Injustice: Year Three #4 Review

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Bruno Redondo
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: October 21, 2014

I'll Say This For Batman...

I have really been enjoying the magical side of things so far in Year Three of Injustice.  It hasn't hurt that Tom Taylor has also returned to the crazy action of Year One, but hasn't abandoned the character moments of Year Two.  I guess what I'm saying is that early on, Year Three is the best of every world.  After last week's crazy ending, we get a bit of a setup issue this week , but also an homage to my all-time favorite moment in DC Comic history.  Where's Blue Beetle when we need him?



If you haven't read last week's digital issue, watch out because there are spoilers ahead.  Ahead meaning right now.  The Spectre showed up and ruined Constantine and Batman's party, meaning he killed Harvey Bullock and Jason Blood.  This week starts with Etrigan rhymin' and stealin' in hell, lamenting on his lost form of man.  I love Etrigan and I hope we see more of him before too long.

Meanwhile, our heroes are trying to stay alive and the awesome Zatanna is their last defense against the Spectre.  While her backwards word magic keeps him at bay, the rest pick up the pieces of the one-sided battle and try to formulate a plan of attack (or escape).  Harley once again shows how adorable she is and Constantine and Batman have it out.  And then it happens.

Constantine is being a real dick to Batman and the Dark Knight doesn't have the time or patience for it.  He goes into his playbook, looks under "Guy Gardner" and hauls off the second best one-punch of his career.  It is such a cool homage and somewhere in the Multiverse, Ted Kord is laughing and pointing tonight.  Great Job, Tom.

What makes the moment even better?  It's all part of Constantine's plan to get Batman back in business.  It works as Batman confronts the Spectre face-to-face, vengeance guy to vengeance spirit.  It's a distraction, but it's also so badass and thanks to Zatanna, everyone gets back to the Tower of Fate.  There, Constantine tells Batman that the time to be soft is over, this War needs Batman.

I really liked this issue.  Batman is back to being the Dark Knight of ass kicking and gives a one-punch to prove it.  I have enjoyed Year Three so much already, but this issue seems to promise more action and mayhem,  Plus, we're going to get something we haven't in a while...Batman.

Something else we've been missing lately is Bruno Redondo's art.  He's back and he's awesome.  He may be my favorite artist at DC right now.  Why isn't he doing more books?  Someone get me his agent on the line.

Bits and Pieces:

Injustice: Year Three continues being one of my favorite comics to read week-in week-out.  This week we get a badass Batman and an awesome one-punch.  The former promises more action in this book from here on out and the later just made me smile.  Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo are just getting started and I'm already all-in.

9.3/10