Secret Identities #1–7 + TPB – Comic Overview
Genre
Superhero | Action | Espionage | Mystery | Drama
Secret Identities blends the dynamic spectacle of superhero action with the tension of espionage storytelling. The comic delivers a modern, grounded take on classic team dynamics—infused with betrayal, moral ambiguity, and secret agendas.
Main Characters
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Crosswind (Daniel "Dan" Thomas) – A mysterious new recruit to The Front Line, secretly working undercover to uncover the team's buried truths.
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Gaijin – A Japanese-themed warrior wielding ancient mysticism and sharp combat skills.
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Vesuvius – A lava-powered powerhouse with a volatile personality to match his powers.
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Punchline – A cheerful hero with a deadly edge, masking trauma with humor.
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Helot – A rugged, militant figure with a troubled past tied to global conflicts.
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Ravina – The team's morally centered telepath who senses unrest among her teammates.
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Rebel – A superhuman whose ideology clashes with his team's values, often questioning leadership and trust.
Writer
Brian Joines and Jay Faerber
Faerber, known for Noble Causes and Dynamo 5, co-writes with Joines (Imagine Agents, Krampus!), crafting a narrative that balances sharp characterization with an undercurrent of danger and double-crosses.
Artist
Ilias Kyriazis (Pencils)
Charlie Kirchoff (Colors)
Kyriazis brings dynamic layouts and expressive action to life, complemented by Kirchoff’s vivid, atmospheric palette that highlights the shifting tone—from heroic optimism to covert dread.
Editor Details
While specific editorial credits were not prominently featured in public release, the series was published under the direction of Image Comics' editorial teams—known for allowing creators artistic freedom while maintaining a polished, cohesive tone throughout serialized storytelling.
Publisher and Brand
Image Comics | Independent Creator-Owned Series
The title reflects Image’s legacy of bold, genre-pushing creator-owned comics that challenge mainstream superhero tropes with fresh, layered storytelling.
Release Year
2015
Brief Plot Summary
When Crosswind is invited to join The Front Line—one of the world’s premier superhero teams—his mission isn’t heroism, it’s espionage. Sent by an unknown benefactor, Crosswind is tasked with exposing the skeletons buried deep within the team’s history. As he uncovers dark secrets—including war crimes, personal betrayals, and unchecked power—his own motivations begin to unravel. The deeper he goes, the more dangerous the truths become, until no mask is left uncracked.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
"Behind the Masks"
The core arc of the series revolves around Crosswind's infiltration and the unraveling of each team member’s hidden past. Each issue peels back another layer, revealing how far these heroes have strayed from the ideals they represent.
"The Cost of Truth"
This emotionally intense subplot focuses on Punchline and Helot as their inner demons are exposed, testing loyalties and pushing them to confront the consequences of past actions.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some readers speculate that Secret Identities serves as an allegory for whistleblowers in real-world institutions, reflecting how power can corrupt even the most noble causes. Crosswind’s transformation from mole to morally conflicted operative suggests themes of identity fluidity and the psychological toll of secrecy. The ambiguous nature of the true antagonist—whether it’s Crosswind’s employers or the heroes themselves—has sparked ongoing debate among fans.
Review Summary
Secret Identities impresses with its fusion of superhero spectacle and cloak-and-dagger storytelling. The writing is sharp, fast-paced, and character-driven, allowing each member of The Front Line to shine (and falter) in equal measure. Joines and Faerber excel at humanizing their heroes without compromising the genre’s bombastic appeal. Kyriazis’s art is both kinetic and intimate, capturing the explosive action and the subtle nuances of deceit. Charlie Kirchoff’s coloring adds tone and emotion, especially in the quieter, more introspective scenes.
While the series concludes within seven issues, its impact lingers, making Secret Identities a must-read for fans of morally complex team dynamics and unconventional superhero narratives.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
