Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #24 - A Review

As Zeus stands poised to destroy Superman once and for all, Highfather of The New Gods intervenes.Will the clash between Man and Superman end in a battle between Old Gods and New Gods? Or will peace of a kind be preserved... for now?


This final chapter of Year Four of Injustice proves a satisfying conclusion. Brian Buccellato ties up all of the loose ends, including the depowering of Billy Batson and Harley Qunn's crush on his alter ego. Yet he also introduces some new complications for the upcoming Year Five series.


Of all the fine artists to work on this book, I think Bruno Redondo is my favorite.There is a unique clarity to his work, even among the fine details that lesser artists might lose in the background. I particularly like the soft smirk on Shazam's face as Harley Quinn tackle hugs him. His art is well enhanced by Juan Albarran's inks and Rex Lokus's colors.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #23 - A Review

What remains of Superman's Regime storms Themyscira with one goal in mind - defeat the Greek Gods now laying siege to the world! They receive some unexpected help from Batman's Insurgency. But that will not help them against the nuclear missiles The United Nations have just launched!


Mike S. Miller is a fine artist but this is not his best issue. There are several points where the poses are awkward and the pencils seemed rushed. Still, there are some scenes we see what Miller is truly capable of and J. Nanjan's colors are fantastic throughout.


Brian Buccalleto remains on point with the script. This issue is largely one big action sequence but it proves to be a well-paced one. And the final page will leave you hungry for next week's issue.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #22 - A Review

The battle between Superman and Darkseid threatens to destroy not only the damned world of Apokolips but thousands of worlds around it! As Orion acts to stop the battle and Batman approaches Highfather to warn of the alliance between Ares and Darkseid, both The Regime and The Insurgency regroup. And as The United Nations consider launching a nuclear strike upon The Greek Gods, Harley Quinn gives Billy Batson a ride home.


Quite a lot happens in this episode and it is to Brian Buccellato's credit that he is able to balance all the on-going subplots with the skill of a plate-spinner. Yet despite some truly epic battles and literal world-shaking events, what really sells this story is the brief character moments. From Alfred's pep-talk to those still following Batman to the strange sweetness of Harley's crush on Shazam and her totally platonic (but no less creepy) feelings regarding Billy, there are many scenes that elicit a strong emotional response.


The artwork by Xermanico is similarly varied but more uneven. Largely the artwork looks good, particularly in the slower, more touching moments. But Xermanico's pencils get sloppy during some of the action sequences and there are some moments - particularly the fight with Darkseid - where the inking seems to obscure the details more than they enhance them.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #21 - A Review

As Zeus declares war on all other religions and the United Nations ponders extreme actions against Olympus, the political pundits ask one question - where has Superman gone? The answer lies on the planet of Apokolips.  For it is there that Superman finds the true architect of his recent troubles... Darkseid, the New God Tyrant!


Brian Buccellato's script for this issue is a thrilling one. There's a good sense of balance between all of the players and it's gratifying to see the world's response to recent events after so many extended fight scenes over the past few issues. My only quibble lies in some of the character responses. I find it hard to believe, for instance, that Hippolyta and Billy Batson - both captives on Apokolips - would be so quick to abandon Superman as they escape through a Motherbox portal.  Harley might, but definitely not a warrior like Hippolyta or an idealist like Billy.


I have similar issues with aspects of the artwork by Tom Derenick.  Derenick is a fine artist and the action scenes of this issue, where Superman fights Darkseid, are spectacular. Yet there are some little background details that bother me, such as Billy Batson not seeming at all bothered by the cold of the Himalayan mountains where he and his fellow escapes arrive on Earth, despite being in a t-shirt and shorts.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #20 - A Review

As the gods themselves clash in the sea near Themyscira, Batman and his team try to evacuate the Amazon people to safety. But Artemis - general of the Amazons - is not one to run from a fight, even when the enemy is a wave of magical water horses that threaten to engulf her and her elite guard! And unbeknownst to all a greater manipulation than that plotted by Ares, God of War, plays out under their noses...


One of the more gratifying aspects of this series under Brian Buccellato's pen has been his willingness to shift the point-of-view away from the major players of the conflict between Superman and Batman. In this case, we get a wonderful scene of Artemis - the Amazon who briefly replaced Diana as Wonder Woman - reflecting on the battle around her and her responsibilities to her people. It is a brief moment but it is simultaneously powerful and grounding, putting the battle in perspective.


The artwork by Bruno Redondo and Juan Albarran remains as glorious as ever. The action is well-played as Redondo is given a rare chance to show off his skills in pacing a story solo. This issue features a larger number of pages with no dialogue than usual and Redondo does a fine job of letting the art tell the story.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #19 - A Review

Condemned to the prison plane of Tartarus (more like Tartar-ASS, given the way it smells), things are looking bad for Billy Batson and Hippolyta. Luckily, they've got an expert in escaping from prison with them - the ever-lovin', blue-eyed Harley Quinn!  Unluckily, they're being closely watched by the architect of their imprisonment - Ares!


After several issues of doom and gloom, it's a real treat to see an issue centering upon something as silly as the idea of Harley Quinn escaping from Hell. And yet, despite the humor of the concept, Brian Buccellato does not belittle Harley's competence while mining the situation for its obvious comedic potential. Quinn is a stone-cold badass in this issue and holds her own alongside the queen of the freaking Amazons in a brawl to say nothing of being willing to throw down with the God of War himself!


Would that the artwork equaled the concept!  Xermanico's work on this issue is uncharacteristically sloppy and the issue's action sequences suffer for it. The colors by Rex Lokus, however, remain a high point of the series as does Wes Abbott's lettering.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #18 - A Review

Poseidon is determined to save the World of Man from Zeus' control and a massive tidal-wave stands poised to destroy the Amazon island of Themyscria. As Batman and his allies try to evacuate and Lex Luthor monitors the activities of Ares, a new player enters the battle-field. Another sea-king who stands ready to fight the gods themselves to defend the oceans from harm...Aquaman!


Aquaman is probably the most disrespected superhero in popular culture yet serious comic fans know that he's a far cry from his portrayal on Superfriends.  Brian Buccellato's script is a love letter to the awesomeness that is Aquaman.  There's also a respectful amount of equally awesome ass-kicking involving his queen, Mera, as the two of them take on the God of The Seas and more than hold their own.


The artwork is equally entertaining. Mike S. Miller's thin-inked style proves effective in capturing the aquatic environments that dominate this issue. Though the art does appear rushed in a few panels, the fight scenes are incredibly well-blocked and the panel flow works well despite a number of unusual layouts.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #17 - A Review

As Harley Quinn, Billy Batson and Hippolyta take a slow boat to Tartarus, things are getting very interesting on Earth. Poseidon, apparently worried about Zeus' increased interest in the affairs of Man, has joined the War of the Gods on Superman's side!  Now the oceans themselves stand ready to destroy the Amazon army... but could another sea king somehow turn the tide?


Again, Brian Buccellato shows his gifts for grand stakes and high comedy.  The opening interlude with Harley being her usual friendly self on what amounts to the ultimate prison bus ride proves a welcome respite from the increasing darkness of this series in recent issues. And the final page is one of the best cliff-hangers ever - not only in this comic but in all comics everywhere!


Unfortunately, the artwork doesn't quite live up to the same standard.  Xermanico is not a bad artist, yet this issue does suffer somewhat in any scene drawn past the middle distance, with heavy inks obscuring the fine details of the original pencils.  The color art and lettering by Rex Lokus and Wes Abbott remain exceptional, however.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #16 - A Review

The latest chapter of Injustice is primarily focused upon Ares, as he ponders his past, the natures of conflict and humanity and how he came to be The God of War.  This flashback serves as a prelude to the most recent events in the battle between Superman and The Ancient Greek Gods, as Ares plots with Superman and Lex Luthor as Wonder Woman confronts Batman.


For an issue focused on the God of War, this issue is surprisingly light on action. Yet Brian Buccellato's script does a fine job of exploring Ares motivations. And the final scene between Wonder Woman and Batman suggests plenty of action in the next issue to make-up for the lighter pace of this week's comic.


Tom Derenick was the perfect artistic choice for this particular chapter. Derenick's style lends itself well toward the epic scale and one doesn't get much more epic than dealing with the ancient gods!  His inks are a bit heavy at times but these moments are few and thankfully far between.  The color art by Rex Lokus and lettering of Wes Abbott prove equally skillful.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #14 - A Review

Hercules - The Lion of Olympus - lies dead!  As the newly enraged Greek Gods begin the fight anew against Superman, Batman and his team make ready to take down the rest of The Regime.  But Damian Wayne has other ideas and plans to prove he's better than his father at any cost!


The episodic fight scenes that have made up much of Injustice: Year Four run the risk of becoming tiresome at this point. Just how many times has the fighting stopped and started again since the stand-off between Superman and the Greek Gods started? Thankfully, Brian Buccellato keeps things interesting by switching the focus of the fight scenes and centering the story upon character interaction rather than fisticuffs.


Alas, the artwork this week is a bit of a mixed bag.  With two artists at work there's very little sense of visual continuity.  Additionally, there are a number of instances of over-inked panels and some generally strange body-posing.  At least the color art by Rex Lokus maintains the usual high standard but the majority of this book looks rather raw.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #13 - A Review

With Superman unconscious (and in orbit!) and Wonder Woman in the death-grip of the legendary Hercules, things are looking bleak for The Regime. But Ares, God of War, has no wish to see the battle between Gods and Supermen concluded so swiftly. Thus he has unleashed the mightiest of mortals, who wields the powers of six beings of legend - SHAZAM!


Whether you call him Shazam or Captain Marvel, Billy Batson's alter ego has rarely gotten the respect he deserves in modern times. Brian Buccellato's script for this issue is a love letter to everything that The Big Red Cheese is. The only flaw - and I will admit this is a personal quibble - is that hearing Billy Batson use the phrase "badass" is a bit jarring, though I'm sure this is meant to evoke the more modern take on Billy Batson's character.


The artwork for the issue is top-notch.  Bruno Redondo returns to deliver his usual stellar job on the pencils, with Juan Albarran backing him with his excellent inks. And Rex Lokus' color art perfectly completes them both, crafting one damn-fine looking book.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #12 - A Review

There has been a break in the conflict between Superman's Regime and the Greek Gods. But the fighting begins anew as Wonder Woman defies the orders of Zeus to join his side in the conflict. Now they will have to face the wrath of Hercules - strongest of the demigods!


Despite being largely compromised of one epic battle scene, this issue of Injustice feels like little more than set-up for a larger battle, which is hinted at on the final page. Yet Brian Buccellato's witty script keeps this issue from feeling entirely like padding. If nothing else, it's amusing to watch Hal Jordan go up against Hercules and Harley Quinn throwing herself into the fight with unpredictable results.


Mike S. Miller's contribution to this issue brings us some amazing splash-pages and wonderful close-ups. His artwork grows somewhat weaker when depicting long distances, but the action scenes are very well choreographed. And the palettes utilized by J. Nanjan are well chosen.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #11 - A Review

As the stand-off between Superman's Regime and The Greek Gods backed by Batman's Resistance continues, Superman sends out a call for help to all of his allies not yet arrived at the battle. But Superman's allies have concerns of their own. And some of them are having second thoughts about assisting Superman in forcing peace upon the world.


This week's issue is light on action but that's just fine. Brian Buccellato does a masterful job of exploring the emotional states of the supporting cast with this interlude episode, particularly in the short sequence involving Raven's thoughts and feelings in the wake of her father Trigon's death. There's also an enjoyable flashback, where we learn how Superboy Conner Kent came about in this reality where Lex Luthor and Superman have been fast-friends since their days together in Smallville, even as Lex ponders the need for another Superman clone.


Mike S. Miller's artwork remains a high point of the series. His work loses some fine detail in the distance and middle shots, but his splash pages and close-ups more than make up for this minor incongruity. And the colors by J. Nanjan are vivid and visually enticing.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #10 - A Review

With the duel to the death between Superman and Wonder Woman interrupted by the timely arrival of Sinestro, all hope for averting the conflict between the superhumans of Earth and the Greek gods seems lost. Despite Sinestro's apparent ignorance, Zeus is not pleased by this turn of events. In fact, he is so angry that he orders the gods' war on Superman to begin in earnest. Immediately.


The script for this issue showcases Brian Buccellato's ingenuity, setting up several battles that are amusing to watch. Some conflicts - such as Hermes against The Flash - seem obvious in retrospect but there is much amusement in Casanova-wannabe Hal Jordan fighting Artemis, who has little use for men in general and men like Hal Jordan in particular. Yet there are also moments of pathos, such as a flashback that - in a nod to Geoff Johns most recent Justice League run - sees Batman counseling Superman on how he must learn to fight properly if he is to have any hope of defeating Wonder Woman in a fight should it prove necessary.


This issue does not represent Xermanico's best work. While many of the close-ups and splash-pages look good, there are many smaller panels where the fine details are lost among overly-heavy inks. Thankfully, the colors by Rex Lokus and lettering by Wes Abbott remain at their usual high level of quality.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #7 - A Review

Injustice: Year Four #7 is made up of a number of vignettes, showcasing earlier scenes that were cut short before the stand-off between Superman's Regime and the Amazon armies started. The issue concludes with a fateful choice, as The Gods agree to let the matter be settled by a trial by combat rather than all out war.


Brian Buccellato is in his element here. These brief scenes offer a fair bit of exposition but they also offer some surprising glances into the souls of our cast.  Lex Luthor, in particular, gets a much-needed defining moment.  And, as always, Harley being Harley proves a welcome humorous catharsis who clears the plate just before things become truly serious.


The artwork is equally excellent. Mike S. Miller turns in his usual wonderful work this week. And the colors by J. Nanjan prove lively and exciting. Even the lettering by Wes Abbott is of notable quality!

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #4 - A Review

The battle between Rene Montoya and Superman continues, promising dire consequences for both Superman's Regime and Batman's Resistance. Meanwhile, the gods of Ancient Greece watch the Earth and plot. For the time may be right for the gods of old to return and claim their dominion over the Earth...


Mike S. Miller's artwork for this issue is amazing.  Not only are his action sequences laid out incredibly well but his command of facial expressions is impressive.  The sequence near the end in which Clark and Bruce - not Superman and Batman - face each other seems all the more powerful for the emotion Miller displays so perfectly.


Brian Buccellato's script, too, is worthy of note.  This is an emotional chapter, to put it mildly, yet all of the characters seem true to form despite this being a highly unusual circumstance for all involved. For a brief moment, we see the World's Finest heroes again, as it seems a crack has broken in the wall between them... only for the cement of distrust to plug the hole again.  Powerful stuff!