Final Crisis Review – “Final Crisis: Secret Files”

This gets the Final Crisis reviews almost caught up. “Batman #682-683” were both Final Crisis issues as well, but I want to track down and read (at least Morrison’s portion of) “Batman: R.I.P.” before I review them.

General Information

Title: Final Crisis: Secret Files #1

Author: Len Wein

Illustrator(s): Tony Shasteen (artist) and Alex Bleyaert (colours)

Cover Date: February 2009

Cover Price: $3.99 US

Premise

Libra narrates his personal history, recapping his original appearance in “Justice League of America” back in 1974 and continuing to fill in the details between then and the start of “Final Crisis.”

High Point

The implications of the torture scene.

Low Point

For the master of “balance,” he seems to be devoted to tipping the scales in one particular direction.

The Scores

This is an original entry in the Final Crisis event, in that it takes one specific piece of the puzzle, and explains it clearly and efficiently. Apart from that, it’s an origin story, and nothing more. I give it 4 out of 6.

The artwork is clean and effective, making it quite easy to follow. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story holds up. It’s not a plot per se, but purely background which is necessary to the main event, but wouldn’t fit that easily. I give it 5 out of 6.

The characterization is just as one might expect, giving a fair amount of depth and detail to Libra, and just barely touching on anyone else. I give it 4 out of 6.

The emotional response is pretty good. This answers questions I’ve had since this whole thing started, but haven’t been able to effectively answer due to lack of information. I give it 4 out of 6.

The flow is very smooth, with the narration guiding us through the chronological retelling of a life story. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it hits the goals it sets out to hit. If you want to read Libra’s origin, you’ll be quite pleased. If you want anything else, it’s easy to pass.
I give it 4 out of 6.

In total, Final Crisis: Secret Files receives 31 out of 42.

Final Crisis Checklist