Injustice 2 #60-62 - A Belated Review

The Red Lanterns have recruited Starro The Conqueror and have lain siege to Oa - home of The Green Lantern Corps and The Guardians of The Universe. The New God Metron has recruited Jaime Reyes - The Blue Beetle - to stand against Starro, having foreseen that only the wielder of The Scarab can stand against the rage-empowered Starro.

Blue Beetle does not stand alone, however, with his friends in the New Titans and Booster Gold having joined in the fight. Even the bounty hunter Lobo, who was hired by Metron to bring Blue Beetle to him, has joined in the fighting on the simple grounds that it'll be hard for him to get paid in a universe run by a crazy hive-mind. And before the day is over, even more unlikely allies may be found to aid Oa in its blackest night...


Due to life being life and my schedule of late leaving me busy on Tuesdays when this book is released on-line, I haven't had the opportunity to review Injustice 2 for nearly three weeks. Indeed, I've barely had the time to read it!

Today, however, I made the time and I am glad I did. For Injustice 2 #62 contained no less than three jaw-dropping moments. I am not certain that my jaw literally did drop physically as I was reading the issue. Mentally, however, I was gobsmacked.

I know Tom Taylor is a busy man but I dearly wish he were writing several series based on his work here. There are a number of characters in Injustice 2 - no longer in existence in the DC Rebirth reality - who I sorely miss and am glad to see being given their due here. Chief among these are Conner Kent and Cassie Sandsmark, who have become this reality's new Superman and Wonder Woman and one heck of a cute couple. I'd also love to see Taylor tackle the Green Lantern Corps on a regular basis or pen a new Blue and Gold series.

The artwork is equally fantastic. This book is blessed by a number of great creative teams and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite if asked to do so. Xermanico, Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran, J Nanjan, Rex Lokus and Wes Abbot all deliver their respective A-games to every aspect of this series' artwork and I cannot recall any issue where the art was anything but excellent.

If you haven't been reading Injustice 2, for whatever reason, you've been missing out. This is one of my favorite series and you would do well to check it out and find out why.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. Great issues, all of them. 

Injustice 2 #49 - A Review

Amazo has been defeated, but the followers of Ra's Al Ghul who helped to bring about his defeat now face a difficult battle to escape from Gorilla City with their lives. Meanwhile, two teams must begin to rebuild and tend to the wounded - those wounded physically and those whose pain lies in their hearts and minds.



The better portion of this issue is devoted toward some rather intensive action sequences. Despite this, Tom Taylor still finds plenty of time to devote to quieter character moments - both serious and comedic. The quality of his writing is equaled only by the fantastic artwork by Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran, Rex Lokus and Wes Abbott. This continues to be one of my favorite comics.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10.

Injustice 2 #46 - A Review

As two teams of heroes face the newest Amazo, The Atom attempts to bring the killer android down from the inside. Meanwhile, Ra's Al Ghul's superhero allies begin to question their allegiance... including the mysterious new Batman!



Again, I can't really discuss the particulars of this issue beyond some big and important things to the overall storyline occurring. As usual, Tom Taylor focuses on the relationships between characters over the action of the big battle, which is largely kept to the background of this issue. This plays to Taylor's strengths as a writer, because while he can write a darn fine action scene, it's his command of dialogue and character that make this book so marvelous. The artwork is equally impressive, with Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran, Rex Lokus and Wes Abbott each delivering their usual excellent performance. I've said it before and I'll say it again - you should be reading this series.

The Final Analysis: 8 out of 10. A solid issue, though the "twist" ending is a bit obvious.

Injustice 2 #42 - A Review

Returned to Gorilla City with the news of Black Adam's disinterest in an alliance, Damian Wayne soon finds himself trapped in the middle of another struggle for power - one which could spell the end of Ra's Al Ghul's alliance with the rulers of Gorilla City.


I cannot recall laughing harder at a comic than I did at one scene in this issue. Don't worry - I won't spoil the gag. Suffice it to say that I recommend this issue highly, even apart from that much needed laugh, which showcases how this comic and Tom Taylor's writing paired with Daniel Sampere's art and Rex Lokus's colors never ceases to amuse me in some form of fashion.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. 

Injustice 2 #38 - A Review

The Titans have been freed from The Phantom Zone, but General Zod has hitched a ride into reality with them! When they and The Justice League Task Force fail to stop him from escaping The Fortress of Solitude, only Batman may be able stop Zod... by using a weapon he never dared turn upon Superman!



Injustice 2 #38 is another flawless issue.  The artwork by Sampere, Lokus and Abbott is fantastic. Tom Taylor's script balances both comedy, action and drama in equal measure. This is one book I look forward to week after week yet I find it harder and harder to review, having run out of praises to sing about it.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10.

Injustice 2 #28 (Digital Edition) - A Review

With the American government in shambles and Jefferson Pierce (a.k.a. Black Lightining) now President of the United States in the wake of Aqualad's terrorist attack on Ra's Al Ghul, a newly formed Congress is out for answers  Someone must pay for the crime and their first target is Batman, whom they know was working in secret with the President and may have wished a more agreeable partner in building a better world. What follows may be the greatest trial Bruce Wayne has ever faced in every sense of the word.


Reading Injustice 2 #28, I'm unsure which aspect of the comic is greater - the story by Tom Taylor which raises an interesting point about how Batman's actions may be sending him down the same slippery slope of idealism as Superman (a point that never rang true in the original games) or the artwork by Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus, which looks fantastic and is full of wonderful little moments such as a tribute to the opening of the original Batman: The Animated Series cartoon. In the end, it doesn't matter. This is a great comic any way you slice it and a good jumping-on point if, for some reason, you don't wish to start this series from the beginning.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10.

Injustice 2 #27 (Digital Edition) - A Review

With thousands dead in Washington D.C. and the American government all but destroyed, Aqualad has revealed his allegiance to Ra's Al Ghul! Yet even as Black Canary waits on a fatally wounded Wildcat and Batman struggles to bring about some kind of order, more important business is afoot. Jefferson "Black Lighting" Pierce attends to the duties of fatherhood and a despondent Jamie Reyes returns home to find an unexpected visitor...





Injustice 2 #27 would be an amazing if unorthodox entry into the world of Injustice. Despite being largely built upon the events of previous issues, the story is totally accessible to new readers. This fact is as miraculous as Tom Taylor's ability to balance comedy and drama, bringing about dark humor in the face of a disaster and genuine ethos. Many writers can write an exciting action sequence but Taylor is one of a rare few who can make a father tucking his daughters into bed seem gripping.

Taylor's script is matched by an equally amazing art team. Daniel Sampere was a marvel on Gail Simone's Batgirl title and his work here is of equal caliber, full of intricate line-work without being cluttered. Inker Juan Albarran enhances those details, establishing a moody atmosphere without drowning the page in ink. Rex Lokus' colors provide the perfect finishes to one amazing comic.

The Final Analysis: 10/10. If you somehow haven't s been reading this book before now, this is the issue to start with.

Injustice 2 #23 (Digital Edition) - A Review

Once, Alfred Pennyworth brought The Man of Steel to his knees with a modicum of technology and a gentleman's knowledge of boxing. Newly resurrected by The Lazarus Pit, Alfred may have managed something even more impossible - bringing about multiple reconciliations between warring parties. Can it possibly last?


Again, I find myself stunned into silence by this book and again I have to admonish whoever wrote the Comixology blurb for this issue, which spoils the entire story! Indeed, the only reason I've made mention of the return of Alfred The Butler is that the preview images for this issue make it impossible to hide that revelation.

Still, I will hide the rest of the story beyond this first page and hope you trust me when I speak of how powerful it is. Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus have outdone themselves in bringing Tom Taylor's script to life, in all of its splendor and horror. There is plenty of both to be had here. Don't take my word for it - read it!

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. A Must Read! 

Injustice 2 #20 - A Review

Harley Quinn has gotten Green Arrow, Black Canary and Black Lightning's children free. The only thing standing between the kids being reunited with their parents is Ra's Al Ghul's new Batman... and the trigger to the bomb in Harley's head! Ted "Wildcat" Grant is ready to throw the last of his nine lives away to save the children as well, but the smallest and most unexpected of heroes may be the ones to save the day...


I've been accused of hyperbole before regarding Injustice 2, so my word that this comic is a must-read will likely be taken with a grain of salt. So be it. If you love amazing art and heroic tales of daring do, you need to read this issue. Even if you've never read Injustice 2 before, jump in with this issue. It's THAT good.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. 

Injustice 2 #19 - A Review

Trapped in Ra's Al Ghul's secret Amazon Rainforest complex, the new Justice League's mission to rescue their children has hit a snag. Can they win the day even with their secret allies in place and the kids coming up with their own escape plan?


I don't think you readers fully appreciate how difficult it is for me to not spoil every issue of this wonderful little series. Tom Taylor packs every issue with a sense of fun and a clear love for these characters that few writers can equal. Such is the enthusiasm that he inspires that I want to share everything awesome about this book with you.

The artwork is the equal of the story. I've been a fan of Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus for a while now and I can say without hyperbole that their work on this issue is Eisner worthy. Truly, this is a gorgeous comic.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. This is everything superhero comics should be.

Injustice 2 #17 (Digital Edition) - A Review

While Batman readies his security team to protect the Presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., Batgirl leads the other heroes on a mission to invade their enemy's jungle stronghold. In addition to Green Arrow, Black Canary and Wildcat, she’s also bringing along their secret weapons—two nearly invincible players who could tip the odds in their favor and enable them to rescue Black Canary and Black Lightning's kidnapped children. Now if only they can keep their secret weapons under control...


Tom Taylor continues to nail it with every passing issue of this series. The high point here is the interactions between "the secret weapons" as they go to work and Daniel Sampere draws their action sequences with the appropriate sense of fun while also capturing the mysterious aura of the deep Amazon Jungle setting. Juan Albarran's inks further add to this sense of mystique while Rex Lokus crafts some impressive lighting effects with the colors, particularly in the scenes set on Batman's plane. This is a beautiful comic, with some good comedic moments as well as genuine pathos.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10.

Injustice 2 #7 - A Review

Harley Quinn is an unwilling accomplice to the new Suicide Squad. Determined to make things as difficult as possible on her captors, she is surprised when the man in charge - who is not the "worst Batman ever" - agrees to speak with her regarding his plans. Unfortunately, he has far greater leverage over Harley than a bomb in her brain and he means to use it to win her cooperation!


It's difficult for me to discuss this issue without giving away the game completely. Finding an image to use to show off the issue's artwork proved particularly difficult this time around. Still, I am trying to keep the secret identity of The Suicide Squad's new leader a secret, though astute readers may have already guessed it given some of the clues dropped before now.

What can I say then? I love how Tom Taylor writes Harley Quinn as the genius who plays dumb that she is supposed to be. I think he writes the mystery villain remarkably well and with the same complex understanding that he does Harley Quinn. And I think the artwork by Messrs. Sampere, Albarran and Lokus looks fantastic throughout.

The plain and simple truth is that this is one of the best books DC Comics is putting out right now. Even if you aren't a fan of the games that inspired it, this is still worth reading as a fascinating and well-thought-out Elseworlds tale.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. 

Injustice 2 #6 - A Review

The attack on the special prison to hold Superman and the rest of his Regime continues. Naturally, Bruce Wayne had planned several counter measures to contain The Man of Steel. He and his allies will learn too late, however, that the new Batman and his Suicide Squad have a different target in mind...


I should have stopped being surprised by Tom Taylor's writing a while ago. Yet I can't help it. I'm used to his perfect command of the various characters making up the cast of the Injustice world. But how to you prepare for things like Harley Quinn's awesome trolling of the Green Arrow of another universe or the reveal at the end of this issue?  You can't do it!


The artwork is as amazing as the story. Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus are all individually masters of their crafts. Together, they build miracles. This is one of the best looking books on the stands and a must-read even for those who haven't eagerly been anticipating the video game's release.

Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. The only downside to this comic is that it's so short. And that today it's distracting me from playing Injustice 2 - The Game! :)

Injustice 2 #5 - A Review

The fake Batman and his Suicide Squad are working to spring Superman from his cell on Stryker's Island. Luckily, the real Batman and Batgirl planned for this eventually. And even with Green Arrow and Black Canary backing them up, they are not alone...


I hate to sound like a broken record, but I love Tom Taylor's writing. Every little thing about the script for this issue is perfect, from how he handles the characters' individual voices to the little moments of humor. The best and most amazing aspect of Taylor's writing, however, is his near infinite capacity for finding ways to surprise the reader.


Daniel Sampere takes over the penciling duties for this issue, delivering more of the quality work that has made me a fan of his since his run on Batgirl. He is well backed by Juan Albarran's inks and Rex Lokus' colors. Together, they are one hell of an art team and every splash page in this issue is poster-worthy.

Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. A must read!

Injustice: Ground Zero #20 - A Review

The Joker is subdued but his Joker Clan is still running loose in Gotham City. With Batman and the parallel Earth Justice League focused on bringing down the tyrant Superman after his vicious murder of Lex Luthor, it will fall to Harley Quinn to save her city. But she isn't fighting alone...



With this series, Christopher Sebela has written the best Harley Quinn focused story in the last decade. He interjects a few good bits into the subplot taken directly from the Injustice game (I particularly like Aquaman offering to let Green Arrow ride one of his giant shellfish friends as a consolation.) but Injustice: Ground Zero has been Harley's tale from start to finish. Much as I'm looking forward to Tom Taylor's Injustice 2 book, I'll be sad to see this story end.

Miguel Mendonca joins Daniel Sampere on the art duties this time around. Their styles clash but thankfully both artists are individually devoted to different subplots so the sudden changes in the art are not as distracting at they might have been. This is my first time viewing Mendoca's work and it is quite good, as are the inks and colors by regular creators Juan Albarran and  J. Nanjan.

Injustice: Ground Zero #17 - A Review

The jail-break to free Batman hits a snag when Cyborg has trouble hacking the Watchtower teleporter, And as Lex Luthor flies off to confront the tyrant Superman, Harley Quinn faces a new crisis. The Joker from another world has freed himself and turned most of her gang against her. Can Harley fight against Mistah Jay AND her own followers?


While Ground Zero has never been a bad book this issue shows a marked improvement on recent issues, where the need to show the action of the Injustice game for the benefit of those readers who haven't played it slowed the pacing a bit. This chapter has no such issues, with the various subplots moving at a rapid pace. Harley's story remains the high-point, however, with Christopher Sebela showcasing a true command of Harley's rich character and internal conflict.


The artwork is just plain fantastic. I've been a big fan of the collaborations between Daniel Sampere and Juan Albarran for a while now and their work here is a prime example of why that is so, Rex Lokus' color art provides the perfect finishes to the pencils and inks

Injustice: Ground Zero #12 - A Review

Things were looking bad for Harley and her gang when Black Adam showed up. Then Billy Batson got his gag off and transformed into Shazam! Will The Big Red Cheese be ready to forgive and forget his alter ego's kidnapping at the hands of The Bombshell Buffoon? Or has Harley just traded one world of hurt for another?


It's a fact few people remember these days, but originally Captain Marvel was an independent personality from Billy Batson. In modern times, the magic of Shazam usually transforms Billy into an idealized adult version of himself but originally the two just traded places.

I mention this because I know Geoff Johns played with the difficulties posed by Billy Batson perusing young love in the pages of JSA (Jay Garrick caught the glances exchanged between Shazam and Stargirl and put two and two together.) Yet to the best of my knowledge this is the first time anyone has played with the idea of Captain Marvel looking for love independent of his alter ego.

Okay, calling what exists between Harley and Shazam "love" is a bit of a stretch. Yet the relationship between them  s an amusing and surprisingly sweet one. And kudos to Brian Buccellato and Christopher Sebela for finally establishing that Harley Quinn - for all her other sins - isn't a pedophile by clarifying that - in this world at least - Captain Marvel and Billy are different people. I also like the reasoning Shazam gives for staying on Team Superman in spite of his misgivings over The Regime's mission.


As great as all the artists on Injustice: Ground Zero have been, I think this particular pairing of creative talents may be the best overall. Granting, I'm a bit biased, having been a fan of Daniel Sampere since his work on Batgirl, yet there's a clarity to his character designs that appears smooth and streamlined even in scenes where the line work should clutter the finished art, as in the scenes of Harley and Shazam chatting in the rain, Juan Albarran's inks and J. Nanjan's colors partner up to provide the perfect finish to an amazing issue.

Injustice: Ground Zero #7 - A Review

Sidelined by Batman's orders following the arrival of The Justice League of another Earth, Harley Quinn is itching for action. Nostalgia leads her to try and contact the few super-villains left free to see if they're willing to team up for old time's sake. Unfortunately, most of them don't want to get involved, leading Harley to a new low - asking the GCPD if she can help them!


The artwork on this issue is amazing! I've been a fan of both Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran and J. Nanjan for a while now and every page of this issue is a good example of why this is so. Sampere has a great gift for allowing the characters to express themselves through their physicality and Juan Albarran proves capable of shading a comic without making it seem overly dark. And J. Nanjan's colors leave everything looking bright and exciting, as any comic starring Harley Quinn should appear.


What really sells this series, however, is the story. Chris Sebela writes a damn good Harley Quinn, knowing that the greater part of Harley's character is born of pathos rather than random lunacy. The best moments of this issue involve Harley trying to talk her best friend/girlfriend Poison Ivy into a team-up and being shot down because Ivy sees Harley's newfound heroic instincts as an equally self-destructive substitute for life with The Joker. It's a fair comparison and a heart-breaking moment, well-balanced by some fine action sequences and, yes, a few bits of funny random lunacy.

Injustice: Ground Zero #4 - A Review

As the heroes of another Earth arrive just in time to save a group of anti-Regime protesters, Harley Quinn finds herself in the unlikely role of hero, moving to protect the crowd from the fallout of a superhero battle. This leads to some deep thoughts of the insanity of heroism and how Harley - for better or worse - has definitely become one of the good guys.


The last thing most people expect from a Harley Quinn comic is deep thoughts. Yet that is precisely what Chris Sebela delivers this week, as Harley pontificates upon how inherently silly superheroes are. Of course Harley, being Harley, revels in the insanity rather than criticizing it... right up until the point when two bozos in spandex slapping each other around becomes more important than the people put in danger. Still, the opening speech of the comic is on-par with the speech Alan Moore wrote for Rorschach regarding the clown who couldn't laugh anymore.


The artwork continues to impress, with Daniel Sampere and Juan Albarran turning in their usual high-quality work. Every panel of this comic looks gorgeous, with intricately drawn figures, astonishing colors and inks that enhance the original pencils without making the comic look overly shaded.

Injustice: Ground Zero #3 - A Review

With her first secret mission for Batman in the can, Harley is ready to celebrate. Being a generous boss, Harley decides to take her henchmen out to enjoy in the merrymaking and finally learn their names. But there's no rest for the wicked, even if they are the good guys now... technically. So when Harley sees a news story about the Regime's police moving in on a peaceful protest, she knows just what her new gang/team's next mission will be.


Daniel Sampere is one of my favorite artists and this issue showcases precisely why that is so. Sampere has a great gift for expressions and is a wonderful visual storyteller. He is well-paired with inker Juan Albarran, who adds the perfect definition to complete the artwork.


Harley Quinn hasn't been written this well in quite some time. Plotter Brian Buccellato and writer Chris Sebela present a classic Harley Quinn here - one who means well but whose "help" is of dubious quality. Still, it is fun to watch ol' Harl cut loose and there are many moments of hilarity in this issue.