Dark Multiverse
A twisted reflection of famous events where heroes become tyrants and worlds collapse into despair.
Tales from the Dark Multiverse is an American superhero and anthology comic book limited series published by DC Comics. The series launched on October 16, 2019, taking some of the most famous events in the DC Universe and putting a twist on them. Following the Source Wall being shattered at the end of Dark Nights: Metal, the mysterious watcher Tempus Fuginaut begins trying to recruit several heroes from across the Dark Multiverse in the wake of a coming crisis.
- First Appearance
- October 16, 2019
- Primary Threat
- Coming crisis across twisted timelines
Lore & Background
The series explores specific alternate realities born from catastrophic shifts. In one timeline, Azrael refuses to return the Batman mantle, ruling Gotham as Saint Batman for 30 years while a cyborg Bruce Wayne kills his rescuers to take over. Another reality sees Lois Lane merge with the Eradicator after Superman's death, becoming Earth's savior only to kill Superman again via kryptonite gas unleashed by Cyborg Superman. In a Blackest Night variant, Sinestro becomes a Limbo Lantern hybrid, attempting to recreate the universe using Lobo as a template after Dove and Mister Miracle are killed. Ted Kord survives Maxwell Lord's murder of him, eventually becoming OBAC (One-Beetle-Army-Corps) by converting everyone into OMACs to bring peace. Terra murders Deathstroke and becomes Gaia, destabilizing Earth's core to rule a broken world after controlling kryptonite.
In Their Own Story
Barry Allen dies attempting to restore his powers in the Flashpoint timeline, allowing Eobard Thawne to take his place and reshape reality while killing Aquaman. In a Crisis on Infinite Earths variation, Alan Scott becomes the Dread Lantern pawn of Surtur to spare Earth from Ragnarök. Wonder Woman is possessed by Hecate after Phobos kills her loved ones, leading to women becoming slaves globally while the US hunts superheroes. The Dark Multiverse also features a War of the Gods where Diana remains imprisoned under Themyscira in Hecate's control. In the Batman: Hush timeline, Thomas Elliot raises Bruce Wayne in a repressive Gotham after Alfred is absent, with Bruce committed to an asylum yet still becoming Batman.
Reader's Guide
The series functions as an anthology where Tempus Fuginaut recruits heroes to face crises across these twisted timelines. Key moments include the defeat of Saint Batman by Lady Shiva and Bane's son before Bruce kills them both. Readers encounter Sinestro trapped forever in a universe worshiping Lobo after Tempus prevents him from polluting the main reality. The narrative highlights how small changes, like Dick Grayson empathizing with Terra or Ted Kord controlling Brother Eye, lead to apocalyptic outcomes. Each story serves as a self-contained exploration of what happens when famous heroes fail or turn tyrannical, from the Dragons of Barbatos conquering the multiverse in Dark Nights: Metal to the Justice League being trapped fighting Surtur.
Did You Know?
- The series began on October 16, 2019.
- Tempus Fuginaut was originally introduced in Sideways before appearing here to recruit heroes.
- In the Batman: Knightfall twist, Bruce Wayne is referred to as 'the Broken' and ruled Gotham for 30 years after Jean-Paul Valley took over.
- Lois Lane kills Superman again in her timeline when kryptonite gas released by Cyborg Superman's cannon impact fills the atmosphere.
- Ted Kord creates a new entity called OBAC (One-Beetle-Army-Corps) to convert everyone into OMACs for peace.
More in Dimensions & Realities
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