Injustice 2 #64 & #65 - A Review

The Red Lanterns' siege of Oa continues in Injustice #64. The Red Lanterns' still have Starro The Conqueror on their side, and through it control of a Guardian and many Green Lanterns. Can Hal Jordan find it in himself to be a leader again?  If he can, will The Green Lanterns follow him despite his past crimes?



An unexpected arrival turns the tide of the battle in Injustice 2 #65. But the new arrival is not there to save Oa or to defeat the Red Lanterns. They have come for Conner Kent, the new Superman!




I regret that my Tuesdays of late have been so busy as to not find the time to discuss this book in a more timely manner. If pressed to pick a single favorite comic book right now, I dare say this might be it. Tom Taylor's command of these characters - many of whom no longer exist in the regular DC Comics universe (or, at least, are heavily sidelined) - is astonishing and I still say that when the current creative teams are done with their runs we need Tom Taylor writing a Green Lantern book.

As far as the artwork goes, it is ever fantastic. I have a slight preference for Bruno Redondo's clearer lines and Gabe Eltaeb's delicate inks over the grittier aesthetic preferred by Xermanico, but that is only because I think it generally fits the tone of Taylor's stories better. Generally, this is true, but Xermanico proves the perfect artist to draw the darker-toned Injustice 2 #65. The colors by both Juan Albarran and J. Nankan are spectacular and Wes Abbott is, as always, wonderful about using his balloon placement to enhance the action rather than obscuring it.

Bottom Line: There are both great issues. This is a fantastic series and it should be an obvious pick-up for anyone who loves the DC Universe.

The Final Analysis: 10/10 for both issues.

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 #51 - A Review

With Ra's Al Ghul's Amazo defeated, the time has come to rebuild. The first item on Bruce Wayne's agenda is reforming the alliance of independently wealthy idealists who can help him build a better world. Unfortunately, another meeting far closer to home will demand his immediate attention. One involving a family matter...


It becomes harder and harder for me to describe the story of Injustice 2 with every passing issue. I curse Tom Taylor for crafting these amazing cliffhangers I can't discuss as a critic, even as I rejoice in his storytelling as a reader. Suffice it to say that fans of The Bat Family will want to read this issue.

Thankfully, I have no such restrictions when it comes to this issue's artwork. Bruno Redondo is a fantastic visual storyteller, whose pencils are crystal clear yet divinely detailed. Juan Albararan's inks define and enhance the original pencils without obscuring them. Rex Lokus' colors provide the perfect finishing touch. This is one of the best looking comics on the market today!

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. 

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 #47 - A Review

The battle against Amazo continues but as the hero's active numbers continue to fall an unexpected hero or two may yet tip the balance...


Great story. Great art. The only real flaw is that after all the build up of one of the new heroes in a previous issue, their presence seems to be completely undercut by the arrival of another character in this one. I hope this will be resolved in issues to come and I apologize for being deliberately vague on this point, but trust me - you really should read this book for yourselves to find out what the heck I'm talking about.

The Final Analysis: 9 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 #43 - A Review

Civil War has broken out in Gorilla City, as Grodd leads a rebellion against King Solovar. Now, to prevent the destruction of what little he has saved since losing his base in The Amazon Jungle, Ra's Al Ghul must lead his Suicide Squad to aid in the battle. Will Ra's new secret weapon tip the balance of power?






Is there anything that speaks more to the power of comics than armies of great apes fighting? I think not. Yet even set apart from that standard Injustice 2 #43 is a darn fine comic.

Tom Taylor's script has everything. Action. Romance. Horror. Comedy. Often all on the same page! Gloriously brought to life by the pencils of Bruno Redondo, the insanity and glory of this story is perfectly completed by the inks of Juan Albarran and the colors of Rex Lokus. If you aren't already reading this series, start. If you are already reading this series, good for you! 

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10.

Injustice 2 #40 - A Review

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Batman must break his greatest rule - his oath to never take a human life. It is an unthinkable action - the first of many unbelievable things that must occur in order to save the life of Superboy.


I regret that there is little I can say and no images I can show to convey the sheer awesomeness of this comic. There's one splash-page in particular I would love to have a poster of but, again, to show it would spoil too much. To explain the story would give away the game and I will not do that. So please believe me when I say that if you want to be shocked, surprised and awestruck, please read Injustice 2 #40.

 The Final Analysis: 10/10. Another perfect issue.

Injustice 2 #34 - A Review

Ra's Al Ghul tests his latest weapon - T.O. Morrow's most powerful Amazo robot yet - in a remote Arizona town. As Batman and his allies sort through the rubble trying to understand the new threat they face, a new villain unlike anything Earth has ever seen is born...


In terms of story, seemingly little happens in Injustice #34. I suspect that what we see here will achieve greater significance later but it seems that the larger plots are treading water for an issue. This is fine, as Tom Taylor takes the opportunity to tell an ironically human story about a character who is not.

The art team is on-point, as-usual. Bruno Redondo's detail-driven penciling style is perfectly finished by Juan Albarran's well-applied inks. Rex Lokus proves his phenomenal skill as a colorist once again. And Wes Abbott adds a subtle touch with some distinctive and inventive lettering.

The Final Analysis: 8 out of 10. The story is relatively sedate for this series but it's probably building to something bigger and the art is amazing.

Injustice 2 #33 - A Review

Harley Quinn is free of Ra's Al Ghul's clutches, but she's not out of the woods yet. First she has to return Lucy - the daughter she gave up  - to her "mom". Then she has to return to her own awkward homecoming. Meanwhile, Ra's Al Ghul - bested but not defeated - works with his allies to activate their latest weapon in the war on Western Civilization.



It is a struggle for me not to spoil everything awesome within this comic in a bid to get you to read it. And why aren't you reading it? Have you not been paying attention all the other times I've written of how well Tom Taylor portrays these characters? How wonderful Bruno Redondo's character expressions are and how he hides little references in the backgrounds? How Juan Albarran's inks find the perfect balance between merely outlining and overshading the original pencils? How skillfully Rex Lokus uses a variety of palettes and gradients to create the perfect finishes?

Even if you haven't, I do love this comic and writing about it. So please believe me when I say (again) that this series is a must read for all lovers of the DC Comics Universe. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy fans in particular will love this issue.

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 #24 (Digital Edition) - A Review

Batman and his new Justice League have rescued the hostages but lain waste to Ra's Al Ghul's secret animal sanctuary in the process. The Demon's Head is not known for his sense of mercy nor being slow in retaliation for a slight. How shall Ra's Al Ghul take his revenge upon The Detective?


I can't show any image scans of this issue of Injustice 2 it is so stunning but also so spoilery. Suffice it to say the battle with Ra's Al Ghul has only begun and Tom Taylor has raised the stakes of an already high game. He also manages another surprise as we learn of a shocking ally to Ra's plans to save the world. Artistically, Bruno Redondo, Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus continue to knock it out of the park with every endeavor. This remains one of my favorite books and the high-point of my Tuesday mornings.

Final Analysis: 8 out of 10. Solid stuff, but still mostly set-up for the next act.

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 #22 (Digital Edition) - A Review

Deep within Ra's Al Ghul's secret sanctuary in the Amazon rain forest, a battle long in coming is about to begin - Bruce Wayne vs. Damian Wayne! Father vs. Son! Meanwhile, Harley Quinn delays her own escape from the stronghold to steal away a moment with Poison Ivy.

I suspect that some of you might be growing tired of reading my glowing reviews of Injustice 2. If that's the case, I suggest you read this book. There is no way to grow tired of it!

Tom Taylor's grasp of these characters and capacity for telling engaging, action-packed stories with them is matched only by Bruno Redondo's detailed pencils, Juan Albarran's exquisite inks and Rex Lokus' eye-catching colors. Together they are one of the World's Finest teams and every issue they release together is a treasure.

The Final Analysis: 10 out of 10. 

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 #14 - A Review

Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance lost each other once. A twist of Fate brought them - or alternate universe versions of themselves, technically - together again, giving new meaning to the old Sinatra song about love being better "The Second Time Around". Unfortunately, someone is about to ruin their wedding day as Batman simultaneously fights a battle for his own family...


The one problem with Injustice 2's weekly format is that sometimes the action is broken up in unfortunate ways. In this case, there's little punch to the story as all of the moments that should have hit the reader hard either came at the end of the last issue or are telegraphed far in advance of this issue's ending. Thankfully, there's still a lot to admire in this book even if it lacks any real surprises.

The artwork, for instance, looks amazing. Bruno Redondo's fine eye for detail is out in full-force and there's some surprisingly subtle visuals here that I frankly love. From the bandage under Black Canary's eye to the epic ballroom blitz that breaks out as the party-crashers arrive, every page of this issue looks amazing, with Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus offering up some fantastic finishes in the inks and colors.

As for Tom Taylor's script... well, if nothing else, he deserve praise for writing a Green Arrow/Black Canary wedding that does not reduce Dinah Lance to the role of an inactive participant during the inevitable fight scene. No ring-chasing bimbos here, folks. Just Dinah Lance, kicking ass in a wedding dress, as well as she should. I know that's a strange point to harp on but it seems like 95% of the time when there's a superhero wedding the bride becomes a distressed damsel more concerned with her looks than fighting villains. That is not the case here, thankfully.

The Final Analysis: 8 out of 10. No real surprises but damn solid work all around.

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.