Description
Novelist Brad Meltzer's #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling miniseries that rocked the DC Universe and influenced new storylines for years to come. When Sue Dibny, wife of the Elongated Man, is murdered in her own home, the superhero community is devastated. They come together in mourning, hold their loved ones closer, and immediately begin a worldwide search to find her killer. But a handful of heroes think they already know who murdered Sue Dibny. Years ago, to protect Sue and others like her from super-villains, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Black Canary, the Atom and Zatanna crossed a line. Now, their long-buried secret will break the superhero community apart.
Collections
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2005
Physical description
10.22 inches
Publication
DC Comics (2006), Paperback, 288 pages
ISBN
1401206883 / 9781401206888
Library's review
One of my very favourite graphic novels, and perhaps my very favourite super hero team-up or event book of all time. Meltzer's ability to quickly get me inside the heads of the myriad of characters -- both ones I was familiar with from before and the many I was not -- and to feel their emotions and
I first bought this comic on a whim, needing something to read on a 4 hour boat ride. I'm not ashamed to say I teared up several times there in my seat, reading this. It's not often a Justice League comic makes you cry, let alone multiple times, but this one did. I've re-read it twice since then, and while the emotional impact is of course somewhat muted upon revisiting, my eyes got distinctly moist at several points even during the third read-through. It's that effective.
"Identity Crisis" is a murder mystery, a conspiracy thriller, a character drama, and a super hero action adventure, all rolled into one, and even upon finishing it, it's tough to know which it is more. What it most definitely is, is a loving dive into DC's many fantastic characters, and -- almost incidentally -- tribute to the Silver Age comics that somehow simultaneously makes the darker, modern incarnations all the more compellingly flawed and conflicted. And what it is most of all is a story about love, and grief, and relationships. And if you know the names of more than five DC characters (which you do. You know you do. Even if you've only ever seen one of the movies, you know the names of three characters from "Superman" alone.), I think you'd enjoy reading this.
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think their thoughts is quite impressive. Especially considering how often the narrative hops back and forth between different viewpoints. Morales' artwork is fantastic -- pretty, exciting and most importantly, deeply emotional when it needs to be. Which is often, in this story.I first bought this comic on a whim, needing something to read on a 4 hour boat ride. I'm not ashamed to say I teared up several times there in my seat, reading this. It's not often a Justice League comic makes you cry, let alone multiple times, but this one did. I've re-read it twice since then, and while the emotional impact is of course somewhat muted upon revisiting, my eyes got distinctly moist at several points even during the third read-through. It's that effective.
"Identity Crisis" is a murder mystery, a conspiracy thriller, a character drama, and a super hero action adventure, all rolled into one, and even upon finishing it, it's tough to know which it is more. What it most definitely is, is a loving dive into DC's many fantastic characters, and -- almost incidentally -- tribute to the Silver Age comics that somehow simultaneously makes the darker, modern incarnations all the more compellingly flawed and conflicted. And what it is most of all is a story about love, and grief, and relationships. And if you know the names of more than five DC characters (which you do. You know you do. Even if you've only ever seen one of the movies, you know the names of three characters from "Superman" alone.), I think you'd enjoy reading this.
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Awards
User reviews
LibraryThing member yarmando
Intriguing mystery, somewhat muddled by the crowd of obscure characters. The shocking theme in the center -- abuse of power to muddle with an individual's mind -- has been treated elsewhere probably to better effect, since it's something of a red herring here. Still, an enjoyable exploration of the
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private lives and vulnerabilities of mythic individuals. Show Less
LibraryThing member mattypsaidso
Written by novelist Brad Meltzer, this trade takes on some pretty tough issues. Dealing with the murder of one of the JLA members' wives, Meltzer paints an intricate and somewhat disturbing tale. Very intense and very well done. I found it pretty affecting,and pretty emotionally stirring.
LibraryThing member Brian.Gunderson
I've not read a lot of books from DC, so I don't have much comparison to make to other Justice League story-lines. I'll just say that Identity Crisis reminds me of themes and plot points of The Watchmen. I think The Watchmen comes together more cleanly and has tighter dialogue and framing, but then
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again, Moore and Gibbons had a fresh set of characters to shape, whereas this book has to deal with decades of previous works about these characters and future ramifications of any major events for the DC Multiverse. Upon first reading (and without knowing what happens before or after this series), I can't help but say that The Watchmen is a better exploration of the effect that wearing "the mask" has on individuals and their families and of the ethical questions of wielding nearly limitless power. Show Less
LibraryThing member artturnerjr
IDENTITY CRISIS is a book that I read simply because I got sick of running into spoilers while attempting to read about it on the Internet. Now that I've read it, I see why there's so much spoilerific content out there - it's a work that's difficult to talk about without giving away significant
A final note: one of the most enjoyable aspects of this edition are the many extras (creator commentaries and the like) in the back of the book. If you (like me) are as fascinated by the creative process that goes into a work like this as you are the work itself, make sure you don't skip this part.
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chunks of the plot. Suffice to say, then, that this is a graphic novel in which a minor, but not unknown, character in the DC Universe loses their life in the first chapter. This is an event that should not have much emotional heft to it, but the creators of said graphic novel do such a wonderful and efficient job of making you emotionally invested in said character that it indeed does. The remainder of the story concerns the unraveling of the mystery behind said character's death, and this is also played out with great skill. The only major caveat I would give to the prospective reader is that this work may be a little too "inside-baseball" for someone who is new to the DC Universe - I have been reading DC comics on and off for more than 40 years and there are a lot of references that I just didn't get.A final note: one of the most enjoyable aspects of this edition are the many extras (creator commentaries and the like) in the back of the book. If you (like me) are as fascinated by the creative process that goes into a work like this as you are the work itself, make sure you don't skip this part.
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LibraryThing member Kurt.Rocourt
One of the dumbest comics I've ever read. The mystery begins and you have no clue as to who the villain is. When the reveal comes it just does not live up to the build up. The art is good but the story expects you to know and care for characters that haven't mattered since 1982. Even the horrible
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act committed by a villain in the story is overshadowed by a group of heroes being irresponsible. This is the story that started the crying Superman and mind wipe complaining of the next four years. It doesn't help that the follow up to this series in the Justice League relaunch of the time was just as dumb. With another group of characters that were irrelevant and boring. This made me not want to read any of Brad Meltzers other work and I haven't to this day. Show Less
LibraryThing member poonamsharma
Beautiful build up, new POV, well drawn, but weak revelation/climax.
LibraryThing member bigorangemichael
Endorsed by Joss Whedon, this is graphic novel collects the seven issues of the Identity Crisis mini-series.
I read all seven episodes in one sitting.
Somoene is targetting the loved ones of superheroes in the DC Universe. But what's the agenda and why? The answers are truly universe changing and
Identity Crisis examines what it means to be a hero and just why someone would choose this life. It also looks at the impact on the families of those who choose that way of life.
Definitely worth reading.
I read all seven episodes in one sitting.
Somoene is targetting the loved ones of superheroes in the DC Universe. But what's the agenda and why? The answers are truly universe changing and
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shocking, including not just the identity of the serial killer but also revelations of events that happened in the early days of the Justice League. Identity Crisis examines what it means to be a hero and just why someone would choose this life. It also looks at the impact on the families of those who choose that way of life.
Definitely worth reading.
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LibraryThing member wikiro
I would have to say I'm surprised I usually dislike comics pretty bad but this one had me reading it again. Only Watchman has ever interested me that much. Its deep and interesting without the little drama innuendos that annoy you in a dramatic work of literature. They stay to the story ties and
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not give you surprise added drama but a surprise ending instead. Show Less
LibraryThing member highvoltagegrrl
This is not your typical super hero saves the day comic. It is not based on the big name heroes and I am not really sure the day is saved. Despite that, or maybe because of it, this graphics novel has been widely popular and critically acclaimed.
The story is written by Brad Meltzer, who I believe
The art fits the story like a glove. Sure everyone has a perfect body, but there is some reality in the mix. This is especially true in the faces. Emotions are captured in sadly beautiful perfection.
But this is a mystery novel and everything besides the reveal is just fluff. So was the reveal worth it? It didn’t wow me. It tied up nicely and fit in well with the tone of the storytelling. I think I was just looking for some grand, evil scheme. However the book wanted to show us that we are all just human, even if we are Superman.
Book Rating: 3/5
Book Received From: Personal Purchase
Reviewer: Wally
The story is written by Brad Meltzer, who I believe
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writes mystery novels. He brings flavor over to this comic. The comic is a ‘Whodunit’ at its core. Sure there are super powered beings in it, but it shows a more human side to them. They feel pain, they have dark secrets and they tell lies. Meltzer does an excellent job of painting a real and emotional face on these chiseled jaws and hourglass figures.The art fits the story like a glove. Sure everyone has a perfect body, but there is some reality in the mix. This is especially true in the faces. Emotions are captured in sadly beautiful perfection.
But this is a mystery novel and everything besides the reveal is just fluff. So was the reveal worth it? It didn’t wow me. It tied up nicely and fit in well with the tone of the storytelling. I think I was just looking for some grand, evil scheme. However the book wanted to show us that we are all just human, even if we are Superman.
Book Rating: 3/5
Book Received From: Personal Purchase
Reviewer: Wally
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LibraryThing member harpua
I used to be big into comics years ago, even had my own mail order business I attempted to start up when the internet was in it's infancy. I've since fallen out of the industry and have fallen way behind on my story lines. I've since been trying to pick up some trade paperbacks to try and get
I wasn't disappointed, here was a story that held me entranced throughout and I finished this in one sitting. The artwork was superb and as with most comics, enhanced the story, set the pacing, built the suspense and entertained in it's own way. The problem I had with this book were of my own creation. I was too far out of the stories to truely understand what was going on or why. While this is a standalone series and I didn't need to keep up with the characters, I really felt no sympathy for them either. Most of the characters that starred in this, were side characters in series that I didn't follow before anyway. The ones I enjoyed back in the day, were really sideline characters in this one, so in that I was a bit disappointed, but as I said that was my failing no the authors.
If you enjoy comics and even have a passing interest in the characters and story, pick this up it will be worth it.
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caught up. I've yet to read any of Brad Meltzer's novels, though I've got a few on the shelf and am looking forward to getting to them some day soon, so when I saw this story I was excited to get into it. I wasn't disappointed, here was a story that held me entranced throughout and I finished this in one sitting. The artwork was superb and as with most comics, enhanced the story, set the pacing, built the suspense and entertained in it's own way. The problem I had with this book were of my own creation. I was too far out of the stories to truely understand what was going on or why. While this is a standalone series and I didn't need to keep up with the characters, I really felt no sympathy for them either. Most of the characters that starred in this, were side characters in series that I didn't follow before anyway. The ones I enjoyed back in the day, were really sideline characters in this one, so in that I was a bit disappointed, but as I said that was my failing no the authors.
If you enjoy comics and even have a passing interest in the characters and story, pick this up it will be worth it.
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LibraryThing member ragwaine
Really surprised to see the love/hate thing going on for this one but I guess it's one of those "say anything you want about me just spell my name right" things. It was a big event and a lot of stories fed off it. I haven't read any of the other stories (though I have on in my bag waiting) but this
Some people complained about it being too adult, too dark etc... but really that's what I want in a comic. I don't want to read Robin saying "Golly gee Batman...". So yes this one's not for the kiddies but really much the writing today really isn't. Maybe some comics just hide it better, like the sexual innuendo in Shrek, so that the kids just don't get it.
I loved both the teamwork and the division between the superheroes. I liked the glimpse into the "day in the life of a super villian". I liked them making fun of the Calculator's old costume. Lots of cool stuff and that's not even mentioning the killer art.
So if you're a purist or squeamish you might want to avoid this one. Otherwise dig in and have fun with it.
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one was fun for me. There was suspense, action, mystery, moral dilema's, murder and yes rape. Some people complained about it being too adult, too dark etc... but really that's what I want in a comic. I don't want to read Robin saying "Golly gee Batman...". So yes this one's not for the kiddies but really much the writing today really isn't. Maybe some comics just hide it better, like the sexual innuendo in Shrek, so that the kids just don't get it.
I loved both the teamwork and the division between the superheroes. I liked the glimpse into the "day in the life of a super villian". I liked them making fun of the Calculator's old costume. Lots of cool stuff and that's not even mentioning the killer art.
So if you're a purist or squeamish you might want to avoid this one. Otherwise dig in and have fun with it.
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LibraryThing member SR510
(Warning: review contains spoilers.)
I knew nothing at all about this going into it; I found it at the library, mistakenly assumed from the title that it was one of DC's periodic let's-retcon-the-uni/multiverse series, and decided to give it a shot.
It ain't perfect. You need to suspend your
Between Sue's death and her rape, women-in-refrigerators would seem to be in play, though one might argue that offing Robin's dad and Captain Boomerang—yes, I think both count—provides gender parity there. Still, it would have been nice had there been a strong, well-rounded, non-insane female character in the book who didn't die in the first chapter. In particular, Zantanna might have been used as more than a plot device.
Still... if you can get past all that, it's an engaging read, the art is excellent, and it adds some nice shades of gray to the goody-goody Justice League.
I knew nothing at all about this going into it; I found it at the library, mistakenly assumed from the title that it was one of DC's periodic let's-retcon-the-uni/multiverse series, and decided to give it a shot.
It ain't perfect. You need to suspend your
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disbelief to the breaking point to buy several of the plot developments, including the final explanation. For once, I found that I was pulled along enough to ignore the inconsistent and nonsensical bits, but I wouldn't blame anybody else for not being able to.Between Sue's death and her rape, women-in-refrigerators would seem to be in play, though one might argue that offing Robin's dad and Captain Boomerang—yes, I think both count—provides gender parity there. Still, it would have been nice had there been a strong, well-rounded, non-insane female character in the book who didn't die in the first chapter. In particular, Zantanna might have been used as more than a plot device.
Still... if you can get past all that, it's an engaging read, the art is excellent, and it adds some nice shades of gray to the goody-goody Justice League.
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LibraryThing member aproustian
Alex Sinclair's coloring is to die for, and the story's excellent, too. Delves into some of the lesser DC superheros' morals and motivations.
LibraryThing member KevlarRelic
Ah, Identity Crisis. I bought you because I had never been in a comic book store before, and I was afraid that the geeks playing WARHAMMER ONE TRILLION would set themselves upon me if I left without buying something.
Never before has fear of a stereotyped group been so fortuitous. You are a great
I am so glad I met you.
Never before has fear of a stereotyped group been so fortuitous. You are a great
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book IC (may I call you IC?). You are beautifully drawn. Your plot is very interesting and moving in a human way. I am so glad I met you.
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LibraryThing member ptdilloway
This isn't as action-packed as a lot of these "Crisis" events DC puts out. More of a mystery, which was fine with me.
LibraryThing member R3dH00d
If I hadn't been enjoying the postmodern self-reflexive nature of the story beforehand, the Superman/Boy scout joke would have won me over.
LibraryThing member JoanAxthelm
A good mystery with the super hero characters I love. I never would have guessed the outcome.
LibraryThing member rodhilton
The plot of Identity Crisis is that Sue Dibny, the Elongated Man's wife, is murdered. Pretty much every DC hero then tries to solve the mystery of her murder, which generally involves questioning every DC villain.
Like any mystery, it's full of twists and turns, shocking revelations that make little
The idea is interesting if a little over the top in it's "make everything dark and gritty!" approach. But it's a good mystery, with some kind of crazed attacker figuring out the family members of hereos and attacking them in their homes, stakes raising, and lots of sweeping character arcs. All in all, it's decent and engaging.
Now, I have to mention, the way women are treated in this miniseries is appalling. The entire thing is, obviously, a Women in the Fridge trope but the book goes way beyond it. Women are raped, and constantly discussed in terms of men protecting them. The main problem, as worded by a character in the book is that "people are attacking our wives!". Really? Not just "spouses"? No female heroes are worried about their husbands being attacked, it's all men. This kind of thing is surprising from a company that produces an icon of feminism, Wonder Woman. In fact, the Amazonian's role is embarrassing. She appears on the cover of one of the issues, but when she actually shows up she has exactly one line, spoken with her out of frame, and after Oliver Queen's narrator comments on her "rack". The other female heroes offer occasional, half-hearted "I can take care of myself" protestation, but pretty much every woman is pathetic, weak, frail, and in need of a man's protection. Even fearless star reporter Lois Lane becomes a frightened little girl and asks Superman to stay home and protect her. This treatment of women continues through the entire book, culminating in the last issue with the grand finale of misogyny in a twist that I won't spoil. I know this kind of commentary comes off as super-sensitive, but I found myself constantly distracted by how crapped-on women were in this book, it was extremely off-putting.
Like any mystery, it's full of twists and turns, shocking revelations that make little
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sense, and a great deal of past dirt is dug up. In particular, it becomes clear that a subset of JLA members have been secretly doing something the rest of the JLA would not approve of. This revelation applies retroactively, reframing tons of past events in the DC universe. Really, that's the name of the game here, lots of stuff keeps getting dug up and retcons all kinds of stuff in DC, generally by infusing it with darkness and sex.The idea is interesting if a little over the top in it's "make everything dark and gritty!" approach. But it's a good mystery, with some kind of crazed attacker figuring out the family members of hereos and attacking them in their homes, stakes raising, and lots of sweeping character arcs. All in all, it's decent and engaging.
Now, I have to mention, the way women are treated in this miniseries is appalling. The entire thing is, obviously, a Women in the Fridge trope but the book goes way beyond it. Women are raped, and constantly discussed in terms of men protecting them. The main problem, as worded by a character in the book is that "people are attacking our wives!". Really? Not just "spouses"? No female heroes are worried about their husbands being attacked, it's all men. This kind of thing is surprising from a company that produces an icon of feminism, Wonder Woman. In fact, the Amazonian's role is embarrassing. She appears on the cover of one of the issues, but when she actually shows up she has exactly one line, spoken with her out of frame, and after Oliver Queen's narrator comments on her "rack". The other female heroes offer occasional, half-hearted "I can take care of myself" protestation, but pretty much every woman is pathetic, weak, frail, and in need of a man's protection. Even fearless star reporter Lois Lane becomes a frightened little girl and asks Superman to stay home and protect her. This treatment of women continues through the entire book, culminating in the last issue with the grand finale of misogyny in a twist that I won't spoil. I know this kind of commentary comes off as super-sensitive, but I found myself constantly distracted by how crapped-on women were in this book, it was extremely off-putting.
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LibraryThing member Skybalon
Good graphic superhero novel with pretty good graphics. The mystery is not the best, but good enough to be enjoyable.
Worth the read.
Worth the read.
LibraryThing member rottweilersmile
this event just felt like edginess for edginess's sake? not sure why it exists. tho it does set up the new 52 comic, which is the most impressive weekly comic i've ever read (which isn't saying a lot, to be fair)
LibraryThing member zot79
Top-notch superhero story. A bit complex to follow if you don't know your DC superheros