The Good

YEAR THREE is an all-new approach to the franchise... for now, that is. Gone is the graphic violence, shock value and bleakness. Those grim and dark elements still lurk in the background of every scene, but this third volume's loaded with humor and intrigue. Honestly, I had a silly smile on my face for pretty much the entire chapter. Right from the dialogue on the very first page to the very last line, writer Tom Taylor's building an exciting plot while including a ton of laughs. Obviously, it's Constantine's superbly written banter which steals the show. Whether it's sarcasm or blunt taunting, this one had me chuckling the entire time. Major Batman fanboys may be upset that the Dark Knight is made fun of quite a bit, but the lines are hysterical, so lighten up and enjoy the mockery, yeah?

These digital chapters often feel like a very quick read, but this one is broken up surprisingly well. It's divided into four different locations and the whole chapter is paced very well. None of the scenes overstay their welcome and, despite not being a fan of one of them (see below), they technically all move the plot forward in one way or another. It's nice to see Taylor isn't wasting any time with this one and he's already taken pretty big steps with the narrative. Well, from Constantine's side, that is. Perhaps we'll get a better look at Superman's side in a few chapters from now?

As for the visuals, the character work is consistently serviceable, but it really thrives when it comes to complimenting Taylor's punchlines. Some of the layouts really allow the levity to sink in and it makes the laughs so much more enjoyable. Key examples of this are on the very first page (asking for a light when the flames are massive and bright) and the handling of the comedic beat in the car. On paper, these lines work well enough, but it's Bruno Redondo, Vincente Cifuentes, and Rex Lokus' work which really brings these jokes to another level. While the last page may be a totally cliche shot, it still does a hilariously effective job building my interest in what's to come. Last but most definitely not least, each scene brings a noticeably different environment to the table and I'm a big fan of how Lokus handled the lighting and effects in each of them.

The Bad

My only negative is the bit with Superman, Sinestro and Hal Jordan feels out of place. Sure, it makes us aware that Kal-El's side now knows they're dealing with magic, but everything else is revolving around Constantine's plan and this bit mostly feels like it's there just to serve as catch-up for new readers. If they're wondering where some characters are, now they know, and knowing is half the battle. Those slackers should have read YEAR TWO, though, because two more pages of interactions with Constantine would have been excellent!

The Verdict

INJUSTICE: YEAR THREE #2 is a real delight. It's a chapter that balances comedy and plot progression extraordinarily well. Throw in consistently solid visuals to boost all of the gags and the end result is a thoroughly entertaining and funny read. We're just two chapters in and I'm rooting for Constantine big time. You know what that means, right? It means it'll be so heartbreaking if (more like when) the character is killed off. Ultimately, we know Superman stays in power when all is said and done, but this is turning out to be a wonderfully lighthearted and engaging story arc. Now we just have to wait and see if Taylor will give the world what it deserves: a full chapter of Constantine teaming-up with Harley Quinn.

Glad they're giving John a push, I really want that Constantine show to succeed, it looks really good.

I really don't want Constantine to die, hope they come up with something else. Maybe has to pay a debt? And where is the Spectre in all of this?

I am glad the Regime members currently imprisoned where not entirely forgotton. While I am aware of how evil Superman is supposed to be in this Universe I am still sort of rooting for his side of the conflict. So many of my favourite characters are among his followers, Shazam, Wonder Woman, Robin...

There is one thing that really worries me about how things appear to be shaping up, versus what I was hoping for. See in the game, there is only 2 actual magic users you can play as (and two magic powered bricks), and I was rather hoping that with them on either side that Year Three would be revolving around their conflict. But right now it's shaping up to be about Constantine taking a cheap shot at Superman (because those are the only shots John takes), which I feel is rather a wasted effort, it might be a fun ride, but we already know how it pans out. (And I really hope it's not going to be another round of Superman killing everyone in this case while the 'specialists' in magic is seen somewhere in the left corner)

I hope this whole series doesn't turn into Superman and his cronies always kicking as* at every turn. It's starting to get kind of old.

dude dont you know... DC mainstream guys get pulled over to this universe and they start beating up Superman

@serrure: I asked two questions based on your answer and no one seemed to want to answer it. You just confirmed it.

im afraid i dont understand

Constantine better not die.

@serrure: This is one question I asked awhile ago. I can't find the other one.

http://www.comicvine.com/injustice-year-two/4050-70687/forums/question-future-appearances-in-injustice-gods-amon-1594901/

@zackisme: ahh well yes... unless DC wants to piss everyone off they will bring the mainstream characters in to save the universe

@serrure: I downloaded the whole Injustice movie and have only seen maybe 8 minutes of it. I guess Superman has bigger plans than just earth.

@the_stegman: Just to piss you off, they'll kill him.

I haven't been on the up and up with Injustice but year one was an awesome read and I'm glad to see it still doing well. Maybe they'll pull something like they did with Black Canary and he won't actually die, I feel like that'd be more of a curveball than killing him.

im in love with this series cant wait for the next chapters

@granitesoldier: Personally I don't like what they did with Canary. It sorta ruined a tragic moment. I would have liked it a lot more if they just let it go and then we could have seen Harley try to take care of the baby and stuff.

This book is so much better than any canon books DC its putting out right now

aww man leave it to bats to always kidnap people lol.Still i don't care what anyone says i like this superman and i'm rooting for his team. Too long those psychos have been on the loose and those guardian being all choosy.

@teerack: I haven't read the whole story just know what happens. I haven't seen the emotional aspect since I didn't read it.

My point wasn't that it was a good or bad idea though, just that I feel deaths won't be as numerous as we might be led to believe.

@granitesoldier: Idk I think everyone who wasn't in the game might die. This year will probably be about Raven and Trigon taking down all of the magical threats.

I just really want to see Arsenal join the fight since Green Arrow and Canary are dead. Roy Harper is one of the most vindictive heroes out there when face with tragety.

@teerack: I'm sure that's what most people expect: any character not in the game is likely to die. I'm just saying there might be other ways they are handled other than death since that's what we expect.

For example they can't kill Swamp Thing but he wasn't in the game.

I'm sure they could come up with some way of killing him with magic. We never actually saw any plants in the actual game.

Lex could make something to maintain the atmosphere and then they could purge the earth of plant life or something. Swap-thing i think is only connected to earth planets so if they terraform the world to be covered in alien plants from superman's fortress it would maybe make it so they could kill him.

Well Anton Arcane would disagree, since he's turned killing Red and Green Champions into a sport.

But I am pretty certain Dr. Fate will die as his suit and helmet are on display in the Hall of Justice. In regards to Constantine... by the sound of it, even he appears to know that all his tricks and charms cant save him forever and what he's doing now is more risk-heavy than he likes.

sigh... i dont want Constantine to die. :(
I wish they make it separate from the game. I feel like the game's story line will be holding this series back in the future.

Nice issue

I wasn't much of a fan of Constantine until this issue. Especially after hearing this quote...

"I've brought down monsters, demons, and actual gods. I'm gonna kick the Man of Steel in the Bollocks."

I really hope he does actually do what he says on the last page, that would be GOLDEN!!!!!

Just read it. I really love the way John carried himself and just talks to Trigon like it's no big deal.

With the TV show and stuff it makes me wonder why Constantine doesn't have his own title right now.

(Don't judge) This was my first exposure to Constantine as a character. I have to say, I love the guy. And that taxi cab scene was hilarious. It's been a while since I laughed out loud at a comic book, and that's fine for this series considering how dark it's been. We just last issue had Superman violently killing Black Canary and Ganthet, so we needed a breather from all that. And I have to say, I really hope Constantine does kick Superman in the bollocks. God I hate him in this series. Which means the writers did their job of course.