Injustice Gods Among Us Year Three #9 Review

Fun and games.

We finally get the reveal about who the Spectre was, but it does bring in its own share of headaches.

Brian Buccellato has had an uneven start to his run and while it does improve thanks to better writing and the awesome artwork, it still has some road to go before it reaches the Taylor-era greatness.

SPOILERS FOLLOW……………….

Dick Grayson, currently Deadman, visits Arkham Asylum and finds a half-crazed Jim Corrigan.

Meanwhile, Batman and co are facing a powerful Superman Army – but thanks to the Super Pills and Fate’s machinations, they are at an even footing.

But the tide begins to turn when Sinestro murders Klarion behind his back. Wonder Woman and Superman are outraged, giving Constantine the respite to bring the current scenario to Trigon’s attention – who has been told by Etrigan’s minions that Raven is a prisoner of the Army.

With Trigon facing the Army, the Resistance leaves for the House of Mystery alongwith their Prisoners of War. Apparently, Detective Chimp had a permanent bond with Klarion that broke when the later died. This leads to Chimp’s removal from existence as well.

As they try to gather their wits, Grayson visits Bruce with news that Jim Corrigan is at Arkham and that something magical has been interfering with him – and we see who as Trigon is knocked out by Mr Mxyzptlk.

There were a lot of things to love and hate in this issue. Harley continues to be the comic relief of the story, as she and Shazam prove to be a great combo. And her last moments with Chimp were bittersweet.

Talking about Chimp, there were several things I felt were under-explained in this issue. We have no idea what Klarion’s deal was – he’s a lord of chaos needed a familiar to keep himself on the physical plane.

Sinestro’s attack should have tickled. And was Chimp his familiar? We never really got any scene explaining why Chimp was alive after the fake Spectre’s attack on Blood’s home – proving problematic when he apparently got erased from existence.

Now, onto the big point – Mxyzptlk? He’s a very powerful imp from the 5^th dimension (mainly known as imagination) and his power levels are great enough for him to pose as the Spectre.

But why the subtle disguise? Mxyzptlk didn’t need it – he could have influenced things from behind the curtain without Superman knowing. Another massive problem is the Imp’s power levels. He’s basically a God – and I really don’t understand how Trigon is still alive or even any of the Resistance.

Using this character brings in a fair share of headaches, but if Klarion is anything to go by – copouts may be the only way to stop these Godlike beings.

SPOILERS END………………….

The artwork is a welcome change after last issue’s meltdown, but there are enough problems here to be guarded about this run.

The new character introduced here does bring in some answers, but events lead to more questions that feel like they’ll never be answered.

So, I give it 7.0 out of 10.

+The artwork

+The battle is spectacular

-Some leaps are taken without any explanation

-The new character introduced may prove to be problematic