By Ashley Gibbs
While Superman was detained in the previous issue, the prison break did succeed in its mission to release Damian Wayne. In Injustice 2 #4 we find out why and if his mother’s appearance in the previous issue was a tip-off, then you know what to expect. While this book isn’t filled with as much action we do get some good story that moves the plot forward for Harley and her situation. We also get some tender memories from Batman though not too much in the way of moving the plot forward with him, but I enjoyed the story told nonetheless. This was a pretty good read that really helps flesh out the characters involved.
The first part of the story focuses on Harley meeting with Ra’s al Ghul and having to listen to him explain his grandiose plans. He wants her to be apart of them though never states why she is so important. There is a good bit of psychological back and forth which I love because it’s a part of Harley I enjoy. We also see Poison Ivy, who shows up as a playable character in the game this comic is tied to so this story path will hopefully help explain her motives for being in the video game. The second part shows Bruce talking with Connor, the son of Black Canary and Green Arrow, which triggers him to have a flashback of his son Damian as he trained to be Robin. It was a great moment and showed both father and son in a very positive light, my only nitpick would be there wasn’t a very good transition or differentiation between the present day panels and flash back panels, but readers will catch on quickly that these are memories.
I continue to praise the artwork of this series because I enjoy it very much. The characters look great, the colors are vibrant and the sceneries are well detailed. Despite it being a darker alternative universe nothing about the artwork is murky. One of the features I enjoy the most are how detailed and expressive the characters are in their body movement and facial reactions. To complement this, the world around them is treated with care as well. As a young Damian looks over Gotham City it looks like a real city with many buildings all lit up at night. The Batcave also looks organic, while we can’t tell what everything is it’s clear that the space has things in it.
If you’re a fan of the game or just DC comic books in general then this is a good series to read and Injustice 2 #4 is another fine installment. Alternative universes are fun because anything can happen, writers can go wild! While some action is present here, it’s mainly about the story this issue which I enjoyed. There was even a tender moment between Harley and Ivy, not a romantic one but a nice friendly one nonetheless and in this new harsher world friendship is hard to find. Every issue leaves me eager for more so here is looking forward to number five.
Score: 5/5
Injustice 2 #4
Writer: Tom Taylor
Penciller: Bruno Redondo
Inker: Juan Albarran
Colors: Rex Lokus
Letters: Wes Abbott
Publisher: DC Comics