The multiverse is not complete science fiction. Its existence, of course, has not been proven, but it has a theoretical basis in real quantum physics. A wave function (a mathematical expression of a quantum system, which can provide a probability of where a particle will be found) is said to "collapse" after a definitive measurement is made. The "many worlds interpretation," coined by physicist Hugh Everett, instead proposes that when a quantum system is measured, everyone the possible measurements play out across many universes.

Compare it Schrödinger's Cat thought experimentitself derived from the idea of ​​quantum measurement; if you stick a cat in a closed box, there's no way to be sure if the animal is alive or dead, so it's technically both.

Experts have noticed how seeing the world in this way creates some terrifying philosophical implications; as individuals and the collective whole of humanity, we cherish our uniqueness. If every permutation of "we" exists on one plane of existence, that singularity is eliminated. This is the root of Oulman's nihilism, although he defines reality as branching out based on the choices of people rather than the behavior of particles (this is character-driven narrative).

"Every decision we make is pointless because somewhere, on a parallel Earth, we've already made the opposite choice. We are nothing. Less than nothing," explains Owlman. His analysis is not wrong, per se; it is coldly rational under a certain lens. But you'd have to be immensely immoral to conclude that this makes human lives "meaningless" - which Owlman is, so he wants to destroy the original Earth-Prime, thinking this will cause all other realities to collapse. "The only action that can be taken that would have a purpose," he calls this, because the destruction of all reality is the only decision that cannot happen against another world.

Woods gives a terrifying performance as Owlman; calm and sinister, the opposite of his best-known voice role as the loquacious Hades in Hercules. On the other hand, Crisis On Two Earths would have benefited from recasting Kevin Conroy as Batman instead of understudying Billy Baldwin, as it would have added punch to the already fantastic Batman and Owlman battle.

I can hear Conroy bringing Batman's words to Owlman so clearly in his mind, especially his farewell: “There's a difference between me and you. "We both looked into the abyss, but when you looked back at us... you blinked." Both faced despair, but only one surrendered.

Owlman's character is an evil Batman, yes, but it goes deeper than just the novelty of having the Dark Knight as a villain; he is a foil to Batman's ethos of will and determination, that one person can make a difference. Owlman would rather destroy everything than live with the "illusion of free will", while Batman sees the world as it is, darkness and light, and strives to make it better with faith that others, even his enemies, can be better. If there's one thing Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths has taught us, it's that, ultimately, we're all the sum of our own, different choices.