Five years ago, it’s possible that anyone you asked on the street wouldn’t know how to respond if you asked them about the multiverse. Now, most people have seen ‘The Flash,’ ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’ or ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ and know what it refers to. But years ago, this idea was born in the world of DC with ‘Flash of Two Worlds’ in 1961. However, it’s possible that no one has exploited it better than a fast-food brand known for greasy chicken. How is that possible?
Crisis of Infinite Colonels
Colonel Sanders was the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1952, and his face became the unofficial mascot of the company. No talking hamburgers, no walking pieces of pizza – just a real person who actually existed. The fanaticism for this historical figure (ignoring the fact that he strongly criticized KFC’s food quality in his later years) led to his appearance in a number of DC comics.
After his death in 1980, his heirs had free rein to do as they pleased. Thus, from 2015 to 2017, three comics were published that blended Colonel Sanders with counterparts from other alternate universes, as well as characters like Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkgirl, or Superwoman. The three comics were titled ‘The Colonel of Two Worlds,’ ‘Crisis of Infinite Colonels,’ and ‘Across the Universe.’ Quite something.
Perhaps it will surprise you, but these comics aren’t of the highest quality. They’re not terrible either – they have their moments. It’s amusing to encounter Colonel Bizarro, Cowboy Sanders, or Koln-El, an obvious parody of Superman. There was even a chicken-shaped Colonel that we won’t ask any further questions about. It all started with the presence of a certain Colonel Sunder, the creator of ‘Easy Fried Chicken,’ on Earth-3. He promised, “I sell cheap chicken, maybe it doesn’t taste good… but it’s easy to make! Fill your belly, that’s all that matters, forget Kentucky, Easy makes you happier.” Uh-huh.
In the end, Captain Cold, Flash, and Green Lantern enjoyed “a decent meal” and even offered Colonel Sunder a position in the Justice League. Yes, the Justice League! ‘Crisis on Infinite Colonels,’ which is drawn in different styles, is quite amusing. It’s worth checking out, even if it’s just to see it in the ‘Teen Titans Go!’ world. The outcome is the same: they defeat the villain and ensure they serve good food to their customers. Logical, right?
You’re right; it might not be a grand thing, but it’s definitely a brilliant marketing maneuver. A decent comic sponsored by an absurdly large brand – how can it not be ridiculously enjoyable?
