Injustice Gods Among Us Year Two #1 Review

In space, no one can hear you scream.

I reviewed the first digital chapter of Injustice but due to the Injustice coming out in print form now even before the digital counterpart, I have decided to review only the print versions now.

Check out my review of the first chapter of Year Two 'Third Wheel' on this page.

I'll be covering the second chapter 'Fear' in this review only (giving marks for the entire issue though) but for the future installments, I will be reviewing the entire book.

Tom sent us through a nostalgic trip in the first part of the book but now, it's time to face that fact that this Universe has become cruel and unforgiving just like Superman.

This art remains solid and the digital-to-print conversion is great.

SPOILERS FOLLOW.................................

Kyle Rayner is returning to Earth from a long mission outer space. He's been away for over a year (so just before Superman went mad) and doesn't know the situation.

Kyle is the everyman and we get some beautiful moments as Kyle wonders about the girl who gave him her number before he left and whether she is still available.

But this illusion of tranquility is quickly snatched as Kyle is captured by Sinestro and his Corps. Sinestro is watching Earth and especially, Superman's reign.

Back on Earth, Batman is able to wake up and finds Alfred and Zatanna hovering over him. Apparently, Superman suspects magical interference but Raven is unable to find the place where Bruce is holed up - in the Tower of Fate!

Superman, on the other hand, has gone to James Gordon looking for Batman. Finding no answer, Superman leaves but not before harshly telling Gordon that he has lung cancer and should watch out for his daughter.

Going from a bleak place to a bleaker one, Sinestro rips out Kyle's ring finger. With Sinestro's group holding Kyle on all sides, Sinestro orders his execution as he continues to watch the proceedings.

Poor Kyle. He got only one chapter (and no, it was wrong hair colouring. Kyle wasn't there when Superman killed Lois. It was Hal with black hair) and though it is to Tom's credit that we got the essence of the character in those few pages, his death was a let-down.

There were shades of Sinestro Corps War here (Kyle being overcome by fear) but still, Kyle's death felt somewhat cheap unlike Captain Atom or Green Arrow.

Bringing Zatanna into the fold (especially given the pre New 52 connotations here) was welcome as was Sinestro's arrival.

SPOILERS END..........................................

Some new characters were introduced in this chapter, most of them welcome. One issue though did detract from the experience, and I mentioned that in the spoilers above.

Tom is able to get to the core of the characters though and helps us see in very little who they are. The artwork is excellent, which is a step-up from the erratic nature in the initial run.

So, I give it 9.0 out of 10

+Some excellent character work
+The art is wonderful
+The pieces are set up brilliantly

-An event near the end came off wrong