The Good
You know how INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO has delivered a ton of buildup? Yeah, that part is over and now writer Tom Taylor seems to be having fun unleashing all of the kinds of craziness we've come to expect from this alternate universe. This chapter's primarily about the ground invasion and the "source on the inside" finally revealing their identity. This, of course, produces a great cliffhanger, but before we're left waiting to see what happens next, Taylor dishes out some madness on the ground attack. There may not be a memorable one on one battle yet -- one is definitely teased, though -- but there's still a ton of exciting action to check out. Everything from the GCPD getting some well-earned payback to a perfectly executed plan is displayed. While the cosmic scene doesn't get too much focus, the little we do see of it really stands out. It's one heck of a way to open the chapter.
While the serious and violent tone is once again taking the spotlight, the chapter isn't without a little bit of levity, either. As expected, I couldn't help but smirk at Harley Quinn's role and I love the way she's debuted in this one. Nothing made me but laugh out loud, but it's nice to have a bit of well implimented lightness in the middle of all this chaos. There's also a nice bit of a fan service with her towards the end. To say any more would spoil it!
Bruno Redondo (pencils), Rex Lokus (colors), and Julien Huggonard-Bert (inks) make sure the ground assault is every bit as frenetic as it should be, but it's the looks at space that really leave a mark. We're treated to two double-splash pages and both deserved the extra room. Even when the pages in space are broken into a few panels, we're still given a look at some unforgettable bits. The aftermath of the Green Lantern Corps' initial assault is sure to leave an impression.
The Bad
The plan is fun, but a few things left me scratching my head just a bit. For example, where are the rest of Clark's allies? You'd think the place would be a little more defended, especially when it's clear they're under attack. Yes, they're bringing the big guns to space, but with so many tacticians on the team, I'd imagine many would want to make sure the HQ on Earth is safe, too, and everyone is on alert if needed. And I realize a certain someone got a certain attire because of a previous attack, but it seems a little coincidental that said person was the one to fly perfectly into where they needed to be. It just seemed a little too easy, especially since it was made clear they have such a heavy presence.
The Verdict
INJUSTICE: YEAR TWO #18 offers the adrenaline pumping kind of madness you've come to expect from the franchise. The war is underway and there really is no turning back now. Yes, we all know which side wins after the dust settles and yes, it's a bit of a bummer certain characters didn't receive a little more focus (would have loved to see Black Canary, Shazam, or Hawkgirl), but the action is increasing and honestly, it's a blast. The glimpses of the attack in space are powerful and the ground assault was a fun little sequence that has now opened the door to so much more potential. It's looking like a more compelling and emotional experience is right around the corner. Unsurprisingly, I'm once again left feeling anxious to see how the next chapter will follow-up on these events.