Injustice: Year Four #5 Review

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Bruno Redondo, Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 2, 2015

Get Up, Stand Up

Last week's Injustice got back to the old ultra violence and while that usually gets me going, it fell flat.  Maybe it was because Renee Montoya's crazy actions led to her own death or the characterizations throughout the book felt off, but most of the issue just left a bad taste in my mouth.  In fact, it was my least favorite issue of Injustice since Brian Buccellato took this book over.  However, it ended with Batman gathering his troops and Barbara Gordon reaching out to one of my favorite characters, Lex Luthor.  So, while I was disappointed, I was excited about this week's issue.  Did it turn my frown upside down?  Let's see...



The issue opens with Batwoman paying respects to Renee and it felt like too little, too late.  Kate showed little to no emotion last issue when Renee died so this felt off.  However, the graveyard scene was a reminder of the horrors of this war by showing how many great heroes have already died.

Meanwhile, Batman is trying desperately to get an army together, but is striking out.  Aquaman is out even though we all know that he will be forced into the battle soon enough.  He contacts Barbara to help in the recruiting drive, but from last issue's cliffhanger, we know she's already working overtime.  However, she didn't contact Lex to fight, but for something a bit more...awesome!

Since she first showed up in this book, the question of when, where and how Batgirl would show up has been on the back of my mind.  Well, its all answered here.  I have loved seeing Oracle do her thing in Injustice, but this is incredible to see.  I wish Batman shared my enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, there are a couple of things that aren't incredible to see in this issue.  First is Harley Quinn.  Don't get me wrong, I love Harley Quinn with all my heart, but I don't recognize her since Buccellato took over.  I've mentioned it before, but I will again.  Harley has been a big part of Injustice, but not just for comic relief.  It's been her heart that has won fans over and it's been missing for too long now.  Seeing her in the "Quiver" was nice, but the heart is still not there.

The other thing I didn't like seeing was Batman's freedom fighters.  Harley, Catwoman and Batwoman are a cool trio, but when Batman says that Zatanna was busy, I cried bullshit.  What happened between last issue and this one?  She was with Batman at the end of last issue when he declares "It's not over" looking all badass.  You can try to explain this ,but it's clear that something went wrong here.

The issue ended with another awesome cliffhanger that wasn't surprising, but was still really cool. Things are about to get really personal for Wonder Woman and I can't wait to see it.

I loved seeing Batgirl back in action, but this issue was another disappointment.  There were just too many things that felt wrong even if one thing was oh so right.

As usual, I loved Bruno Redondo's art with one exception...Harley.  I don't know what's going on with her, but she doesn't even look right.  I've seen Redondo draw one of the best Harley's I've seen and that makes this version that much more upsetting.

Bits and Pieces:

This is the second week in a row that I've been disapointed by Injustice.  I have loved this book since the first issue so it upsets me when I can't recommend it.  I really hope that Brian Bucellato can shake things up and get things back on track.  It's not too late, but time is running out.

6.0/10