Will Superman and Flash’s tenuous alliance be tested to its very limits? What will it mean when Batman gets involved?
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five #14 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The official DC synopsis reads:
Since the rise of the Regime, The Flash has always been one of Superman’s most tenuous allies. Now his loyalty is really going to be tested, as someone he loves has to face Superman’s unswerving justice. Then, with the Speedster at his most vulnerable, Batman offers him a risky way out.
Why does this book matter?
I keep saying this in the reviews but…I’m starting to wonder about the events in this series meaning something in the upcoming Injustice 2, the sequel to the hit videogame this series is based on. If so, Flash may just hold a key to its plot we would have never seen coming!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Superman is having one of his tantrums again…
This issue is all about Flash and the fallout of helping Batman get away in the last issue. Essentially any doubts he had about Superman ruling with an iron fist are intensified as someone he loves is targeted by the Man of Steel. He also finds out something he wasn’t aware of that happened in Year 1, but then again, how can you not know Superman is evil dude?! This issue works on some level largely because of Flash’s doe-eyed “This can’t be true” looks and a major villain biting the dust. It’s all capped off with a cliffhanger that may or may not be explored in future issues and if not this could be a big detail explored in the video game.
Artist Tom Derenick continues to draw some solid costumes on these characters. They have the layering one might expect of real costumes and the overall effect comes across a lot more realistic than the usual costumes in the DCU. Derenick does a fantastic job whenever Superman is concerned too; his wild, crazy eyes are just fantastic and quickly reveal how unhinged the character has become.
It can’t be perfect can it?
This issue reads like filler and honestly, Flash shouldn’t require this issue’s adventure to realize he’s been hanging with the wrong crew. The battle is a bit of a throwaway sequence too – although it’s a fun one to read – since Flash can just run away and save the girl without coming to blows. The lunacy of the issue is further pushed as Superman bugs out and nearly kills Flash and nobody freaks out about it. The characters seem to think his actions are cool and it’s too bad more isn’t done with say, Cyborg, who is a bit shocked in this issue.
Go Flash go!
Is It Good?
This is a passable issue that doesn’t do enough to warrant a purchase. If you’re keen to see Flash take on some bad guys this’ll be up your alley, but for the most part it treads water.
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