Created by writer Brad Meltzer and the artistic team of penciler Rags Morales and inker Michael Bair, Identity Crisis was the event that shook the DC Comics superhero community in 2004 (published from June to December 04). It revolves around a murder mystery that exposed the dirty deeds of the heroes.
Here is the story: After the spouse of a member of the Justice League of America is brutally murdered, the entire superhero community searches for the killer, fearing their own loved ones may be the next targets. But before the mystery is fully solved, long-buried secrets of the heroes rise to the surface, threatening to tear apart and divide the heroes before they can bring the mysterious killer to justice.
What to read before Identity Crisis?
Being the first “crisis” in the DC Universe continuity after the massive event Crisis on Infinite Earth (see reading order here), Identity Crisis is, of course, a notable event, even if its reputation is quite bad.
The fact is that this event is important for what followed, meaning Infinite Crisis (see reading order here). But it’s pretty much a standalone story in the sense that no prior readings are required—except if you are not familiar with the characters (do not start exploring DC Comics with this event!).
DC Identity Crisis Reading Order
Identity Crisis Reading Order: Collected Editions
- Identity Crisis
Collects Identity Crisis #1-7.
- The Flash: The Secret of Barry Allen
Collects The Flash #207-211 and #213-217. - Manhunter Vol. 1: Street Justice
Collects Manhunter (vol. 3) #1-5. - Firestorm (vol. 3)
Individual issues are available on ComiXology. - JSA: Lost
Collects JSA #59-67.
Aftermath
- Teen Titans: Volume 4: The Future is Now
Collects Teen Titans #16-23 And Titans/Legion Special #1! - JLA vol. 18: Crisis of Conscience
Collects JLA #115-119. - Superman: That Healing Touch
Collects The Adventures of Superman #633–638. - Manhunter Vol. 2: Trial By Fire
Collects Manhunter (vol. 3) #6–14. - Green Arrow: Heading Into the Light
Collects Green Arrow #52 and #54-59.
Identity Crisis Reading Order: Issue by Issue
- Identity Crisis #1
- The Flash (1987) #213
- Manhunter (vol. 3) #1
- Identity Crisis #2-3
- Manhunter (vol. 3) #2
- The Flash Vol. 2 #214
- Identity Crisis #4
- Manhunter (vol. 3) #3
- The Flash (1987) #215
- Identity Crisis #5
- Manhunter (vol. 3) #4
- Firestorm Vol. 3 #1-6
- The Flash (1987) #216
- JSA #67
- Identity Crisis #6-7
- The Flash (1987) #217
- Manhunter (vol. 3) #5
Aftermath
- Adventures of Superman #636-638
- Firestorm Vol. 3 #9-11
- Manhunter (vol. 3) #6-9
- Robin (1993) #132
- Outsiders (vol. 3) #21
- Teen Titans (2003) #20-23
- JLA #115-119
- Adventures of Superman #644
- Green Arrow #54-59
After Identity Crisis…
Once you have finished with Indentity Crisis, you’ll want to set your sight on the next crisis, also known as Infinite Crisis. The best thing to do is to go with the Countdown to Infinite Crisis. For more details, take a look at our reading order for the Infinite Crisis event.
Last Updated on May 20, 2022.