Identity Crisis #1
DC Comics
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Pencils: Rags Morales
Inks: Michael Bair
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Price: $3.95

Rating: 4 stars

I have perused the message boards all over the World Wide Web, and opinions are sharply divided on the quality, intent, and overall direction of DC?s self-proclaimed book of the year Identity Crisis. Some readers feel it is a rip off, and another marketing ploy, while others are enchanted by the sheer brilliance of it. After reading the book three times, I have to go with the readers that think it is incredibly good.

As a comic book fan that started reading in 1974, I have always been a rabid Justice League fan. I have every issue from the 72 of the original series up. I understand and revel in the varied histories of the different incarnations. I am sure that is what gives me such an extra ounce of knowing while reading the first issue of this mini series. To me it isn?t the identity of the victim that makes the tale, it is all the other subtle nuances of the story that give the book an extra dynamic that is sure to play out in the following six issues.

For newcomers, Identity Crisis is a mini series in the flavor of Crisis or Zero Hour, and it is being hyped as a huge event in the DC Universe, where a dirty secret has been kept for many years. The story in issue one follows the death of a character and its impact on the core of the Justice League. How it occurs and several sub-events that happen around it leave the reader with a great murder mystery to follow. According to the hype, there are more murders and mayhem to follow, so where the story ends is anyone?s guess.

Writer Brad Meltzer paints this tale like he?s been waiting his whole life for the chance. Told brilliantly from several different perspectives, issue one paints an overall picture of where things are and gives a dazzling array of places the tale could flow to. The scripting here is perfection, and I could read this issue over and over again, knowing I would continue to pick up clues. Meltzer makes the reader want to know more, and puts into place the ?I don?t know if I can wait an entire month for the next issue? mentality into play.

Well partnered with Meltzer are artists Rags Morales and Michael Bair. I loved their work on Hawkman, and it exceeds expectations here. From the extreme close ups to the immense group shots, Morales and Bair don?t spare a thing. The pacing on the issue is dead-on, and I place a great deal of credit on the symbiosis of the creative team. Alex Sinclair?s colors helm the art together with subtle shadows and bright hues.

All the naysayers who are disappointed with the identity of the victim need to back up and really read this issue. It isn?t about who the murdered person is that makes the tale, so much as the back story and accompanying mysteries that will play out. I do mourn for the character, because to me they were a compelling part of past stories, and I liked the sheer sass and determination they conveyed. I do hope that rather then judging a book by its cover, the general readership will lay back and enjoy the ride, because it is sure to be a compelling one.

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