DC Comics reviews for the week of 7/19/17

Injustice 2 #6

Easily one of my favorite aspects of Injustice is the subtle twists Tom Taylor takes to ‘traditional’ DC continuity to make something completely fresh.

This issue was largely an interlude from the main Batman vs Ra’s al Ghul conflict, but it details the arrival of a possible game changer for either side. Or the final swing of momentum needed for Superman to re-enter the conflict since this is the origin of Supergirl.

Taylor envisions a different fate for Krypton with Brainiac being responsible for the planet’s destruction. Jor-El and Zor-El have just enough time to withstand Braniac’s invasion to send their children — Kal-El and Kara — off planet. Taylor wisely doesn’t spend too much time on this familiar setup, but it’s still the same Superman story told all over again.

Kara’s landing spot makes all the difference. Another prominent anti-hero who’s firmly on Team Superman locates Kara. Taylor is able to play off this character’s established history while putting them in a new light of kindly mentor. But even with the slightest challenge to their authority, the character quickly asserts their control over most situations.

The show of force is impressive, but it’s the steering of the Superman/Batman conflict that’s most powerful as it paints a target firmly on Superman’s rival. And Supergirl is all too happy to make good on her family’s request to protect her cousin.

Mike S. Miller tends to draw the characters slight and with a softer style of pencils that makes the lack of strong inking apparent. That style actually works for Miller’s work as it makes for a more personal, inviting experience. Some of that credit has to go to colorist J. Nanjan, who uses dazzling orange & yellows and blues & reds to enhance Miller’s art.

This wasn’t a major issue in the ongoing story. It made for an entertaining read. With the ominous warning of the major consequences to come for those who oppose Superman, things are only going to heat up.

Rating: 9 out of 10