It does require some work, but the results are well worth it. A LOT happens over the course of this tale and Morrison weaves subplots through the main plot, requiring the reader to enjoy this ride straight through in one sitting (or a few) in order to absorb every morsel of this feast. The themes may be intense and the concepts may be bewildering at first but, with careful reading, one can see how the nonlinear way the story is told only adds to its brilliance. The entire structure of “Final Crisis” is intricately built, yet straightforward. By placing the “Superman Beyond” two-part miniseries, a one-shot, and two issues of “Batman” that are pertinent to the story in the middle of the “crisis”, greater understanding, depth, and cohesion is felt through the central 7-part miniseries and the very end of Morrison’s epic. It is far from boring and is a fascinating read from beginning to end. Many have found this book to be a baffling chore to slog through.

Despite and because of its intensity, it is a story that has great meaning and deserves a place among the seminal stories in the comic book canon. Like all great books, it fosters debate and discussion. Certain details and characters may be unknown to a specific reader, yet additional fun is promised if one delves into the history of the DC Universe through the Internet, other books, and (most importantly) interaction with one another. “Final Crisis” can also bring the reader great joy and enlightenment because it expresses the power of storytelling and superheroes.

However, it can be enjoyed thoroughly without causing too much confusion. Like the previous crises, it expects the reader to have some knowledge of the DC Universe. Following in the footsteps of DC Comics’ other crises (events such as “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, “Infinite Crisis”, “Identity Crisis”, and possibly even “Zero Hour”), this opus written by Grant Morrison is in a crisis “class” all its own.

“Final Crisis” is a polarizing tale to put it quite mildly.

Final Crisis by Grant Morrison