Convergence Reading Order

Looking for an active, annotated guide to DC’s Convergence, the multiverse wide event of 2015? You’re in the right place.

A little bit of background:

If you’re familiar with Comic Book Herald, you know that I tend to focus on my Complete Marvel Reading Order, and Marvel Unlimited. Sure, there’s my DC Reading Order from the late 90’s through Infinite Crisis, and Londyn Lamar’s excellent History of Batman, but this blog traditionally leans Marvel. With the comics library of Marvel Unlimited, that’s just a much easier approach.

Nonetheless, I love the DC Universe (I’m on the 6^th Omnibus of Starman, and just finished Morrison’s JLA: World War Three) and couldn’t pass on the promise of Convergence. For all its flaws, the New 52 accounted for my first comic book pull-list, and conceptually, Braniac bottling the immense and rich DC history in various Mulitver-cities (there are some puns you can never take back) is AWESOME.

Plus, I can’t get over the fact that both Marvel and DC are doing the exact same event at almost the exact same time. Secret Wars pulls Marvel’s greatest hits onto Battleworld to decide who remains in continuity, and DC’s Convergence pulls DC’s greatest (and sometimes weirdest) hits onto… Telos-land?… to decide… who remains in continuity. Huh.

I think it will be a lot of fun to compare the events, and as I work through Convergence, I’ll be noting my thoughts on the issue, where it should be read, and whether you really need it. On top of that, I’ll provide some thoughts on background reading for the era of continuity in each issue of Convergence, something I think DC Comics could have made a lot simpler for new readers.

So here we are. Not quite Convergence for Dummies because we have fragile egos, but Convergence for… does Noobs sound better?

As always, you can let me know questions/suggestions in the comments, or reach out via email or @ComicBookHerald.

Apparently Essential Background

Superman: Doomed

I don’t think this is actually a must-read, but it will set up some of the Braniac / Superman interactions in Convergence #0. I’m skipping ahead without it, for better or worse.

Earth 2: World’s End

Haven’t read it, but I know it happened, and by the time you hit Convergence #1 things are going to make a lot more sense if you’re familiar with the story. This series is shockingly relevant to the events of Convergence, and while I don’t want to say Convergence will make literally zero sense if you don’t at least have a passing knowledge of Flashpoint… well, you’re gonna be confused. You’ve been warned.

Convergence Reading Order

Convergence #0

In a “I really like the Velvet Underground and The Best Show on WFMU” kind of way, the inaccessibility of Convergence #0 is applause worthy. Zero issues are traditionally jumping on points intended for new readers, but hoo boy is Convergence #0 reliant on your knowledge of Superman: Doomed and Braniac in general.

Nonetheless, the Convergence press has likely looped you in on enough solicitations that you know this is all about bottled cities of DC History. While it’s never a good sign that the event news cycle is a necessary component of exposition, I was able to piece together the set-up without much background reading, and overall enjoyed the #0 issue just fine.

The absolute highlight of the issue, though, is the immense guide to the DC worlds and eras of continuity that will be included in Convergence! I thought I was reasonably up to speed with these worlds, only to find there are things like Zoo Crew that I have never heard of. This is a must glance for any new DC reader who wouldn’t mind spending all day on Amazon or Comixology creating wish lists.

Dave’s Event Synopsis: Every time DC continuity shifts gears and establishes a new status quo, Braniac bottles up that Universe and transports it onto the battlewor… battlefield of Convergence. Braniac fears Superman above all has the power to thwart his plans (to consolidate the history of DC?), and his loyal agent Telos sets out to enact Braniac’s will.

Convergence #1

Remember that bit about understanding Flashpoint above? Convergence #1 is where that becomes a must. If Convergence #0 was a stretch as a jumping on point, then Convergence #1 is a “make you want to jump off a bridge” point for any new readers.

DC is throwing readers straight in the deep end, with only a tepidly received Geoff Johns event story to guide them.

The point of all this is you can basically approach Convergence two ways:

• Panic, scream, and curse DC’s name for forgoing simple touches like a “recap page,” “digital downloads with physical purchase” or an “event map that actually functions like the internet wasn’t invented 12 minutes ago.”
• As a trial by fire opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the DC Universe like you never have before.

I choose the second option. Let’s plow ahead!

Background Reading: Earth 2: World’s End

Dave’s Event Synopsis: The key event takeaway from a strange first issue is that Telos is dropping the domes (sounds sexier than it is?) so each collected city can battle it out Hunger Games style.

Universes Encountered: Injustice

Week 1 “Fight For Your City” Universes

1) Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Basically this is the DC Universe as you would have known it prior to Flashpoint initiating the New 52. According to DC, this timeline begins with Zero Hour #0 in 1994, and continues up until Flashpoint in 2011.

2) El Inferno

A wild west version of the JLA, as seen in Justice Riders (1997). Of course.

3) Flashpoint Gotham City

Flashpoint is its own event series. Self-explanatory, but worth mentioning this is basically the epic, universe altering throw down we’re heading towards in the current Flash TV show.

4) Follywood, Califurnia

Basically an animal Justice League first appearing in Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #1 (1982). For obvious reasons, this is extremely exciting.

5) New York City, Angor

A city ruled by villains known as the Extremists, first appearing in Justice League Europe #15 (1990). I’m sure they’ll play a major role here.

Update – 5/7/15 – Note that the week 5 releases mark the second issue of each of the below tie-ins. Since none of the tie-ins reference the ending of Convergence #5, they have been added to the reading order alongside their first issue counterpart. The long and short of it: If you enjoyed a #1 issue, go ahead and read the second as soon as you can!

Convergence: Speed Force #1

We now begin the 2 issue miniseries tie-ins. There are so many of these crossovers, making an effort to give a story to so many elements of DC History, that I’m very glad they’re only 2 issues in length. Many are very fun, and some are utter nonsense, but for the most part the timeline of these crossovers isn’t particularly linear.

Nonetheless, there are certain elements of chronology at play, and certain issues that will make for a slightly better reading experience.

Hence, we begin with The Flash #1, bringing us back to Wally West, DC’s fastest man alive from the 90’s until the New 52 (cue mob of Wally West fans gathering, sharpening pitchforks).

There are a few details that solidify the “early” goings of the Convergence narrative. The first is that there’s a Dome over the city that is 1) completely confusing to everyone living inside for the past year and 2) keeping meta humans de-powered. This is one of the more compelling short narrative threads, as we get to see a number of Justice Leaguers and DC characters react to a powerless state of being.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Follywood, Califurnia (Fastback!) and Flashpoint Gotham City (Evil Wonder Woman!)

Convergence: Speed Force #2

The theme for these week 2 issues is very clear: We see the conclusion of the battle started in issue #1, but no indication what’s next for the characters involved.

Here we have the Wally West Flash family and Fastback (the speedster turtle) fighting Flashpoint Wonder Woman and her Amazons.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Follywood, Califurnia (Fastback!) and Flashpoint Gotham City (Evil Wonder Woman!)

Convergence: Superman #1

I’m not even that down on the New 52 Superman, but it’s just fun to have the “real” Superman back for a story.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Flashpoint Gotham City

Convergence: Superman #2

My first week 2 read, and well, if you’re expecting some sort of grand development in terms of winning realities and who will get to stay in the DC Universe after Convergence, that’s not here.

Instead, it’s simply a nice continuation of Superman throwing blows with the Flashpoint U gang, before seeing to a very pregnant Louis.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Flashpoint Gotham City

Convergence: Nightwing & Oracle #1

Really great issue with a focus on Dick Grayson as Nightwing and Barbara Gordon as Oracle.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Hawkworld (still unclear to me where the Hawks are coming from. Atlanta?)

Convergence: Nightwing & Oracle #2

Dick Grayson as Nightwing and Barbara Gordon as Oracle. Still really great.

Issue #2 is one of the better ones, but it does raise some interesting questions towards the end. We get an apparent glimpse at a future, but it’s unclear if this is just wishful dreaming, or the actual state of things to come.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Hawkworld (still unclear to me where the Hawks are coming from. Atlanta?)

Convergence: The Question #1

I have almost zero Renee Montoyta Question background, but this was my favorite issue of the week. Also, if you’re newer to the DC Universe like me, get ready for some bonkers Two Face history at the end of this issue.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: None.

Convergence: The Question #2

Greg Rucka writes a Question story that transcends Convergence in the best way. Meanwhile Cully Hammer gives us an absolutely spectacular, wordless Question fight scene that I would love to see on Netflix one day.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Flashpoint

Convergence: Batman and Robin #1

Convergence: Batman and Robin #2

Convergence: Batgirl #1

Convergence: Batgirl #2

Convergence: Harley Quinn #1

Convergence: Harley Quinn #2

Convergence: Justice League #1

Convergence: Justice League #2

Convergence: The Atom #1

Convergence: The Atom #2

Convergence: Titans #1

Convergence: Titans #2

Convergence #2

Convergence #2 throws us back into Earth 2: World’s End. Again, this isn’t a light toss with plenty of exposition, it’s a full on immersion into a sensory deprivation tank if you’re unfamiliar with these character versions.

To its credit, the second issue does give us some brief flashbacks to explain that Earth 2 was swallowed up in a Darkseid Apokolips invasion, or at least appeared to be before Braniac snatched up the heroes.

Background Reading: DC: World’s End

Dave’s Event Synopsis: The Earth 2 versions of our heroes drive the action forward, punching Braniac / Telos a few times before wandering into a Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City Batcave. The tie-ins are still where the party’s at.

Week 2 “Fight For Your City” Universes

1) Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

My understanding here is this is the DC Universe from the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths (1986) through Zero Hour (1994). For the most part this means a lot of the heroes have been recently roughed up, with Aquaman sporting a fish-hook hand and Batman icing his back after Bane did his thing.

2) San Diego, California

Sadly, not another zoo. Begins with WildC.A.T.S. #1 (1992).

3) Metropolis, Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come is an excellent graphic novel from Mark Waid and Alex Ross in which the heroes of the DC Universe are in their old(er) age, and now witness to a new breed of rash, untrained meta-human.

4) Electropolis

If memory serves, Electropolis appears first in Crisis on Infinite Earths #4 (1985) and is quickly done away with. Until now. This is a pretty humorous universe injection, and one of the reasons Convergence has so much potential.

Convergence: Aquaman #1

At the start of this week’s tie-ins, it’s worth noting that many of these could be read right after Convergence #1. There isn’t a whole lot separating say, Convergence: Nightwing & Oracle from Convergence: Green Arrow. Nonetheless, I’m going to stick to publication date to some degree, as I think breaking up the tie-ins with primary event issues works fairly well.

Aquaman does one of the better jobs explaining life under the dome, and how citizens of these cities are adjusting to life in one of Braniac’s bottled cities.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: San Diego, California (I think)

Convergence: Aquaman #2

As noted above, the second issue of each series continues the story set in the first, but before the events of Convergence #5. Essentially, each DCU sector is still facing off against their chosen opponent.

For Aquaman, this means a fight to the death with Deathblow, and it starts off very strong. The issue quickly devolves into a hokey bit of horrible water science and lost my recommendation. That said, I loved the art by Cliff Richards throughout this series.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: San Diego, California

Convergence: Green Arrow #1

You could make a case this issue is really only necessary for big fans of Connor Hawke and goatees.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Kingdom Come

Convergence: Green Arrow #2

Convergence: Green Lantern – Parallax #1

Parallax’d out Hal Jordan is actually pretty interesting, coming at a time when Hal had lost it and, well, Hulked out all over the DC Universe.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Electropolis

Convergence: Green Lantern – Parallax #2

Convergence: Suicide Squad #1

My favorite issue of Convergence so far, which is probably a clear indication that I should read more John Ostrander Suicide Squad. Great story, but the art and colors from Tom Mandrake and Sian Mandrake made my week.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Kingdom Come

Convergence: Suicide Squad #2

Convergence: Justice League International #1

Two things I liked: 1) Apparently I’m a big Ted Kord fan, and 2) Metallo as a total Ultron clone for this issue.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Kingdom Come

Convergence: Justice League International #2

Convergence: Superboy #1

This brought me back to the sweet memories of Young Justice, so it was interesting to see how Superboy’s origins really began in the aftermath of “Death of Superman.”

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Kingdom Come

Convergence: Superboy #2

Convergence: Batman – Shadow of the Bat #1

Literally zero Azrael knowledge made for an interesting read. I found the whole Whale plot line tedious, but the dynamics between a broken Bat and this new kill-friendly Azrael are very interesting. Not to mention his costume is like a cool Black Panther 2099 mock-up, so that’s a big win.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: San Diego, California

Convergence: Batman – Shadow of the Bat #2

Convergence: Supergirl Matrix #1

More than anything I’m just confused this ever happened. Keith Giffen writes the book with the appropriate absurd humor (we don’t make it past the title page without 4 tongue-in-cheek digs), but good heavens is Supergirl Matrix bonkers. Just try and read DC’s Supergirl Matrix history in the back of the issue and keep your head in tact.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Zero Hour Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Electropolis

Convergence: Supergirl Matrix #2

Convergence #3

Convergence #3 keeps the ball moving a bit, with our Earth 2 heroes attempting to find a way to take down Telos and end the battle royale he’s forced on all the cities. I’m increasingly unsure of DC’s long game in the main Convergence event, but issue #3 provides some fireworks as Thomas Wayne and Grayson show down with some Pre-Flashpoint Gotham villains.

Without spoiling anything, there is an interesting Killing Joke reference in this issue that could symobolize one of two things. 1) DC loves the Killing Joke more than anything in this world and can’t stop talking about it or 2) DC is done with the Killing Joke. Much like the ending of that famous Alan Moore and Brian Bolland graphic novel, I’ll let you interpret for yourself.

Background Reading: DC: World’s End

Dave’s Event Synopsis: The Earth 2 versions of our heroes are pursuing the end of Telos.

Week 3 “Fight For Your City” Universes

1) Pre-Crisis 30th Century Metropolis

This is basically the entire history of Legion of Superheroes, running from the first appearance in Adventure Comics #247 (1958) up until Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985). Of particular note, I recommend you check out The Great Darkness Saga, a great Legion story referenced here and simply worth a read.

2) Durvale

Might be the winner on our obscure DC Universes list. From Strange Adventures #117 (1960), Atomic Knights protect a post-apocalyptic landscape while riding… I mean… Dalmatians?

3) Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Here we have the DC Universe as a whole from 1964 until Infinite Crisis in 1985. For the most part, this is the birth of the Justice League and the DC heroes as we know them.

4) New York City, Earth-A.D.

Post-Apocalyptic last days featuring the “last boy on Earth.” From Kamandi #1 (1972), a Jack Kirby original!

5) Gotham City, Red Rain Universe

The Vampire version of the DC Universe. You can check it out in Batman & Dracula: Red Rain (1991).

6) Central City, Tangent Universe

A DC Universe where all the hero and villains names are in tact, but the origins and characters are completely changed. Began with Tangent Comics  in 1997.

Convergence: Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #1

One thing that’s becoming increasingly clear as Convergence progresses is that the tie-ins are the best part, although some are much better than others. Some tie-ins work well as they explore life under the dome for certain characters, and some are thrilling simply because it’s fun spending time with certain characters again.

The best tie-ins do both well, and that’s what we see with Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #1. We get a real exploration of life under the dome for the Pre-Crisis Legion. with Braniac 5 doing his best to solve the dome (of all the characters we’ve seen so far, it seems like Braniac 5 should have the best chance), while other Legionairres like Wildfire meet a tragic demise as the depowering dome covers all.

More than all that, though, there’s an innocence and a purity of heroism that goes with the Legion and Superboy, ad we see that here on full display.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis 30th Century Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Durvale

Convergence: Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #2

Convergence: Hawkman #1

First things first, it’s pretty weird DC didn’t just call this series Hawkworld. Hawkwoman plays as strong a role as Hawkman (actually more so), and the issue actually presents a surprisingly fully fleshed story of Thanagarian intrigue. On top of that, it features the welcome return of Tim Truman on art, the original creator of Hawkworld.

Otherwise, this is one of my favorite issues this week, giving us its own unique story for the Hawks rather than simply rehashing Convergence “life in the dome” set up.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Durvale

Convergence: Hawkman #2

Convergence: The Flash #1

Speaking of Convergence “life in the dome” set up, there’s The Flash #1. This issue from the extremely talented Dan Abnett (of Guardians of the Galaxy fame) simply shows us a depressed, slow Barry Allen living in Gotham. Again, exploration of depowered heroes under the dome can make for some fun issues, but typically only when they’re moving towards something of their own. Barry’s just moping, which is strangely anti-heroic for one of the greatest Justice Leaguers ever.

As we get deeper into Convergence, these issues also become a lot more grating. We already know the stakes at this point, we don’t need one of two issues in a series meandering purely to set up a world that has already been built. I’m just gonna step out on a limb and say that Convergence: The Flash #1 is nobody’s first comic in this event.

You can skip this one.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Tangent (?)

Convergence: The Flash #2

Convergence: The Green Lantern Corps #1

I’ve never had much affinity for Guy Gardner, but the exploration of his character – almost constantly locked in a state of not quite being the Green Lantern – is surprisingly enjoyable. A credit to David Gallaher and Steve Ellis for punching up a Green Lantern Corps story that hangs as worthwhile almost without power rings.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: None

Convergence: The Green Lantern Corps #2

Convergence: Batman and the Outsiders #1

I didn’t know there was a period in Batman’s history where he left the Justice League and formed the Outsiders, so this issue was fun in the best way, exploring a completely new comic book history for me. When these tie-ins are on their game, they frequently feel like the best moments of getting into the medium, combing through pages of the DC Encylopedia and having your mind blown by weird facts at every turn.

A lot going for Batman and the Outsiders, although the best parts are 1) Batman going into detective mode trying to explain the dome and 2) The sad turn of events for Rex, aka Metamorpho, aka one of the most screwed over guys in comics.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: New York City, Earth-A.D.

Convergence: Batman and the Outsiders #2

Convergence: The Adventures of Superman #1

Another good example of a comic giving a unique story to our heroes as the events of Convergence occur around them (or in this case, without them). Superman and Supergirl explore the Phantom Zone, and are forced to fight imprisoned Kryptonians, including (probably) General Zod.

Supergirl gets a glimpse of her Crisis on Infinite Earths future here, which is another good example of just how in the weeds most of these tie-ins are for the DC faithful. I could be crazy, but nothing says “welcome new fans!” like wordless depictions of events that happened 30 years ago.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: New York City, Earth-A.D.

Convergence: The Adventures of Superman #2

Convergence: Wonder Woman #1

You don’t need to sell me on much past Wonder Woman vs. Vampire Joker, but Wonder Woman #1 does a nice job building its own universe and backstory. Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor are happily together (as the New Gods intended), and Diana investigates some religious theories that have spawned in the wake of the alien dome. A solid tie-in all around, and one I’m happy to continue.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Gotham City, Red Rain Universe

Convergence: Wonder Woman #2

Convergence: Swamp Thing #1

Swamp Thing’s tie-in is almost all Swamp Thing backstory, and like reading an extended recommendation to go and check out Swamp Thing some time. If you’re totally new to the character, this probably isn’t all that bad, but as is, this issue does not do much to convince me there’s a good Swamp Thing story to be told.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Gotham City, Red Rain Universe

Convergence: Swamp Thing #2

Convergence: New Teen Titans #1

I’m way behind on my Titans, but I’m guessing this one is pretty fun for fans, especially with Marv Wolfman back at the helm. I’m going to have nightmares (fantasies?) about that old Dick Grayson costume, but otherwise New Teen Titans does tell its own story, and actually gives some time to the Tangent Universe battle rivals, which is strangely uncommon in most of these tie-ins to date.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Tangent Universe

Convergence: New Teen Titans #2

Convergence: Justice League of America #1

There’s a surprising amount going for the Justice League of America tie-in, and none of it is named Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman. Instead, we get the Digby’s (Sue and Ralph, aka the Elongated Man) in one of the better relationships in comics, Zattana being perpetually the best, and J’onn Jonz saying creepy/funny things to non-Martians.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-One Gotham City

Universes Encountered: Tangent Universe

Convergence: Justice League of America #2

Convergence #4

Convergence #4 pulls off the incredible feat of actually getting more confusing as the series progresses. Disjointed doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Nonetheless, our Earth-2 crew continues to follow the mysterious Deimos, as Grayson and Telos have a gentlemen’s heart to heart. Oh, and we’re casually thrown into the world of Skartaris and Warlord, and no, I hadn’t heard of either of those things either.

I thought this issue was almost unbearable, but I will credit it for seemingly moving Convergence in a new direction!

Background Reading: DC: World’s End, Skartaris (from DC’s The Warlord)

Dave’s Event Synopsis: Yeesh. I’m one issue away from declaring the tie-ins the only material you should even glance at, which is a really weird place to be in an event.

Week 4 “Fight For Your City” Universes

1) Pre-Crisis Earth 2 Metropolis

A fairly fascinating entry in the DC Convergence battlegrounds, as this is intended to be the point when the DC Universe establishes Earth-2, and really the multiverse in general during Flash #123 (“The Flash of Two Worlds“).

2) Atlanta, Georgia

Jonah Hex (Western gunslinger) gets sent in time to a post-apocalyptic 21st century. As far as I can tell these issues are uncollected, which makes for a heckuva of a comic book shop long box scavenger hunt.

3) Moscow, Russia

A DC Elseworld where Superman’s rocket lands in Soviet-era Russia instead of a farm in Kansas. Superman: Red Son (by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson) is a pretty enjoyable thought experiment, and winds up being one of the better Superman graphic novels.

4) Qward Anti-Matter Universe

First appeared in Green Lantern #2 way back in 1960. If memory serves, this is where we get things like the Anti-Monitor (the big bad in Crisis on Infinite Earths) and the Sinestro Corps.

5) New York City, Earth-X

DC Elseworlds where Hitler’s Germany won World War II. Think Philip K. Dick’s “Man in the High Castle,” but with Plastic Man leading the Freedom Fighters as opposition to Germany. First appeared in Freedom Fighters #1 (1976)

6) New York City, 35 Years Later, Post-Flashpoint Universe

The world of DC’s The New 52: Future’s End (2014).

7) Fawcett City, Earth-S

The world of Captain Marvel and the Shazam Family, as first seen in Whiz Comics #2 (1940)!

8) Gotham City, Gaslight Universe

Steampunk Batman I guess? As seen in Batman: Gotham by Gaslight.

9) Metropolis, Earth-Three

Basically a reverse evil Justice League of Ultraman, Superwoman, Johnny Quick, Power Ring (jeez!), and Owlman (good grief!). First appearance was Justice League of America #30 in 1964, but became better known latter during Grant Morrison’s late 90’s run on JLA.

10) 853rd Century Metropolis

The Justice Legion Alpha from Action Comics #1,000,000 in 1998.

11) Skartaris

As confusingly seen in Convergence #4, we have a Warlord ruling a Savage Land (trademark?). First appeared in First Issue Special #8 (1975).

12) Vanishing Point

Time traveling focus, first appeared in Adventures of Superman #476 (1991). Batman is lost in time and the DC heroes must save him! Check out Time Masters: Vanishing Point.

13) Hub City, Earth-Four

A city on the edge of technology guarded by the Blue Beetle, the Question, and Captain Atom! First appeared in Blue Beetle #1 (1967).

14) 31st Century Metropolis

From what I can tell, a 90’s version of the Legion of Superheroes. First appeared in Legionnaires #1 (1993).

Convergence: Booster Gold #1

As usual, Booster finds himself smack in the middle of everything, in a tie-in surprisingly close to the events of the primary Convergence series.

Sector of the DC Universe: Vanishing Point

Universes Encountered: Skartaris, Metropolis 30th Century (Legion of Superheroes)

Convergence: Booster Gold #2

Convergence: Action Comics #1

My favorite Superman story so far in Convergence, and frankly one of the best Superman comics I’ve read in quite a while. You get classic happily married Louis and Clark, a not overly heavy-handed Dome impact on Power Girl, and about half the issue dedicated to Soviet Superman and CIA Agent Lex Luthor. Really fun issue all around.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-Two Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Moscow, Russia

Convergence: Action Comics #2

Convergence: Detective Comics #1

Another issue that spends a surprising amount of time in the world of Superman: Red Son, which is refreshing. The alternate realities and oddball universes of Convergence have been underexplored to date. Not as good as Action Comics #1 above, but worth a read if you’re invested in Comrade Superman.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-Two Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Moscow, Russia

Convergence: Detective Comics #2

Convergence: Justice Society of America #1

Good story from Dan Abnett and Tom Derenick about the JSA losing their powers and getting old. We don’t often get to see our heroes truly age, so the JSA with back problems was a good spin on life under the dome. Plus I’m on board for literally anything that involves Dr. Fate, so excited for this second issue.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-Two Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Qward, Anti-Matter Universe

Convergence: Justice Society of America #2

Convergence: Infinity Inc. #1

Unless you’re a die-hard Infinity Inc loyalist, this issue’s going to read pretty confusing. A good example when the short two page team history is the most compelling part of the book.

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-Two Metropolis

Universes Encountered: Atlanta, Georgia

Convergence: Infinity Inc. #2

Convergence: World’s Finest #1

Highly concentrated on life under the dome and the Seven Soldiers of Victory (a team of the Shining Knight, The Crimson Avenger, the Vigilante, Green Arrow, Speedy, Star-Spangled Kid, and Stripesy (listen, I don’t make the names)).

Sector of the DC Universe: Pre-Crisis Earth-Two Metropolis

Universes Encountered: none

Convergence: World’s Finest #2

Convergence: Plastic Man and the Freedom Fighters #1

Highly enjoyable read, largely because I had no previous knowledge of Plastic Man and the Freedom Fighters battling against a Nazi Germany that won World War II!

Sector of the DC Universe: New York City, Earth-X

Universes Encountered: New York City, 35 Years Later, Post-Flashpoint Universe

Convergence: Plastic Man and the Freedom Fighters #2

Convergence: Shazam #1

Week 4 continues riding a hot streak with a great Shazam #1 that works on its own terms. The Marvel family adjusts to life under the dome before tackling the Monster Society of Evil! Jeff Parker and Evan “Doc” Shaner completely nail the Marvel family tone with pure all ages comics fun.

Sector of the DC Universe: Fawcett City, Earth-S

Universes Encountered: Gotham City, Gaslight Universe

Convergence: Shazam #2

Convergence: Crime Syndicate #1

My favorite art of the week comes from Phil Winslade in another strong addition to Convergence with Crime Syndicate #1. Great matchup with Crime Syndicate vs. future Justice Legion Alpha, and nice universe touches like the Rogue Squad do-gooders led by Captain Cold. Plus, real stakes with some major characters biting the bullet!

Sector of the DC Universe: Metropolis, Earth-Three

Universes Encountered: 853rd Century Metropolis

Convergence: Crime Syndicate #2

Convergence: Blue Beetle #1

My favorite art of the week comes from Phil Winslade in another strong addition to Convergence with Crime Syndicate #1. Great matchup with Crime Syndicate vs. future Justice Legion Alpha, and nice universe touches like the Rogue Squad do-gooders led by Captain Cold. Plus, real stakes with some major characters biting the bullet!

Sector of the DC Universe: Metropolis, Earth-Three

Universes Encountered: 853rd Century Metropolis

Convergence: Blue Beetle #2

Convergence #5

As my mom always told me, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t try to write about Convergence #5.

We’re six issues into the main event at this point, and the best issue was #0. Not a good sign. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed week 4’s tie-ins, so let’s hope for the same from week 5 and just move on!

Background Reading: DC: World’s End, Skartaris (from DC’s The Warlord)

Dave’s Event Synopsis: Deimos takes on Braniac and Telos, and the Earth-2 heroes kind of hang out around them. Warlord rides a Triceratops and a couple characters I had literally zero attachment to get punched through the respective chests. BUT, the final pages move the event status quo ever so slightly.

Tie-In Notes: As mentioned above, since none of the Week 5 tie-ins reference the ending of Convergence #5, they have been added alongside their week 1 counterparts (after Convergence #1).

 Convergence #6

Finally! Movement! An issue that feels like a DC event and not just a weird Earth-2 tie-in we all got tricked into buying! The New 52 heroes!

Issue #6 is far from great, smart, or innovative, but man does it feel great for the damn to break and for Convergence to finally deliver on what was promised. All out war between the DC multiverse, with characters from the Squadron Sinister, Flashpoint, and villains from, well, everywhere taking Deimos up on his offer for power against the DC heroes. Ok! I can work with this!

Background Reading: The New 52, Earth-2: World’s End, Most of the DC Universe in general

Dave’s Event Synopsis: The New 52 finally gets involved as the characters of Convergence take sides for a final showdown.

Convergence #7

 

Ok, we’re getting closer and closer to the big finale, with something about to happen to the DC Multiverse… DC is surprisingly invested in Hal Jordan / Parallax, but hey, the event is going to lead to something!

Background Reading: The New 52, Earth-2: World’s End, Most of the DC Universe in general

Dave’s Event Synopsis: Sets up the grand finale!

Convergence #8

 

This is really all I have to say:

Background Reading: The New 52, Earth-2: World’s End, Most of the DC Universe in general

Dave’s Event Synopsis: Well, the DC Multiverse is restored, which is actually promising in that we can get a whole bunch of wild and fun DC stories like these Convergence tie-ins. As a main event, Convergence is the worst series I’ve collected. I wanted to enjoy, I really did, but these are some awful nine issues. At the least, I’m optimistic the payoff can be worth it.

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