The Good
When you think of INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, you probably think of sadness, tragedy, and brutal, brutal deaths. Sure, there's some good laughs thrown in there, but it's an ugly place that's filled with one terrible event after another and, for the most part, it has been that way since the very first chapter. However, for Tom Taylor's final chapter with the series, he ends things on a surprisingly uplifting and heartwarming note. This universe took a twisted turn when Superman crossed the line and let a terrible event motivate him to enforce change in the world. Instead of helping to guide humanity, he decided to rule it with a steel fist. Naturally, things didn't go well. But in his magically induced coma, Lois Lane didn't die and he didn't kill the Joker. Superman was still able to get the revenge he knew he wanted, but he wasn't the one to make Joker pay for his crime; it was Batman. With just one simple twist (okay, the pun's intentional), Taylor set this alternate universe in a whole new direction and now he's showing what that means for its future.
Instead of things still finding a way to take a downward spiral and turn into all kinds of violent madness, it becomes more and more inspiring and optimistic. When you're through reading this, it'll make you wish someone like Superman really existed so real, positive change could be brought to this world. We certainly need it. Oh, and speaking of which, the writer is very blunt with his message. It's something I imagine a few of you won't be too pleased about, but again, that'll probably only be a small portion of readers and everyone else will agree with what's being said and wish it could really occur. But hey, you can't please everyone, right?
You can really tell this is a send-off issue. Instead of focusing on what made INJUSTICE stand out (shocking moments that'll drop your jaw and leave you stunned), it celebrates these characters and has good-hearted fun playing with the possibility of "what if things didn't go terribly wrong?" It's sweet, and has just the right amount of heart and fan service. There's a few laughs along the way, but this is all about embracing the positive change these heroes can bring about and how things can take a more happy and joyous turn instead of always transforming into darkness, drastic events, and bloodshed.
Bruno Redondo, Juan Albarran, Xermanico and Rex Lokus make sure Taylor's final chapter is a good looking one. It gives all of the heavier and more emotional beats the amount of weight they deserve. Something as simple as a hug between two friends plays out in a clever way and it's sure to warm your heart. Sometimes you can tell when a panel is rushed in this series (this is a weekly digital series so there must be pretty tight deadlines, after all), but that didn't happen here and this one nailed all of the expressions -- something that's obviously critical for a chapter that's focused on character. Even though it's only 20 pages, the layouts and angles did a solid job immersing us in each setting and that prevented it from feeling like too quick of a read. This story spans several years in just 20 pages and it does so in a very satisfying way.
The Bad
If you're unaware this is Taylor's last issue, you'll probably wonder why we've taken such an emotional and sentimental departure from the main story. For everyone else, you'll likely recognize it's a great and very fitting way for him to say goodbye.
Maybe it's just me, but I never thought Lois Lane had any desire to become the President. I'm all for Taylor saying that yes, a female president could and should be a possibility, but I never quite thought of Lois as ever wanting that position. Perhaps reporting the truth wasn't enough and she wanted to be able to make a bigger difference?
The Verdict
Taylor's time with INJUSTICE ends with a chapter that'll have you smiling, feeling a little nostalgic and hoping for a better tomorrow. If this wasn't his final chapter, I'd be disappointed we're taking a break from the bigger picture (especially for a character who's going to get meaner and meaner), but given his love for the Man of Steel and what this alternate universe has done to the iconic hero, it's understandable he wanted his final (for now?) tale to be a far more heartfelt experience. It didn't get my tears flowing, but it sure was touching and a very appropriate way for the writer to leave the series. He's given us plenty of chaos, death, and craziness, so to depart with such a cheerful arc is a much appreciated change of pace. Now I'm left wondering if this dream will impact Kal-El and someone (Wonder Woman?) will convince him he's doing what's necessary. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for the consistently awesome stories, Taylor. Brian Buccellato, you're up!