Injustice (franchise)

Injustice
Genre(s)	Fighting
Developer(s)	NetherRealm Studios
Publisher(s)	Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Writer(s)	Brian Chard Dominic Cianciolo John Vogel Jon Greenberg Shawn Kittelsen
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 Wii U Xbox 360 Microsoft Windows PlayStation 4 PlayStation Vita iOS Android Xbox One Arcade
First release	Injustice: Gods Among Us April 16, 2013
Latest release	Injustice 2: Legendary Edition March 27, 2018

Injustice is a series of crossover superhero fighting video games developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, featuring characters from the DC Comics universe. The games were directed by Mortal Kombat creator and industry veteran Ed Boon, whose team had previously developed Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe for Midway Games, and written by Brian Chard, Dominic Cianciolo and John Vogel and Jon Greenberg. The series features the voice talents of Kevin Conroy, George Newbern, Susan Eisenberg, Phil LaMarr, Alan Tudyk, Grey Griffin, Fred Tatasciore, Tara Strong, Khary Payton and Richard Epcar, reprising their roles from various DC Comics media.

The series' plot and premise take place within an alternate reality to the main DC Universe continuity, where Superman becomes a tyrant and establishes a new world order after the Joker tricks him into killing Lois Lane and destroying Metropolis by a nuclear bomb, causing Batman to form an insurgency in an effort to stop his regime. The first game, Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013), focuses on Batman receiving aid from an alternate universe where he summons counterparts of the Justice League's members from another universe to join his insurgency and end the regime. The second game, Injustice 2 (2017), follows the same narrative five years later after the events of the first game set in the same universe of the Regime where Batman's insurgency rebuilds society after Superman's fall while dealing with a Society of Super Villains led by Gorilla Grodd and the alien collector Brainiac, forcing Batman to consider freeing Superman to help combat the threats.

Games

Title	Year	Platform(s)
		PS3	PS4	PS Vita	Wii U	Win	X360	XOne	Android	iOS
Injustice: Gods Among Us	2013	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Injustice 2	2017	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

Injustice: Gods Among Us

Main article: Injustice: Gods Among Us

In the first game of the series, set in an alternate reality, Superman establishes a new world order after the Joker tricks him into killing Lois Lane and destroying Metropolis with a nuclear bomb. In an effort to stop this, Batman summons counterparts from another universe to end the regime.

Injustice 2

Main article: Injustice 2

Set five years after the events of Injustice: Gods Among Us, Injustice 2 features a bigger cast of characters and set in the same universe where Batman and his Insurgency rebuilds society after Superman's fall while dealing with a Society of Super Villains led by Gorilla Grodd and a collector of worlds called Brainiac, where Batman has no choice but to consider freeing Superman to even out the odds.

Characters

List indicator(s)

• A light grey cell indicates the character was not in the video game or the animated film.

Characters	Video games		Animated film
	Injustice: Gods Among Us	Injustice 2	Injustice
	2013	2017	2021
Story characters
Batman Bruce Thomas Wayne	Kevin Conroy[1][2]		Anson Mount[3]
Superman Kal-El / Clark Joseph Kent	George Newbern[1][2]		Justin Hartley[3]
Cyborg Victor "Vic" Stone	Khary Payton[1][2]		Brandon Micheal Hall[3]
The Joker	Richard Epcar[1][2]		Kevin Pollak[3]
Wonder Woman Princess Diana of Themyscira / Diana Prince	Susan Eisenberg[1][2]		Janet Varney[3]
Green Arrow Oliver Jonas "Ollie" Queen	Alan Tudyk[1][2]		Reid Scott[3]
Catwoman Selina Kyle	Grey Griffin[1][2]		Anika Noni Rose[3]
Harley Quinn Dr. Harleen Francis Quinzel	Tara Strong[1][2]		Gillian Jacobs[3]
Bane	Fred Tatasciore[1][2]		[N/A]
Black Adam Teth-Adam	Joey Naber[1][2]
Aquaman King Orin / Arthur Joseph Curry	Phil LaMarr[1][2]		Derek Phillips[3]
Green Lantern Harold Lawrence "Hal" Jordan	Adam Baldwin[1]	Steve Blum[2]	Brian T. Delaney[3]
The Flash Bartholomew Henry "Barry" Allen	Neal McDonough[1]	Taliesin Jaffe[2]	Yuri Lowenthal[3]
Robin/Nightwing II Damian Thomas Wayne		Scott Porter[2]	Zach Callison[3]
Nightwing/Deadwing Richard Johnathan "Dick" Grayson	Troy Baker[1]		Derek Phillips[3]
Thaal Sinestro
Hawkgirl Shayera Hol / Sheira Sanders-Hall	Jennifer Hale[1]
Killer Frost Dr. Louise Lincoln			Cameo
Deathstroke Slade Joseph Wilson	J.G. Hertzler[1]
Ares
Doomsday	Khary Payton[1]		Hallucination
Lex Luthor	Mark Rolston[1]
Raven Rachel Roth	Tara Strong[1]		[N/A]
Shazam William Joseph "Billy" Batson	Joey Naber[1]		Yuri Lowenthal[3]
Solomon Grundy Cyrus Gold	Fred Tatasciore[1]		[N/A]
Brainiac Vril Dox		Jeffery Combs[2]
Gorilla Grodd		Charles Halford[2]
Atrocitus		Ike Amadi[2]
Firestorm Jason Thomas Rusch		Ogie Banks[2]
Black Canary Dinah Laurel Lance		Vanessa Marshall[2]
The Scarecrow Dr. Jonathan Crane		Robert Englund[2]	Cameo
Captain Cold Leonard "Len" Snart		C. Thomas Howell[2]
The Cheetah Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva		Erica Luttrell[2]
Deadshot Floyd Lawton		Matthew Mercer[2]
Doctor Fate Dr. Kent Nelson		David Sobolov[2]
Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes		Antony Del Rio[2]
Poison Ivy Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley		Tasia Valenza[2]	[N/A]
Supergirl Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers		Laura Bailey[2]
The Swamp Thing Dr. Alexander "Alec" Holland		Fred Tatasciore[2]
DLC characters
Batgirl Barbara Joan Gordon	Kimberly Brooks[1]
The Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz	Carl Lumbly[1]
Lobo	David Sobolov[1]
Zod	Nolan North[1]
Zatanna Zatanna Zorina Zatara	Lacey Chabert[1]
Darkseid Uxas		Michael-Leon Wooley[2]
Red Hood Jason Peter Todd		Cameron Bowen[2]
Starfire Koriand'r		Kari Wahlgren[2]
Black Manta David Milton Hyde		Kane Jungbluth-Murry[2]
The Atom Dr. Ryan Choi		Matthew Yang King[2]
The Enchantress Dr. June Moone		Brandy Kopp[4]	Cameo
Guest characters
Scorpion Hanzo Hasashi	Patrick Seitz[1]
Sub-Zero Kuai Liang		Steve Blum[2]
Raiden		Richard Epcar[2]
Hellboy Anung Un Rama		Bruce Barker[2]
Leonardo		Corey Krueger[2]
Raphael		Ben Rausch[2]
Donatello		Joe Brogie[2]
Michelangelo		Ryan Cooper[2]
Premiere skins
Arrow Oliver Queen	Stephen Amell[1]
Green Lantern Johnathan Marshall "John" Stewart	Phil LaMarr[1][2]
Grid		Khary Payton[2]
The Reverse-Flash Prof. Eobard Thawne		Liam O'Brien[2]	Cameo
Power Girl Karen Starr		Sara Cravens[2]
Mr. Freeze Dr. Victor Fries		Jim Pirri[2]
Vixen Mari Jiwe McCabe		Megalyn Echikunwoke[2]
The Flash Jason Peter "Jay" Garrick		Travis Willingham[2]
Black Lightning Jefferson Micheal "Jeff" Pierce		Kane Jungbluth-Murry[2]
Bizarro El-Kal / Kent Clark		Patrick Seitz[5]
Non-playable characters
Brother Eye		David Loefell[2]
Lucius Fox		Phil LaMarr[2]
Doctor Randall		Tara Strong[2]
Allura In-Ze		Grey Griffin[2]
Victor Zsasz		Steve Blum[2]	Reid Scott[3]
Prof. Martin Stein		Fred Tatasciore[2]
Brainiac 5 Querl Dox		Liam O'Brien[2]
Film characters
Lois Lane			Laura Bailey[3]
Ramą Kushna
Jimmy Olsen			Zach Calison[3]
Captain Atom Cpt. Nathaniel Christopher "Nate" Adams			Fred Tatasciore[3]
Mirror Master Evan McCulloch			Yuri Lowenthal[3]
Ra's al Ghul			Faran Tahir[3]
Jonathan Kent			Kevin Pollak[3]
President of the United States
Killer Croc Waylon Jones			Edwin Hodge[3]
Mister Terrific Dr. Michael Curtis Holt
Plastic Man Patrick Edward "Eel" O'Brian			Oliver Hudson[3]
Mirror Master Soldier			Andrew Morgado[3]
The Huntress Helena Rosa Bertinelli			[N/A]
Hawkman Katar Hol / Carter Hall
Clayface Basil Karlo
Amazo
The Atom Prof. Raymond Carson "Ray" Palmer
Calendar Man Julian Gregorian Day			Cameo
Perry White
Weather Wizard Mark Mardon
Trickster Axel Walker
Plastique Bette Sans Souci
The Riddler Edward Nigma
Two-Face Harvey Dent
The Mad Hatter Jervis Tetch
Mantis
Captain Boomerang George "Digger" Harkness
Giganta Dr. Doris Zeul
Catman Thomas Reese Blake
Pied Piper Harley Rathaway
Turtle
Man-Bat Dr. Robert Kirkland "Kirk" Langstrom
Ron Troupe

In other media

Comics

Main articles: Injustice: Gods Among Us (comics) and Injustice 2 (comics)

The Injustice: Gods Among Us comic book series^[6] serves as a prequel detailing the events leading up to the game, as well as those that happen in the interregnum between Superman's murder of the Joker and the discovery of the primary universe.^[7] The series was first written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by a number of artists, including Jheremy Raapack, Mike S. Miller, Bruno Redondo, Tom Derenick, and others.^[8] The comic was released digitally beginning on January 15, 2013.^[9] The series was later issued in regular comic book form, and eventually a collected edition.^[10] Tom Taylor left the series after writing Injustice: Year Three #14, with Brian Buccellato replacing him by continuing the story into Year Four and Five.^[11] The final chapter of the series was released in September 2016, leaving the story incomplete;^[12] another comic book series, titled Injustice: Ground Zero, followed afterwards, which picked up the story and concluded the retelling of the game's events from Harley Quinn's perspective.^[13]

Injustice 2 comic book series serves as a prequel to the events of the game.^[7] The series is written by Tom Taylor, who had previously worked on the tie-in comic books for Injustice: Gods Among Us.^[7] Bruno Redondo is its lead artist, with contributing artwork from Juan Albarran, Daniel Sempere, and Mike S. Miller.^[14] Beginning on April 11, 2017, the series was released in weekly chapters through various digital retailers, including ComiXology, Google Play Books, the Kindle Store, and DC Comics' own mobile app.^[7][14][15] Print versions became available for purchase in the following month on May 3, each containing multiple digital chapters.^[15][16]

A miniseries known as Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe featuring a crossover with Mattel's Masters of the Universe franchise was first published on July 18, 2018, by DC Comics. It is written by Tim Seeley with art by Freddie Williams II,^[17] and follows the second game's alternate ending, where Superman wins out over Batman. After killing Braniac and combining himself with Braniac ship, Superman has turned Batman with the help of Braniac technology into the Black Oracle, who can predict crimes before they happen. Damian Wayne, who has become an adult, teams up with Cyborg and seeks the help of the Masters of the Universe in stopping Superman for good. Damian manages to free Batman from Superman's control but is killed by Wonder Woman for his betrayal which triggers Batman's release from Superman's programming. After Darkseid and Skeletor forces invade Earth and Eternia, they need to co-operate to save the world.

The universe of Injustice returned in the Dawn of DC miniseries Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent, written by the original Injustice writer Tom Taylor.^[18]

Film

Main article: Injustice (2021 film)

An animated Injustice film was released in October 2021 as part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line.^[19] The film is an adaptation of the Year One comic series, featuring a different voice cast instead of the regular cast from the games.^[3] The film was released for digital and physical formats.^[20]

Reception

Aggregate review scores
As of July 12, 2017.

Game	Metacritic
Injustice: Gods Among Us	(WIIU) 82/100[21] (X360) 81/100[22] (PS4) 80/100[23] (PC) 79/100[24] (PS3) 78/100[25] (iOS) 69/100[26]
Injustice 2	87/100 (PS4)[27] 88/100 (XONE)[28]

The series has been a critical and commercial success, with praise going to its story, gameplay mechanics, presentation, an abundance of in-game content, character customization options, and use of the DC Comics license.

The animated Injustice film, however, received mixed reviews. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 60% of 5 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.60/10. Criticism was leveled at the unceremonious character deaths, poor character development, unfaithfulness to the source material, and overstuffed plot. Some reviewers, however, praised the voice acting and animation.^[29]

See also

• Marvel vs. Capcom: A fighting game crossover between the heroes of Marvel and the characters from Capcom's various video games.
• Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe: A 2008 video game developed by Midway Games, with similar gameplay, aesthetic, and many of the same characters, that served as the inspiration for the Injustice games.

References

1. "Characters and Voice Actors - Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition". YouTube. December 8, 2013. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
2. "Injustice 2". Behind the Voice Actors. August 24, 2019. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
3. "DC's 'Injustice' Sets Cast for Animated Movie (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. July 21, 2021.
4. @brandykopp (January 30, 2018). "It was an absolute honor to voice June Moone & Enchantress for Injustice 2!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
5. @Seitz_Unseen (August 9, 2017). "I'm honored to have voiced everyone's favorite super-powered contrarian, Bizarro! He ready to make Muhtropolis gre..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
6. Lien, Tracey (October 5, 2012). "Injustice: Gods Among Us to spawn its own comic". Polygon. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
7. McMillan, Graeme (July 22, 2016). "Comic-Con: DC Entertainment to Launch 'Injustice 2' Comic With Videogame Debut". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
8. Taylor, Tom (October 16, 2012). "Announcing 'Injustice – Gods Among Us' The Comic Series". Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
9. "'Injustice: Gods Among Us' Battle Edition and Release Date Revealed; Digital Comic Based on Game Available Today". DC Comics. January 15, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
10. Semel, Paul (January 15, 2013). "EGM Interview: Tom Taylor, Writer Of DC's Injustice: Gods Among Us Comic". Archived from the original on February 23, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
11. Yehl, Joshua (December 11, 2014). "Injustice: Gods Among Us Comic Writer Tom Taylor Departs, Brian Buccellato Takes Over". IGN. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
12. Guerrero, Tony. "Injustice: Year Five Comic Concludes With Superman Versus Batman". IGN. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
13. Elfring, Mat (December 6, 2016). "Harley Quinn Stars in Comic Series Which Connects to Injustice 2". GameSpot. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
14. Fahey, Mike (January 20, 2017). "The Injustice 2 Prequel Comic Launches April 11, And It's Gonna Be Great". Kotaku. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
15. Schedeen, Jesse (July 22, 2016). "Comic-Con 2016: DC Announces Injustice 2 Prequel Comic". IGN. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
16. Guerrero, Tony (March 2, 2017). "Injustice 2 Comic Explores Events In Between The Games". GameSpot. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
17. Hoffer, Christian (July 18, 2018). "Review: 'Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe' #1 Sets Up an Action-Packed Showdown". ComicBook.com. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
18. Brooke, David (February 6, 2023). "'Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent' to crossover into the 'Injustice' universe • AIPT". aiptcomics.com. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
19. "DC is Making an Animated 'Injustice' Movie, So You Can Finally Watch an Evil Superman Movie". Collider. May 19, 2021.
20. pm, Logan PlantUpdated: 1 September 2021 6:05 pmPosted: 1 September 2021 6:03 (September 2021), DC's Injustice Animated Movie Arrives This October - IGN, retrieved October 20, 2021
21. "Injustice: Gods Among Us for Wii U Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
22. "Injustice: Gods Among Us for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
23. "Injustice: Gods Among Us - Ultimate Edition". Metacritic.
24. "Injustice: Gods Among Us for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
25. "Injustice: Gods Among Us for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
26. "Injustice: Gods Among Us for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
27. "Injustice 2 for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. May 16, 2017. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
28. "Injustice 2 for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
29. "Injustice: Gods Among Us". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved October 29, 2021.