The future of NetherRealm Studios' next project remains uncertain, however Injustice 3 feels as likely as another Mortal Kombat at this time. Following MK11 and then MK1returning to the dark DC Comics Elseworld take seems like a logical progression. The customization pioneered by the second game would most likely be expanded, furthering opportunities for innovative skin design. Among the most exciting of these prospects is the inclusion of the unique reinterpretations of the new Absolute Universe within Injustice 3.
As the company's latest major imprint, DC Comics Absolute Universe brings new versions of the most classic faces of the Justice League by depicting them under new writers with modernized visions. This created reviews for the likes of Batman, who were initially met with skepticism and mixed reception due to massive changes in design, but the recent release of actual comics has largely earned them wide acclaim for their creative design and storytelling.
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Why an Injustice reboot might actually be a best-case scenario
The time between Injustice 2 and now has given NetherRealm's DC Universe series a chance to jump on the reboot bandwagon.
Absolute Universe Skins for DC's big three are a natural fit for Injustice 3
Direct complements to the grittier tone of Injustice's World
Injustice has already always been known for featuring darker, more armored versions of its roster, and the AU seems to be leaning towards a similar kind of realistic foundation. The Absolute versions of Batman, with his practical civil engineering gear, Superman with his more severe Kryptonian disposition, and Wonder Woman's edgier Hell motif would all probably seem appropriate if they were standard looks for the next Injustice, let alone alternate looks. In a series with a history of outlandish and niche skins from series like Red Son and Flash-pointAU provides relevance as an ascending part of the changing multiverse.
Take advantage of DC's freshest imprint
While storylines such as Doomsday clock has made it feel more reasonable to expect the likes of Watchmen Injustice 3the groundbreaking appreciation for AU's bold departures should also be recognized and honored. Promoting the newest initiative of the series with influence from previous works such as Dark Nights: Death Metal in a title that contains so many characters and historical references can only grow the overall brand further and legitimize the AU within wider pop culture.
An ongoing positive reception of the absolute universe can make it premiere for a wider integration in injustice
Several members of the typical Injustice roster have upcoming AU series
In addition to DC's iconic trinity, the AU has been announced to feature remastered versions of other Injustice staples in the coming year. Wally West's Flash and Jo Mullein's Green Lantern will get new looks, while Martian Manhunter is promised a psychological horror series with a dramatic version of the character that would make him a welcome addition to Injustice 3s base list this time. Whether AU skins are available for all of these characters from launch or later added as DLC, their thematic cohesion would make them more impactful alongside each other. Additional untitled stories are planned, and the long-term success of these may make them worth investing even more than just skins behind.
With a grounded Elseworld-style scenario that already informs the story of the next game, regardless of which Injustice 2 the ending is canonized, it's likely not far from the tone the AU has achieved to positive feedback. A character like Absolute Batman, for example, has such significant differences that he could even be a fully playable character with a unique moveset, including his chest logo ax and collapsible bridge wings, in a way that would add variance to the game while being direct to honor the source material. Injustice has been a tribute to DC's heritage from the start, but its similar commitment to pushing boundaries can only be enhanced by the Absolute Universe.