Injustice: Year Two #16 Review

Written by: Tom Taylor

Art by: Xermanico

Cover Price: $0.99

Release Date: July 22, 2014

Dawn of War

I think I've overstated it already, but Injustice: Year Two has been a slow burn affair that is more about building tension than over the top action.  Don't get me wrong, I have loved every minute of it.  However, I'm guessing that I'm in the minority.  People who wanted big explosions and shocking deaths have either walked away each week disappointed or dropped the book altogether.
Well, this week again builds the tension, but this is different.  It's awesome, features the best characters in the book and is going to payoff next week.  

Last issue ended with a spread of the Green Lantern Corps heading to Earth, headed by Guy Gardner.  Their arrival hasn't gone unnoticed, however.  That would be tough since Mogo is with them.  Unfortunately for everyone, Superman has a plan.  It shows the reader how low the Man of Steel will go to maintain his status quo.

Meanwhile, Oracle gets a little inside information that will really come in handy when the War breaks out and Batman is doing a little physical therapy.  We haven't seen Batman for quite some time, but seeing him still broken is a little sad.  Team Batman is about to take the fight to Superman, but it looks like their captain will remain on the disabled list.

Batman's back may still be mangled, but he knows how to rally the troops.  He gives a rousing speech that had me ready to take on Superman and as he gives it, the panels cut across the whole team.  It shows what everyone is fighting for and what they must leave behind.  It's touching, heart breaking and funny (thanks to Harley) all rolled in to one.  It sucks that Batman will not be able to fight along side his allies...or will he???

Tom Taylor has built everything up for this moment.  War is happening, heroes will die and nothing can stop it.  The tension is at a boiling point and it's about to explode.  Taylor even tells you that next issue is "Absolute. Freaking. Carnage."  I can't wait, because it's going to be Absolute. Freaking. Awesome.

Xermanico takes over art duties and does an okay job.  Some of his character work is a bit off, especially Batman.  It doesn't ruin the book by any means, I'm just used to Bruno Redondo's awesome work.  I guess I'm spoiled.

Bits and Pieces:

Injustice: Year Two #16 continues building the tension of the upcoming War, but it's more immediate than ever before.  What always seemed to be around the corner is right in front of the reader's face.  Heroes will die and this issue shows what is at stake for each of them.  I can't wait.

8.5/10