Identity Crisis

Author:Brad Meltzer

ISBN:978-1401204587

Publication Information:DC Comics

Plot Summary: All of the popular DC comic book characters are featured in this graphic novel as the reader follows them in a real life world and shows the lengths the heroes would have to take to maintain a secret identity and semblance of safety in real life society. But someone has figured out whose these superheroes are, and is launching a war against them and their loved ones. In order to protect themselves and their families, these heroes need to forget their past tensions and band together as a group to overcome their common enemy.

Critical Evaluation: What was so interesting about this graphic novel is that it takes familiar and well known characters and turns them into real people, instead of infallible superheroes. With a modern day, realistic setting instead of a typical comic book fantasy setting, it explores how superheros would live and the precautions they would have to take in today's society. Meltzer takes a hard look at the security measures that a superhero targeted by evil would need to employ in order to keep him or herself and their family safe from harm. It also explores the repercussions of past actions of these heroes when they are finally forced together to not only protect themselves and the world, but also a secret they have been hiding for many years. I great recommendation for teens who love the classic comics featuring heavy hitters like the Green Lantern, Superman, Batman and The Flash, among others.

Reader's Annotation: Follow the superheroes that you know and love as they band together to destroy their enemy against the backdrop of a modern day setting.

Author Information: Brian Meltzer is an author of works of fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels. His works have been translated into over 25 different languages and have collectively sat on the New York Times Bestseller List for almost a year. He also is the co-creator for television shows, most notably Jack and Bobby. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Columbia Law School, and is currently a practicing attorney. He lives in Florida with his wife, who is also an attorney. (Information taken from the author's website http://www.bradmeltzer.com/brad-meltzer.aspx).

Curricular Ties: n/a

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Book talking ideas:

• If you were a superhero in today's society, would you choose to maintain a secret identity? Why or why not?
• Would you have chosen to keep the League's secret? Why or why not?
• Who was your favorite character? Why? Did this graphic novel change how you view characters you've read in other comics?
  

Challenge issues: Violence

• Familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
• Check the library for specific policies on challenged books.
• Check the ALA website for advice on how to respond and react when a book has been challenged. (http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm)
  
• Find positive reviews from reputable websites.
• Ask the challenger for their specific objections and try to address them using information from the above research.

Interest Age:Grades 10 and up

Why I selected this piece: This is one of my husband's favorite graphic novels, so I though it was give it a read.