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Injustice: Gods Among Us #10
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five, Vol. 2
The final year and penultimate volume of INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US is here, leading into the storyline of the hit video game!
Having defeated the Green Lantern Corps, the forces of magic, and now the gods themselves, Superman's totalitarian regime seems to have eliminated all threats. Yet uneasy lies the crown on the head of the Man of Steel. Still obsessed with the outlaw Batman and worried about having enough troops to police his world, the Man of Steel begins to recruit some of Earth's deadliest villains to his side. Does the Dark Knight have any chance of ending the Man of Steel's rule?
The finale is nearly here, as writer Brian Buccellato (THE FLASH) unveils the penultimate chapter before the events of the hit video game phenomenon in INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US YEAR FIVE VOL. 2. Collects issues #7-12.
Having defeated the Green Lantern Corps, the forces of magic, and now the gods themselves, Superman's totalitarian regime seems to have eliminated all threats. Yet uneasy lies the crown on the head of the Man of Steel. Still obsessed with the outlaw Batman and worried about having enough troops to police his world, the Man of Steel begins to recruit some of Earth's deadliest villains to his side. Does the Dark Knight have any chance of ending the Man of Steel's rule?
The finale is nearly here, as writer Brian Buccellato (THE FLASH) unveils the penultimate chapter before the events of the hit video game phenomenon in INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US YEAR FIVE VOL. 2. Collects issues #7-12.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 26, 2018
Alright.
We're at the point in Injustice where Superman is just a straight-up murdering asshole and is barely making an effort to pretend otherwise.
Civilians questioning his authority? Zzzzzzap!
Not anymore, they're not!
No one is safe if they get in the way of his plans for the world.
That's not to say that he isn't covering his tracks at all or doing all the dirty work himself. In fact, he breaks Zsasz our of prison to help with a project to draw Batman out of hiding. The end result is one of the sadder deaths in the Injustice series, and the ramifications of it lead to Flash seriously questioning what he's doing with this crazy dude. Although to be fair, quite a few of Superman's staunch supporters are starting to give him the side-eye now.
Ok, the showdown at the end(ish) with Superman and Batman was quite a bit better than the one in the last volume. At least it (sort of) accomplished something that will move the plot forward.
Damien still annoys me, but I'm holding out hope that he's going to be relevant somehow to the overall storyline.
And speaking of annoying, sometimes the art looks blocky and gross and sometimes it looks fine. Anyone else notice that?
At any rate, this was definitely a much more exciting story than the last volume, and I'm looking forward to wrapping it up (yeah, yeah Injustice 2, I know!) in the next one.
We're at the point in Injustice where Superman is just a straight-up murdering asshole and is barely making an effort to pretend otherwise.
Civilians questioning his authority? Zzzzzzap!
Not anymore, they're not!
No one is safe if they get in the way of his plans for the world.
That's not to say that he isn't covering his tracks at all or doing all the dirty work himself. In fact, he breaks Zsasz our of prison to help with a project to draw Batman out of hiding. The end result is one of the sadder deaths in the Injustice series, and the ramifications of it lead to Flash seriously questioning what he's doing with this crazy dude. Although to be fair, quite a few of Superman's staunch supporters are starting to give him the side-eye now.
Ok, the showdown at the end(ish) with Superman and Batman was quite a bit better than the one in the last volume. At least it (sort of) accomplished something that will move the plot forward.
Damien still annoys me, but I'm holding out hope that he's going to be relevant somehow to the overall storyline.
And speaking of annoying, sometimes the art looks blocky and gross and sometimes it looks fine. Anyone else notice that?
At any rate, this was definitely a much more exciting story than the last volume, and I'm looking forward to wrapping it up (yeah, yeah Injustice 2, I know!) in the next one.
August 28, 2017
Series is just scraping for good the bottom of the barrel now.
Such a disapppointment.
C'mon, Alfred fought against the f@($1#' PREDATOR in the Batcave! Let him go that way against a d-list villain like Zsasz was just crap!!!
February 28, 2017
In general, Year Five is better than Year Four had been, but that Bizarro storyline is awful. Thankfully, I think this will be the end of it, and I'm not sure if we'll be seeing anything more later on. There isn't that much "later on" left at this point, after all. Just like I'm not sure if we'll see who really freed Zsasz, and maybe we don't need to know. The last issue feels like kind of a bust. Barry has a crisis of faith in Superman, until he doesn't. Unless something is going to come of that soon, it was a waste of an issue. Of course, it isn't a volume of Injustice without at least one high profile death, and I don't think it gets much more high profile than this. I miss Tom Taylor, but this book is still better than it has any right to be.
May 13, 2017
Keeps up the strong start from the preceding volume, and this time it's poor Flash who must question his motivations. I'm also glad it addresses one of the big elephants in the room plot-wise, ie why hasn't any regime detractor tried time-travel to fix the situation.
May 17, 2018
Superman starts off this volume on his throne with Cyborg giving him information on current events. He has never looked more tyranical, more like Big Brother. And thus, he is suddenly cooler in a dystopian way. Peace and safety come at a price indeed. The price is freedom.
The regular people are scandalized at Superman's infringements on their freedom. They decide to enroll into the Joker Underground.
Bizarro Superman is having an identity crisis, even though the Trickster is trying to help him. He wants to be the good guy, but he goes about it wrong way, killing way too many people because of his simplistic understanding of the world around him.
The regular people are scandalized at Superman's infringements on their freedom. They decide to enroll into the Joker Underground.
Bizarro Superman is having an identity crisis, even though the Trickster is trying to help him. He wants to be the good guy, but he goes about it wrong way, killing way too many people because of his simplistic understanding of the world around him.
February 9, 2022
This was again an interesting read!
It starts off with Kate looking for Harley and Selina and stopping some Joker revolutionaries until we see one of the most evil moments in this series and what Superman does to everyone's shock and whle their is darkness there is also some light story with Bizarro and Trickster and the ending was brutal and the big fight the regime has with Bizarro and that was sad. :(
Plus the big moment in the story with what happpens to Alfred and we finally get Superman vs Batman and like the moment of confrontations and the JLers coming in and talking it out sorta and alliances being over permanently and change of hearts and Superman actually becoming evil, not looking at others.
Its one of those comics that sets the whole prelude for the game and does well to build up on the prior years and show that Superman is actually far gone and his evil is next level plus does well to give a spotlight to Barry and show a change of heart in his character, maybe a walk towards redemption is next for him. It will be interesting to see plus the art is amazing here and makes for such a great read!
It starts off with Kate looking for Harley and Selina and stopping some Joker revolutionaries until we see one of the most evil moments in this series and what Superman does to everyone's shock and whle their is darkness there is also some light story with Bizarro and Trickster and the ending was brutal and the big fight the regime has with Bizarro and that was sad. :(
Plus the big moment in the story with what happpens to Alfred and we finally get Superman vs Batman and like the moment of confrontations and the JLers coming in and talking it out sorta and alliances being over permanently and change of hearts and Superman actually becoming evil, not looking at others.
Its one of those comics that sets the whole prelude for the game and does well to build up on the prior years and show that Superman is actually far gone and his evil is next level plus does well to give a spotlight to Barry and show a change of heart in his character, maybe a walk towards redemption is next for him. It will be interesting to see plus the art is amazing here and makes for such a great read!
February 28, 2017
I received this from Edelweiss and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.
With the exception of the Bizarro Superman chapter, this volume was very good. That's one character that either needs to be eliminated completely from the DC universe or completely revamped. When he was created in the 1960s, he was used as comic relief in a much simpler time. In my opinion, he doesn't fit the seriousness of this series. I understand how and why he was used in the plot, but I just don't like it.
At any rate, the rest of the book was very good, and I can see how things might play out in the final year of this series. The characterizations of many of the major players was good, too, especially as they question their positions.
With the exception of the Bizarro Superman chapter, this volume was very good. That's one character that either needs to be eliminated completely from the DC universe or completely revamped. When he was created in the 1960s, he was used as comic relief in a much simpler time. In my opinion, he doesn't fit the seriousness of this series. I understand how and why he was used in the plot, but I just don't like it.
At any rate, the rest of the book was very good, and I can see how things might play out in the final year of this series. The characterizations of many of the major players was good, too, especially as they question their positions.
October 5, 2018
Superman has now just become a homicidal maniac. The story has become a little cheesy and predictable in parts. Hopefully volume 3 can pick it up.
February 24, 2017
Well this was kinda disappointing.
Don't get me wrong. Story-wise I think it's one of the best arcs written by Buccellato in his run in Injustice. This is not saying much because if Injustice dropped in quality it's mainly because Buccellato failed to do justice (see what I did there? get it?) to Taylor's work.
I was disappointed because I was expecting this to be the last volume of the Injustice's saga. The hope of seen the ultimate confrontation between the insurgency and the regime was high. I was very excited to finally see how everything will unfold. However, this wasn't the case and for the first time we'll have a volume 3 (!). It feels stretching the story at this point it's so unnecessary that actually make my eyes rolls and think "When this will end!".
After the changing of author this story went from being the best comic that I've read in years to a series of disappointing and maddening "I must" readings. Ok, so now I guess I need to wait until June for volume 3.
Don't get me wrong. Story-wise I think it's one of the best arcs written by Buccellato in his run in Injustice. This is not saying much because if Injustice dropped in quality it's mainly because Buccellato failed to do justice (see what I did there? get it?) to Taylor's work.
I was disappointed because I was expecting this to be the last volume of the Injustice's saga. The hope of seen the ultimate confrontation between the insurgency and the regime was high. I was very excited to finally see how everything will unfold. However, this wasn't the case and for the first time we'll have a volume 3 (!). It feels stretching the story at this point it's so unnecessary that actually make my eyes rolls and think "When this will end!".
After the changing of author this story went from being the best comic that I've read in years to a series of disappointing and maddening "I must" readings. Ok, so now I guess I need to wait until June for volume 3.
August 30, 2020
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five Volume 2 by Brain Buccellato is action packed has improved it's writing since last volume. This is the second to last Graphic novel in the series, and it's starting to take direction for a pretty epic Batman and Superman fight. Batman is losing his confidence as allies start dropping by not seeing an end to the fight. Batman has a morale crisis and gets advice from Alfred basically coming down to Superman kills and is always in fear where you don't kill and embrace your fear, it's a pretty touching moment between Bruce and his Surrogate father/butler Alfred. Damian has a real crisis where despite hating his father Bruce Wayne, deep down he wants to be him and knows it's the harder path. This book has an amazing cliffhanger that's going to end badly for Batman and Superman. I think since Brian Buccellato took over the quality has gone down, but it's great to see this series, which I have stuck with for 10 volumes so far get better under him and go into the epic ending I wanted for the series. Injustice: God Among Us Year Five Volume 2 collects Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five issues 7-12.
The Series Plot leading up to Year Five Volume 2: The Joker tricks Superman into killing Lois and his unborn child, when her heart stops a nuclear bomb destroys Metropolis. Superman distraught kills The Joker and declares martial law on the whole world, vowing that no one should die needlessly. Lex Luthor develops a pill that will make ordinary people super to start an army of supermen that Superman controls. Batman steals the super humans pills and gives them to every hero and a few villains to make them equal. Superman's action have drawn attention to the Green Lantern Corps who's power is all about will power. Martian Man hunter died as he was fighting Wonder Woman from the inside when Superman used his heat vision, and sent Wonder Woman into a coma. Sinestro is manipulates Superman telling his own story and the way the Green Lantern Corps will attack, he makes an alliance that brings Sinestro and his minions as added protection, both Hal Jordan and Superman put on the yellow rings of fear to win against the Green Lantern Corps. Batman list the help all of his friends with magical abilities in a plan to put Superman asleep forever. The plan worked but Wonder Woman's mother makes a deal with Athena to wake Superman and Wonder Woman. The sleep was supposed to give Superman clarity but he wakes up madder than ever because of what he missed out on. Batman makes a deal with Ares as well that has the old Gods and Amazon's joining his side. The Amazon's are missing Wonder Woman's mother who is taken prisoner by Hera and made to sit this fight out, as per her deal. Batman ends up tricking Wonder Woman to fight Superman to the death a a champion of the Amazon's. Sinestro interferes when it looks like Superman could lose. Zeus Sees this as deal breaker and declares all out war on the New Gods. Superman kills Hercules in the conflict which makes Zeus angry and kills Shazam and Harley who spoke out. Superman retreats as the remaining Justice League are beat. Zeus declares himself God of the world, wanting to get rid of every other form of religion. Ares makes a deal with Superman to bring a jealous Poseidon to fight his brother Zeus. This brings Aquaman into the battle, as Poseidon wants to wipe out Wonder Woman's home with a giant tidal wave. Batman knowing this has got out of control and he got played by a vengeful Ares, seeks a help and offers enough hints to Superman to figure out who Ares is doing his bidding for, Darkseid. Plastic Man risk all to save his son from being a prisoner of Superman, he saves his son and rescues every other rogue in the process. All the men Superman deemed bad guys are released out into the world, some vow to be good, some want to be bad, and some want revenge. Superman works on two things recapturing all of the criminals and taking down Batman. Superman has deal for a set of villains take down the Bat, and get your freedom. Bane the man who has broken the Batman before, Killer Frost and Killer Croc. They know they can't reach the bat so the grab the Cat. Catwoman is tortured to reveal where Batman is, she's saved eventually but quits seeing no end to this fight. Lex's Superman clone is found, but there's something not right about him almost bizarre. Bizarro is born and the Trickster is manipulating him.
The Plot to Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five Volume 2: Catwoman returns to theft with her not so quiet lookout Harley Quinn. She's interrupted by Robin/Damien, they fight and have a life lesson, Damien becomes torn with the Batman V. Superman dilemma. He's defeated and confused and takes that anger out on Black Mask and crew. He gets beaten badly but wins with help from Dick Grayson's sprit as Deadman, that can take over a living host for a limited time. Black Mask was suposed to me in jail as he was one of the recaptured from the prison break, that makes the Justice league throw doubt to Sinestro who is in charge of the new prison. Bizarro accidently kills the Trickster in a hilarious way, Bizarro starts to remember being made in a lab by Lex and ask lex to fix his friend. Lex convinces Bizarro to gains access to the Fortress of Solitude for real answers on who he is. A Lex controlled Doomsday waits there, the plan is to have Doomsday kill Bizarro so Superman doesn't find out he is working to stop him. Superman wants answers from the clone and shows up where Lex turns Doomsday and Bizarro who he controls against Superman. Batman is running out of allies and confidence he turns to his surrogate father/butler Alfred who assures him that he is on the right side of this difficult path. After Alfred gets done talking to Bruce, he turns around expecting Damian, but gets instead Victor Zsasz with a long knife in the Bat Cave saying, "the devil sent me."
What I Liked: Alfred really gets to shine he stands up to Superman telling him he is full of fear, he snaps Bruce out of his doubt, and he sets Damian straight, and calls him out on a lot of things. Superman vengeance on the joker cult was brutal. The way the Trickster dies is hilarious, and set up really well. Cyborg and Flash have deep thoughts about whether they are on the right side of things. The Doomsday, Bizarro, and Superman fight is pretty epic. The climax is great, I love where they are taking Batman and the situation he is being put in. Harley talking to a life sized cut out of herself as a therapist.
What I Disliked: The Harley and Shazam storyline, I felt like I have seen it already, since I have seen a version of that scene at least four times in Injustice's run.
Recommendation: This is the tenth book in the Injustice: Gods Among Us series and man is this book good, it is heading into the direction I wanted it to end at when I started it. Batman and Superman are heading for one heck of a showdown, and it's not going to end when they find out the both have mothers named Martha. There will be blood! I rated Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five Volume 2 by Brain Buccellato 4 out of 5 stars.
The Series Plot leading up to Year Five Volume 2: The Joker tricks Superman into killing Lois and his unborn child, when her heart stops a nuclear bomb destroys Metropolis. Superman distraught kills The Joker and declares martial law on the whole world, vowing that no one should die needlessly. Lex Luthor develops a pill that will make ordinary people super to start an army of supermen that Superman controls. Batman steals the super humans pills and gives them to every hero and a few villains to make them equal. Superman's action have drawn attention to the Green Lantern Corps who's power is all about will power. Martian Man hunter died as he was fighting Wonder Woman from the inside when Superman used his heat vision, and sent Wonder Woman into a coma. Sinestro is manipulates Superman telling his own story and the way the Green Lantern Corps will attack, he makes an alliance that brings Sinestro and his minions as added protection, both Hal Jordan and Superman put on the yellow rings of fear to win against the Green Lantern Corps. Batman list the help all of his friends with magical abilities in a plan to put Superman asleep forever. The plan worked but Wonder Woman's mother makes a deal with Athena to wake Superman and Wonder Woman. The sleep was supposed to give Superman clarity but he wakes up madder than ever because of what he missed out on. Batman makes a deal with Ares as well that has the old Gods and Amazon's joining his side. The Amazon's are missing Wonder Woman's mother who is taken prisoner by Hera and made to sit this fight out, as per her deal. Batman ends up tricking Wonder Woman to fight Superman to the death a a champion of the Amazon's. Sinestro interferes when it looks like Superman could lose. Zeus Sees this as deal breaker and declares all out war on the New Gods. Superman kills Hercules in the conflict which makes Zeus angry and kills Shazam and Harley who spoke out. Superman retreats as the remaining Justice League are beat. Zeus declares himself God of the world, wanting to get rid of every other form of religion. Ares makes a deal with Superman to bring a jealous Poseidon to fight his brother Zeus. This brings Aquaman into the battle, as Poseidon wants to wipe out Wonder Woman's home with a giant tidal wave. Batman knowing this has got out of control and he got played by a vengeful Ares, seeks a help and offers enough hints to Superman to figure out who Ares is doing his bidding for, Darkseid. Plastic Man risk all to save his son from being a prisoner of Superman, he saves his son and rescues every other rogue in the process. All the men Superman deemed bad guys are released out into the world, some vow to be good, some want to be bad, and some want revenge. Superman works on two things recapturing all of the criminals and taking down Batman. Superman has deal for a set of villains take down the Bat, and get your freedom. Bane the man who has broken the Batman before, Killer Frost and Killer Croc. They know they can't reach the bat so the grab the Cat. Catwoman is tortured to reveal where Batman is, she's saved eventually but quits seeing no end to this fight. Lex's Superman clone is found, but there's something not right about him almost bizarre. Bizarro is born and the Trickster is manipulating him.
The Plot to Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five Volume 2: Catwoman returns to theft with her not so quiet lookout Harley Quinn. She's interrupted by Robin/Damien, they fight and have a life lesson, Damien becomes torn with the Batman V. Superman dilemma. He's defeated and confused and takes that anger out on Black Mask and crew. He gets beaten badly but wins with help from Dick Grayson's sprit as Deadman, that can take over a living host for a limited time. Black Mask was suposed to me in jail as he was one of the recaptured from the prison break, that makes the Justice league throw doubt to Sinestro who is in charge of the new prison. Bizarro accidently kills the Trickster in a hilarious way, Bizarro starts to remember being made in a lab by Lex and ask lex to fix his friend. Lex convinces Bizarro to gains access to the Fortress of Solitude for real answers on who he is. A Lex controlled Doomsday waits there, the plan is to have Doomsday kill Bizarro so Superman doesn't find out he is working to stop him. Superman wants answers from the clone and shows up where Lex turns Doomsday and Bizarro who he controls against Superman. Batman is running out of allies and confidence he turns to his surrogate father/butler Alfred who assures him that he is on the right side of this difficult path. After Alfred gets done talking to Bruce, he turns around expecting Damian, but gets instead Victor Zsasz with a long knife in the Bat Cave saying, "the devil sent me."
What I Liked: Alfred really gets to shine he stands up to Superman telling him he is full of fear, he snaps Bruce out of his doubt, and he sets Damian straight, and calls him out on a lot of things. Superman vengeance on the joker cult was brutal. The way the Trickster dies is hilarious, and set up really well. Cyborg and Flash have deep thoughts about whether they are on the right side of things. The Doomsday, Bizarro, and Superman fight is pretty epic. The climax is great, I love where they are taking Batman and the situation he is being put in. Harley talking to a life sized cut out of herself as a therapist.
What I Disliked: The Harley and Shazam storyline, I felt like I have seen it already, since I have seen a version of that scene at least four times in Injustice's run.
Recommendation: This is the tenth book in the Injustice: Gods Among Us series and man is this book good, it is heading into the direction I wanted it to end at when I started it. Batman and Superman are heading for one heck of a showdown, and it's not going to end when they find out the both have mothers named Martha. There will be blood! I rated Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five Volume 2 by Brain Buccellato 4 out of 5 stars.
October 20, 2017
Injustice Year Five volume 1 wasn't horrible. So that got me excited to read 2...a little.
Luckily volume 2 is half way decent too.
So now we got Bizzaro running around killing people because he doesn't understand how things work. Obviously in violent and fucked up ways he never stops to think of his actions. Luther decides to do the unthinkable and events occur that fuck shit up. Also watch Batman go head to head with Superman was very fun and something we've been wanting to see.
Good: The Batman vs Superman fight was worth it. The lead up was also solid. I really enjoyed Bizzaro too and his fight was pretty epic if not a little fucked up.
Bad: The art goes from solid to shit really weird places. Also the side stories, or one shots, are pretty flat and boring. The ending was also just "okay' when it should have been great.
Overall Injustice is slowly making it's way to the finish line with a decent 2nd volume for it's 5th year.
Luckily volume 2 is half way decent too.
So now we got Bizzaro running around killing people because he doesn't understand how things work. Obviously in violent and fucked up ways he never stops to think of his actions. Luther decides to do the unthinkable and events occur that fuck shit up. Also watch Batman go head to head with Superman was very fun and something we've been wanting to see.
Good: The Batman vs Superman fight was worth it. The lead up was also solid. I really enjoyed Bizzaro too and his fight was pretty epic if not a little fucked up.
Bad: The art goes from solid to shit really weird places. Also the side stories, or one shots, are pretty flat and boring. The ending was also just "okay' when it should have been great.
Overall Injustice is slowly making it's way to the finish line with a decent 2nd volume for it's 5th year.
February 12, 2022
Me gustó mucho más el primer volumen del cuarto año. Este de me hizo muy repetitivo y apresurado.
Hacían una cosas bien, avanzaban un paso y retrocedían diez. No puede ser que todo el cómic sea lo mismo una y otro vez.
3/5⭐️
Hacían una cosas bien, avanzaban un paso y retrocedían diez. No puede ser que todo el cómic sea lo mismo una y otro vez.
3/5⭐️
November 12, 2022
3.5 Stars
December 14, 2017
Things get Bizzarro as we catch up with Superman's clone to add a little dark comedy to the mix. Lots of focus on Harley and Flash waivers in his faith in the regime. A BIG death in this one that took me by surprise.
July 14, 2017
Collects Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year 5 issues #8-14
This had some strong sections, and some weaker sections, but overall Superman is moving further and further over to the dark side. In fact, I think this volume features one of the most dastardly things that he has done so far in this series.
One complaint I would have is that almost every volume of this series features a face-to-face confrontation between Superman and Batman, and although Superman is willing to kill others without remorse, he never instantly murders Batman when he has the chance. He spends a lot of time trying to find Batman, but when he finds him, Superman never "pulls the trigger." The reason he doesn't kill Batman is because the story needs both men to be alive to create the conflict, but if that is the case then the writers should stop putting them in scenes together because it just doesn't make sense anymore.
Final rating = 3.5 stars
This had some strong sections, and some weaker sections, but overall Superman is moving further and further over to the dark side. In fact, I think this volume features one of the most dastardly things that he has done so far in this series.
One complaint I would have is that almost every volume of this series features a face-to-face confrontation between Superman and Batman, and although Superman is willing to kill others without remorse, he never instantly murders Batman when he has the chance. He spends a lot of time trying to find Batman, but when he finds him, Superman never "pulls the trigger." The reason he doesn't kill Batman is because the story needs both men to be alive to create the conflict, but if that is the case then the writers should stop putting them in scenes together because it just doesn't make sense anymore.
Final rating = 3.5 stars
September 24, 2018
Year 5 keeps moving along and this volume gives us a few massive changes in the status quo.
The first major thing to occur, and I suspect this may pay off later on down the line, is that the Bizarro Superman was killed and is now being studied. Unfortunately it is very much a case of Frankenstein's monster as it is probably better that he died than to leave him out there to his own devices. But I think later on, Bizarro's DNA may come into play.
Next is the fact that Superman straight up murders a bunch of civilians for protesting peacefully, albeit secretly, against his regime. This is a huge moment in my opinion because up until now, you could always kind of rationalize superman's actions as being done for the greater good, but this truly puts him in the "villain" category. To the point where if anyone was to see footage of the event, it would be the end of many of his alliances.
And last is the death of Alfred. It is strongly hinted that Superman sent Zsasz to do the deed but evidence is still needed. A vicious blow to Batman and his team that I feel will be a major source of vitreol for the conclusion to come.
Just when this series was starting to drag a bit, some major moments like this propel it forward. Great stuff.
The first major thing to occur, and I suspect this may pay off later on down the line, is that the Bizarro Superman was killed and is now being studied. Unfortunately it is very much a case of Frankenstein's monster as it is probably better that he died than to leave him out there to his own devices. But I think later on, Bizarro's DNA may come into play.
Next is the fact that Superman straight up murders a bunch of civilians for protesting peacefully, albeit secretly, against his regime. This is a huge moment in my opinion because up until now, you could always kind of rationalize superman's actions as being done for the greater good, but this truly puts him in the "villain" category. To the point where if anyone was to see footage of the event, it would be the end of many of his alliances.
And last is the death of Alfred. It is strongly hinted that Superman sent Zsasz to do the deed but evidence is still needed. A vicious blow to Batman and his team that I feel will be a major source of vitreol for the conclusion to come.
Just when this series was starting to drag a bit, some major moments like this propel it forward. Great stuff.
May 24, 2019
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five Vol. 2 by Brian Buccellato is a tie-in graphic novel to the popular video game series. In this book we are focused on the villains that fight back against Superman's reign that is now in its fifth year.
But it also a turn in the story line as no one can any longer hide themselves from the truth of Superman's reign. The brutality and contempt that Superman has for humanity. This is Superman without Clark Kent. There is a movie coming out soon called Brightburn that tries to answer the question of what would have happened had someone other than the Kents had found the last son of Krypton. Injustice: Gods Among Us already has answered this question.
Injustice also answers the question of what would have happened if Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent's roles had been reversed. If Clark Kent had suffered a loss like Bruce did. Only Clark suffers his loss as an adult and when the Joker kills everyone in Metropolis, including Lois Lane, Clark loses it. He commits murder and then imposes martial law on humanity. The protectors of humanity become the oppressors.
Batman, of course, rebels and Injustice begins.
In this volume, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Bizarro, Zsasz and the Joker acolytes tell their stories of rebellion. But the focus is on the battle between Batman and Superman and the once Justice League. A team shredding in its betrayal of the truth.
A terrific tale that will make you want to pick up all the others.
But it also a turn in the story line as no one can any longer hide themselves from the truth of Superman's reign. The brutality and contempt that Superman has for humanity. This is Superman without Clark Kent. There is a movie coming out soon called Brightburn that tries to answer the question of what would have happened had someone other than the Kents had found the last son of Krypton. Injustice: Gods Among Us already has answered this question.
Injustice also answers the question of what would have happened if Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent's roles had been reversed. If Clark Kent had suffered a loss like Bruce did. Only Clark suffers his loss as an adult and when the Joker kills everyone in Metropolis, including Lois Lane, Clark loses it. He commits murder and then imposes martial law on humanity. The protectors of humanity become the oppressors.
Batman, of course, rebels and Injustice begins.
In this volume, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Bizarro, Zsasz and the Joker acolytes tell their stories of rebellion. But the focus is on the battle between Batman and Superman and the once Justice League. A team shredding in its betrayal of the truth.
A terrific tale that will make you want to pick up all the others.
April 25, 2017
Series seems to be back on track and good, despite a few weird years there; however if this is supposed to be the finale...
Either it completely falls flat on its face and everyone involved just gave up - or it's insanely clever commentary from someone watching the 2016 election results while editing and thinking, "I want people to be able to feel this deserved sense of remorse and unease again."
Either it completely falls flat on its face and everyone involved just gave up - or it's insanely clever commentary from someone watching the 2016 election results while editing and thinking, "I want people to be able to feel this deserved sense of remorse and unease again."
April 21, 2017
Wow, we really have limped to the finish. This is just a bunch of filler before the next video game is out. Superman is shown to be a total tyrant and coward, worse than any villain out there. Barry Allen finally gets fed up, but the rest of the JL seems to be OK with Superman straight up murdering people.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2017
Granted, it's not perfect (Bizarro), but I still really, really enjoyed this, so I would have to rate it about a 4.6. I definitely look forward to more of Brian Buccellato's works in the future. My copy was obtained from a Goodreads Giveaway and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this; it is one of my top ten favorite wins.
November 3, 2017
Oh yeah things are getting intense as the big finale draws to a close in this awesome alternate history of your favorite DC heroes and villains. Great art and an intense storyline make this an incredible read. Very recommended
August 31, 2017
Bizarro sucked Big time! Harley Quinn was the star! At first it seemed like They where doing all kinds of side story's but the Story picked back up near the ending.
February 9, 2019
Such a shocking volume! This has become really really sad. And it's not like previous where the reasoning for both side was somewhat supportable. Now it has really become easy to pick sides.
May 24, 2017
I generally enjoyed it as much as any previous volume but I am getting a bit pissed off by the appearances of characters that have no (or very little) impact on the overall story.
March 2, 2017
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five Vol. 2 is written by Brian Buccellato and is the penultimate book in the series and collects issues 7 – 12, Superman has pretty much consolidated his totalitarian regime but is now determined to finally capture Batman who he perceives as the only real threat to his rule. We have finally reached the last year of the series and, in many way, it feels like its main purpose is to set the plotline up for the last volume. That is not to say this isn’t a fun fast read (it is) or that I didn’t enjoy it (I did) but it has that second-to-last-of-a-series feel to it – we are reaching the conclusion, we are starting to get answers including the origin of Bizarro Superman, and clearly the final showdown is imminent but we just aren’t quite there yet. So, although I can’t say that this grabbed me the way other parts of the story arc have, it has certainly made me anxious to read the final installment.
September 6, 2018
WHATTTTT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
I can't believe they. They killed ! I can't.
There were actually a lot of "I can't" moments in this volume:
1. Superman is straight-up murdering civilians now.
2. Harley and Batwoman had a We Are...Robin moment. (Though they were 100% right. The Joker is a terrible rallying symbol, especially in this story. + Harley was great this whole volume!)
3. Bizzaro dropped his friend. :'(
4. I can't believe they killed ...
5. Just when I thought Damian could come back, he and Batman are at it again. But this one was kind of the worst. He wasn't bluffing. :(
6. Barry is still a F***IN WUSS. I am SO disappointed in him.
Just when you think he finally flips, he flops.
What a destructive volume. 4 stars for picking up the pace!
I can't believe they. They killed ! I can't.
There were actually a lot of "I can't" moments in this volume:
1. Superman is straight-up murdering civilians now.
2. Harley and Batwoman had a We Are...Robin moment. (Though they were 100% right. The Joker is a terrible rallying symbol, especially in this story. + Harley was great this whole volume!)
3. Bizzaro dropped his friend. :'(
4. I can't believe they killed ...
5. Just when I thought Damian could come back, he and Batman are at it again. But this one was kind of the worst. He wasn't bluffing. :(
6. Barry is still a F***IN WUSS. I am SO disappointed in him.
Just when you think he finally flips, he flops.
What a destructive volume. 4 stars for picking up the pace!
January 2, 2017
Picking up from where it was leftover, the insurgents continues the struggle with regime to save Catwoman, but Catwoman has other thoughts about the rebellion. There's a one issue arc about Hawkgirl standing up to Hawkman for no real purpose. Then Bizarro returns although in this earth no one knew of his existence, Lex Luthor is likely behind the creation of Bizarro.
It really does feel like they are running out of ideas, I hope next volume picks up the pace.
It really does feel like they are running out of ideas, I hope next volume picks up the pace.
July 22, 2017
NOTE
While this review will be relatively spoiler-free, there may be some spoilers for previous volumes in the series.
This deeply emotional entry into the series cements Superman's tyrannical identity while also bringing many of the other characters to the point that players found them. This is perhaps the hardest hitting of the volumes so far and even though it doesn't quite wrap YEAR FIVE up into a neat little package, I did appreciate that the story took some time to slow down and savor each heartbreaking plot point.
CHARACTERS
There are a lot of characters that get some good attention in this installment. The Bizarro Superman and his new buddy, The Trickster, go rampaging around, stirring up all kinds of chaos. Since he was created by Lex, there are some interesting moments where the billionaire mastermind has to outmaneuver the super-beings who might expose his secret plot to take down (and replace) Superman. His scheming ways and the hardened morality of this version of Lex clash in some fun ways. Harley 's therapy sessions with a cardboard cutout were both hysterical and genuinely moving. This volume also introduced the first iteration of the Joker Clan, a group of anti-Regime activists whom Harley follows around. Batwoman finally gets a little more time to take part in the drama of it all. She's largely been an accessory to Batman's war this whole time so I very much appreciated seeing her operate on her own a little. A defeated Catwoman also has a couple of small appearances while Damian makes a key showing for the volume's finale. Batman and Alfred have some amazingly humanizing moments that were probably the highlight of the whole thing for me. It all comes down to a one on one fight between Batman and Superman with Damian standing by in confusion. The last chapters feature Flash struggling with his allegiances and slowly being pushed to pledge himself to The Regime. The internal conflict was portrayed every bit as well as the external conflict is depicted and I don't think these characters have ever been more compelling.
WORLD/SETTING
A shadow begins to fall over the world as Superman and his cronies solidify their iron grip while Batman and others do their best to frustrate those efforts. The result is conflict on a pretty large scale. The Joker Clan gathers in large abandoned buildings. Batman's allies brood and leap from towering buildings. Lex scrambles to protect himself in his laboratory/office building while Bizzarro flies from place to place leaving a trail of bodies and destruction in his wake. There are a lot of ominous references to a new super prison, though with the rate that both Supermen exterminate those who cross them, it's hard to imagine there being anyone left to lock away there. Tragedy strikes in the Batcave and The Rogues have a secret memorial service in a shady bar. The epic Batman v Superman showdown takes place in a simple dark alley but The Flash's journey of self-discovery brings him to a number of scenic locations. By the end, I felt as though I'd gotten a full tour of this world which made it that much sadder to know that freedom no longer reigns here.
PLOT/TONE
If lines weren't crossed before, they definitely are now. Even some of the most noble heroes have lived long enough to see themselves become a villain. Although previous years have consisted of two volumes, there appears to be a third part of YEAR FIVE set to come out this June. Due to that fact, not everything comes to a wrap in this one. There are still outstanding questions like whether Batwoman and Batgirl make it through the series and what eventually drives Catwoman to join up with Superman. There's also the matter of how the Joker Clan takes its place in the Insurgency. There are, however, plenty of things that do get tidied up. All remaining signs that Superman has any of his former self left are gone. He's become as ruthless as he was in the game and now that he's crossed certain lines, there will be no coming back. Batman finds himself trying to resist crossing a one of his own when misfortune falls upon one of the people he cares for most and Damian's true allegiances are tested as well. Even though I already knew how a lot of these things would turn out, this didn't diminish the emotional intensity of being in the moment with these characters which speaks highly to the writing. I never knew what would happen next and in spite of how much I wanted things to work out, I of course knew that there would not be any happy endings.
ARTWORK
The art was definitely on point at just about every turn here. A few of the backdrops are a little sparse at times, but that mostly only happened during points where the action shots hit an extreme angle
CONCLUSION
While this is neither an ending to the story nor this series, it did do a nice job of concluding certain story points in a satisfying way. I'm only disappointing that I'll have to wait a bit before the next volume comes out. I'm very glad that this series got as big as it did because it's offered a lot of epic super hero entertainment. I look forward to the next (and maybe last?) installment of this prequel series. In the meantime, I'll be diving into the new INJUSTICE 2 series which fills the gap between games as well as of course picking up the new video game as well.
While this review will be relatively spoiler-free, there may be some spoilers for previous volumes in the series.
This deeply emotional entry into the series cements Superman's tyrannical identity while also bringing many of the other characters to the point that players found them. This is perhaps the hardest hitting of the volumes so far and even though it doesn't quite wrap YEAR FIVE up into a neat little package, I did appreciate that the story took some time to slow down and savor each heartbreaking plot point.
CHARACTERS
There are a lot of characters that get some good attention in this installment. The Bizarro Superman and his new buddy, The Trickster, go rampaging around, stirring up all kinds of chaos. Since he was created by Lex, there are some interesting moments where the billionaire mastermind has to outmaneuver the super-beings who might expose his secret plot to take down (and replace) Superman. His scheming ways and the hardened morality of this version of Lex clash in some fun ways. Harley 's therapy sessions with a cardboard cutout were both hysterical and genuinely moving. This volume also introduced the first iteration of the Joker Clan, a group of anti-Regime activists whom Harley follows around. Batwoman finally gets a little more time to take part in the drama of it all. She's largely been an accessory to Batman's war this whole time so I very much appreciated seeing her operate on her own a little. A defeated Catwoman also has a couple of small appearances while Damian makes a key showing for the volume's finale. Batman and Alfred have some amazingly humanizing moments that were probably the highlight of the whole thing for me. It all comes down to a one on one fight between Batman and Superman with Damian standing by in confusion. The last chapters feature Flash struggling with his allegiances and slowly being pushed to pledge himself to The Regime. The internal conflict was portrayed every bit as well as the external conflict is depicted and I don't think these characters have ever been more compelling.
WORLD/SETTING
A shadow begins to fall over the world as Superman and his cronies solidify their iron grip while Batman and others do their best to frustrate those efforts. The result is conflict on a pretty large scale. The Joker Clan gathers in large abandoned buildings. Batman's allies brood and leap from towering buildings. Lex scrambles to protect himself in his laboratory/office building while Bizzarro flies from place to place leaving a trail of bodies and destruction in his wake. There are a lot of ominous references to a new super prison, though with the rate that both Supermen exterminate those who cross them, it's hard to imagine there being anyone left to lock away there. Tragedy strikes in the Batcave and The Rogues have a secret memorial service in a shady bar. The epic Batman v Superman showdown takes place in a simple dark alley but The Flash's journey of self-discovery brings him to a number of scenic locations. By the end, I felt as though I'd gotten a full tour of this world which made it that much sadder to know that freedom no longer reigns here.
PLOT/TONE
If lines weren't crossed before, they definitely are now. Even some of the most noble heroes have lived long enough to see themselves become a villain. Although previous years have consisted of two volumes, there appears to be a third part of YEAR FIVE set to come out this June. Due to that fact, not everything comes to a wrap in this one. There are still outstanding questions like whether Batwoman and Batgirl make it through the series and what eventually drives Catwoman to join up with Superman. There's also the matter of how the Joker Clan takes its place in the Insurgency. There are, however, plenty of things that do get tidied up. All remaining signs that Superman has any of his former self left are gone. He's become as ruthless as he was in the game and now that he's crossed certain lines, there will be no coming back. Batman finds himself trying to resist crossing a one of his own when misfortune falls upon one of the people he cares for most and Damian's true allegiances are tested as well. Even though I already knew how a lot of these things would turn out, this didn't diminish the emotional intensity of being in the moment with these characters which speaks highly to the writing. I never knew what would happen next and in spite of how much I wanted things to work out, I of course knew that there would not be any happy endings.
ARTWORK
The art was definitely on point at just about every turn here. A few of the backdrops are a little sparse at times, but that mostly only happened during points where the action shots hit an extreme angle
CONCLUSION
While this is neither an ending to the story nor this series, it did do a nice job of concluding certain story points in a satisfying way. I'm only disappointing that I'll have to wait a bit before the next volume comes out. I'm very glad that this series got as big as it did because it's offered a lot of epic super hero entertainment. I look forward to the next (and maybe last?) installment of this prequel series. In the meantime, I'll be diving into the new INJUSTICE 2 series which fills the gap between games as well as of course picking up the new video game as well.
March 24, 2017
Kneel before Kal-El? We are now in year five of Superman's rule of the earth. He has taken on Batman & his allies, magic and even the gods themselves and is still standing. In Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five Volume Two things have become dark and hopeless on our planet. Supes continues to push back the insurgency of those foolish enough to challenge his rule. Batman is trying to formulate a plan with his allies scattered and keeping his location hidden. Writer Buccellato has created a incredible narrative and drama here. The artwork is not bad either. It is not as good as some of the earlier issues but there are still some great panels. I have to say those looking for a brooding and darker Superman I hope your reading this series. Things get really dark in this volume. Some of the things Superman is willing to do to maintain his empire are really low. I divide this story into two halves. The first part of the book we follow Harley Quinn who oddly is at battle with herself and her character arc is pretty good here. Buccellato gives us a good balance of a funny Quinn with a more cerebral Quinn. Her interactions with Billy Batson aka Shazam were a pleasant chain of events in this book. The latter half of the book to me felt like a Flash centered arc. This latter half has some interesting developments. One could say that the Flash almost trapped Buccellato into a corner after all his ability to travel through time could solve the plot. That is the problem not just for the Flash but many of the powerhouses in the DC comics universe. They are all gods so it can be hard to present formidable challenges for characters like Superman. But Barry's ability to time travel is a power not to be reckoned with or underestimated. In short this series continues to be one of the best books DC comics is publishing. The story is always exciting and you never know what is going to happen. For those looking for more darker versions of the DC Universe of heroes I recommend reading The Multiversity, Superman: Red Son, Damian: Son of Batman, Flashpoint, Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint Featuring Batman, Watchmen, Forever Evil & JLA: Earth 2.
August 18, 2024
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year 5, Vol. 2
DC, Collects issues 8-14
Meet the Joker Underground, a Gotham resistance group. Harley and Batwoman try to talk sense to them.
Superman greets the group with heat vision. No more resistance group.
Trickster introduces Bizarro to cheeseburgers. Bizarro is an instant fan. Then it all goes to Hell due to a few mishaps. Bizarro takes a very broken Trickster to Lex Luthor to “fix.”
At the Fortress of Solitude, Bizarro battles a Lex controlled-Doomsday and Superman too. It turns into a Three-Way Dance (Buy the book - https://www.amazon.com/Three-Way-Danc...).
All bets are off. Doomsday does the KRK-KRK-KRK-Krunch to Bizarro’s neck. Exit Bizarro.
Flash pays respect, a toast to the fallen Rogues with the surviving Rogues.
Shazam and a powered-up Harley throwdown. Harley leaves, disappointed in Billy Batson.
Last page this chapter, Hawkman agrees to join the Bat-Team.
In the Batcave, Damien finds a savaged Alfred, attacked by scarred villain Zsasz.
Batman finds Zsasz. Damien finds Batman. Damian to Bruce – “Kill him. Or I will.”
Enter Superman. Thanks to a green pill, a Suped-up Batman takes down the Man of Steel, blaming him for the escape of Zsasz and Alfred’s death.
Flash, GL Hal, and Wonder Woman enter the fray. Flash saves Batman from the Regime. I did not see that coming.
Flash kills King Shark to save Iris West. Iris surrenders to Girder, part of the Regime. Iris tells the Flash “You’re just like the rest of the Regime. No better than Superman.”
Superman is unhappy with the Flash’s actions and tells him “Get out of my sight until I have need of you.”
But Barry and Bruce have had dialogue. Bruce has an idea to reset everything. The Flash is unwilling to agree this volume. We will see if he changes his mind next volume.
I like that this volume is more focused on established characters and not many surprises from external sources, other than Hawkman. Not the Deux ex machina present in other volumes.
DC, Collects issues 8-14
Meet the Joker Underground, a Gotham resistance group. Harley and Batwoman try to talk sense to them.
Superman greets the group with heat vision. No more resistance group.
Trickster introduces Bizarro to cheeseburgers. Bizarro is an instant fan. Then it all goes to Hell due to a few mishaps. Bizarro takes a very broken Trickster to Lex Luthor to “fix.”
At the Fortress of Solitude, Bizarro battles a Lex controlled-Doomsday and Superman too. It turns into a Three-Way Dance (Buy the book - https://www.amazon.com/Three-Way-Danc...).
All bets are off. Doomsday does the KRK-KRK-KRK-Krunch to Bizarro’s neck. Exit Bizarro.
Flash pays respect, a toast to the fallen Rogues with the surviving Rogues.
Shazam and a powered-up Harley throwdown. Harley leaves, disappointed in Billy Batson.
Last page this chapter, Hawkman agrees to join the Bat-Team.
In the Batcave, Damien finds a savaged Alfred, attacked by scarred villain Zsasz.
Batman finds Zsasz. Damien finds Batman. Damian to Bruce – “Kill him. Or I will.”
Enter Superman. Thanks to a green pill, a Suped-up Batman takes down the Man of Steel, blaming him for the escape of Zsasz and Alfred’s death.
Flash, GL Hal, and Wonder Woman enter the fray. Flash saves Batman from the Regime. I did not see that coming.
Flash kills King Shark to save Iris West. Iris surrenders to Girder, part of the Regime. Iris tells the Flash “You’re just like the rest of the Regime. No better than Superman.”
Superman is unhappy with the Flash’s actions and tells him “Get out of my sight until I have need of you.”
But Barry and Bruce have had dialogue. Bruce has an idea to reset everything. The Flash is unwilling to agree this volume. We will see if he changes his mind next volume.
I like that this volume is more focused on established characters and not many surprises from external sources, other than Hawkman. Not the Deux ex machina present in other volumes.
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