DC; September-October 1973
Cover by Nick Cardy
Title: “Crisis on Earth-X!”
Synopsis: A transmitter mix-up brings members of the JLA and JSA together with the Freedom Fighters to fight Nazis on Earth-X.
Writer: Len Wein
Penciler: Dick Dillin
Inker: Dick Giordano
Review: Fan-turned-pro Len Wein must have had a blast introducing the long-defunct Quality characters into the DCU as the Freedom Fighters. And this first half of a two-parter is quite fun for readers, too. But, as is often the case with the JLA/JSA team-ups, there are too many heroes stuffed into the story for any character to have room to breathe. The one exception is Red Tornado, who unfortunately comes off as a petulant, pouty teen. Still, the Earth-X concept – where the Nazis eventually won World War II – is loaded with potential, teasing readers back for part two.
Grade: B-
Second opinion: Included on Alan Brightmore’s “Individual Comics That You Should Not Be Without” list, from “A Consumer’s Guide to D.C. Comics, Part 2,” Comics Unlimited #51 (October-November 1979). “Another triumph. … Recommended.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide second edition (2003)
Cool factor: Hey there, Quality heroes – welcome to the DCU!
Not-so-cool factor: How do you defeat an unstoppable Nazi mind-control machine… with “reflex action”?
Notable: First appearance of Earth-X. First appearance of the Freedom Fighters. “The JLA Mail Room” letters page includes an LOC from future DC comics writer Mike W. Barr.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “I have looked into their eyes and seen sincerity there – and the love of freedom is burning as our own!” – Uncle Sam, superhero
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