The Good
The first volume of INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US left an impression because it delivered one powerful and astounding moment after another. INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #23 returns to that formula and is a legitimately shocking experience.
Writer Tom Taylor opens the chapter with an incredibly compelling scene and it's something that -- once again -- no one probably saw coming. It's a great follow-up to the violent turn of events that just occurred and one that'll likely please many readers. On top of that, it transitions into a scene that's just packed with intensity and really builds the hype for a brawl that we'll likely see in the next chapter (it seems to be YEAR TWO's "boss battle"). It's a bit of a bummer we cut away right before the two clash at all, but it's understandable because Taylor finally gives Hal Jordan some proper follow-up. Now, if you're a diehard Jordan fan and love him because of all that he's overcome, this will likely leave a somewhat unpleasant taste in your mouth. However, it's handled in a way that's loaded with jaw-droppers, compliments Sinestro a whole lot, and, even though it sells the iconic hero short, it works so well with the bigger picture.
Series artist Bruno Redondo handled the layouts and, aside from one complaint (see "The Bad"), the angles within the panels and way they're laid out paces these dark, violent, emotional and shocking scenes very, very well -- it really allows these profound developments to sink in. The script for this chapter has its fair share of stunning moments and it's impressive how they're distributed. This issue never slows down and moves from one gripping moment to the next. Xermanico (pencils), Julien Hugonnard-Bert (inks), and Rex Lokus (colors) make sure these panels are filled with commendable character work and assure the drastic expressions are transparent and every bit as fitting as they should be. The opening scene and the way Sinestro chats with Hal are solid examples of this and the latter sells the villain's diabolical nature quite well.
The Bad
Minor gripes: the layout with
The Verdict
INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #23 is a jaw-dropper. This volume has mostly utilized a slow-burn approach and tends to incorporate only one big development per issue, but this one goes all out and kept me engaged the entire time. It's not just building up to one big cliffhanger that'll leave you stunned -- it's bringing its A game the entire ride. Minor gripes aside, this chapter does a terrific job pulling us into this harsh battle and shows us just how ugly this alternate universe has become. There's only one chapter left and this has most definitely built my anticipation for YEAR TWO's finale. Here's hoping it's every bit as epic as we want it to be.
