For the record, writing about this comic book without giving away the big secret ain't the easiest thing in the world.
I didn't expect this, and I'm not referring to the identity of the murder victim here. I'm referring to the emotional heart of the script that draws the reader into the story, that makes for an accessible and engaging read. Mind you, it doesn't hurt to have a nostalgic connection to the characters here. Meltzer celebrates the DC Universe of the 1980s for the most part here, and that makes me part of the core target audience. I grew up on DC's super-hero comics of the late '70s and 1980s, but even those unfamiliar with the period or these characters willbe able to follow the plot. Whether it resonates as much or not is another question.
One-time Justice Leaguer Ralph Dibny, AKA the Elongated Man, is joined by Firehawk on a stakeout in Opal City. They received a tip that a high-tech pioece of weaponry is up for sale, and they're keeping an eye out for the costumed underworld figure who's prepared to buy it. A short time later, the world's super-hero community is rocked by disturbing news. One of their own has fallen victim to a metahuman attack. They rally to find the unknown perpetrator responsible, and they gather to say good-bye to a dear friend.
The former Hawkman art team of Rags Morales and Michael Bair reunite here, and the resulting style is well suited to bringing this story to life. While this issue sets up the plot, this script is not really about murder and super-hero action. It's about relationships, memories, love and friendships. the softer quality in Morales's line art here brings out that more emotional and human tone in this story full of superhuman characters. The colors bring a slightly dark edge to the book, which is in keeping with the murder-mystery riff.
This book is shaping up to be a celebration of the colorful array of second-tier characters in the DC Universe stable. Meltzer clearly has some affection for the '80s. The Justice League team that forms at the end of the book represents an early '80s lineup, and the Nightwing/Starfire scene serves as a nice treat for fans of the Wolfman/Perez New Teen Titans. I like how Meltzer has incorporated the the word "Crisis" in the title of the book, maintaining a DC crossover tradition. Meltzer doesn't seem to dwell on continuity here, but neither does he ignore it. Only one minor continuity gaffe caught my attention (and perhaps I'm behind on my Metal Men lore and it's not a mistake at all).
My favorite part of the book, though, is how much attention Meltzer pays to the character of the Elongated Man. I've always loved the character, but in the past, he's usually been played up as comic relief or as a generic hero. Meltzer treats the character much more seriously here, and in the process, he offers up what is arguably the most in-depth look at his character in his entire four-decade history.
DC has been pushing this book in the mainstream media, but it remains to be seen if that outside interest is sustainable. After all, the character who dies here is a rather obscure one. If Identity Crisis does take off as a hit beyond the regular super-hero fanbase, it will be a testament to the strength of Meltzer's narration.
