When The CW announced that “Crisis on Infinite Earths” will be the title of the next major Arrowverse crossover, they definitely got the attention of comic book lovers everywhere. I mean, not only is it one of DC’s biggest and most important storylines ever, but it’s something nobody believed would ever be adapted.
Now that we know it’s actually happening, more questions are seemingly raised by the day. A few weeks back, it was revealed at the fall upfronts that “Crisis” will be a five-part event spread across two quarters of broadcasting. By that, I’d assume we’ll get a winter cliffhanger, as opposed to wrapping up the story in a matter of nights like we’re used to seeing.
From the sound of it though, Arrow‘s eighth and final season will serve as a precursor of sorts, as lead actor Stephen Amell said the following will speaking at MCM London Comic Con over the weekend:
“It’s five episodes, probably. I don’t know, it may be 11, I don’t know. I will tell you, yes, I can tell you stuff. Crisis on Infinite Earths begins before the crossover. It begins before the crossover. That makes sense, right? Think about it for a second Crisis on Infinite Earths basically began at the end of season seven of Arrow and it’s not going to stop until it’s over.”
If anything, this may confirm that Arrow season 8 may go in the direction of science fiction, just as the official synopsis hinted. Hopefully we learn much more about what’s to come at San Diego Comic-Con in July because the anticipation is killing me.
Though “Crisis on Infinite Earths” properly begins later this fall, I think it’s fair to make this analogy for comic book readers out there: if the five-part prime time extravaganza could be viewed as a trade paperback of its own, then Arrow season 8 will essentially be a companion book. At least, that’s what I’m currently picturing. As always though, time will tell.