As the universe-shattering Final Crisis infiltrates the DC Universe, the battle for the hearts and souls of our heroes erupts. As the Crisis claims its first casualty, join the Justice League as they pay tribute to their fallen comrade, the Martian Manhunter... Learn the cosmic origin of his murderer, Darkseid's mad prophet, Libra... Take a stand with Checkmate, as the last bastion of humanity fights for their survival against the all-consuming Anti-life Equation...

Final Crisis Companion, it will come as no surprise, is only going to be any use to those that have been following the Final Crisis plot line - anyone else will find this collection not only very confusing, but practically pointless. This collection was originally printed in single comic book form in Final Crisis #1: Director’s Cut, Final Crisis: Requiem #1, Final Crisis: Resist #1 and Final Crisis: Secret Files #1.

It was the Day Evil Won - Earth's greatest heroes beaten, broken or perverted, the ultimate triumph of the galactic despot, Darkseid. Now discover the secrets of the "Final Crisis" in this collection of stories tying in to the main series, including the tales of those who chose either to submit or resist, Superman's adventures beyond imagination at the heart of the multiverse, and the touching funeral of the fallen Martian Manhunter.

This collection is also bursting with extra material - including pages from the "Crime Bible" and the secret of the "Anti-Life Equation". We open with the black and white illustrations of Final Crisis #1, followed by the same story in script form and then a "director's commentary", before moving on to Balancing Act.

For those that have followed the Final Crisis story, this is an invaluable collection - everyone else should steer well clear.

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Nick Smithson