Injustice: Gods Among Us – Year Five #23
Genre
Superhero, Alternate Universe, Action, Drama
Main Characters
- Alfred
Pennyworth – Loyal butler and moral compass to Bruce Wayne, whose
resilience is tested in Superman’s tyrannical regime.
- Superman
– Now a global dictator, enforcing his brand of peace through fear and
dominance.
- Batman
(Bruce Wayne) – Operating in the shadows, Batman resists Superman’s
rule and wages a resistance war.
- Unspecified
Visitor – A mysterious character arrives at Wayne Manor, bringing
conflict and tension to an already strained world.
Writer
Brian Buccellato – Known for his gritty storytelling
and emotionally charged narratives, Buccellato continues to explore the
psychological depth and moral ambiguity in a world fractured by power.
Artist
Tom Derenick – His dynamic linework and
character-focused panels deliver a visual tone that balances action with
emotional resonance, particularly in quieter, tension-filled moments like this
issue.
Editor Details
Jim Chadwick (Group Editor) and Jessica Chen
(Associate Editor) – Overseeing the continuation of this dark Elseworld saga,
maintaining narrative consistency and visual quality throughout the Year Five
series.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Brand: DC Digital First (originally digital)
This issue belongs to the Injustice franchise, a spin-off from the Injustice:
Gods Among Us video game universe.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
In Injustice – Gods Among Us – Year Five #23, the war
between Batman’s resistance and Superman’s regime rages on. However, far from
the epicenter of the conflict, this issue narrows its focus on a personal,
character-driven moment. Alone at Wayne Manor, Alfred Pennyworth—longtime
confidant and caretaker to the Wayne family—finds himself visited by an
unexpected and unwelcome guest on his birthday.
What follows is a subtle yet emotionally charged
confrontation that showcases Alfred's unshakeable loyalty to Bruce and the Bat
legacy, even under threat. The story unfolds with minimal action but intense
emotional weight, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost in a world
torn apart by superhuman egos and ideologies.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue forms part of the Year Five arc, which
chronicles the final build-up to the events seen in the Injustice video
game. With Superman’s dominance nearly complete and Batman’s forces dwindling, Year
Five explores themes of desperation, loyalty, and psychological unraveling.
Alfred's brief spotlight here exemplifies how even non-powered characters leave
a profound mark on the overarching narrative.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Fans speculate that Alfred’s steadfastness in the face of
danger foreshadows his potential martyrdom or pivotal role in Bruce Wayne's
moral clarity. Some interpret the visitor’s presence on Alfred’s birthday as a
metaphorical intrusion of the regime into even the most sacred and personal
spaces, symbolizing the total loss of peace under Superman’s rule.
Review Summary
This quieter issue stands out for its emotional depth rather than explosive battles. Brian Buccellato’s writing brings Alfred to life with warmth, dignity, and defiance, offering a rare character study amid an action-heavy saga. Tom Derenick’s art supports this introspection with expressive facial detail and moody, atmospheric settings that highlight the isolation and vulnerability of Alfred’s position. The story reminds readers that heroism isn’t reserved for capes and powers—it lives also in the courage of those who simply refuse to bend.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
