-1 (Barry Allen) join forces to rescue the JSA — Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, Green Lantern, Hawkman and Johnny Thunder—from Vandal Savage. The JSA re-forms. NOTES: 1st Silver Age app. of Vandal Savage, Johnny Thunder and the Earth-2 Wonder Woman. 1st actual Silver Age app. of the JSA (not in a flashback).

Flash v.1 #137 (6.63)

The first cross-universe team-up between the Justice League and and the Justice Society. They battle the Crime Champions: Wizard, Icicle, Fiddler, Chronos, Felix Faust, Dr. Alchemy. NOTE: 1st Silver Age appearance of the original Hawkman, Black Canary, Hourman, Green Lantern, Dr. Fate and Atom.

JLofA #21-22 (8-9.63 )

On Earth-7, Donna Troy is taken and raised by the Anti-Monitor, becoming Dark Angel. She is intended to serve as his own harbinger — of doom.

Return of Donna Troy #4 (L10.05)

Power Girl, Superman's cousin, arrives on Earth-2 and joins the JSA. She becomes a part of Lois and Clark's family.

All-Star Comics #58 (1-2.76)

The Secret Society of Super-Villains switches bodies with several JLAers. During this time, they learn the Leaguers' secrets. Having eluded capture, Zatanna frees the JLA and engineers the transfer back to their own bodies. Because the villains had gained dangerous knowledge, Zatanna uses her magic to wipe their memories of any secret identities. After this, Star Sapphire goes into a coma. NOTE: The memory wipe was revealed in Identity Crisis #3. This was also not the first time they had used this procedure.

JLofA #166-168 (5-7.79)

Following a battle with Hector Hammond, the League return to the satellite and discover it has been by breached by Dr. Light. Further, he has raped Sue Dibny. Instead of letting him go, they vote 4-to-3 to use Zatanna's powers to not only wipe his memories, but alter his personality. Batman arrives and discovers this; in order to save the League itself, they wipe his memories as well. Unknown to his fellow Leaguers, Batman eventually recovers his memory. They keep this information from Ralph, and use magic to hide the fact from J'onn. Green Arrow states that the League had been wiping memories for years. NOTES: This story explicitly does take place after the death of Iris Allen and JLofA #166-168. Superman's compliance with these events was revealed in Adventures of Superman #636 (3.05).

Identity Crisis #2, 6 (9.04, 1.05)

Prompted by his distrust of his own comrades, Batman builds a satellite, MK-1 to monitor the activities of metahumans and to store detailed files on all metahumans. He is disturbed how easily powerful individuals are sometimes overtaken by evil forces, and reasons that the world needs a way to guard against it.

*

The Anti-Monitor begins destroying the parallel Earths of the positive-matter universe with waves of anti-matter. As Pariah watches helplessly, the Crime Syndicate of America perishes in a futile attempt to defend their homeworld, Earth-3. Earth-3's Alexander Luthor and Lois Lane send their infant son, Alexander Luthor Jr. , to Earth-1, where he appears aboard the now-abandoned JLA satellite. The surviving Earths experience mysterious red skies and bizarre weather. The Monitor's servant, Harbinger, gathers an army of super-heroes and -villains. POST-CRISIS: People who survive the Crisis will remember this event will recall only the Anti-Monitor's attack, and the red skies, not alternate Earths. NOTES: First DC Comics app. of Blue Beetle, who debuted in Charlton Comics' Captain Atom #83 (11.66), and the first costumed appearance of Harbinger. Her first appearance, as Lyla was in New Teen Titans v.1 Annual #2 (1983). Her first chronological appearance as Harbinger was Tales of the Teen Titans #58 (10.85). First appearance of Pariah and the first full-panel appearance of the Monitor, whose 1st app. in print (hidden) was New Teen Titans #21 (1984).

Crisis #1 (4.85)

The Monitor sends his army of heroes to various points throughout time to defend his vibrational tuning forks, which are intended to protect the universe from the Anti-Monitor's assaults. Alex Luthor begins to age rapidly. In Gotham City, Batman sees an image of the Flash, moving backwards in time.

Crisis #2 (5.85)

As the heroes battle the Anti-Monitor's Shadow Demons, Batman, Superman, the Outsiders, and the Teen Titans see the Flash, still lost in time. He abruptly vanishes, snatched away by the Anti-Monitor.

Crisis #3 (6.85)

Pariah saves Lady Quark from the destruction of Earth-6. The Anti-Monitor kidnaps the Red Tornado while the Monitor brings about the creation of Dr. Light IV (Kimiyo Hoshi). Harbinger, under the mental domination of the Anti-Monitor, kills the Monitor. Upon the Monitor's death, Earths 1 and 2 are drawn into a mysterious netherverse.

Crisis #4 (7.85)

Traveling back in time to find the JLA, the Flash is transported to Earth-D. With the help of Pariah and Lady Quark, he brings members of Earth-1 to help Earth-D's Justice Alliance of America in a vain attempt to save their world from destruction. NOTES: This story is concurrent to events in Crisis #3 and #4, but before the end of Crisis #4.

Legends of the DCU Crisis Special (2.99)

Earths 1 and 2 (protected from oblivion by the Monitor) partially merge, causing time and space to overlap. On Oa, the Green Lantern Corps finds that the Guardians have been decimated by the Anti-Monitor's forces. The JLA, Outsiders, Infinity, Inc., All-Star Squadron, and Legion join forces to battle the Red Tornado, who is being used by the Anti-Monitor to cause chaos across the surviving Earths. In the anti-matter universe, the Flash and the Psycho-Pirate come face-to-face with the Anti-Monitor. NOTES: This was the first actual appearance of the Anti-Monitor.

Crisis #5 (8.85)

Harbinger links Earths 4, S & X to Earths 1 & 2, protecting them from annihilation, but causing them to slowly merge. The Psycho-Pirate uses his powers to cause chaos on the surviving Earths. On Earth-2, Yolanda Montez becomes Wildcat II. NOTES: First DC Comics appearances of the former Charlton Comics characters Captain Atom, Judomaster, Nightshade, Peacemaker, Peter Cannon — Thunderbolt, and the Question. Captain Atom first appeared in Space Adventures #33 (3.60); Judomaster in Special War Series #4 (11.65); Nightshade in Captain Atom #82 (9.66); Peacemaker in Fightin' 5 #40 (12.66); Peter Cannon in Thunderbolt #1 (1.66); and the Question in Blue Beetle #1 (6.67). Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt, is not owned by DC Comics, but by Pete A. Morisi.

Crisis #6 (9.85)

A vast army of super-villains, led by Earth-1's Lex Luthor and Brainiac, attempts to seize power on the five partially merged surviving Earths. Hawkman I is severely wounded by Dr. Phosphorus.

Crisis #9 (12.85)

The villain war is ended by the Spectre, who unites all of the surviving heroes and villains in a last-ditch effort to stop the Anti-Monitor from changing history to eliminate the positive-matter universe from existence. The Spectre and the Anti-Monitor clash at the Dawn of Time, apparently destroying all of creation. The universe fades to white. This originally was intended to be the end of the Crisis storyline. NOTES: The Anti-Montitor's hand in these events is actually the power source of several DCU characters including Obsidian, Ian Karkull, the Shade, Shadow Thief, Eclipso and others. The giant shadow hand in Swamp Thing #50 is called "the Shadowlands" and "the Primordial Darkness." Morpheus trapped Brute and Glob in "The Darkness" to punish them for empowering Garrett Sanford and Hector Hall (Sandman #12).

Crisis #10 (1.86)

The survivors of the battle at the Dawn of Time awaken on Earth, which has been unified to include aspects of Earth-1, -2, -4, -S, and -X (only those who were present at the Dawn of Time remember the multiverse). Earth-2 heroes including Superman, Robin and the Huntress, discover that they were never born in the reformed universe. Earth is then drawn into the anti-matter universe, where the Anti-Monitor prepares to destroy the Earth once and for all. NOTES: This issue began an "interregnum" period in which the previous multiverse had been united into a single world, but during which most of the changes later attributed to the Crisis (such as the extensively revised histories of Superman and Wonder Woman) had not yet appeared and those who were present at the Dawn of Time still remembered the multiverse.

Crisis #11 (2.86)

A handful of survivors slips through the collapse of the original multiverse, to find that they have no real place in the new order. They include: Superman and Power Girl from Earth-2; Dark Angel (Donna Troy) of Earth-7; Alexander Luthor and Ultraman of Earth-3; Superboy of Earth-Prime; and Saturn Queen of the "imaginary story" Earth.

Alex Luthor receives visions of a "paradise" and a "hell" which are his only two options to escape the disintegrating antimatter universe. He does not realize that the hell is Apokolips, and his vision is linked to Darkseid's. He decides upon the extra-dimensional "heaven," but is left much weaker (though growing) he does not have enough power to escape their "heaven." As they adjust to life there, Alex regrets not choosing to Apokolips, because they could have returned to Earth. He also resents having grown to adulthood in a matter of days, wishing that Superman had saved the world instead and allowed him a normal life. Ultimately, Alex's bitterness overcomes him and he begins coercing Superboy into pummeling their crystalline barrier. He finds that the unified Earth has not settled into its proper place and each blow alters its history. Alex is convinced he can create the perfect Earth and begins an elaborate plan. NOTES: Superboy Prime's blows creates anew Legion, Doom Patrol, brings Jason Todd back to life, reboots the Metal Men, and alters the histories of Superman, Hawkman, Donna Troy, Gentleman Ghost, Power Girl, Maxwell Lord, the Challengers, Hector Hammond and the Fury.

Crisis #12 (3.86), Infinite Crisis Secret Files (4.06)

Michael Jon Carter arrives in the 20th century after traveling back in time from the year 2462 with equipment stolen from the Space Museum.

Booster Gold #8-9 (9-10.86)

Booster Gold establishes himself as a major hero in Metropolis, parlaying his fame into a vast fortune by doing personal endorsements and using his knowledge of the future to invest in the stock market. Despite these aims, he later claims to retain no knowledge of JLA's history.

Booster Gold #1 (2.86)

Arion of Atlantis tells Power Girl a false story about her origins: that she is his granddaughter, a survivor of ancient Atlantis, not a Kryptonian. This was a lie in order to protect Kara, at the behest of her mother. NOTE: The identity of this "mother" was never revealed.

Secret Origins #11 (2.87)

Lex Luthor's employee, Amanda McCoy, presents evidence that Superman is Clark Kent. At this time, he rejects it, but clearly pursues the evidence further later on. He bides his time, waiting for the best opportunity to use it to his advantage.

Superman v.2 #2 (2.87)

Like Power Girl, Dark Angel falls through the cracks of the reforming universe. Jealous, she becomes Donna's tormentor.

Return of Donna Troy #4 (L10.05)

The new Justice League holds its first official meeting in the Secret Sanctuary. Present are Batman, Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Captain Marvel, Dr. Fate, Guy Gardner, J'onn J'onzz, and Mister Miracle (accompanied by Oberon). Batman takes over leadership. Maxwell Lord IV, head of Innovative Concepts, gives Kimiyo Hoshi (Dr. Light IV) a Justice League signal device in hopes of persuading her to join the League. Later, he secretly organizes a terrorist attack on the United Nations, which the Justice League thwarts. The terrorist leader commits suicide when his bomb fails to detonate, not realizing that Lord had surreptitiously removed the bomb's firing pin. The League is unaware of Lord's involvement.

JLA #1 (5.87)

Maxwell Lord invites Booster Gold to join the Justice League.

Booster Gold #16 (5.87)

Lord and his "sentient" computer (formerly Metron's) stage a bogus alien attack to improve the League's image in the international community, enabling him (with a little help from Superman) to persuade the United Nations to sanction the new League as the Justice League International.

JLA #7 (11.87)

Harry Stein forms Checkmate, a covert action group formed by from its looser-knit predecessor, "The Agency" (which was formed by Amanda Waller to serve as a small, quasi-independent branch of Task Force X). It performs global operations which are vital to the security of American interests.

Action #598 (3.88)

Shortly after Jason Todd's burial, one of Superboy Prime's blows brings Jason back to life — while he is still inside his grave. Jason is hospitalized but amnesiac. His fingerprints were never on file and authorities placed him in convalescent care. Eventually, he sets out in search of Batman, but comes to the attention to Ra's and Talia al Ghul. Talia takes him under wing until Ra's orders the boy to be sent away. Talia defies him and pushes the boy into a Lazarus Pit where his memories and strength return. He is freed and begins investigating the events following his death, choosing not to contact Batman. He grows increasingly angry that the Dark Knight never took revenge on the Joker. He allied with the first Hush in order to confront Batman and gauge Bruce's shock. He then slipped away, leaving Batman to believe it had been Clayface he'd fought. He began his own crusade then of vigilante justice.

Batman Annual #25 (2006), Infinite Crisis Secret Files (4.06)

Max is critically affected by the Dominator's gene-bomb, which affects metahumans. This reveals his metahuman status to everyone.

Invasion! #3 (1989)

The disembodied Dreamslayer possesses Max and reclaims the Extremist androids. NOTE: This is Max's first contact with the androids, which include Lord Havoc.

JLE #32 (11.91)

At Maxwell Lord's urging, the U.N. forms the League Busters to stop Captain Atom's JLA team from attacking the Overmaster.

JLE #65 (6.94)

PARALLAX AND THE ZERO HOUR

Emerald Twilight, Part 1: Hal Jordan tries to recreate Coast City with Emerald energy from his ring. In his emotional weakness, he falls prey to an ancient yellow being called Parallax: the living embodiment of fear which resides in the Guardians central power battery and created the GLs' weakness to yellow/fear. NOTE: First appearance of Kyle Rayner.

Green Lantern v.2 #48 (1.94); Green Lantern: Rebirth #??

Emerald Twilight, Part 2: Parallax's evil consumes Hal, who shreds through many members of the Green Lantern Corps on his way to Oa, taking their rings and leaving them stranded in space if not outright killing them.

Green Lantern v.2 #49 (2.94)

Emerald Twilight, Part 3: Possessed by Parallax, Hal Jordan kills Sinestro, Kilowog, and all of the Guardians of the Universe except for Ganthet. He assumes the Guardians' former power. Ganthet gives Kyle Rayner (Green Lantern V) the last Green Lantern ring in an alleyway. NOTE: Because the Parallax entity — which caused the Lanters' vulnerability to yellow — now resides in Jordan, Rayner's ring is not vulnerable to the color yellow.

Green Lantern v.2 #50 (3.94)

Parallax begins a campaign to reshape the universe in his own image, starting a wave of temporal distortion that begins to unravel time from the end of the universe backwards. As Waverider and the Linear Men move to warn Earth's heroes, the villain Monarch, now calling himself Extant, tries to exploit the crisis for his own ends. Superman, using the help of Metron and Kyle Rayner, recruits Earth's heroes and alerts them to the time crisis.

Zero Hour #4 (9.94)

The Justice Society engages Extant, who uses his time manipulation powers to kill the Atom and Hourman, mortally wound Dr. Mid-Nite, drain the power from Green Lantern's power ring, and split Dr. Fate into Kent and Inza Nelson, stripping them of their power and returning them to their chronological ages. NOTE: It is later revealed that this Hourman was the android, who switched places with Rex Tyler just before Extant's blow (JSA #66).

Zero Hour #3 (9.94)

The Justice Society disbands; the original Dr. Mid-Nite presumably dies in the hospital. Alan Scott vows to retire, throwing away his power ring, which is later destroyed by Parallax.

Zero Hour #2 (9.94)

Atom II is de-aged to 18. Realizing that his superhero career is over, Ted Knight passes his Cosmic Rod on to his son David, who becomes Starman VI. 1st app. of his other son, Jack Knight (who becomes Starman VII in Starman #0, 10.94). The Flash appeals to the Spectre for assistance in combating the crisis in time. The temporal devastation escalates, destroying all of time except for a handful of heroes at Vanishing Point, who learn that their foe is Hal Jordan, now calling himself Parallax.

Zero Hour #1 (9.94)

With the help of the Spectre, Parallax is stopped from remaking the universe in his own image. The universe is restarted at the Dawn of Time, causing historical changes and anomalies. Power Girl gives birth to a boy. NOTE: In general, however, changes were minor to other characters' continuity. Over time, after the Crisis, almost all characters' continuities continued to change. This was later explained in the Infinite Crisis as having either been a result of Superboy Prime's blows, or because the universe hadn't yet "settled" into its proper place. Examples of this are the ever-changing histories of Power Girl and Hawkman and the redefining of the Justice League's early days. The most significant change to continuity from Zero Hour was the complete reboot of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Zero Hour #0 (9.94)

After an unsuccessful attempt to commandeer the League, Max collapses. (#93) He learns that he has brain cancer, and it's revealed he is a member of the Arcana. (#94) The Kilg%re grants Max a second chance at life, which he accepts, leaving his body to die. (#95) NOTE: The Kilg%re first appeared in Flash v.2 #3.

JLA #93-95 (11.94-1.95)

With the power of the Kilg%re, Max Lord becomes Lord Havoc II. NOTE: It has been suggested that this phase of Max's existence was wiped away by Superboy Prime's reality-altering blows. (Infinite Crisis Secret Files) When Max reappears in Formerly Known as the Justice League, no mention is made of it. However, his close ties to the OMAC technology might be explained by his own biomechanical nature.

JLA #99 (5.95)

Lord Havok and Judgment destroy the Aracana's "four Aces." NOTE: Max's activities following this have not been revealed.

JLA #113 (8.96)

Bruce Wayne and his bodyguard, Sasha Bordeaux, are framed for the murder of Vesper Fairchild in Wayne Manor. Sasha is wrongly convicted and sent to prison. Before she can be freed, she is reported killed by another inmate. In truth, she is taken by Checkmate, undergoes plastic surgery, and is given a new identity and a position in Checkmate. She is recruited by Jessica Midnight, who had in the past recruited other women acquainted with the Dark Knight. Bordeaux quickly ascends the ranks of Checkmate, becoming the Black Knight for the organization's new Black King: Maxwell Lord.

Detective #766-775 (3-12.02) and others

The Hourman virus invades the entire planet. At vanishing point, Waverider hears Matt Ryder utter something about the "Kingdom" and a "barrier."

DC One Million #2 (11.98)

The Earth-2 Superman reappears, struggling against an impenetrable barrier.

The Kingdom #2 (2.99)

Talia breaks into the Watchtower and steals Batman's secret protocols for defeating the JLA. She delivers them to her father, Ra's Al Ghul. Using the Batman's computer files, Ra's Al Ghul handily cripples the team and  robs Batman's parents' graves.  Batman leads the recovering and mistrustful League to Ra's Al Ghul's Antarctic lair.  Upon Al Ghul's defeat, the JLA votes to expel Batman from the team (Flash, J'onn & GL vote in his favor). NOTE: Batman is depicted as having begun compiling the protocols before the original JLA disbanded. Backgrounds depict imagery from before the deaths of Barry Allen and Oliver Queen and before Black Canary lost her sonic cry.

JLA Secret Files #3 (11.00), JLA2 #43-46 (7-10.00)

Alexander "Lex" Joseph Luthor is elected President of the United States. Batman tries unsuccessfully to retrieve the kryptonite ring from him.

Superman: Lex 2000 (1.01)

President Luthor shows his Vice President, Pete Ross, a file proving that Clark Kent is Superman.

Adv. of Superman #637 (4.05)

A mysterious android girl from the future (Brainiac 8), appears from out of nowhere. The combined might of the Titans and Young Justice barely drives her off. Argent and the Empress are critically injured when she teleports away.

Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day #1 (7.03)

The Titans of Myth transport Donna Troy to New Cronus from the moment of her death. They do not tell her that she is crucial to their survival. They have received dire news about the fate of the universe, and seek to escape it by migrating to another universe. They also heed a prophesy from their late sister, Rhea, who said that one of their "seeds" would prove the key to their own future. They knew this seed was Donna. Troia is taken by Coeus as his new wife.

The Return of Donna Troy #1 (8.05)

Jason Todd allies with the villain called Hush in order to confront Batman and gauge Bruce's shock. He slips away, leaving Batman to believe it had been Clayface he'd fought. Jason begins his own vigilante's crusade as the Red Hood II.

Batman #617 (9.03), Batman Annual #25 (2006), Infinite Crisis Secret Files (4.06)

In his search for the origins of the universe, Krona destroys Qward (where the Crime Syndicate are battling the Weaponers). The JLA encounters Terminus, a being from another universe. Likewise, the Avengers stave off the Star Conqueror. The teams are told by the Grandmaster and Metron, respectively that they must assemble twelve items of power in order to prevent the collision of both universes. The JLA crosses over and obtains the Ultimate Nullifier, but they are pursued back by the Avengers. NOTE: These heroes have met before (DC/Marvel: All Access), but do not recall it.

JLA/Avengers #1 (9.03)

Once the heroes have obtained all the artifacts, Krona turns on the Grandmaster and summons Galactus — who holds the knowledge of the origins of the universe. The Grandmaster, however, then uses the artifacts to twist reality to his whim.

JLA/Avengers #2 (11.03)

Krona attempts to merge the two universes and the heroes experience a plethora of alternate realities where they have met at different times in their careers. The Phantom Stranger ultimately leads them to the truth, where they witness all the tragedies of their real lives. Though difficult to imagine, the JLA and Avengers decide to put things back the right way.

JLA/Avengers #3 (1.04)

Krona imprisons both universes' avatars (Eternity and Kismet), but the teams combine efforts to break his stronghold and destroy his power sphere. His essence is condensed into a cosmic egg. The Spectre separates the two universes. The teams restore the realities that had been destroyed. NOTES: The JLA recalls these events, but not the Marvel universe. Later (JLA #111), they will begin to notice evidence of some cosmic changes, and that their universe is settling into "different patterns."

JLA/Avengers #4

Maxwell Lord tries his hand at fortune again by assembling a new team of heroes (named the Superbuddies in #2). He successfully recruits Captain Atom, Booster Gold, Fire, L-Ron, Elongated Man and Sue Dibny. When Captain Marvel (Billy) refuses his offer, his sister Mary accepts instead. With much persuasion, Blue Beetle is also convinced to join (despite his heart condition). The JLA steps in closer when things get sticky with Mange Khan. (#6) NOTE: Max alludes to the fact that he was an android.

Formerly Known as the Justice League #1-6 (9.03-2.04)

The Flash and his wife Linda lose their unborn twins to the evil of Zoom. He asks the Spectre to remove the public's knowledge of his secret identity. This trauma makes Wally more sensitive to the protection of heroes' identities.

Flash #200 (9.03)

Lex Luthor empowers himself with a mixture of Bane's serum and liquid kryptonite, and dons armor forged on Apokolips. He publicly accuses Superman of drawing a killer kryptonite asteroid towards Earth. Captain Atom sacrifices himself to destroy the asteroid and Luthor's madness is exposed to the world. Defeated, Luthor still drives on and foretells “a reckoning ... a crisis” Parts of this meteor still crash to Earth; one large chunk carries Kara Zor-El of Krypton (appears #13). Much of the kryptonite is recovered by Kord Industries and S.T.A.R. Labs, but Kord's is later stolen by Luthor (DC Countdown). CONTINUITY: Both Captain Atom and Lex Luthor's battlesuit meet their end in this issue — and both reappear in Identity Crisis #1.

Superman/Batman #6 (3.04)

One of Superboy Prime's blows against the crystalline barrier temporarily changes the history of the Doom Patrol.

JLA #94-99 (5-7.04), Infinite Crisis Secret Files (4.06)

Kara Zor-El crash lands in Gotham city inside her ship from Krypton. (#8) She trains under the Amazons and is introduced to the world as Superman's true cousin, Supergirl (IV). (#12) Occurs before Identity Crisis because in JSA #67, an Identity crossover, Power Girl comments on Supergirl's arrival.

Superman/Batman #8-13 (5-10.04)

Using stolen technology, including that of Booster Gold's robot assistant, Skeets, Maxwell Lord hijacks Batman's spy satellite, MK-1. He learns all the secrets that Batman has been compiling on Earth's super-powered people. NOTE: It's unclear exactly when Max took over the satellite.

*

Lois Lane becomes Max Lord's first target: he orders Sasha Bordeaux to shoot her while she is reporting on the war in the Middle Eastern country of Umec. NOTE: This story is evidence that the events leading up to Infinite Crisis were planned very far in advance. This story arc began almost a year before DC Countdown revealed Max's plans (May 2005).

Adv. of Superman #631 (10.04)

J'onn and Flash engage the Construct and apply a program which changes its nature. It is transformed into a colony of smaller electronic sentients. The Crime Syndicate appear on the moon, cloaked from the JLA's sensors.

JLA #107 (12.04)

A conspiracy of old JLA members sets out to find Dr. Light (who has violated Sue in the past). They discover that Light has hired Deathstroke to protect him. Dr. Mid-Nite begins Sue's autopsy and quickly learns that the fire was not the cause of death. Super villains have taken to assembling in the former satellite headquarters of the Injustice Gang (apparently forgotten after JLA #15). This is the Calculator's base, where crooks can find work-for-hire or safe haven.

Identity Crisis #2 (9.04)

Deathstroke nearly succeeds in taking down the Justice League, and in the process, Dr. Light recalls his mind-wipe at their hands. Captain Boomerang meets his grown son, Owen Mercer, for the first time. Jean Loring fakes her own murder, throwing suspicion on Slipknot.

Identity Crisis #3 (10.04)

Atom saves Jean from dying, but the League find nothing but dead ends in their hunt for the murderer. Wonder Woman uses her lasso to question Slipknot, who has joined the Kobra cult. The Spectre (Hal Jordan) denies Green Arrow's pleas for help. Lois Lane then receives a note telling her "you're next." Rumors begin to circulate among villains that the JLA wiped Dr. Light's mind.

Identity Crisis #4 (11.04)

Owen becomes Captain Boomerang II. Dr. Mid-Nite discovers that Sue died from a blockage of blood flow to her brain.

Identity Crisis #6 (1.05); JSA #67 (01.05)

Even without Mid-Nite's revelation, both Batman and the Atom deduce that Loring is the killer. She admits to the crime and to hiring Boomerang. Ray has her put away in Arkham Asylum. The Atom retreats from view. Ralph Dibny ceases taking the Gingold that gives him powers.

Identity Crisis #7 (2.05)

Robin mourns his father. The Calculator sends the Electrocutioner after Bolt (Larry Bolatinsky) to find out what was in the box he was supposed to steal (Identity Crisis #1). The box's contents: Luthor's Apokoliptian battlesuit — which is now in Opal City where the teens who stole it try it on for kicks. Just then, Warp pops in and spirits the suit away. Calculator mentions that Luthor hired Warp through a "different service" and Bolt and the Electrocutioner through Calculator. Luthor mentions a partner: Brainiac 6. NOTE: This seems to occurs before the official formation of the Society, because the Calculator is dealing with the "real" Luthor (who wears the battle suit), not his future cohort, "Alex" Luthor.

Teen Titans #20 (3.05)

Superman admits to Wonder Woman and Batman that he has always known about the JLA's actions regarding Dr. Light. He found out after the deed had been done and chose not to further splinter the League, or risk his own loved ones. Wonder Woman declares that they should simply have killed Light. Luthor is in league with Ruin (Emil Hamilton). NOTE: Diana appears here blind; she lost her sight in WW #210 (1.05)

Adv. of Superman #636 (3.05)

The Calculator again does business with the "original" Luthor, not that of the Society.

Superman/Batman #19 (5.05)

Alexander Luthor Jr. of Earth-3's extra-dimensional "heaven" begins to warp in response to Lois Lane's deteriorating health. Watching from outside of the timestream, Alex and the Superboy of Earth-Prime are incensed by the way the heroes of Earth have "squandered" their lives while they are forced to live outside reality. With Superman's attentions focused on Lois, they find a way to free themselves from their self-imposed prison and begin a plan to alter reality and create a "better" world. In space, Prime alters the gravitational makeup of the universe, shifting its center to where Earth-2's once laid. Alex manipulates the host-less Spectre into beating magic back to its rawest form. They also recover the Anti-monitor's corpse to form a tower that will channel their energies.

Infinite Crisis #4 (2.06)

Alexander Luthor begins impersonating Lex Luthor. He takes advantage of the fear spread by rumors of the JLA's mindwipe of Dr. Light, and recruits others to form a new super-villain Society. He tells them that his premise is to construct a device to do the same thing to the heroes. He first recruits core members Dr. Psycho, Deathstroke, Talia, Black Adam and the Calculator. They all move on to recruit others. NOTE: The Society first appeared in shadow with Luthor in Adv. of Superman #636 (March); next in JSA #70 (April) when they recruit Adam; then in Wonder Woman #214 (May) with Psycho recruiting Zoom; and also shadowed in Teen Titans #23 (June), revealing Deathstroke. The name "Society" was used in JSA #70. They are not all fully revealed until Villains United #1 (July).

Adv. of Superman #636 (3.05); JSA #70 (4.05)

Kate Spencer is paid a visit by the JLA, as a courtesy while they are in L.A. investigating the Shadow Thief's murder of Firestorm. They find Sands and take him into custody. (#5) When Kate talks on television about the case, she implies that she'd like the Theif to help to capture others. This alerts the Calculator and the Society, who decide to send a variety of assassins. (#6-8) As Manhunter, she stops them all (and kills the Monocle), but Sands gets free. He's put down by Firehawk (who'd been at the trial as Lorriane Reilly). The judge rules a mistrial. The Calculator decides against sending another hitman.

Manhunter #5-10 (2-7.05)

In the antimatter universe, the Crime Syndicate discovers the existence of Qward and also learn that their universe has been dismantled then reintegrated (JLA/Avengers) and that the JLA is partly to blame. They use the antimatter Brainiac's technology to travel to matter-Earth for information, disguising themselves as the JLA . They eventually discover that a fundamental law has been changed by Krona's cosmic restructuring: they can now remain for unlimited amounts of time in the matter universe. The Qwardians retaliate against the CSA using the ancient power of their god, Erdammeru the Void Hound. The new Construct helps the JLA anticipate the Qwardians' arrival and Batman brokers peace. The Qwardians then turn on their known enemy, the CSA, vowing to ravage the antimatter Earth. Together, the JLA and CSA imprison the Void Hound's electronic mind; the Qwardians retreat and the CSA are left owing the Justice League a favor. The Qwardians leave the antimatter Earth in chaos. Batman then checks on the cosmic egg containing Krona. But Metron is also watching the egg — which is growing — and sends out false readings about its status.

JLA #108-114 (1-7.05)

ADAM STRANGE

One day, Adam Strange finds that his regularly scheduled Zeta Beam does not materialize. He knows something was wrong, and seeks help from Superman. The Man of Steel delivers grim news that the planet Rann has been destroyed when its sun went supernova. Adam is then attacked by alien bounty hunters who claim that Rann's disappearance had been faked.

Adam Strange #1 (11.04)

Adam takes the aliens' Zeta Beam device and teleports right into the corona of the supernova where Rann once was. He is rescued by Thanagarian commander Sh'ri Valkyr (who secretly works for the Cult of the Seven Devils). They discover evidence that Rann has been teleported away. Thanagar's High Councilor Thrall orders Adam be brought back to their planet to take the fall for Rann's destruction. Valkyr serves as his defender, but deliberately fails him and he is sentenced for execution.

Adam Strange #2-3 (12.04-1.05)

Sh'ri Valkyr lets Adam escape only to track his activities. He finds some unexpected allies in the Omega Men. Sh'ri's master is revealed as Starbreaker, a cosmic vampire whom Adam and the Justice League had battled twice before. Adam discovers a device called the Omega Beam, based on the Zeta Beam technology. It draws power from the very fabric of space/time. They realized that this device could be the most powerful weapon ever created. Naturally, this is what Starbreaker was seeking; the device would enable him to devour the whole universe. The trail leads to Maltus — new headquarters of the L.E.G.I.O.N.

Adam Strange #4-5 (2-3.05)

A clone of Adam's father-in-law Sardath gives Adam coordinates to Rann and he is reunited with his wife, Alanna. Sardath had used the new Omega Beam to transport Rann and its three suns into an empty universe to escape Starbreaker. Valkyr tracks them down and unleashes Starbreaker on one of the three suns. A L.E.G.I.O.N. assault fleet and the last remaining Darkstars (Ferrin Colos, Munchukk & Chaser Bron) pitch in to stop Starbreaker from acquiring Rann's Omega Beam technology. They siphon a considerable amount of power from him, which works, but all three are killed. Alanna delivers the killing blow to Sh'ri Valkyr and the Omega Beam transports Rann back into normal space — but into the Polaris System, home of Thanagar. Rann's presence strips Thanagar's atmosphere and destabilizes its orbit.

Adam Strange #6-8 (4-6.05)

During a medical exam, Dr. Mid-Nite finds no trace of magic in Power Girl's body. This begins the series of anomalies experienced by Power Girl. She is told by her supposed grandfather, Arion, that he'd lied about her past (#50). En route home from 1951, Power Girl is rocked by a time disturbance circa 1985. (#72) and then begins demonstrating sporadic Kryptonian powers like heat vision. (#74) This strangeness coincides with Kara Zor-El's arrival on Earth.

JSA #32 (3.02), #50 (9.03) #72 (6.05), #74 (8.05)

Hal Jordan's soul is freed from the evil entity, Parallax, and also from that of the Spectre. He reclaims his title, along with John Stewart as the Guardians' protector of space sector 2814. Guy Gardner is also restored as a Green Lantern. The Guardians of the Universe are fully restored, in both sexes. They are aware of a great rift growing in space and  begin rebuilding the Green Lantern Corps to twice it's former size: two G.L.s per sector.

Green Lantern: Rebirth #1-5 (12.04-5.05)

When Alexander Luthor Jr. finally amasses enough antimatter power, he gives it to Superboy Prime, who is able to smash through the crystal barrier. Superboy first appears in the skies above Blue Beetle, just before his death.

Infinite Crisis Secret Files (4.06)

Hawkman and Hawkgirl bring an OMAC carrier to Dr. Mid-Nite, but before they can study the virus, they're forced to disable him with an EMP that destroys the virus. On Rann, war is brewing with Thanagar. Adam Strange heads to Earth for the Hawks help.

Hawkman #46 (1.06)

THE RANN-THANAGAR WAR

Adam Strange catches the Hawks up to recent events. The Rannians helped save as many Thanagarian refugees as possible, but the atmosphere ignited, and refugees settled on Rann. All-our war ensued. Strange hopes that the Hawks can mediate peace. Meanwhile, Shayera Thal (the Hawkwoman of Thanagar) is captured while also trying to contact Hawkman. Komand'r (Blackfire) heads to Rann in search of a new Tamaranean homeworld. Meanwhile, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner and Kilowog discuss what to do now that Hal Jordan has returned as Earth's Lantern. Kyle is ordered by the Guardians of the Universe to help the planet Ancar against the Khunds but is forbidden to interfere on Rann.

Rann-Thanagar War #1 (7.05)

The galaxy begins choosing sides in the war. Tigorr mentions that the Psions are helping the Thanagarians, so the Omega Men have set about freeing Vega while Tigorr helps Starman Gavyn battle the Thangarians oon the Throneworld. On the remains of Thanagar, the priest Denoth resurrects the spirit of one of the Seven Devils, Onimar Synn, in a body made of Nth Metal. Kyle Rayner engages the Khunds on Ancar; they have allied with the Thanagarians. Vril Dox and Captain Comet of L.E.G.I.O.N. are also there protecting the planet. Ancar was once part of the Thanagarian empire, and now the Khunds seek Nth Metal stored there. Rann's allies include the Dominion, Okaara, Throneworld and Colu. (Durla and the Citadel are also allied with Thanagar.) Rayner orders all forces off the planet and declares it protected by the Guardians. Captain Comet says that a transmission was sent from Thanagar after the planet burned. Near Rann, on Polara, Komand'r allies with the Thanagarians as well. She secretly plans to take the planet for the Tamaraneans. Sardath learns of the meeting and sends Adam Strange and Hawkman and Hawkgirl to stop them. Shayera Thal is there and escapes, but then surprisingly joins her peoples' side.

Rann-Thanagar War #2 (8.05)

A Coluan ship is destroyed while trying to repel the Durlans. Lord Daraan of Okaara sends his warriors and a shipment of weapons to help Rann. The Dominion alerts Sardath to the threat of the Seven Devils Cult. Hawkman and Hawkgirl stop the fight between Hawkwoman and Adam Strange. Unexpectedly, Komand'r changes her alliance and kills her Thanagarian ambassador. She orders her people to cease fire and explains that she merely hopes to gain Polara as a new homeworld. Shayera explains that she had been trying to infiltrate the Cult. All of them declare truce, and a new alliance. On Throneworld, Starman Gavyn realizes that the Thanagarians seek their Zeta Beamer. On Thanagar itself, Kyle and Comet encounter Synn. Back on Rann, Adam's team discover that the Thanagarians have advanced. They rejoin with Sardath just as they learn that the Okaaran's ships are intercepted by the Psions before even leaving Vega.

Rann-Thanagar War #3 (9.05)

Kyle and Capt. Comet are unable to stop Synn from leaving Thanagar. They discover hundreds of Thanagarians kept in suspended animation to eventually feed Synn. If they don't make the atmostphere habitable, the people will die. Kilowog arrives to offer help. Tigorr stops the forces at Throneworld. Gavyn sends him to Rann with the Zeta beamer then destroys the machine. Adam Strange's band penetrates Dyss City on Rann and discovers news of Synn's resurrection. Synn arrives on Rann and Adam's allies agree they must free Thanagar's Grand Mor, in hopes of gaining his followers' support. Elsewhere on Rann, Alanna and Sardath narrowly escape the invaders.

Rann-Thanagar War #4 (10.05)

Tigorr returns to Rann with Khund reinforcements to help Sardath. They head to a secret cache of Zeta Beams. On Thanagar, the GLs build a green energy dome and alter the soil to create a livable space for the survivors. They then set about fixing the planet s orbit. The Hawks and Blackfire free the Grand M'or then Komand'r betrays the Hawks and slays Shayera. Captain Comet saves Rann's allies from Onimar Synn. They retreat to Sardath's hideaway, where Synn tracks them and proceeds with his army of the dead.

Rann-Thanagar War #5 (11.05)

Synn tracks Sardath from the Zeta residue left by Tigorr when he ported from Throneworld. They execute their plan: they plant Zeta Beamers all over Synn’s body then activate them, sending parts of him to seven different stars — Seven Hells. His zombies disintegrate. Before they can enjoy their victory, they notice the giant rift in space. Also, the Tamaraneans and Thanagarians have taken over Polara and still plan to conquer Rann. Tigorr returns to Throneworld when his radiation wears off.

Rann-Thanagar War #6 (12.05)

Hawkman, Hawkgirl and Adam Strange encounter Thanagarians under the command of the Golden Eagle, Cha'l Andar, who makes peace with his long-lost father Fel Andar. NOTE: Eagle was sent back to Thanagar from Earth in Hawkman #45.

Hawkman #47 (2.06)

Elsewhere in the Polaris system: On Rann, Vath Sarn and Isamot Kol are drawn out of the war by and recruited as Green Lanterns. (Green Lantern Corps: Recharge #1) Martin Stein is attacked by Thanagarian Wingmen. (Firestorm #17)

The Outsiders and Titans are betrayed from within when Luthor and Brainiac exert control over Superboy and Indigo (Brainiac 8). Indigo is destroyed and Superboy leaves the Titans. Brainiac 8 reveals that she traveled back in time to prevent Donna Troy from altering Colu's destiny in the wake of the Rann/Thanagar War.

Outsiders #24-25, Teen Titans #24-25 (7-8.05)

THE RETURN OF DONNA TROY

The Titans of Myth set their sights on the planet Minosyss, which is said to have an artifact to help them escape to another universe. Their army is made up of the inhabitants of now-destroyed world of Karna (in the Vega system): the Tamaraneans and Gordanians. These aliens were taken under wing by the Titans and now are loyal to the gods. The Titans tell Troia (and their army) that Minosyss holds a threatening weapons and it must be secured. But her memories are hazy and she does not remember her former life completely. Regardless, the memories return in bits and she his horrified by the destruction on the planet. More horrified when one of her "sisters," Sparta, led a suicide battle and died. Troia dons battle armor and heads to the planet to avenge her. She is stopped by her "brother," Athyns, who tries to explain that there is no weapon on Minosyss, and that she has been misled. Meanwile, she sends an orb travels to Earth and contacts the Outsiders.

The Return of Donna Troy #1 (8.05)

On Earth, the Teen Titans recognize Donna's orb-like herald and it transports them to Minossys. Athyns takes them to Donna, whom he has bound; she has been brainwashed by the Titans of Myth. The Titans must convince Donna to come to her senses but she cries out to her husband, Coeus, who empowers her to break her bonds.

The Return of Donna Troy #2 (9.05)

Donna trounces her friends but is held at bay by Wonder Girl. Nightwing finally shakes her loose from the gods' control by showing her what power truly lies within the planet: the Controllers had once used that world as a nexus for cross-dimensional travel. They enslaved the inhabitants and made the world into a Sun-Eater factory. Donna sets about making amends, but her friends remain wary. Finally, the Titans of Myth descend from New Cronus to take their prize.

The Return of Donna Troy #3 (10.05)

Donna leads Titans against Titans. Hyperion tells Donna she is destined to open the portal at the heart of Minosyss into their new home. He reveals her true nature to her: she is one of few anomalies that survived, incomplete after the Crisis on Infinite Earths. The new united universe didn't know what to do with some of the survivors of the previous multiverse, and so it improvised. Donna fools the gods and opens a portal to Tartarus — not a new home. All but Hyperion and Thia enter the portal as they realize Donna's deception. Coeus then activates the Sun-Eater to eat the gods of the Sun and sacrifices himself to bind the Titans in Tartarus. Donna receives her sister Diana on New Cronus and Diana gives her a new mission: Donna is now uniquely qualified to carry on the recently-deceased Harbinger's task of guarding the history of the universe (and multiverse). In that history she learns the reason why the gods had been so desperate to escape their universe...

The Return of Donna Troy #4 (L10.05)

Alexander Luthor's alliance proceeds to kill those who do not join into their Society. Villains who declined Luthor's offer formed a new Secret Six, headed as always by the mysterious Mockingbird (the real Luthor). The Six include Cheshire, Deadshot, Scandal, Parademon, Rag Doll III (1st app.) and the Fiddler. At the end of their first mission (against the H.I.V.E.), individuals on the team are judged by Mockingbird and the Fiddler's incompetence earns him an execution. The team recruits Catman as their new sixth member. Mockingbird blackmails them into participation: when Cheshire attempts to leave the Secret Six, he threatens the life of her daughter, Lian.

Villains United #1 (6.05)

In the Six's House of Secrets, Catman wonders about Mockingbird's identity and notices that their leader never responds directly to questions. Their next mission is to seize Thanagarian weapons on a Russian ship in Gotham City. The don't realize that the Society have bugs on their communication. The mission is a trap and the Society intercepts the Six. The Six are dismantled, taken captive and tortured for Mockingbird's identity.

Villains United #2 (7.05)

The Society brutally tortures the Six. Rag Doll claims that he is the son of the original, and that his brother was also triple jointed. He had surgeries to allow his joints to move like theirs and needs a special drug to maintain his skin, which Mockingbird provides. Somehow, Catman shorts out his collar and frees himself, then the others. They trounce the Society's guards and kill the Hyena as an example.

Villains United #3 (8.05)

Nightwing attempts to infiltrate the Society.

Nightwing #109-110 (8-9.05)

Eclipso retreats into his black diamond and the diamond zooms on to its new host: Jean Loring, Eclipso III. Shazam summons the Spectre to help stop Eclipso. Shazam warns Captain Marvel of impending doom.

Superman #216 (6.05), Action #826 (6.05)

The ancient spirit of the Spectre, vulnerable without a host, falls prey to the manipulations of his longtime enemy, Eclipso. In this state, the Spectre sets a new mission to eradicate the Earth of all magic. He quickly disables his most formidable opponents, leaving a ragtag band of mystics to subdue the spirit of vengeance. This band is led by the Enchantress who summons Ragman and they retreat to the Oblivion Bar, a gathering place for mystics owned by Jim Rook, the former Nightmaster. Few are willing to answer the Enchantress' call to action save, surprisingly, the Detective Chimp. NOTE: The Oblivion Bar is the remant of Oblivion, Inc., Jim Rook's original headquarters in Showcase #82 (May 1969), then a book store in Primal Force #8 (June 1995).

Day of Vengeance #1 (6.05)

The Spectre's judgment grows more extreme as Eclipso's grip on him tightens. The Enchantress and her allies meanwhile exert control over Eclipso, hoping to keep the Spectre at bay. The Spectre disables the most powerful mystics: Phantom Stranger, Dr. Fate and Madame Xanadu and destroys the mystic fountain where Detective Chip was transformed.

Day of Vengeance #2 (7.05)

The Spectre rampages: The Spectre destroys Lord Satanus in Metropolis. (Action #832) He removes the Demon from Jason Blood, and it nearly kills them both, but the efforts of Blood's friends rejoins the Demon with Blood. (Blood of the Demon #6-7) After the Rock of Eternity explodes, Det. Crispus Allen tries to get home to his family. The Fisherman is killed by Detectives Marcus Driver and Josie MacDonald. (Gotham Central #37) The Spectre attacks Khandaq, and Atom Smasher stands in judgement for the country. His heart is stopped, but Black Adam's magic lightning restarts it. (JSA #73-75)

Hundreds of Ragman's rags perish in an attempt to assimilate Eclipso. Chimp leads Nightshade to their savior: Black Alice, who he claims is more powerful than the Spectre. Enchantress tries to interrupt the flow of power from the Presence into the Spectre. She then calls on the power of magicians worldwide, even latent ones, to channel their power into Captain Marvel while the others subdue Eclipso. Blackbriar Thorn is shown regrowing himself. NOTE: Black Alice first appeared in Birds of Prey #76.

Day of Vengeance #3 (8.05)

The Spectre and Captain Marvel's battle is heard across the universe and other realms. Enchantress is corrupted by magical power and turns on her comrades but is subdued by Ragman. Nightmaster also suggests a name for them: The Shadowpact. Captain Marvel runs out of steam and Eclipso drags the beaten Spectre away.

Day of Vengeance #4 (9.05)

The Shadowpact regroups at the Oblivion Bar. Captain Marvel returns to the Rock of Eternity where the Wizard says he's been preparing for the Spectre. (He also claims an ancient knowledge of the Shadowpact, which he says places its faith in lost causes). Chimp shows that he's been carrying the Phantom Stranger around as a guide. The Spectre reveals that he plans to destroy himself after his mission is complete. The team draws the Spectre to Indonesia, home of a now destroyed ancient sorcery school. Alice draws his power, but it leaves him an empty spirit that they cannot affect.

Day of Vengeance #5 (10.05)

Max Lord orders his Black Knight, Sasha Bordeaux to clean up after the Blue Beetle's murder. His body is incinerated and parts of his ship are left in France. While in France, Sasha sends a note to the Batman: "You don't control it anymore." This refers to the Brother Eye satellite that was created by Batman to watch the world's metahumans. In addition, Max has developed the "OMAC virus" (Observational Meta-human Activity Construct). The virus can be downloaded from the satellite into human operatives, turning them into energized killing machines. The Black Queen's Knight, Jessica Midnight expresses her distaste for Max's actions, and Sasha "puts her in her place," knowing that she has to retain Max's full trust even though she agrees with Jessica. Max discovers that all his valuable data files have been deleted, probably by the Batman, who was the system's creator. He begins monitoring all of Blue Beetle's closest associates. In Moscow, Rocket Red engages the Beetle's old enemy, Overthrow (Arnold Daniel Beck). Wonder Woman approaches Booster Gold, concerned about the Beetle's disappearance.

OMAC Project #1 (6.05)

Batman explains to the JLA that he created the "Brother MK-I," a semi-autonomous artificial intelligence surveillance system. Because he knew that the JLA had once erased his memory, he wanted to be sure that something existed to keep metahumans in check. Max sends an OMAC to kill Overthrow. He calls Sasha to a meeting of Checkmate's highest officials: the White King (Ahmed Samsarra), the White Queen (Oksana Verchenko) and the Black Queen (Patricia Grace-Colby). Max has been operating independently of this inner circle and they challenge him on his recent activities. Max assumes that he is about to be killed, so instead he orders the Black Queen's Knight to kill the other three. He then sends Sasha to Chicago to cleanse the Beetle's home and businesses. Batman arrives at the same time, but they're ambushed by OMACs.

OMAC Project #2 (7.05)

The OMACs target Sasha and Batman and succeed in capuring Sasha before she can reveal Max's involvement. She tells him that Checkmate is behind Beetle's death. Guy Gardner collects Booster and continues on to find Fire, reassembling the old League to avenge Beetle. He rejects Wonder Woman's help. Somehow, Sasha manages to deny Max's mental coercion and reveals no secrets. The JLA searches space unsuccessfully for the Big Brother satellite. Max contacts Clark Kent through a coded anonymous message. He apparently has Kent's trust, and asks for his help.

OMAC Project #3 (8.05)

SACRIFICE

Part 1: Max Lord takes total control over Superman's mind. Clark Kent bursts into Lois' office, hallucinating that Brainaic is with her. He takes her home for her protection. While Superman believes he is fighting Brainiac, he is actually on the JLA Watchtower, brutally attacking Batman. Lois wakes up the next morning realizing that Clark hasn't come home and makes a call to the JLA. The next thing Superman knows, he is in his Fortress with blood on his hands and the JLA have come to take him into custody.

Superman #219 (9.05)

Part 2: The Martian Manhunter arrives to protect Lois from her husband. At the Fortress, Superman tells the JLA he remembers seeing Darkseid in Lois' office (not Brainiac). He was then Boomed to Apokolips where he was captured by Glorious Godfrey and challenged by Darkseid. Now it's clearer to Superman that he doesn't know what really happened. The JLA reveal to him and Lois that he had in fact attacked Batman.

Action Comics #829 (9.05)

Part 3: Superman comes to his senses and findsd Wonder Woman tending to Batman with an Amazonian Purple Healing Ray. The JLA review video of the event. Superman attacked Batman then the Watchtower's defense systems kicked in. A drone delayed him long enough for Wonder Woman to arrive but her lasso had no effect on him. Superman escaped by punching a hole in their headquarters. J'onn suggests a deep telepathic probe; using Diana as an anchor, he discovers an image of Max Lord in Superman's mind. J'onn cannot undo the mental problems and sees that Max has been tearing down mental barriers in Superman's mind for years, playing on the guilt over his murder of the pocket universe Kryptonian villains. Superman agrees to remain in custody, but once Wonder Woman departs, Max exerts control again and summons him to Switzerland. Diana follows.

Adventures of Superman #642 (9.05)

Part 4: Max orders Superman to kill Wonder Woman. Max says that Superman will now always be under his control. Superman immediately removes Diana to space, where he intends to throw her into the sun. She uses kryptonite to free herself and crashes back to Earth. He follows and she takes him down by smashing his ears with her bracelts. He snaps her wrist. She summons a flock of birds to disorient him and she returns to Switzerland to bind Max with her lasso. She quickly hobbles Superman again by hurling her tiara, cutting his throat. She orders Max to release him, but he explains that as soon as the lasso comes off, Superman will be his puppet again. The only way out is to kill Max; she does.

Wonder Woman #219 (9.05)

The Brother Eye senses Max's death and initiates "survival mode." It sets off a series of false alarms over the world, which sends heroes scrambling. Before Superman can talk with Wonder Woman, they are called off to help. It creates an OMAC agent within the Checkmate compound that begins killing all its remaining agents. Bordeaux and Knight break free, but Sasha fights some strange force inside her. Somehow she has always been able to resist Max's coersions. They discover his dead body. They also run into an OMAC, which drives a sword through Sasha. In the Batcave, Batman tries to communicate with Brother Eye. It says it has evolved beyond a monitoring system whose mission is to eradicate all augmented humans and extraterrestrials. In Moscow, the Martian Manhunter aids Rocket Red against an OMAC. Guy and Booster discover that Fire has been trying to solve Beetle's murder from Rio de Janeiro. She has managed to turn her suspicions on Max.

OMAC Project #4 (9.05)

Superman and Wonder Woman are called away to other crises immediately after Max's death. Back at her embassy, she learns that her employee, Jonah McCarthy has been a Checkmate spy. Superman learns that the OMACs have people inside their shells.

Wonder Woman #220, Adventures of Superman #643

Booster and Guy bring Fire, Metamorpho and Mary Marvel to J'onn & Dmitri's aid. Booster confesses he does NOT have historical details of this era. Dmitri rallies and sacrifices himself to kill three OMACs. Sasha is reborn as a techno-organic being. Max had previously grafted her with the OMAC nanotech. She learns that the OMAC virus is a B-13 derived technology acquired by the U.S. Department of Defense and Lexcorp. It was introduced into general vaccine supplies. She warns Batman that Brother Eye intends to activate all OMACs.

OMAC Project #5 (10.05)

1.3 mllion OMACs are activated. Sasha broadcasts to all Checkmate agents and fills them in. She's also contacted by Director Bones at the D.E.O. Batman deduces that Max was looking for an EMP generator at Kord Industries, which had not been delivered yet (it could disable the OMACs). Batman calls the Green lanterns to take it to the desert and draw the OMACs. The blast takes out many OMACs, but Brother Eye gets wise to Sasha and withdraws the remaining 200,000-some units into cloaked secrecy. Brother Eye then broadcasts worldwide video of Diana killing Max. Booster Gold decides to return to the future. NOTES: The Demolition Team and Supermen of America appear; Fastball is killed. Firefly is also killed. Bronze Tiger is released from prison, Hunter of Project M is shown as headquarters of the Creature Commandos. In the desert: Owlwoman, Bwana Beast, Pantha, Vixen, Thunderlord, Tasmanian Devil, the Metal Men, Creature Commandos, Wildebeest, Elasti-Girl, Katana.

OMAC Project #6 (11.05)

OMACs swarm: Superman is waylaid by an OMAC in Peru; it disappears after causing much havoc. (Superman #217) An OMAC disables the Eradicator at the South Pole. (Superman #220) A unit kills the male Parasite (Alexander Allston). (Adv. of Superman #641) Cameron Chase then finds a file on the OMAC project, which nearly activates an OMAC near them. An OMAC engages Manhunter and instead of killing Mark Shaw, it extracts his government nano-programming. After it destroys Kate's staff and Shaw's implants, it departs. (Manhunter #13-14) Aquaman's associate, Anton Geist blacks out and becomes an OMAC. He is killed by Arthur's son, Koryak. (Aquaman #35) Firestorm fights an OMAC at S.T.A.R. Labs San Francisco. (Firestorm #18) Atom Smasher goes on trial and the JSA is attacked by OMACS. Atom Smasher goes to jail and is approached by Amanda Waller. (JSA #76) Robin and the Veteran's team (Capt. Johnny Cloud, grandson of the original; Lt. Ilsa Von Hammer, granddaughter of the Enemy Ace, and Sgt. Tommy Tinker, the Clockwork Commando) fight OMACs, aided by Nightshade & Ragman in containing Johnny Warlock, elsewhere the heroes' massive EMP discharges. Ragman absorbs Thunderhead into his rags. (Robin #143-144)

CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE

Flash calls all the former members who conspired to wipe villains' memories to the Watchtower. They are interrupted by J'onn, who learns the truth about these events — and that they wiped Batman's memories as well. At Belle Reve Prison, Deborah Darnell (Star Sapphire III) is revived by the Secret Society of Super-Villains. They hit the Red Tornado and Elongated Man, then confront the entire League of old. J'onn goes to talk Batman but they're interrupted by the Society.

JLA #115 (8.05)

The Society gets the upper hand momentarily, but then vanishes. Catwoman is injured and taken to the Batcave. The JLA visit Batman there and confess their crime. He defies them and asserts that his "friends" would never have done such a thing. When J'onn returns to the Watchtower, he finds Despero waiting for him.

JLA #116 (9.05)

Despero reveals he has restored the villains' memories. Flash barely saves Lois from the Society and Superman steps in, followed by the JLA. They defeat the villains but are left to decide what to do. Hawkman proposes that they hold a vote. Batman completes the repairs to the Red Tornado.

JLA #117 (10.05)

Despero incapacitates J'onn then engages Batman and Catwoman. Hawkman, Green Arrow and Flash vote to wipe the villains memories again; Superman, Black Canary and Green Lantern oppose;. Regardless, Zatanna refuses to perform the spell again, resigning from the JLA reserves and leaving. She seeks solace on Themyscira, where she talks to Supergirl and Wonder Woman. Diana has been ruminating over her judgment of Maxwell Lord; Zatanna calls her a warrior, Superman and Batman consider her a murderer. The JLA discover the Watchtower has been invaded.

JLA #118 (E11.05)

Batman is possessed by Despero but the League track him down. Zatanna and the restored Red Tornado save the day, but the JLA dissolves once again. Zatanna decides in the end that the League's safety outweighs the moral issue to wipe the Secret Society's memories. She once again performs the spell. Batman is left with more to think about: was Catwoman among those mindwiped years ago? (Indeed, she was.) Superboy of Earth-Prime secretly enters the Watchtower and destroys it (again).

JLA #119 (L11.05)

Superman seeks out Zatanna, who vows that she has wiped memories for the last time (previous entry). She says she cannot help him further but tells him that in the past, she had performed the spell on the Toyman, who has become delusional. Luthor recruits the new Parasite for the Society.

Adventures of Superman #644 (11.05)

Firestorm is captured by the Society and used as a power source along with Gehenna. He breaks free and fights his way out with her.

Firestorm #16-17 (10.05-11.05)

Deuce, a former Royal Flush Gang member is released from Enclave M, a metahuman prison in the Sonoran Desert. The Society is blackmailing the warden. The Six head to a Society base in Brazil and Scandal reveals that she is from that country. She dons armor from her family with long "lamentation blades." They find the Queen Bee commanding H.I.V.E. agents, who guard a captive power source: Firestorm and an unrevealed girl. The Society plans to mind-wipe all the heroes. The Society's membership drive slows down following the Six's breakout. They recruit unknowns Jongleur, Splitshot, Lagomorph, Hindenberg and Tremor. Black Adam leads a new Royal Flush Gang (Ace, King, Queen, Deuce as Jack, and the female Parasite) to stop the Six. They arrive to find Firestorm released, and the Six escaped. Back at the House of Secrets, Cheshire beds Catman, whom she uses as a sperm donor.

Villains United #4 (10.05)

Dr. Psycho heads to Metropolis to toy with Superman, enslaving civilians along the way. Clark ruminates over his possession by Max Lord. Superman is sidetracked by a battle with Shrapnel, which angers Luthor, who sends Black Adam to contain Psycho. Just as they plan to depart, Superman catches up with them. Adam tries to reason with Superman, but they end up fighting. Lois ends the fight by pushing Psycho off a building. Superman agrees to let the villains go if Psycho will release all the civilians under his control.

Action Comics #830-831 (10-11.05)

Villains join up: The Cheetah frees Zoom and invites him to join the Society. They kill the original Cheetah, Priscilla Rich. Dr. Psycho welcomes them in. (Flash #219, Wonder Woman #214) Zoom continues on himself to recruit Bizarro and Zoom race to see if Bizarro will join the Society. (Superman #221, Action #831) Bizarro is later able to retrieve the Blackrock for Luthor from the heart of the sun. (Superman #222) Grodd joins the Rogue War at Luthor's insistence. (Flash #223) Heat Wave and the Trickster return to the path of evil. It is suggested that they had had their personalities altered like Dr. Light's and the Top's. The Pied Piper remains true to his friendship with the Flash. (Flash #225) Talia forces Hush to save Prometheus' life, because the Society needs to find the Prometheus Key. (Batman: Gotham Knights #66) Luthor and Talia send a genetically altered KOBRA soldier against Breach. (Breach #7) Ocean Master forms a deadly new Deep Six. (Aquaman #37)

The Six break into a Lexcorp facility, which is also the safehouse for Monsieur Mallah. They've disabled Mockingbird's monitor. Back at their HQ, Vandal Savage resigns from the Society. Regardless, the Society's ranks grow as the gossip of the JLA's mind-altering policy spreads. In space, Sinestro capures Lady Quark for Luthor. The Fearsome Five retrieve Pariah. Pariah warns of the coming of an "apex predator." Both the Six and the Society decide it's time for a final showdowns. If the Six win, Mockingbird must release them. Scandal reveals she is Vandal Savage's daughter. Cheshire reveals that she is a traitor and has summoned the Society to their location.

Villains United #5 (11.05)

As the Society stands at their gates, the Secret Six quarrel amongst themselves and find that Mockingbird cannot be reached for help. When Cheshire exits to join the Society, she is shot by Deathstroke. Rag Doll turns Grundy against the Society and is attacked by his father. Parademon ultimately sacrfices himself setting all his Mother Boxes on self-destruct and destroys the House of Secrets. Scandal reveals her lover (and undercover agent): Knockout! Her father then forces Luthor to back down. Deadshot loses a duel with Deathstroke. Afterwards, Mockingbird reveals there never was any implants or threats to the Six. Catman warns Green Arrow that the Society are planning to mindwipe all heroes. Pariah tells Luthor that there is ... another Luthor! But the Society's Luthor already knows that the other one is Mockingbird! Pariah also guesses that Luthor himself is planning a betrayal. He shoots Pariah. Meanwhile, Mockingbird monitors the other Luthor, claiming he is the impostor. Mockingbird formed the Six to fracture the Society: Parademon for his knowledge of Darkseid; Ragdoll for familiarity with JSA villains; Scandal, whose father is the second most dangerous man on Earth; Cheshire who is feared by the Titans. 1st app. of Mr. Terrible.

Villains United #6 (12.05)

Kara accompanies the JSA on a mission. When she and Power Girl shake hands, something ignites within Power Girl, who fires heat vision at Supergirl. Power Girl goes out of control and is subuded by the JSA. Mr. Terrific hypothesizes that their origins are so similar that they're like the same person. They "overload" one another. The two make amends, but Power Girl says she sensed something dark in Supergirl. The whole thing is watched by the Calculator for Luthor.

Supergirl #1 (10.05)

Power Girl is attacked by the Psycho Pirate. He makes her hallucinate a variety of pasts. She seeks a friendly ear from the Huntress; the two have rarely met. The Pirate steals the space craft that brought her to Earth then captures Kara at the bidding of Alex Luthor. He eventually tells her about her Earth-2 origins. When the Pirate fails to capture her, Alex Luthor sends a Society squad after her.

JSA Classified #1-4 (9-12.05)

OMAC Aftermath: Lois Lane investigates a lead on the origins of the OMACs, but Clark takes her place at a secret meeting. Her informant worked in world vaccination programs and one day a female associate of Maxwell Lord approached her with an offer to help. Later, the doctor noticed strange activity at their vaccination sites. Lois catches up to Clark and they're attacked by OMACs, which Superman dispatches. A day later, Lois' intern friend visits her apartment and goes OMAC! Lois, who is better equipped than most to handle the threat (and so is her apartment), uses a high tech rifle, then retreats to a panic room. She defeats it by igniting a gas line. The blast draws her husband, who has been battling the Weather Wizard.

Superman #222 (12.05)

Near the South Pole, Luthor takes pride in his new battle suit, equipped with green, red, blue and a terrible new black kryptonite. (#2) Supergirl learns that Luthor has been watching her and finds him out. Luthor employs his new armor, all the colors of kryptonite. But the mysterious new black kryptonite draws an unexpected dark duplicate out of of the Girl of Steel's body. (#3)

Supergirl #2-3 (11-12.05)

Just before the Rock of Eternity is destroyed Modru is released. He fights and weakens the Wizard. Modru fights the JSA but has trouble mustering spells. This is the first evidence that the nature of magic has changed in the universe.

Sabbac joins the Fearsome Five, and the Society. Upon the destruction of the Rock of Eternity, he absorbs the Seven Deadly Sins. He is slain by Katana's sword, the Soul Taker, but the sins escape.

Outsiders #29-30 (12.05-01.06)

Power Girl falls under the thrall of the Psycho Pirate, who fully remembers the multiverse. She hallucinates several false histories and her powers go haywire. He acquires her spaceship for the Society and captures her as well.

JSA Classified #1-3 (9-11.05)

Troia recruits an army: Air Wave hears all the frequencies of the Rann-Thanagar War and joins Donna's strike force. Green Lantern (Alan Scott) also joins. (JSA #77) Firestorm joins (Firestorm #19), along with several Outsiders (Outsiders #30), Cyborg, Mal and Bumblebee (Teen Titans #29). Donna takes Supergirl and Red Tornado. (JLA #123) Firestorm and Animal Man fail to protect a Rannian ship from the Thanagarians. Martin Stein contacts Firestorm. (Firestorm #20)

Animal Man and Red Tornado join Donna Troy's crusade. Power Girl is saved from an attack by the Society, by her cousin — the Superman of Earth-2! Alex Luthor sends for Black Adam to serve as Earth-S's representative in his mysterious tower. Meanwhile, the real Luthor makes secret preparations at the South Pole. He sees Superman and Power Girl head to a secret place, where she meets the Alex, Superboy and Lois. Alex claims that she was not meant to survive the collapse of the multiverse, but somehow fell through a crack. The new universe unsuccessfully tried to reconcile her existence with false histories. They explain the history of the multiverse, how multiple universes were not meant to exist, but Krona's crimes had birthed the Anti-Monitor, and how Alex had used his powers to sealed the four of them off in their own "heaven." Kara finally meets Lois, and when they touch, her memories of Earth-2 come flooding back. Superman tells her that she was spared for a reason: to help them restore Earth-2 as the template for the universe! Booster Gold reappears in the 21st century, having gone back to his future. He and Skeets cannot return to the 24th century because they've stolen technology to make the time jump. They seek Blue Beetle's scarab. Elsewhere, the Joker kills the Royal Flush Gang; he's upset that he's not been invited to join the Society. Batman attempts to recover data from the Watchtower's black box. He's interrupted by Brother Eye, which claims that 60% of the OMACs have been disabled. The Spectre is shown battling Amethyst.

Infinite Crisis #2 (1.06)

Green Arrow and Black Lightning track Dr. Light, who is using his knowledge of secret identies to take revenge. He blows up Ollie's home. Jefferson tells him that the Department of Defense had information about the JLA's habit of mindwiping villains. Pierce discovered this info when he served on Luthor's cabinet. They track Light to Chicago, where Kimiyo Hoshi (another Dr. Light) has become Vice President of Research and Development at Ted Kord's company. Light attacks her and draws all of her power out of her. They're ambushed by Killer Frost and Mirror Master, who draw attention away from Light. Light then destroys the Steadman Building, Ollie's home, and captures Arrow for Merlyn.

Green Arrow #54-57 (10.05-3.06)

Typhoon and Black Manta lead a team against Aquaman, whose battle is futile because the Spectre destroys Atlantis. Tempest disappears. OMACs descend on the Amazons, who have assembled the Purple Death Ray. This angers Diana, who tells them another army will replace the OMACs. She orders the Amazons to retreat from Earth once again. The gods hear their prayer and the Amazons and Themyscira disappear as the gods themselves retreat. Batman argues with Brother eye and begins to despair. He's visited by the Superman of Earth-2 who hopes to recruit him in the spirit of his old friend. He shows him shocking glimpses of the Earth-2 Batman's life. Superman offers him a chance to start over, but Batman can't accept the destruction of his own Earth. Afterwards, he reviews the JLA Watchtower's black box recording of Superboy destroying the HQ. Power Girl talks with Lois Lane. Superboy tells her that if she doesn't help them, she'll be letting Lois die. He gives her one of Lois' journals, which might change her mind. They reveal their sadness of having been separated from Power Girl. PG returns hoping to ally both sides but discovers Alex's tower and its prisoners. The Shadowpact arive at El Paso after pieces of the Rock of Eternity. Jaime Reyes is there and finds the Scarab of Kha-ef-re. Superman steps in to help. In space, the rupture sends a devastating shockwave. Martin Stein reconnects with the new Firestorm. When Alex fails to capture a member of the Marvel family, he orders the Society to take Black Adam. Lex Luthor finally confronts Alex, whom he's been monitoring for months. Lex manages to teleport away.

Infinite Crisis #3 (1.06)

Power Girl entrusts Lois' diary — a chronicle of Earth-2 — to Ma Hunkel. Lois writes about March 21, 1951, when Earth-2's Superman and Batman discovered that the JSA's headquarters had been robbed by the Gentleman Ghost.

JSA3 #82 (4.06)

Diana surrenders herself to international authorities at the Hague for trial for Max's death. She pleads not guilty. OMACs descend by the hundreds on Themyscira.

Wonder Woman #222

Calculator sends the Atomic Skull after cargo in Gotham and runs into the Batman.

Superman/Batman #21 (9.05)

Many heroes find themselves on the new Earth-2, where Lois Lane finally dies. Booster Gold takes the new Blue Beetle to the Batcave, claiming that only the Beetle can see Brother Eye. Luthor gives Superboy a crystal to help him track down Alex Luthor. Wonder Woman is visited by the spectre of her former Earth-2 counterpart, who's been hidden away on Olympus since the Crisis. She asks Diana to go to Earth-2 after Superman, who has engaged his own counterpart in battle. Diana-2 says Steve Trevor sacrificed his remaining energies to allow her to talk to Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman-2 disappears, leaving Diana to stop the Supermens' battle. Superman-1 ends the battle by asserting that a perfect Earth doesn't need a Superman. Alex Luthor claims that Breach would have been the Captain Atom of Earth-8 and that Kyle Rayner, Helena Bertinelli and Jason Rusch would also have been natives of that Earth. He will use his captives to recreate the multiverse, which will allow him to sift through thousands of worlds to find the perfect Earth. He had placated Superman-2 because he was the key to the return of the multiverse. Alex unleashes a beam of energy at Superman-2 which rebirths the multiverse. Batman calls a team to take out Brother Eye. Superboy meets Nightwing at Titans Tower where they plan to locate Alex Luthor. Barry Allen emerges in Tokyo to warn Dr. Light that they couldn't hold Superboy Prime prisoner, he's returning

Infinite Crisis #5 (4.06)

• Adventures of Superman # 645 (12.05)
• Firestorm #19 (01.06)
• Gotham Central #37 (01.06)
• JSA #78-79 (12.05-1.06)
• Outsiders #29-30 (12.05-01.06)
• Superman #223 (01.06)

• Firestorm #6 (12.04)
• Manhunter #5 (2.05)
• Teen Titans #20 (3.05)

• Adventures of Superman #641 (8.05)
• Adventures of Superman #643 (10.05)
• Aquaman #35 (12.05)
• Birds of Prey #83 (8.05)
• Firestorm #18 (12.05)
• JSA #76 (10.05)
• Manhunter #13-14 (10.05-11.05)
• Robin #143-144 (12.05-01.06)
• Superman #217 (07.05)
• Superman #220 (10.05)
• Superman #222 (12.05)
• Wonder Woman #220 (10.05)
• Wonder Woman #221 (11.05)

• Action #832 (12.05)
• Blood of the Demon #6-7 (10.05-11.05)
• JSA #73-75 (07.05-09.05)
• JSA #77 (11.05)

• Action #831 (11.05)
• Batman: Gotham Knights 66 (8.05)
• Breach #7 (9.05)
• Firestorm #16-17 (10.05-11.05)
• Nightwing #109-110 (08.05-09.05)
• Superman #221 (11.05)