Identity Crisis #1

Chapter One: Coffin

Brad Meltzer – Writer
Rags Morales – Penciller
Michael Bair – Inker
Alex Sinclair – Colorist
Kenny Lopez – Letterer
Valerie D'Orazio – Assistant Editor
Mike Carlin – Editor

Our cover is by Michael Turner, who was one of DC's premiere talents of the time — as you've seen me gush over every one of his covers I've got to review. Sadly, his work with DC was rather limited, and he tragically died from cancer in 2008 at age 37. So, with what may be my final Michael Turner cover on this blog, I'm pleased to say he gave us an impactful, haunting image to kick off this event comic. We have an old photograph of the JLA (back when Barry Allen was on the team) shattered and covered in blood. I think it's an effective way of showing the team is falling apart both from external and internal sources.

Our story opens with the shocking and mysterious murder of the Elongated Man's wife, Sue Dibny. Since the Elongated Man's identity is public, this becomes national news and sends shockwaves through the superhero world. The murder coincidentally occurred on the night of Dick Grayson's parents' anniversary, which he was honoring at their grave with Starfire when he heard the news. Tim Drake has finally told his dad that he's Robin, and the two of them learn of the murder from TV. Tim's dad doesn't say anything, but pulls his son close to him.

Two days later, everyone who's anyone attends Sue Dibny's funeral. Bart even shows up in his Kid Flash uniform, even though he's never had any encounters with Ralph or Sue. Perhaps he's mostly there to support Wally, who was chosen as one of the pall bearers. Jay Garrick is there, too, sitting between Wonder Woman and Superman. But poor Bart is shoved off in a corner next to a couple of people I don't know.

After the funeral, the various superhero teams break off to investigate any and all leads. The Teen Titans go after Plasmus and Warp, but secretly, the Elongated Man and a few others believe Dr. Light is responsible for Sue's murder.



And that's the extent of Bart Allen's involvement in this miniseries. Although the ramifications of Identity Crisis will eventually be felt in Teen Titans. For better and worse, Identity Crisis had a major impact on the DC Universe for years to come. It was one of the first comics I ever read, and I loved it. It made me cry and inspired me to delve deeper into this world. But now, revisiting it several years later, I do understand many of the criticisms against Identity Crisis. The story is best when it focuses on the small, personal relationships — such as Ralph and Sue Dibny. The story is weakest when it tries to incorporate too many characters and editorial mandates, and relies on revisionist history to provide characters' motivations. In short, it's a mixed bag.

Next time, we'll find out if Raven will finally join the Teen Titans after 12 issues of buildup.