DC Comics: Identity Crisis (2004-2005)

[Dark Silver]

My first foray into a major DC comic storyline since my early teens (though I've haphazardly kept up with Superman and Batman stories), I recently obtained all 7 issues of Identity Crisis.


Never being much of a DC Fan beyond Flash, The Blue Boyscout, and The Detective comic wise (though I love the DCAU/Timmverse), this came across as a interesting read.

A short synopsis: On the eve of Enlongated Man's birthday party, his wife is killed under mysterious circumstances. The entire superhero community springs into action after her funeral, to find the killer. Someone who can breach the League's security system of "Thanagarian, Martian, Kyrptonian and some of the more scary stuff Bruce has invented". Things get worse, when death threats are sent to Lois Lane, and Ray Palmer's ex-wife is attacked in her home. Soon after, someone hires Captain Boomerang to kill Tim Drake's father, and he ends up getting killed after succeeding. Who is the villan which knows the secret identity of the league? Who is out to hurt the mask, by attacking those it was meant to protect? The answer is one you'd never expect...



Review:
After being spoiled by the Timmverse of BTAs, STAS, JL and JLU, identity crisis seemed a bad starting off point. Here I was, missing out on a good 10 years (at least) of alot of DCU development in the comics, but found myself easily understanding what happened and what was going on. The story is self contained, told by narrative from several different characters, though it seemed mostly coming from Green Arrow himself.

The Art is very well done in my opinion, crisp and well layed out. I find myself desirous for the Teen Titan's version of Slade's costume when Deathstroke made his appearence, as well as Doctor Light. Also found myself surprised by the Calculator, a DCU villan I had previously not known of. The Anti-Oracle as it where, what she was to good guys, he was to the villans, who was willing to pay his price.

What shocked me was how the League was protrayed in the comic. Superman and Batman doing what they had to do, and leaving the other members to do Clean Up. The decisions they had to undergo, and what they were willing to do to protect the League and it's members.

Even if it had to be done to it's own members.


Overall, a good read, and not as bad as I thought it would be from other review I've seen.

Next up, I'm reading Marvel Zombies, looks...intersting.