The comic prequel to the hit fighting game lasted longer than anyone could have expected!
Last Tuesday brought an end to Year One of the comic book prequelInjustice: Gods Among Us.
Many people out there hear this news and wonder, Wait.
That was still coming out?
As for myself, Im kind of bummed that I have to wait until its relaunch in January.
I was really having a great time with it during its nine month run.
I can see how that would feel like a copout.
The comic soothes that pain a bit.
We know that Superman killed Joker in a fit of rage.
We know that at some point, Damian Wayne killed Nightwing and took his mantle.
We know that Superman revealed to the world that Batman is Bruce Wayne.
We know that Supermans dark side drove him to kill Green Arrow.
Writer Tom Taylor takes those crumbs and makes a feast for the most part.
Now, itdoesmake sense to see it like that.
Ad content continues below
Truth be told, Superman doesntreallygo over the edge until issue #33.
Injustice shows us what it would be like if there were no Cable knockoffs or elderly priests to intervene.
The relationship between the Worlds Finest goes from strained friendship to mutual fear to outright hatred.
Superman and Batman mix it up here.
Supermans behavior is for all the right reasons, but the end doesnt justify the means.
How does she find this out?
Cyborg goes into convulsions and later gets his bearings.
He cant understand it!
He just installed a new firewall!
How could Batman possibly get it through his defenses?
In a nearby cell, Killer Croc says, Dude.
The decompression allows for Supermans psyche to take a slow burn into the way hes depicted in the game.
We also get some character spotlights that show us how others are taking the change in status quo.
Ares is afraid that Superman might succeed in eliminating all war, which would make him obsolete.
Billy Batson is unsure of Shazams actions and interviews people on their opinions on the more proactive superheroes.
The comic is filled with clever bits like this.
All she has to do is lasso him and ask what the trigger word is!
Then theres the way Superman reveals Batmans secret identity to the world.
Just unmasking him or even simply saying it on TV is too straightforward.
Without giving context, a ridiculous series of events and teamwork lead to this image:
Thats the best.
The best-written part of the series is easily the latter arc where Superman finally snaps.
Not that the comic is all so wonderful.
The art is regularly problematic, especially for the first half.
When released in printed form, it looks an awful lot better.
The colorist tried to draw eyeballs in there when his eyes were supposed to be closed.
Still, there are some aspects that can be blamed simply on bad art direction.
Like the scene where Nightwing dies.
The body language is a little too hokey and its impossible to take it seriously.
The art does get better overall in the latter half and Redondos work is easily my favorite.
In terms of storytelling, one of the biggest problems would be Wonder Woman.
See, I have no problem with Supermans characterization.
for those who havent read it) or Mark Millars Communist Superman.
Its Wonder Womans characterization that bugs me.
Supermans the way he is due to contrived plot devices and interactions.
Wonder Womans just naturally on his side.
Now to ride this out until hes finally over Lois.
But hey, you know who does get written really well inInjustice: Gods Among Us?
Go figure, its Alfred, the guy whoisnt even playable in the game.
Alfred has five scenes over the 36 issues, but it tells a strong enough story on its own.
Hes worried and distraught about what the effects of Supermans actions are having on his own family.
Its been selling so well that theyve been keeping the train rolling.
In November, were getting a double-sized annual that will revolve around Lobo hunting down Harley Quinn.
After that, well get Year Two in January.
Itll be interesting to see where the story goes.
Surely, theres some interesting stuff to be said there.
You know those comics would sell like crazy.
Like us onFacebookand follow us onTwitterfor all news updates related to the world of geek.
AndGoogle+, if thats your thing!
