GNW: Identity Crisis by Brad Meltzer [Illustrated by Rags Morales]

 The Justice League has seen its fair share of deaths. This is no surprise. When you put your life on the line on a daily basis against villains who are willing to go much further than you ever will, you are ready to expect the worst. That's why most of the caped crusaders wear masks; and all of them have high-tech security for their friends and family members. Because it's bad enough knowing that you're putting yourself in danger. It's another thing entirely to understand that you're gambling the lives of everyone near you.

That's why, when Sue Dibny is found murdered in her apartment, the entire Justice League jumps into action. The wife of Elongated Man, Sue Dibny was an honorary member of the Justice League, having been a part of it from its very foundation. She never fought, but she has come under fire more than once and was well protected.

The League moves in to investigate, but they can't find anything. There's not a single breach in a system that can even keep someone from phasing through the walls (among other things).

As if that wasn't enough, it isn't long before The Atom's wife is attacked in her own home and rescued in the nick of time. Once again, there is no trace of the attacker. But, unlike Elongated Man, Atom's identity wasn't public. Whoever attacked his wife knew who he was; and that person undoubtedly was the same person who had attacked Sue.

Soon the League realizes that their family and friends are under attack. No one is safe until they find who killed Sue Dibny.

This is by far one of my favorite Justice League graphic novels. It's heart-wrenching and heavy, the type of story that sits with you long after you've finished reading. Identity Crisis highlights the danger that comes with putting on a mask and reminds the reader just why those heroes keep their identities so secret in the first place. It's exactly the type of story that reminds people that comics aren't for kids anymore.

The artwork is superb. Sharp and clear on the covers (like the one you see above) and almost gritty in the story itself, showcasing just how dark and gritty the story itself is. It's the perfect compliment to a story this intense. Don't be surprised if you find yourself pausing just to admire how well the artist captures the emotions and the aura of the scenes themselves.

If your a fan of superheroes and dark stories filled with hard choices, you need to pick this one up. It'll crush your heart and make you question everything you thought you knew about the Justice League.