To say Injustice 2 is a success is an understatement. The game has been a sales smash for Netherrealm, and has been highly praised by all for it’s entertaining story, incredible facial animations, and the breadth of it’s single player content. But players want more. With Red Hood entering the fray in under a week, and Sub-Zero, Starfire, Black Manta, and more joining him, let’s take a look at some other options DC and Netherrealm could add to their already star-studded fighter. This time, I’ll be talking about new characters that could join from DC’s roster of comics favorites.
1. Static
Kicking off this list is fan favorite electric superhero Static. After his TV show in the early 2000’s, Static’s popularity soared and he’s remained a beloved character since. He’s continued to make appearances since, both in the comics and the Young Justice TV show as a member of the Teen Titans. Static even managed to land himself a playable spot in the Injustice 1 mobile game, but hasn’t yet made it to the console versions of the games yet. We do know that Static almost made the original roster for Injustice 2, but ended up being cut for unknown reasons. Here’s hoping he gets his second chance as DLC, flying disc and all.
2: Larfleeze
Up next is the sole Orange Lantern, Larfleeze. As Orange Lanterns are indicative of the emotion avarice, Larfleeze is an incredibly greedy being, hoarding everything he can get his hands on from across the cosmos. In the comics, Larfleeze can be either comic relief, a sympathetic character, or a serious threat, depending on the situation, and all of these aspects of the character would work well in the game, considering Injustice 2‘s bevy of pre-battle dialogue. Larfleeze would also stand out amongst the other lantern users, as his constructs aren’t usually weapons, but other beings that have been absorbed into his orange lantern, meaning he could make for a very interesting summoning-based character.
3. Etrigan the Demon
Etrigan is the alter-ego of Jason Blood, a man from the middle ages who had a demon bound to his body by Merlin. Ever since this curse, Jason found himself with the ability to transform into a demonic form, and learned to use this ability to fight against not only the wizard who cursed him, but other villains like Morgaine Le Fay and Klarion the Witch Boy. In Injustice, Etrigan’s demonic abilities would set him apart from the rest of the cast, and the rhyming speech that comes with his demon form’s curse would no doubt make for entertaining intro dialogue.
4. Big Barda
Big Barda was originally a member of Darkseid’s personal guard, the Furies, but defected and joined the Justice League after falling in love with Mister Miracle, one of their members. Barda not only boasts gargantuan height and strength, she also always has on hand her Mega-Rod. More than just a simple club, the Mega-Rod can create concussive blasts of force, take the shape of other weapons, and even allows Barda to fly by it’s power. Barda would also be a perfect fit for the game’s gear system with her striking armor, giving Netherrealm a perfect opportunity to get creative with designing pieces for her.
5. Metallo
In comparison to Batman, Superman’s gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to villain representation. In Injustice 1, he had Doomsday and Lex Luthor, with Zod as DLC, none of whom returned for Injustice 2, where Brainiac and Darkseid attempt to pick up the slack. But it’s still only two compared to Batman’s six, so let’s even the odds a bit with Metallo. The kryptonite-powered cyborg has a liquid-metal body, allowing him to change his limbs into anything, from guns to chainsaws to even construction equipment. With that ability, it’d be almost impossible for Metallo not to have an interesting moveset as a character.
6. Constantine
John Constantine is another fan-favorite to join the game, with tons of supporters in the Injustice community. He’s a chain-smoking, snarky paranormal detective, investigating crimes and murders of magical nature, and using his own magic abilities to solve cases and combat enemies. In-game he’d be somewhat similar to Dr. Fate in terms of being a magic-user, but rather than being a zoner, he’d almost definitely be a more up-close brawler, using his magic and signature flamethrower lighter in flashy ways for exciting combos.
7. Beast Boy
Everyone’s favorite vegetarian, Beast Boy enjoys more popularity than most heroes of his caliber thanks to the Teen Titans TV show that featured him. But now, with Starfire on the way to Injustice 2 shortly, Beast Boy is the only member of the Titans team who hasn’t yet been playable. His moveset capabilities are obvious, and the character would truly be a treat to have in game, if for no other reason than him being the goofball that he is. Getting his VA back from the original Titans show would make it all the better, and with Cyborg having his Titans voice, it’s definitely possible.
8. Doctor Poison
If you haven’t seen the new Wonder Woman film, it’s fantastic, so head out and do that right now. And if you have, you know that while Ares is the film’s main villain, the spotlight truly gets stolen by Doctor Poison, longtime Wonder Woman villain and the film’s secondary antagonist. What better way to capitalize on the film than by having Poison join the brawl herself? As her name implies, Doctor Poison would use a variety of different toxins and poisonous gases to act as a character who wouldn’t hit very hard on her own normally, but could instead wear down her opponents with damage over time effects. She could also use serums that increase her power, or ones that sap away at her opponent’s super meter. And if she did get in, a set of gear based on her movie appearance, with the artificial face, would be a must.
9. Jonah Hex
Jonah Hex is one ugly customer, but the Wild West ain’t pretty either. Jonah hails from the Wild West era in DC Comics, where he acts as a vigilante for those who cannot avenge those they care about. He has no real superpowers to speak of, but his marksmanship is second to none, and his usage of Wild West era items like bear traps and lassos could fill the holes of his moveset. His physical prowess is nothing to sneeze at either, as he’s gone toe-to-toe with Batman (there were time shenanigans involved) and actually took down the bat, even with his futuristic tools. Different Wild West themed outfits as gear would complete the package, making for a worthwhile character in my book.
10. Plastic Man
Most of Injustice 2‘s roster takes itself so seriously. There’s some exceptions, like Harley Quinn and Green Arrow, but there’s much more gritty than goofy amongst it’s cast. Plastic Man would go a ways towards helping even out that ratio. The stretchiest man in the world would not only add a bit of fun silliness to Injustice 2’s roster, his moveset would be truly unique amongst the cast. What other character could mold themselves into the shape of an anvil and fall onto Brainiac’s head, or reach his rubber limbs offscreen to punch Darkseid in the butt? Not many. Plastic Man’s bouncy body lends itself to him being a character that’d be just as fun to watch as he is to play, and the dialogue would be hilarious.
And that’s our choices for potential DLC characters for Injustice 2‘s roster. Do you like who we picked? Did we miss your favorite? Let us know, and stay tuned for the next part, in which we’ll be covering the veterans who didn’t make the jump from Injustice 1.
