Review: Convergence- Crisis Book 1

Quick Summary

Pros: The volume gives plenty of opportunities for the main characters to shine. The “Hawkman” story arc is a great story all on its own.

Cons: Most of the stories here are pretty average. There are moments in most of the stories that feel a bit awkward.

Overall: This volume has some positive qualities but not nearly enough to make it universally appealing. Instead, most of the arcs in this collection contain stories and artwork that feels mediocre. There are a few standout chapters and moments but these are in the minority. This collection may appeal to readers with a specific interest in the characters featured here, especially if they enjoy Hawkman and Hawkwoman, but will not have the universal appeal that other comics contain.

Story

Convergence: Crisis Book 1 is rather plain, with a few key exceptions. Most of the stories contained within this book are of average quality; they contain a few entertaining moments that are then balanced out by some more lackluster moments. This forces the main appeal for this book to come from a heightened interest for the characters contained within, rather than a general interest in comics . The exception to this rule is the “Hawkman” arc, which is a thrilling tale that contains far more meaning than the rest of the stories. Unfortunately, with only one positive quality and multiple neutral qualities, the preferences of each individual reader will have to determine if this book is worthwhile or not.

(spoilers start here)

The majority of Crisis Book 1 ends up being rather mediocre. Each story has a group of heroes take on various threats from another universe. Some of the stories have some appeal but most of them also have their fair share of stranger moments. These include a mostly uninspired adventure with Batman and the Outsiders, and Guy Gardner beating a far stronger opponent in an arm wrestling match.

The main appeal of most stories here ends up being small moments where individual characters have an opportunity to shine. Supergirl has a chance to stand strong against uncertain odds, Superboy gives an inspiring speech, and Guy Gardner gets plenty of heroic triumphs. Fans of these specific characters, from these specific moments in comic book history, are likely to wholeheartedly enjoy these moments, even if more moderate fans are only somewhat entertained by them.

However, the shining gem in Crisis Book 1 is the “Hawkman” story arc, written by Jeff Parker. This adventure has a clever balance between exciting action and meaningful ponderings. It also sees the heroes begin to cope with the fact that their reality may cease to exist due to actions outside Telos’s manipulation, which in this case is the Crisis on Infinite Earths event. This means that the heroes have to contend with typical villains while struggling with the value of the life they are currently living. The comic ends with an inspiring message centered around “fighting for a chance” in a world that is almost certainly doomed.

(spoilers end here)

Art

The quality of the artwork in Crisis Book 1 is almost the same as the quality of the storytelling. Most of the chapters in this book are average, not bad but not that good either. The classic styles seen in the “Adventures of Superman” chapters give the collection some minor positives, while the bizarre facial expressions seen in the “Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes” chapters give the collection some minor negatives. The key exception to the generally mundane quality levels is Tim Truman’s work on the “Hawkman” issues, which rejuvenates the classic appeal of older comics by infusing it with more modern techniques. Overall, the visuals in this volume aren’t disappointing but they also aren’t that impressive either.

Continuity

Convergence: Crisis Book 1 contains multiple tie-in stories that are designed to accompany the Convergence (Review) event. These tie-ins all take place around the events of Convergence #1, part of which is shown in each of these stories.

The larger narrative surrounding the stories contained here is told through the rest of the Convergence (Review) event.

This volume also makes references to other comic books, detailed below:

• Most of the protagonists from this volume are from the pre-Crisis DC Universe. Other protagonists include:
  • Hercules from the Hercules: Unbound series.
• Most of the antagonists from this volume are from the Earth-AD of Jack Kirby’s Kamandi series. Other antagonists include:
  • The Atomic Knights from the Strange Adventures series, collected in Showcase Presents: The Great Disaster featuring the Atomic Knights.
• Many events from the Legion of Super-Heroes’ recent history are mentioned here. These include:
  • Their battle with Darkseid and the devastation of Mon-El’s home planet, from The Legion of Super-Heroes: The Great Darkness Saga.
  • The Earthwar from Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #241-245, collected at the beginning of Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 2.
  • The death of Karate Kid and the torture of Lightening Lass from Legion of Super-Heroes #4 and #3 (Vol. 3 series).
• Many events from Guy Gardner’s history are mentioned here. These include:
  • The accident that put him in a coma from Green Lantern #87, collected in Green Lantern/Green Arrow: Hard Travelin’ Heroes.
  • The accident that put him in the Phantom Zone from Green Lantern #116, currently uncollected.
  • Hal Jordan’s engagement to Guy’s old girlfriend happened in Green Lantern #121, currently uncollected.
  • His escape from the Phantom Zone in Green Lantern #123, currently uncollected.
• At one point, Supergirl sees a number of visions from her comic book history. These include:
  • Her first comic book appearance from Action Comics #252, collected in Supergirl: The Silver Age Vol. 1.
  • Her death in Crisis on Infinite Earths.