You’re reading The Complete Infinite Crisis, a Comprehensive and Encyclopedic look through the universe-changing superhero event published by DC from 2005 to 2006. Shelfdust are proud to provide a complete overview of the story, and everything that happens in it. We’ve had to get some experts in though – there’s so much going on that needs to be explained!
Oh baby we’ve heard the blues a-calling, and we’ve been spending a lot of time in Seattle recently, as our investigation into Infinite Crisis has led us deep into the lore of Frasier. Last time round we heard that there’s not just one member of Frasier’s family – there’s at least two! Who is “Marty Crane” and why is he so important? Zoe Tunnell, we need your wisdom now more than ever!
Zoe! I’m told there’s someone called “Marty Crane” – is he related to Frasier?
Zoe Tunnell: Who is he? – Steve! Marty Crane? Why he is Frasier’s dear father! Papa Crane, they call him.
What’s his background? What’s Marty all about?
Tunnell: Now, I know what you’re thinking. With a son as Cultured and Educated as Dr. Frasier Crane, Martin “Marty” Crane must be a man of the world!
…Well I have some unfortunate news.
Marty is a cop. Not just any cop, a LEGACY cop, following in his own father’s footsteps. Born and raised in Seattle, Martin worked his way up through the force, eventually making his way to homicide detective. As a cop, he is obviously Not A Good Dude.
But, that said: eh, could be worse. At his core he’s mostly a good person and even if he doesn’t understand a lot of the modern (circa the 90s) world or even his own family, he accepts them and tries to cope.
How does he get on with his son, generally speaking? His, I’m guessing, only son?
Tunnell: Oh. Oh Steve. Oh you poor soul.
Frasier and Marty get along well enough. They’re WILDLY different people and Marty moving in with Frasier occasionally makes things a bit fraught, but they do really love each other and have a strong father and son bond.
But, Steve.
I must tell you.
There is another. Another Crane, another son.
I’m sorry you had to learn this way. Niles awaits.
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NILES!?! What the devil is going on here, by the white wolf? Zoe, thank you for giving us such an understanding of Marty, but how many Cranes are there out there? Let’s catch up on Thursday and explore this latest addition to the Crane Crew!
Zoe Tunnell has written for publications including XavierFiles, ComicBookHerald, and WomenWriteAboutComics. For more of her work, you can follow her on Twitter here, or support her Patreon page here!
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