Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five #4 Review

Is It Cold In Here...

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Mike S. Miller, J. Nanjan and Wes Abbott
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: January 11, 2016

Year Five of Injustice may only have just begun, but I'm already fully invested in what Brian Buccellato is giving fans of the series.  This "Year of the Villains" is definitely giving readers that old Injustice feel and I'm so glad that we are back to anticipating who will show up and possibly die each week.  The first three chapters did a good job of setting the stage for what's to come so I couldn't wait to see...what's to come.  Did this chapter jump into the deep end of the Injustice pool or is Buccellato still dipping his toe in the water, waiting for a later time to dive in?  Let's find out...




The issue opens with a cool version of The Brady Bunch: The Villain Years.  It's a cool reminder that this is indeed "The Year of the Villains" and has a few favorites of mine that I hope we get to see eventually.  It's all part of a setup to show that Superman is as much worried as he is pissed off about the villain situation going on.  I'm glad that Buccellato did this because it really drives home the desperate times calls for desperate measures plan Superman is starting up.  Still, letting villains join his regime still feels a little off and that's what Wonder Woman wants to talk to Superman about.

This series really comes down to a conflict between the philosophies of Superman and Batman and so it's easy to forget all of the other characters' investment in the battle.  Wonder Woman makes sure that Superman (and the reader) remember that there are so many more heroes involved...though she is worried about the criminals getting the spotlight recently.  Whether her declaration will be looked at as treason or foreshadowing will have to wait, but I'm glad she stepped up and spoke her mind.  By the way, I agree with her.

We then head off to Germany to see more of the crazy character from last week's cliffhanger.  I said "I told you so"last week to everyone who argued with me in Year Four (You guys know who you are) because it certainly looks like Bizarro is in the house.  Even if he ends up being a bit different than the usual version, I win.  Now that we agree, I can tell you that this scene was really good with a Frankenstein's Monster type of feel that lead to an awesome panel of mistaken identity.  I can't wait to see where this is all going!

The issue then swipes over to Gotham where Catwoman is busy trying to add to Team Batman's ranks.  I love that even though both leaders are involved in a villain fantasy draft, Batman is going a different route, one that fits his beliefs.  While Superman is looking for workout warriors (like Bane), Batman cares about character...maybe that's too strong a word, but they need to do their villainy with a code.  That has lead Selina to the Penguin.

Did I mention how much I love when we get awesome guest stars in this book?  Well, this is just the beginning because Bane shows up to break up the party and he's brought some cool friends along.  It all ends with Team Superman on top for now and one of my favorite characters being given the cold shoulder...and neck...and face...

This issue was a whole lot of setup, but fans of Injustice will have no problem enjoying everything Buccellato gives them.  The tension is rising and it's just a matter of time before everything blows up. I can't wait until that happens and I will be there front and center.

I have to stop saying that I am up and down with Mike S. Miller's art because he is kicking ass in this issue and the series in general.  This issue doesn't have a ton of action so his character work takes center stage and he doesn't disappoint.  Then, when we do get a big action scene, he kills it.  Mike, I'm sorry I ever doubted you and as a fan of this series, I am glad to admit I was wrong.

Bits and Pieces:

Year Five of Injustice continues being really good with an expanding roster that can only be heading for an explosive ending.  Brian Buccellato is using it all to give this Year the feel of the book that longtime fans fell in love with to begin with and Mike S. Miller's art makes everything look great. This issue is heavy on the setup, but the payoff should be filled with death and destruction and isn't that what we want from this book?  I'm not embarrassed to admit that yes it is...yes it is.

8.5/10