World Famous Comics: JLA: Crisis of Conscience (Identity Crisis) (Countdown to Infinite Crisis)
JLA: Crisis of Conscience (Identity Crisis) (Countdown to Infinite Crisis)
By: Geoff Johns, Allan Heinberg Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 126 Publication Date: January 11, 2006 Reading Level: Ages 9-12 Release Date: January 11, 2006
Product Description: In the wake of Brad Meltzers IDENTITY CRISIS, the JLA decides the time has come to tell Batman that they stole part of his memory. However, the League is attacked by the Secret Society of Super-Villainsout for vengeance now that their own memories are restored. As the JLA battles, Martian Manhunter confronts Desperothe alien conqueror behind the villains memory-restoration. By the time the dust settles, the League may have won the battle but lost the war.
Divided They Fall This collection reprints JLA issues #115-119, and bridges the gap between Identity Crisis (DC Comics) and Infinite Crisis, two major recent events in the DC Comics Universe. The Justice League wiped Batman's mind in the past, and now must deal with how he'll respond to their betrayal. But the bad guys have also realized their own minds have been violated, and come seeking revenge.
Crisis of Conscience may exist to bridge two larger comic book story arcs, but it does so in a rather capable fashion. The action (and there's a lot of it) supplements the character-based drama, which is strongly defined and challenged by moral ambiguity. The inclusion of characters like Hal Jordan (recently returned to active status as Green Lantern in this timeframe) and some of the League's classic foes highlight the 'legacy' nature of what's at stake. The art is consistently excellent across the board, toning down the heroes' status as olympian gods in favour of their vulnerable, humanized personas.
What doesn't quite work, and this often applies to DC comics across the board, is that the inclusion of Batman blurs the line between what is wrong and what Batman simply will or will not approve of. Especially taking into account stories like JLA Vol. 7: Tower of Babel (suggested reading at the end of this book) where Batman will take offense even when he's the one to blame, the moral compass is occasionally flaws and heavily skewed in Batman's favour (to make up for him being a non-powered hero who can fight alongside the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman).
That aside, this is a highly recommended read if you want further exploration of DC Comics' event from 2006.
the end of the league This story immediately Identity Crisis (a great story and you have to read before this volume) and is part of the preparation for INfinite Crisis. Basically, the League crossed the line, messing with the minds of villians. This is the after math of Ident Crisis and is part of the story leading up to Infinite Crisis. A definite must read, probably the best JLA story ever written.
I really hate Despero. He's such a jerk. This follows up the on the events of 'Identity Crisis' and leads into 'Infinite Crisis', so you need to own this if you get the other two. You won't be sorry. Good art, good story, good comics.
Graphic SF Reader Combining 5 issues of JLA, this chronicles the final breakdown of this incarnation of the Justice League. Torn apart by recriminations over the brainwashing revealed in Identity Crisis they are unable to deal with their mistrust and anger. This is all particularly centred around Batman, and part of the problem is his feelings towards Catwoman and what has been done to her.
Zatanna walks out.
Despero is behind a plot by the Secret Society to attack the League, and so separate out his most dangerous enemy, J'Onn Jonzz. It takes the appearance of some old allies not currently serving to hold out long enough for Zatanna to come back and save them.
Thinks leads to the League basically dissolving except for the Manhunter and John Stewart, and an explosive finale with an attack on the Watchtower.
Graphic SF Reader The second Elseworlds Nail book by Alan Davis. This is complete with your usual different takes on some of the characters, but unfortunately it does not live up to the standard set by the first volume. You should only get this one if it is cheap, really, or you are a JLA Elseworlds nut, or something like that. The art is good though.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
