Injustice: Gods Among Us Year One, Volume 2 Review

In Injustice: Gods Among Us Year One, Volume 2 (issues 7-12), Superman tightens his grip on the world following the devastating loss of his family, adopting an increasingly authoritarian approach. His methods create a deepening rift with Batman, who forms a resistance against the Man of Steel’s regime. As tensions rise, heroes begin to take sides, with Wonder Woman standing by Superman, while Batman gathers allies to challenge his growing control. Conflict looms on the horizon.

Plot:

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year One, Volume 2 deepens the harrowing tale of a world irrevocably altered by tragedy and moral decay. Following the Joker's devastating attack that leads to the deaths of Lois Lane and their unborn child, Superman's grief morphs into an authoritarian grip on Earth. His desire to eliminate crime transforms him into a tyrant, igniting a brutal civil war among the heroes. Batman, appalled by Superman's methods, leads a resistance, forming the Insurgency to counter his former ally's regime. Wonder Woman, fiercely loyal to Superman, becomes an unyielding enforcer, pushing him further down a dark path reminiscent of Zod's influence over Faora.

The narrative intricately weaves themes of fear, anger, and betrayal as heroes choose sides, showcasing the complex motivations behind their decisions. Lex Luthor’s development of a pill that grants ordinary people superpowers adds a chilling twist, allowing Batman to level the playing field by distributing these pills to heroes and select villains.

Key character deaths amplify the stakes; the choices made resonate deeply within the story. The conflict is rich with moral ambiguity, as even beloved characters like Flash and Shazam grapple with their loyalties. This volume delivers a gripping exploration of how power corrupts and the painful cost of vigilantism, leaving readers eager for the next chapter in this dark reimagining of the DC Universe.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Production:

Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year One, Volume 2, written by Tom Taylor, continues to deliver a gripping, tragic story of heroes torn apart by grief, morality, and power. The narrative explores what happens when Superman abandons his role as Earth’s protector and driven by loss, takes on the role of ruler. The tension between Superman’s growing authoritarianism and Batman’s resistance forms the backbone of this volume, with strong focus on characters like Damian Wayne and Wonder Woman. Taylor excels at building believable motivations and inner conflicts, showing how even the noblest heroes can be corrupted by pain.

The artwork, featuring contributions from artists such as Tom Derenick, Neil Googe, Kevin Maguire, Mike S. Miller, Bruno Redondo, and Jheremy Raapack, effectively enhances the story’s intense emotions. Each artist brings their unique style, yet the overall tone remains cohesive. The character designs are standout, with striking costume details that convey the dark shifts in the heroes’ personalities. The action sequences are brutal and well-executed, matching the escalating violence of the storyline.

The paneling and pacing maintain a good flow, balancing heavy dialogue with intense battles. The different sides of the conflict are shown clearly, and Taylor’s ability to push the moral gray areas keeps readers engaged, making this volume a must read for DC fans.

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Verdict:

In the end, Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year One, Volume 2 continues Tom Taylor’s gripping exploration of morality, power, and grief in a world forever changed by tragedy. Superman’s descent into tyranny and Batman’s desperate resistance forms the emotional core, while complex character motivations keep the story engaging. The art enhances the escalating conflict, with dynamic action and expressive designs. This volume delivers a compelling, morally ambiguous narrative, leaving readers eager for the next chapter in this dark DC saga. Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year One, Volume 2 gets 4 out of 5.

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