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Around Usenet

June 17, 2004 by David Welsh

Lots of people are saying lots of things about the ill-conceived and distasteful IDENTITY CRISIS DC series, much better than I’m able to.

For instance, there’s George Grattan’s assessment of mainstream media coverage of the “event.” He also has some interesting points on the fundamental flaws evident in the choice of central characters.

Badthingus questions the brutality of the driving event in the title. There seem to be a couple of threads devoted to a nice, thorough continuity flog, if that’s your thing.

Some bemoan the ongoing destruction of strong, female supporting characters, particularly those created by the late, great Julius Schwartz. Or how the story would have veered with a different murder victim. And of course there’s speculation.

I don’t intend to read the rest of the mini, offended as I was by the first issue, but lively rac* discussion will be a nice substitute. Of course, it’s seven Important Issues long, so that’s bound to peter out eventually.

Still, I’ll be happy to offer my theory that the villain of the piece is the Martian Manhunter. Able to avoid all kinds of security technology? Check. Incredibly strong? Check. Ironic use of fire as a murder weapon? Check. Ponderous implications of “importance” by having a telepathic hero go rogue and turn on his friends’ loved ones? Fits the tone as I see it. Renders central argument moot as antagonist can read minds, thus negating effectiveness of secret identity even if the characters in question had chosen to establish them? Checkity check check check.

Meh.

Hopefully, this week’s comics will offer some cheer. Since SHE-HULK is in the stack, chances are good. And, hey, I’m sure we’ll add another name to the list of Arsenal’s sexual conquests in the next OUTSIDERS! That rascally Roy, still plugging away. Maybe he can sire another child by a different psychopathic villainess so his little girl can have a baby brother. Awwww!

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