Identity Crisis #3 By Mike Schmutter Aug 21, 2004 - 11:40:00 AM

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DC COMICS
WRITER: Brad Meltzer
ARTIST: Rags Morales, Michael Bair
COVER: Michael Turner

Many of the plot twists in this story could be seen coming a mile off but that doesn't mean the latest issue of this miniseries still can't be gripping and exciting. In this chapter, the JLA goes after their old foe Dr. Light, believing him to be the murderer of an old friend. But first they have to go through Dr. Light's new bodyguard, Deathstroke-- even while other superheroes try to tell the JLA that Light may not be the killer at all. The JLA's fight with Deathstroke combines Silver-Age cleverness with modern-day brutality and the dialogue between the heroes is well-used, conveying the right amount of information and emotion without getting talky or boring.

Some of the revelations in this issue aren't as powerful as they were set up to be, but Meltzer realistically portrays the turmoil within the ranks of the cape and cowl set without showing them smashing up half the city in frustration. The use of some supporting players from various titles and second-tier villains also adds to the mystery since we know so little about the inner lives of these characters. On the art-side, Morales continues to produce good work although oddly it doesn't seem to be equal to some of the best that he has done on HAWKMAN. Perhaps this is because the artist has to budget panel space so carefully to tell such a detailed story. I wouldn't put IDENTITY CRISIS on the level of KINGDOM COME but it is certainly one of the most entertaining "major" comic events in a long time.

Koppy McFad


DC COMICS
WRITER: Brad Meltzer
PENCILS: Rags Morales
INKS: Mike Bair
COVER: Michael Turner

In this issue, the League fights Deathstroke the Terminator and another victim close to the Justice League is attacked. Having accepted a contract from Dr Light, Deathstroke disables each member of the League. There are hints that the conspiracy of Leaguers is far more reaching than we though last issue. On the villains' side, it seems like hidden secrets are being uncovered.

One major gripe with Meltzer is that he has problems writing the fight scene involving the League and Deathstroke. The formula is simple, Deathstroke goes after each hero while the others stand by like amateurs waiting for their shot. Another problem with Meltzer's story is the cheesy way he forces the heroes to pile up on Deathstroke exactly like they did with Dr light the last issue.

Morales' weak storytelling skills further damage the story. The entire fight is out of sync. Why is Hawkman already on the ground while Deathstroke is still floating in the air? How and when did Deathstroke handcuff Black Canary and covered her head with a bag? There's too much missing. The artwork suggests that the Flash has a healing factor, instead of just healing fast.

Hervé St-Louis


DC COMICS
WRITER: Brad Meltzer
PENCILS: Rags Morales
INKS: Mike Bair
COVER: Michael Turner

Brad Meltzer follows the standard mystery formula of letting the reader know the killer isn’t who they thought it was. Although they only thought it was the killer because he implied it himself in chapter one. The issue begins with a major fight scene between Deathstroke and the satellite era League, who proceed to charge at Deathstroke one at a time, as if they’re in an old Kung-Fu movie. Deathstroke beats the stuffing out of the heroes, until they all dog-pile him, which is apparently more effective than trying to use their individual powers against him. Doctor Light is reminded of a similar instance (spoiler) in which the same people dog-piled him, only Batman may or may not have been involved, depending on whom you believe. (Dog-piling. Yeah. That sounds like Batman. Deathstroke has pre-planned methods of taking everyone down, and Batman hugs rapists around their middles. Maybe they mind-wiped Batman, and then Deathstroke picked his brains out of their garbage.) We then find out some dirt on the league, and Sue Dibny dies again, or something to that effect.

Brad shows an exceptional writing ability, choosing to have Green Arrow narrate the fight scene, and then, later, have Green Arrow spill the beans to Flash about what was going on until then. This provides a sort of perspective, as GA has the least to do with mind-wiping the villains, and the most to do with actually taking action and bringing down Deathstroke. As opposed to someone like Zatanna, who’s all talk. Literally. There is also something to be said about flaunting characters who obviously have no place in the story asking themselves who else will be killed, and it’s not something good. Nevertheless, an entertaining read, if only for the fight scene, and the subtle fact, not noticed by many, that the Atom can not come to the rescue at the beginning of the next issue, as the phone has been disconnected.

As for the art, Morales is great. I was never confused as to what was happening, unless I was meant to be. After all, it is supposed to be a mystery story.

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