For those that know, I, Caliph is no comic aficionado. I am the average person who loves super hero movies, sci-fi with the occasional fantasy. Comic-cons have become something that I have enjoy visiting because I enjoy seeing the people creating moments with family and friends. Coming across the new canon for Star Wars, produced by Disney/Marvel, got me into reading comics once again. Now, X-men, Civil War, along with the company of Marvel are my ride or die comics and company. As Jamese and I reviewed Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, I began to wonder what was Zack Snyder trying to communicate. With all the references to Dark Sied and para-demons, I had to figure out what was he referring to. My research lead me to the comic: INJUSTICE: Gods Among us! I wondered was it any good. From the investment I made to catching up on five years comic reading, INJUSTICE did not disappoint. The comics are good but not because of artwork (which is stellar) but the comic dives into a deep philosophy: What is the final straw that can break someone’s humanity and the outcome and what is the outcome of God vs Man (as in BVS).
The synopsis: DC Comics has released an Injustice: Gods Among Us Prequel Comic Book tie-in that builds towards the events of the game. This comic is set five years before the game and sheds light on the tragedy that led to Superman’s corruption and the resulting fracture in the superhuman community. The comic has largely focused on playable characters from the game, including Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Arrow, and Harley Quinn. The series is written by Tom Taylor, with art provided by a rotating team of artists including Jheremy Raapack, David Yardin, Mike S. Miller, and Tom Derenick. (thanks IGN).
First, what will it take to break someone’s humanity? In this story is the lost of Superman’s wife, child and city. The Joker set up a diabolical scheme that had Superman destroy the city he protected. As strong as he (superman) is the guilt of him failing to protect his wife, family and city. It is an interesting take on the man that cannot be destroyed (without kryptonite present)deal with the issue of his guilt destroying and corrupting him. His values have been corrupted to the point where we, the readers, have to decide if what he is doing is the right choice. It is a fascinating journey that pits hero against hero while criminals joining in the fray.
Secondly, the philosophy of God vs Man is heavily beating one over the head. Superman fights not only humans but other gods of old and the new gods; but lets focus primarily on the battle between Superman and Batman. Pardon me as I reference the Old Testament of the Christian Bible: Genesis 32:22-29. The story here is that a man wrestled with a stranger while trying to best the stranger learns some lessons about himself and purpose. As so did Jacob found his purpose, Batman found his purpose again to try to protect the world from an ideology that what he feels goes against principles. He has to try to stay a step a head of Superman as the story unfolds. The question is will he be able come to some pinnacle where he will either find a higher calling or stop wrestling and join forces. Over the five-year series, it is coming to its conclusion.
In conclusion, this series is a must read. As a fan of comic movies and as stated before, I am a Marvel fan boy. I even stood in a long line waiting for Stan Lee himself (as in the picture above.) The X-Men, the Avengers movies and stand alone projects were my favorites of comics cartoons and movies. That being said, I have always been of Marvel but of certain comics or characters of DC. I enjoyed Green Lantern, the Flash, and especially Batman. If you are a fan of DC, I am preaching to the choir. If you are new or returning to the scene and interested in seeing heroes, villains, old gods and new gods duke it out then this is your series to read. Also, in November of 2016, the final issue of the Injustice series will be released. Leave in the comments below of your predictions for the comic.
