DC Comics is messing with the formula, killing off a superhero’s wife in the new seven-part series, “Identity Crisis.” The plotline has some fans up in arms, but DC defends the move, citing the need to explore further depth in otherwise stoic characters.
The story involves the murder and rape of the Elongated Man’s wife, and the fallout among the superheroes as some are indirectly involved and others unjustly punish the wrong suspect. It’s a tragedy that deals in guilt and redemption rather than traded blows and one-liners.
It’s probably a good move. The stoicness of DC’s heroes has made them stand apart from Marvel’s but not necessarily in a good way. I’d have to read them to see if it was a good move, but I know I’ve always preferred Marvel over DC just because the characters are more real (X-Men and Spider-man vs. the one note Superman, etc.).