Written by Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by Rags MoralesThe most talked-about and successful miniseries of 2004 — the story that has created ripple effects throughout the DC Universe for many years to come — is now available in a stunning hardcover volume! New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer (GREEN ARROW) teams with artists Rags Morales & Michael Bair (WONDER WOMAN) and cover artist Michael Turner (SUPERMAN/BATMAN) to deliver an all-too-human look into the lives of super-heroes, and the terrible price they pay for doing good.
Comic books aren’t just for kids anymore. Noted historian, Brad Meltzer takes aim at the cape genre itself in “Identity Crisis”, a series whose identity couldn’t be more assured. This aren’t your daddy’s heroes. These are flawed, nuanced takes on time-honored characters. Takes that Alan Moore would certainly grin with recognition and approval for. After all, Moore lovingly penned the classic “Watchmen” graphic novel for which “Identity Crisis” surely owes much of its intricate, mature mystery storytelling. The term “graphic novel” is one that fits “Identity Crisis” too, as even in issue #1, you can feel how much weightier and adult the themes of the story will be when compared to your average comic book. They even turn a longtime silly and kooky villain into perhaps the scariest monster in the DC universe today. Quite a feat, for Marvel’s distinguished competition.
The Good: Superheroes actually act like grown-ups, with problems like death, betrayal, mental illness, and dealing with spoiled brats for children that can’t even pour you a glass of scotch before you labor through reading aloud another inane bedtime story last night.
The Bad: I don’t have issue #2 in my hands right now. I gotta see whodunnit!
Also, the costumes all looked really accurate. Rags Morales did a good job on the art. Just look at that cover. You can just feel how sad and adult everyone on it is.
Final Verdict: 10.0
