Pre-Crisis

Pre-Crisis is a term used to describe characters, items, realities or events that took place during DC Comics' publishing history prior to the 1985-86 Crisis on Infinite Earths limited series. The term is used by industry professionals and consumers, and is widely considered to be an out-of-universe phrase; which is to say – characters within the DC universe continuity (with rare exception), do not use the term "Pre-Crisis" when referring to events preceding the Crisis on Infinite Earths.

The Crisis on Infinite Earths series effectively re-booted the internal DC universe from the dawn of time onward. A new history was written – one that rendered many of the older DC stories apocryphal. Characters, timelines, and events from the varying alternate realities were condensed into one modernized mainstream reality, excising many characters that would otherwise be construed as redundant.

All occurrences relating to the Golden Age or Silver Age of comic book publishing are germane to the Pre-Crisis continuity. This does not apply to stories that have been retroactively crafted to have taken place during these respective eras (ala the The Silver Age comic book crossover series).

Pre-Crisis Apocrypha
The following is a list of articles pertaining to Pre-Crisis material that is considered apocryphal, and is no longer validated in the modern continuity of DC Comics history.


 * The Superman reality of Earth-Two. Although Superman and Lois Lane of Earth-Two survived the Crisis, their respective dimension, timeline and all related materials (Metropolis, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor etc.) are no longer validated in the revised continuity.


 * Superman and all-related supporting articles of Earth-One are no longer validated in the revised continuity. Many of his early adventures with the Justice League of America are similar in scope to their Pre-Crisis counterparts, but with various differences. The JLA: Year One limited series and the JLA: Incarnations limited series provides brief snapshots of Pre-Crisis JLA stories that are still considered canon.


 * Batman and all related supporting articles (Gotham City, Robin, Huntress, Batgirl, Joker, Commissioner Gordon etc.) of Earth-Two are no longer validated in the revised continuity.


 * The Batman reality of Earth-One shares many similarities with the modern history, but with several obvious distinctions. His personality in the modern timeline is greatly altered from that of the Earth-One continuity and many of his earlier adventures may be considered apocryphal. A clear distinction between which Pre-Crisis events survived into the modern continuity and which ones were excised has never been satisfactorily provided. It is safe to assume that all Earth-One Batman related material published between 1980 and 1985 may be considered canon, while anything taking place prior to that is subject to interpretation and speculation.


 * Wonder Woman and all related supporting articles (Steve Trevor, Etta Candy, Hippolyta etc.) of both Earth-One and Earth-Two are no longer validated in the revised continuity. Historically, Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance) substituted for Wonder Woman in Silver Age Justice League stories.


 * All remaining Golden Age era characters from Earth-Two, Earth-S and Earth-X have their histories retroactively taking place on the modern Earth. Aside from small alterations, most of their background stories are still preserved in the Post-Crisis canon.


 * The revised history of Wonder Girl (Donna Troy) exists in a constant state of flux due to the actions of the Crisis. Donna’s history was intrinsically tied to that of the Earth-One Wonder Woman, and as that continuity ceased to exist, Donna’s respective history was called into question. As such, her origin exists in a perpetual vacuum of revision. Approximately once every seven-ten years, DC Comics attempts to finalize a definitive Donna Troy origin, free of any ties to the Pre-Crisis environment.


 * Johnny Thunder of Earth-One is no longer validated in the revised continuity.


 * Many stories relating to Infinity Inc. can no longer be considered part of the official canon, as their background was intrinsically tied to events germane to Earth-Two. To date, a satisfactory history of the Post-Crisis Infinity Inc. history has never been provided.

Surviving Characters
There are a few characters whose existence is rooted in the Pre-Crisis alternate Earth continuity, but have survived the revisionist effects of the Crisis on Infinite Earths. See the 2006 limited series Infinite Crisis for more details.


 * Alexander Luthor of Earth-Three
 * Harbinger
 * Lois Lane of Earth-Two
 * Pariah
 * Superboy of Earth-Prime
 * Superman of Earth-Two

Trivia

 * The only modern characters who have maintained memories of the Pre-Crisis timeline are: Harbinger, Per Degaton, Power Girl, Psycho Pirate and Shazam. Presumably other characters of cosmic significance, such as Metron, likely has memories of the Pre-Crisis reality as well, but this list pertains to a confirmed list of characters only.
 * To date, Per Degaton is the only character within the DC Universe who has actually used the phrase "Pre-Crisis" (JSA #69).

Related articles

 * Crisis on Infinite Earths
 * Golden Age
 * Earth-A
 * Earth-C
 * Earth-D
 * Earth-Four
 * Earth-One
 * Earth-Prime
 * Earth-S
 * Earth-Six
 * Earth-Three
 * Earth-Twelve
 * Earth-Two
 * Earth-X
 * Infinite Crisis
 * Post-Crisis
 * Retcon
 * Silver Age