Each week, DC Comics will be releasing a free—that's right, FREE—digital comic book issue featuring a sample chapter from one of our 25 Essential Graphic Novels as well as sample pages from the 2014 Essentials catalog. These special issues, which will be available for free for one week, are ideal for new fans looking to learn more about DC Universe and its mature readers imprint Vertigo, and provide the perfect reading guide for those looking to wade the waters of DC Entertainment's extensive library of graphic novels and collections.

This week: Identity Crisis #1!

The power to move mountains with their bare hands, to create constructs of anything their imagination desires, the ability to shatter the sound barrier by moving at speeds far beyond that of any mortal man—and that's only three of them. It's really no wonder that everyday people in the DC Universe look at superheroes as though they are gods among men (one of them literally is). However, so many of them are far too human. And as IDENTITY CRISIS proves, that fact can lead to some shocking, gut-wrenching, and brutal revelations about the choices they make and the consequences of their actions.

When Ralph Dibny's wife, Sue, is found brutally murdered, the heroes of the DCU band together to uncover the culprit, but what they actually end up uncovering proves far more unexpected. One part murder-mystery, one part super hero drama, IDENTITY CRISIS shines a spotlight on the darker and more dangerous side of being a superhero as truth, lies, friendships, and rivalries all come to a head in a story that changed modern day comics—taking superhero storytelling in a new direction: one far more mature than what came before.

The story is mostly definitely not for younger readers, but for those looking for a more adult view of super heroism, pick up DC ESSENTIALS: IDENTITY CRISIS #1 for FREE starting December 23 until December 29 by clicking here!