Identity Crisis Reading Guide

Identity Crisis

Overview:

Identity Crisis is a DC event that was published in 2004. It was written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Rags Morales. The event received both critical and fan reception, generating a fair amount of buzz among comic book enthusiasts.

The high-level storyline of “Identity Crisis” revolves around a shocking murder mystery that threatens to unravel the tight-knit superhero community. The core storyline explores the personal lives and secrets of several major characters in the DC Universe, adding layers of complexity to their relationships and motivations.

The event involves a wide range of major characters and teams, including the Justice League of America, the Teen Titans, and various individual heroes. The narrative delves into their pasts, forcing them to confront difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas.

Identity Crisis had a significant impact on the DC Universe, as it introduced lasting changes to the dynamics between characters and teams. The event explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of decisions made in the name of justice, challenging the traditional ideals of heroism.

Critics and fans had mixed reactions to Identity Crisis. Some praised its exploration of character depth and emotional complexity, while others felt that certain plot elements were controversial or stretched the boundaries of established continuity. Nevertheless, the event remains a notable entry in DC’s history, sparking conversations and debates among readers.

Best Way To Read:

Identity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

TitleImportanceCollected
Identity Crisis #1Main StoryIdentity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition
Flash vol.2 #213TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Identity Crisis #2Main StoryIdentity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition
Identity Crisis #3Main StoryIdentity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition
Manhunter vol. 3 #2TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Flash vol. 2 #214TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Identity Crisis #4Main StoryIdentity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition
Manhunter vol. 3 #3TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Flash vol. 2 #215TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Identity Crisis #5Main StoryIdentity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition
Teen Titans #20TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Manhunter vol. 3 #4TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Manhunter vol. 3 #5TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Firestorm vol. 3 #6TBD – Not ReadUncollected
JSA #67TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Identity Crisis #6Main StoryIdentity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition
Identity Crisis #7Main StoryIdentity Crisis: 10th Anniversary Edition
Teen Titans #21TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Teen Titans #22TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Teen Titans #23TBD – Not ReadUncollected
Identity Crisis Reading Order

Publications Impact

  • Follow-up
    • Leads into Countdown to Infinite Crisis

References:

Feature Image Identity Crisis #1 Cover Art by Michael Turner.

Brett

In my mid-30s, I ventured into the mesmerizing world of comic books, and since then, they've captured my heart as one of my cherished pastimes. With a delightful dance between Marvel and DC, sprinkled with the occasional indie gem, I've immersed myself in this enchanting universe. As a true completionist at heart, my passion for collecting has birthed an abundance of reading lists that I'm thrilled to share with all of you, bringing us together on this thrilling comic journey.

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