Injustice 2, Vol. 2

Injustice 2 #13-24, 27-28

by Tom Taylor

The prequel tale to the most highly anticipated video game of 2017 continues with INJUSTICE 2 VOL. 2!

From the makers of the critically acclaimed prequel comic to the smash-hit fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us comes the highly anticipated prequel to Injustice 2! Batman has triumphed over the tyranical Superman! But now he must piece all of the world back together. From best-selling writer Tom Taylor, scribe of the original INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US graphic novel series, comes INJUSTICE 2! Collects issues #7-12, 14.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Batman, Comic Book, Superheroes, Fantasy

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2018

About the author

Once a professional juggler and fire eater, Tom Taylor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling, multi-award-winning comic book writer, playwright and screenwriter.

Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.

He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.

He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing how much this series suffers when Tom Taylor isn't writing it. See Injustice: Ground Zero for how bad the series gone wrong can be. Because this is basically an Elseworlds book, Taylor can take chances with characters that other writers can't. Ra's basically forces things to a confrontation between Batman's team and the others on the side of wiping out humanity in order to save the planet. I really liked how Plastic Man was handled here. It may be the best he's ever been written. It made me realize he's what the current Justice League team is missing from Rebirth, that Spider-Man like character to lighten the mood.

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good volume with lots of action!

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty interesting read!

We have multiple events taking place but the big one is when Ra's takes the children of the heroes and what they do to rescue them and its pretty intriguing. I love the breakout and all and the inclusion of Plastic man and Harley being crazy and all and the eventual fight with Ra's and Bruce and Alfred reuniting and his children stuff was dramatic but the main one being the ending with the trial of Bruce and what actually was Ra's plan all along and his further plans too!

Its a great volume and the build up is awesome, its all action and so many character moments like with Wildcat and then Conner and more importantly with Bruce and the insane things to still come. Loved the whole thing and the art was great again and Redondo, Sampere and all are evolving as artists and its great to see. Taylor's writing is on point here. A must recommend!

[Manisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The highlights were definitely Alfred being the ultimate Dad, Harley being the ultimate Mom, and little baby Connor being a proud baby hero. I would also like to shove Damian off a very high cliff.

There was one character I really missed though...

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was fun, funny, and I quite enjoyed the twists throughout.

"Ra's al Ghul said, 'Ouchy'?!" :D

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn, I'm so glad Tom Taylor is back to writing INjustice.

So this builds up the Ra vs Batman war. Ra has his own team, Batman has his, but see the thing is this doesn't feel as one sided. Before Batman had to face off against gods. Now he's facing someone more on his level but almost as smart if not smarter. On top of that Ra decides to take the kids, including Oliver's own child, which brings some major moments for Green Arrow and Black Canary. Inbetween all this terrible things we do get a lot of human moments, a revival, and betrayal.

Good: Fucking dialog is perfect. I mean it. These characters are different than the norm of the DC Universe but they work so goddamn well for Tom's world/view of DC. I love how they act and react to each other. I also really enjoyed they give a lot of love to minor DC characters like Black Lightning, Animal Man, Blue Beetle, and more. The art remains solid throughout and there's some great fighting moments.

Bad: The stakes do feel less in this title than Injustice year 1 and 2. I mean how do you top a God-like alien killing heroes and Green Lantern Corps going to War? You can't.

Saying that, the series is still something special. The smaller stakes, the human character reactions and the way they talk and fight, and the emotional moments all hit. Injustice 2 Volume 2 remains one of the best DC Titles out. 4 out of 5.

[Jessica Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Injustice 2 Vol.2 is captivating with writing at its finest. A story line that ensnared me from page one and could not be pried from my hands until I finished it. The art is splendidly dark and stunning to fully illustrate the story. From a wedding to a kidnapping to impeding doom with a demon thrown in the mix, it keeps the pages turning for a mind blowing read. The story is so full of twists and turns, the good guys and the bad guys get a little mixed up. Harley rocks as always and the kids show promise for future stories. Overall, this story line would be great cinematic action and is down right spectacular in graphic novel form. I feel traumatized slightly but still with the need to re-read. Just wow! My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

[Koen · Rating 4 out of 5]

just loving this series... Keeps getting better and better!

[Molly™☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation that remains just as intense and high-stakes as the previous volume, it manages to inflect some well-timed humour into a largely bleak world through the utilisation of Plastic Man and his son, Luke. Whilst I admit to not being the biggest fan of some of the characterisations - many of the problems I have are prominent here - Taylor's writing accompanied by the fantastic art makes it hard to not get completely engrossed. Another entry, another hit, another winner.

[RG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. Ra vs Batman, animal man, plastic man at his best. This had everything. Tom Taylor needs to be commended on his writing, especially his dialogue. It doesnt feel like the end of the world as in Injustice Year One etc but its still packed full of action.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an action-packed volume this was! Batman and Batgirl lead a covert strike force deep into the heart of Gorilla City to stop a dangerous alliance between Gorilla King Salavar and Ra's Al Ghul and save the kidnapped kids. But then it all goes to shit. I love how in all the superhero antics, Tom Taylor still finds the time to touch on the moral questions on both sides, showing that right and wrong isn't as simple as we think. And Plastic Man is in this! So this series is a treasure!

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Taylor is the King!

(And I guess Tom King is the Taylor?)

Joshing aside, this was another stellar compilation of Injustice, even with no Superman or Supergirl in sight

Exhibit A: Booster Gold used juuuuuust right,



Exhibit B: Batman gets the very public dressing down we've all secretly been praying for,



Honestly, do you need any more? Read this thing!

[Trike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear DC: Tom Taylor should write all the things.

This installment is a bit disjointed compared to previous outings, but Taylor at 3/4 speed is still better than most writers working at full strength.

Ra’s al-Ghul is angry about humanity’s destruction of the natural world, but his idea to wipe out vast swaths of people puts him on the wrong side of everyone. His choice to hold superkids hostage to ensure Batman and team won’t interfere with his plans is misguided. Of course Team Batman is going to come after him. Naturally tragedy ensues. How could it not?

I suspect this story is going to get much worse for everyone involved, especially once Atlantis comes under attack by the US. I can only hope it will be as epic as previous installments. I trust it will.

I’m completely on board with Damian’s assessment that everything is ultimately Batman’s fault. If he had killed The Joker at any point, none of this would have ever happened. Sparing Joker’s life has always been irrational, and Damian’s accusation that Bruce needs people he’s close to to suffer and/or die in order to fuel his crusade is spot on. Here’s hoping that realization plays out in the next installment.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Still holding onto this series, but since I’m not reading them back-to-back, I’m forgetting stuff and losing some steam. On the bright side, after an issue or two, it’s very easy to remember a lot of the story.

[Jesse A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is not going well.

[Hannah Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5/5

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 2 starts with a funeral, a wedding, and a (re)birth.

When it rains it pours in Injustice.

Characters:

I love Batman, as always. He's been a consistent awesome in Injustice, and Tom Taylor gives him some fun moments here too! The Lord of the Rings joke (<3!), the tracker in Conner, and his exchanges with Plastic Man, who is all kinds of hilarious.



and



Ras is a great villain here. His cause is "just" and he gets good guys to say that the bad things he's doing (killing humans) is for the greater good of the environment, the planet, animals etc... That's pretty dark.

Harley Quinn is as wonderful as ever.
Her lines are quippy and funny and full of "inside jokes":
"I'm more worried about Lucy spending her life in the underground headquarters of a super-villain. I've been trapped with a super-villain. It's... not the best."

and
Conner: "I thought you were on their side?"
HQ: "Are you kidding? They're crazy!"

Blue Beetle...
I hate to say I told ya so, but Batman was right about Jaime Reyes. He just wasn't ready to join the operation, and because of that he totally screwed the pooch. Sure, Plastic Man was right, it was an accident, but Jaime did cause the accident... Poor kid.

Alfred! Alfred is alive, I want to weep! I'm so happy!!
I hope he stays on team Batman, and maybe they can turn Damian!
I don't know about the daughter, but I'd like to see Damian back with Bruce. Robin back with Batman.

Speaking of Batman, did we take guesses yet on who the bad Batman is? I'm thinking Jason? Or someone related to the Batfamily to make it extra devastating?

The destruction of the animal sanctuary was heartbreaking, but kinda so was Aqualad's betrayal. :(
Everything is blowing up! Ah!

The ending with the trial was upsetting, and then Catwoman's appearance was exciting, and then Brother Eye's reveal was upsetting again. I hate Brother Eye!

[Will Robinson Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb. Tom Taylor continues all the drama and action from the last volume Injustice 2. The artwork is always great to look at in this series as well. I am always happy to see which corner of the DC universe we visit in this series. Even though the world of Injustice is a darker version of the DC Universe Taylor still writes each character with a sense of wit & humor. In this volume Batman & his allies have to face Ras Hul Ghul who has taken the opportunity to destroy half the planet in the wake of the defeat of Superman's regime. In a way Batman should have saw this coming as their is now a power vacuum in the world waiting for all types of evil doers to press their advantage. I really enjoyed the inclusion of Plastic man in this volume and his importance to the story. The stuff with Damian, Bruce, and Alfred was worth the price of admission. As I have said before this is the most constantly good DC series around. Now that DC comics is getting a streaming service perhaps they should consider turning this into an animated series for the service.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Injustice 2 Vol. 2

Ra's al Ghul has kidnapped the children of the Justice League. Batman authorises a rescue mission in the Amazon, leaving the President unprotected in Washington DC. When a devastating attack occurs in America, Bruce Wayne is tried for his complicity in an assassination.

Fantastic artwork and a fascinating plot with plenty of twists, Taylor keeps the readers engaged at every level.

[Cleber Fregatto · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot here got much better while is still confusing to understand how the heroes and as per consequence, the world, deals in this Injustice world. Bringing back a classic Batman baddie refresh things up with a political intrigue. Injustice universe has always been about values and morals and it’s good to see that they kept this here. The writing does not follow the amazing artwork, plus the twist works very well.

[Myles Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great volume by Taylor. I like all of the characterization a lot here and Alfred’s return was a pleasant surprise. I’m also liking the government involvement with everything that’s going down. Makes it feel more real. This volume is just bogged down by the fact that so much is going on that it feels kinda cramped. But that might just be me.

[Graham Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've come to the conclusion, like many readers before me, Tom Taylor's Injustice story telling is second to none. Vol 2 just like vol 1 is exciting, thought provoking and pure entertainment I just didn't want to put it down.
The villain is trying to do the right thing, like the best villains you feel a sort of connection because you know what they're saying makes absolute sense. They're just not doing it the right way.
I'm so confused, am I on team Ras 🤔 no, probably not because he still has cry boy Damien on his team so there's still that.

Once again, can't wait to read Vol 3 😁

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 2 continues the intensity while leading closer to the beginning of the video game.
Here we have:
- The Green Wedding; between Ollie and Dinah, has to have battle, which it does, and after, they head off to rescue their son (as well as Black Lightning's two daughters and Harley's daughter)
- Needing help on the rescue effort, they recruit Plastic Man and his son
- Part of the rescue involves Batman seeking to rescue Alfred (brought back to life by a Lazarus Pit) from Damian
-During the rescue, Harley turns back from Ra's and the Suicide Squad to assist in the rescue, putting her child first. When Deadshot is about to trigger her head bomb, it fails due to The Atom cutting the wires.
-While the rescue is going on, Batman has left Aqualad and Steel in charge of the safety of the new President-Elect. Fearing an attack, they continue to look for suspicious behavior. Aqualad, being the traitor the whole time, causes an attack that kills the majority of the American Government, leaving next in the chain of command (or the next President) Black Lightning.
-Ra's, with the help of Ivy, Vixen, and Animal Man, has built an underground sanctuary that contains lots of rare plant and animal species. When battle between the forces breaks out, Blue Beetle, who had been left as an outside guard for their escape route, bursts in and begins an attack. Hitting El Diablo with the full force of his cannons, Blue Beetle causes El Diablo to not be able to hold on to his inner flames, and as he lashes out, it destroys everything in the sanctuary.
- Ra's vows revenge and tells Batman he has doomed humanity forever.
- The Volume ends with our heroes going to the sub-BatCave, which houses a huge, mysterious observation system known as Brother Eye (which we see in the video game).

Really looking forward to more Volumes of this. Just as great as the game.
Recommend.

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Injustice 2 Vol. 2 collects issues 7-12 & 14 of the DC Comics series written by Tom Taylor with art by Bruno Redondo, Daniel Sampere, and Juan Albarran.

With another war seemingly before them, heroes Green Arrow and Black Canary take the time to get married for a brief chance of a happy memory before all hell breaks loose. Before the wedding can begin, Damian Wayne stages a kidnapping of the children of Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Black Lightning. The heroes have no choice to but to conduct a daring rescue mission using one of the most dangerous and powerful people on the planet… Plastic Man!

I love how serious and powerful Taylor writes Plastic Man. Often seen as a comedy and throwaway joke of a character, Taylor gives him his comedy dues while also making him a major player in the DC Universe. This was another amazing arc that also added one of my favorite JSA characters, Wildcat, into the mix.

[Doctor Doom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were merely a two star [Connor being a brat] whilst parts were 4 star [Connor being a hero]- hence 3 stars. Still better than Vol. 1

[Brian Rosenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Injustice 2, Volume 2
DC, Collects issues 7-12 & 14

Opening scene. Ted Kord’s (Blue Beetle) funeral. Ted was executed in the previous volume at the orders of Ra's Al Ghul.
Green Arrow proposes to Black Canary at his gravesite. It’s complicated. Read previous volumes.
Cut to the wedding. Batman exits in a rush, arriving at Wayne Manor. He finds Damian holding Alfred’s corpse. Things get worse when super villains crash the nuptials. Shock!
The heroes’ offspring are kidnapped by the villains.
Cut to Damien with Alfred’s corpse, descending into a Lazarus Pit, “I can bring you back.”
Ra’s Al Ghul threatens Batman and crew, “Stay out of our way.” Batgirl steps up, saying she’ll lead the rescue mission because the others are too emotionally involved. She need one specific hero – Plastic Man (and his son Luke). They join the cause. So does Blue Beetle.
Animal Man tells Daimian that he sided with Ra’s after witnessing all the species he’s saved from extinction, “I’ve felt their loneliness as they disappeared.”
The Bat team infiltrates Ra’s sanctuary. Harley Quinn flips sides, joining the heroes.
Batman and Damien throwdown. Alfred intervenes. Alfred negotiates peace when things go to Hell. Diablo accidentally sets the sanctuary ablaze after being attacked by Blue Beetle.
Cut to the Presidential Inauguration, Aqualad reveals his true agenda. His tidal wave towers the Washington Monument and drowns the US Government.
After condemning Batman’s opposition, Ra’s reveals alliances with Gorilla City and Professor Ivo.
Booster Gold arrives to counsel Blue Beetle.
Meet President Black Lightning.
Book ends with Bruce Wayne on trial.

I welcome the next volume.

Best quotes:
Green Arrow after being shot, “Bulletproof tux. I’m a practical romantic.”
Harley Quinn, “These are the kind of people who would beat a nun to death with a puppy.”
Plastic Man referring to Batman, “He really does have a heart buried under all that Kevlar and grimace.”
Harley Quinn when Conner shows his power, “Oh snap. The Green Canary.”

[Rolando Marono · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seguimos con el maratón de Injustice 2, leyendo todos los tomos de corrido. Este segundo tomo trae más de lo mismo. Realmente es como una telenovela, Tom Taylor escoge los sucesos que podrían causar más shock, sin importarle realmente la trama o la construcción de dichos sucesos. Nuestros personajes siguen en una guerra, antes era contra Superman, ahora es contra un Ra's al Ghul fuera de personaje ya que es todo pacífico y no quiere matar a nadie.
Todo arranca con la boda de Green Arrow, que la simple aparición de estos dos personajes me decepciona un poco porque le quita validez a momentos importantes de Injustice 1.
El resto del tomo es un asalto a la base de operaciones de Ra's pero hay más momentos shockeantes que no quisiera spoilear, matanzas masivas, traiciones, resurrecciones, etc. Lo típico de una novela que parece que tiene todo lo que ofrece el Universo DC en un sólo tomo.
Y la conclusión, no puedo hablar de la conclusión porque es introducir otro aspecto importante del universo DC que ha detonado otros eventos importantes. En serio Taylor está aventando todo lo que se le ocurre a esto. Pero entiendo que a los lectores nuevos, o los que sólo han jugado el video juego, esto podría gustarles mucho.
El arte me gusta mucho, los colores se me hacen muy amigables y resaltan las páginas y la acción.

[47Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

And here I thought Plastic Man was annoying. Taylor makes him fun AND useful.

While Green Arrow and Black Canary are getting their marriege ceremony trashed by evil Batman, Damian steals Alfred's body to draw Batman away. The children are kidnapped to use as bargaining chips, together with a resurrected, but still catatonic Alfred. The bad guys' use of teleportation is a bit unfair, so the good guys are on the losing end so far.

Batman decides to get Plastic Man and his son to help. They infiltrate the bad guy's base, but become trapped inside. The fights down there are pretty cool. Even the captured kids deal a few solid hits. To top it off, Alfred recovers and almost manages to get Batman and Ra's to sit and talk. A misunderstanding gets the two sides fighting again until Ra's al Ghul's animal sanctuary for many almost extinct species is completely destroyed.

What Batman finds later on is that Ra's also had Aqualad kill all US government officials at the president's inauguration. Jefferson Pierce is the next in line to become the US president, though he is suspected of colluding with Batman against the previous president.

[Graham Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Read in 2019, Review from 2024)

Again, this was another solid volume although if Injustice 1 was an indication there’s a chance that this series will lose steam later on. But this one was solid, continuing on with the morally gray dilemma of the Injustice universe. Instead of whether Earth should be ruled by a tyrant to ensure safety, it's a debate on whether humanity should be culled to save the climate and ecosystem. Depressing but leads to great exchanges between Batman’s faction and Ra’s al Ghul's.

As heavy as the volume could be there was some fun to it all. The highlight of the volume is the return of Plastic Man!



In this depressing universe, Plastic Man is a needed source of levity and I’m glad he was brought back to rescue Black Lightning’s daughters and Black Canary’s and Green Arrow’s son. Lot of other good appearances here like Harley (and her daughter), Wild Cat, and a resurrected Alfred. Lot of good character moments from each to supplement the tough debate of the series. Definitely this volume is worth a read (especially if you like Plastic Man)

[Alex E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book keeps ramping up the stakes as this one gets personal.

Not only do we have the interrupted marriage of Dinah and Ollie, but we also have Damian using the goddamn lazarus pit to bring back Alfred! such a betrayal by Damian, I dont think Batman will be able to pull back from this one.

Its amazing how Taylor is integrating various aspects of the DC universe into this book, many of which were missing from the first Injustice story. Which is certainly understandable because they weren't really necessary. But this story expands in all directions, where we have characters and mentions of events/places that have me constantly going ... "oh yeah, where WAS he/she during last years events?".

This volume feels like more setup but damn if it doesn't work. Great stuff, looking forward to the next volume.