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 #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 #11 - A Review

No sooner is Harley free of The Batcave with a "recovered" Batmobile, then she has to head back. Batman and the Justice League of a parallel Earth are there, unaware that they're walking into the ambush Harley just evaded! Unfortunately, Black Adam has just arrived on the scene and seen the very conspicuous Batmobile in the streets of Gotham...


The artwork in this issue is fantastic. Marco Santucci crafts a dark, moody atmosphere befitting the Gotham City setting and the Gothic aura of the abandoned Wayne Manor. This aesthetic is further aided by J. Nanjan's wonderful colors.


The use of humor continues to be the best quality of this series' writing. Strangely, considering the focus on Harley Quinn, nearly half of this issue centers upon Batman and The Justice League. There is humor here as well, yet the characters are written as true to form as Harley and Black Adam in their fight scene. And Christopher Sebela crafts what may be the single greatest summation of Harley Quinn's character with this line - "I think I need my head examined sometimes. Then I remember how fun it is to be this kind of crazy."

Injustice: Ground Zero #9 - A Review

Batman's big plan is in motion and Harley and her gang are still stuck on the sidelines. Luckily, Harley knows just what to do to get back into Batman's good graces. Unluckily (for Billy Batson, at least), her plan to steal back The Batmobile from Wayne Manor requires her going through Shazam!


I know I dote upon this series' humor but it truly is one of its best features. This issue easily has the funniest dialogue in Ground Zero to date. More importantly, Brian Buccellato and Chris Sebela continue to show a masterful understanding of Harley Quinn's character and the fact that Harley only plays dumb.


The humor extends into the artwork, with Injustice: Gods Among Us artists Tom Derenick and  J. Nanjan returning for this week's issue. J. Nanjan delivers a masterful performance on the coloring, as always. Derenick draws great expressions and takes full advantage of the comedic script to deliver cartoonishly hilarious images of Harley being electrocuted or licking Shazam's nose cutely. I also love the quick sight gag of Batgirl playing Mortal Kombat.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #34 - A Review

The Resistance has proof of Superman killing innocent civilians! Unfortunately, Superman still has some allies who believe the order he's imposing is more important than justice. And with his final plan thwarted, Batman will have to turn to his most desperate gamble yet.


The action is starting to die down as this series enters into its final issues. Thankfully, the plot here doesn't seem like pointless padding. Brian Buccellato does a fine job of keeping this story moving but there's not much he can do at this point to offer up the surprises and twists that made this series such a delight to read.

The artwork is stronger this week, but still seems a little rushed at times. Tom Derenick still has some issues with over-inking certain panels, though his pencil-work is much stronger in this chapter. And Rex Lokus continues to amaze with his color art.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #33 - A Review

The race is on for both The Regime and The Insurgency. As Batgirl desperately tries to hack Cyborg's memory banks and find some proof of Superman murdering unarmed protesters, The Regime works to find Batman's team and to save the life of a poisoned Superman. And even now The Flash can't help but wonder if he's chosen the right side...


This art in this issue is uncharacteristically weak. I'm quite fond of Tom Derenick's work - both here and on Secret Six - but there are a lot of panels here that just look off, whether it be due to the proportions of the characters, some oddly chosen angles or the overly heavy inks. Every artist has their off days and this is definitely not one of Derenick's better pieces of work.


Thankfully the writing is as strong as ever. Brian Buccellato makes The Flash our point-of-view character again - not surprising his long history of writing the character and Barry Allen's status as a man in the middle in this story. And the scene in which he confronts Lex Luthor with his fears is a dramatically ironic one, given that Barry is totally unaware of Lex's own secret campaign against Superman.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #32 - A Review

Hawkman has returned to Earth and he is out for blood! Abandoning Batman's plans to peaceful bring Superman to heel, he's laced his mace with Kryptonite. Unfortunately, that won't help anyone when the rest of The Regime show up...


The action in this issue is amazing. Marco Santucci and Rex Lokus do a stellar job in portraying Hawkman in all his savage fury and create a number of amazing visual effects, such as the golden glint of Hawkman's helmet. The emphasis may be on the action this week, but the script by Brian Buccellato still allows for some brief character moments, such as one panel where it seems that Barry Allen seems conflicted over the fight and is seriously pondering stepping in to change things... one way or the other.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #29 - A Review

In the wake of Barry Allen's rebellion against Superman following Alfred Pennyworth's murder, questions are being asked in both The Regime and The Resistance regarding their leadership's actions. As Hal Jordan investigates Zsasz's escape from Sinestro's super-prison and Batman enacts another desperate plan, Superman begins to check in on those few superhumans he has allowed some degree of autonomy, staring with Black Adam.


Xermanico's artwork is well-suited towards depicting this chapter where a dark world becomes a shade dimmer, with what little trust still exists between Superman and his followers eroding even further. Xermanico boasts a Film Noir aesthetic of heavy inks and deep shadows that capture the mood of this chapter perfectly. Rex Lokus colors the final art appropriately to match, with even the usual bright golds and reds of Superman and Black Adam's costumes seeming somewhat more shaded than usual.

Brian Buccellato continues to find new drama, even as this series enters into its climax. It's good to see that in spite of how much things have changed, Sinestro is still Sinestro and enjoys needling his former, fallen student for his own sick amusement. And the battle between Black Adam and Superman is one of the best in the series to date.

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

As Harley throws herself into a fight with Shazam, Superman seeks out the one person he thinks might know where Batman is hiding - Bruce Wayne's loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth! Meanwhile, Batman has a clandestine meeting with another hero who has reasons of his own for choosing to strike against Superman now.


Xermanico's pencils and inks for this issue are something of a mixed bag. The artwork is efficient enough during the action sequences, though the shading is somewhat odd, casting odd shadows across the characters in a scene set in broad daylight. This darkness proves more effective in the scenes where Superman confronts Alfred, but the medium and far shots here are oddly lacking in detail.


Thankfully, Brian Buccellato's scripts are as strong as ever. The sequences with Harley are particularly effective, with Harley having a conversation with herself as she seeks a direction for her life. And the final pages delivered an honest surprise, which is always welcome in these days when Previews World frequently spoils everything.

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

Laying low and trying to figure things out, Harley Quinn decides that she needs to work out some aggressive feelings. Unfortunately, for Billy Batson, she decides to do this by picking a fight with Shazam. Meanwhile, The Rogues - or what's left of them in the wake of Superman's Regime - gather to honor two of their fallen. And then The Flash shows up...


This is the best issue of Injustice in some time. Brian Buccellato's work on The Flash is beloved for many reasons but one of them was the way he wrote The Rogues. The scene in which The Flash confronts them shows a deep understanding of both Barry Allen and his various frenemies. The scenes with Harley Quinn are similarly strong and are sure to please long-time fans of the character, who don't like what's been done with ol' Harl since The New 52 started.


The art-team also delivers their A-game this month. Bruno Redondo has never looked better, managing the neat trick of making Harley look imposing despite the rather ridiculous costume she's adopted in the Injustice reality. Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus establish an effective aura of shadow throughout this issue, with the usually bright Captain Marvel frequently obscured darkness - a symbolic nod to how much darker the character has become in his support of the tyrant Superman.

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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #5 - A Review

With Rene Montoya buried, both Batwoman and Batman are anxious to renew the battle against Superman. But despite Bruce's attempts at building alliances, they are sorely lacking in allies. In order to put more soldiers in the field, Barbara Gordon will make a fateful choice. Meanwhile, Harley Quinn - now in control of Green Arrow's old hideout - tries to endear herself to a captive Billy Batson as only she can.


The first page of this issue touched me, as we saw Rene Montoya buried alongside Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance and we got a look at their tombstones.  In that one moment Brian Buccellato showed  with just a few simple words how well he understands these characters by perfectly capturing their essences. That Black Canary would want to be thought of as a fighter and a mentor to other heroes.  That Green Arrow would be remembered as a husband and friend instead of as a hero. And that Rene was a cop first and a friend second.

It is a subtle thing, More subtle at least than the slapstick comedy of Harley Quinn's attempts to befriend her hostage, which are also true to character. But it is there. And it is powerful.  As powerful as the choice made by Barbara Gordon to embrace her past while risking her future... but not in the way you might expect.


The artwork is equally powerful. Bruno Redondo's pencils suffer somewhat in detail past the medium distance with Juan Albarran's inks occassionally obscuring the original art rather than enhancing it. Thankfully, these moments are few and far between and the majority of the book looks excellent, bright and vibrant thanks to Rex Lokus' colors.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #3 - A Review

Injustice: Year Four #3 is a difficult issue to describe without merely listing things that happened. The meat of this issue, as with most of the past issues of Injustice, lies in the dialogue and the relationships between the characters.  Perhaps the best example of this lies in Superman's homecoming, where he learns the truth of the old saying that you can't go home again.


It is to Brian Buccellato's credit that he can still surprise the readers. Given that those who have played the Injustice video game already know the rough shape of How It All Will End, it's amazing that there are so many mysteries still waiting to be revealed. I have no idea where the subplot with Harley kidnapping Billy Batson is going but I'm loving every moment of it, in part because of that element of unpredictability.


Mike S. Miller's artwork continues to impress me with every passing week.. I love the simple clarity of his designs and his knack for creative facial expressions. The colors by J. Nanjan are particularly well chosen. And Wes Abbott's lettering is some of the best in the business.