In the wake of the unrest spurred by the defeat of Superman’s Regime, the nation of Kahndaq has remained an island of stability. Such is the will of Khandaq’s supreme ruler, the former champion of the wizard Shazam known as Black Adam.

In the time since The Regime’s defeat, Black Adam has seemed content to stay within the boundaries of his homeland, acting only to protect his people from outside menaces. But is it truly so? Or does the sovereign of Khandaq have designs on something larger than a single nation? Would he aid another effort to force the peace he brought to Khandaq on the entire world and strike against The Batman, who was responsible for the downfall of The Regime?

These are the questions which have brought Damian “Nightwing” Wayne to Kahndaq, along with a request for sanctuary and medical aid following a battle with his father. Having fought alongside Damian in the past, Black Adam considers him a valiant comrade and honorable man. Yet renowned for his might as Black Adam is, he also possesses the Wisdom of Zehuti. He knows well that the Son of the Bat and Grandson of The Demon’s Head would not come to him by chance or without purpose.

It is well for Black Adam to be cautious, for he has a secret he has kept from the world and his former allies in The Regime. A Kryptonian ship carrying Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman, crash-landed in Khandaq and Black Adam has taken it upon himself to begin training her in the control and use of her fantastic powers!

Injustice 2 #25 marks a perfect jumping-on issue for those readers unfortunate enough to have not been reading this wonderful Elseworld series. Writer Tom Taylor has woven a tale as rich as any to be found in the mainstream DC Universe and his command of the characters involved is astonishing. Fans of Geoff Johns’ JSA, who miss the characterization of Black Adam as a harsh but fair ruler and superhero would do well to check this issue out, as would fans of the CW Supergirl series looking for a new take on their favorite heroine.

Taylor’s story is brought to life beautifully by an amazing art team. Mike S. Miller has a great gift for crafting expressive faces and boasts a streamlined style with light inks that well suits the heroic tone of this story. J. Nanjan’s colors are bright and lively, leaving the characters jumping off the page.

If you haven’t read Injustice 2 before, now is the perfect time to give it a try. You don’t have to have played the video games to understand the story and the book is surprisingly accessible given its rich mythology. Indeed, the only reason not to check this issue out would be if you preferred to start at the beginning with the original Injustice: Gods Among Us series. Either way, you’re in for a treat!