Identity Crisis #3 A Review

DC Comics
Identity Crisis #3 A Review
By Mike Schmutter
August 21, 2004 - 17:37

DC Comics
Writer(s): Brad Meltzer
Penciller(s): Rags Morales
Inker(s): Michael Bair
Cover Artist(s): 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.