The Multiverse: How Comic Books Reshaped Fiction and Philosophy

One of the most significant ideas that has come out of comic books is the concept of the multiverse. This idea, despite its roots in the 19th century, has been brought to life by comic creators, particularly through the DC Universe's Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline. While the multiverse may seem abstract and complex, it has managed to captivate the public imagination, influencing not only comic books but also cinematic storytelling and philosophical debates.

Challenges in the Mid-80s

The 1980s were a tumultuous time for the comic book industry. Interest in the medium was at an all-time low, with misconceptions and outdated perceptions driving this decline. During this period, Batman's most recent on-screen incarnation was still the Batman TV series from the 1960s, and Saturday morning cartoons featuring superheroes were notoriously hoaky and unappealing. The superhero genre struggled to gain serious intellectual respect.

DC's Bold Decisions

Despite these challenges, DC Comics made some bold moves in the 1980s, including the Death in the Family storyline, which allowed fans to vote on the fate of a beloved character, Jason Todd. This event not only revived interest in the characters but also sparked the creation of memorable new characters like Red Hood. These changes paved the way for other significant works, such as Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.

The Multiverse: An Intellectual Conundrum

The multiverse idea represents one of the most intriguing and all-encompassing concepts in comic book history. It's difficult to conceptualize but, as evidenced by the recent win of film Everything Everywhere All at Once in the Best Picture category, the multiverse has made its way into mainstream culture. This film, considered a cultural phenomenon, is a testament to the enduring power of the multiverse concept.

DC's Multiverse: An Artistic Achievement

DC Comics took the multiverse idea seriously, hiring researchers to compile a comprehensive history of every character and universe. This effort aimed to make every story fit into its own universe while respecting the larger DC Multiverse. The research involved reading through numerous comics and creating a detailed history, which was a remarkable artistic achievement. While the multiverse is conceptually flawed, it remains a valuable tool for storytelling and artistic exploration.

Philosophical Implications and Scientific vs. Artistic Multiverses

The scientific concept of multiverses starts from the Big Bang and explores the infinite possibilities that exist in the universe. In contrast, the artistic multiverse starts from the present moment and works backwards, creating new stories and narratives. This interplay between science and art is intellectually fascinating and is explored in the movie Tomorrowland.

The Multiverse in the Real World

The multiverse concept has real-world applications, as seen in the Anonymous hacktivist group, which was inspired by stories in comic books. The philosophical and cultural impact of these narratives is undeniable, and the multiverse is the pinnacle of this narrative evolution.

Conclusion

The multiverse, a key idea born from comic books, has left an indelible mark on both fictional and real-world storytelling. It has transformed philosophy, film, and even activism. The story of the multiverse is a reminder of the power of imagination and the enduring influence of comic books on our cultural landscape.