DC Comics reviews 7/4/23 – Steelworks#2, Knight Terrors: First Blood #1

Knight Terrors: First Blood #1

It seems early in the Dawn of DC era to start a new universe-spanning event especially since it hasn’t been that long since Dark Knights: Death Metal, Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths and Lazarus Planet. But Dark Crisis writer Joshua Williamson is game to tackle a new one especially one that looks at the darker corners of the DC Universe. Given its more horror-based tone, it seems like DC probably should have scheduled this event to take place in September/October, but it’s here in the dog days of summer instead.

Deadman notices something is not right in his realm and begins investigating, deciding to start right at the top as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman respond to an emergency call at the Hall of Justice. One thing readers don’t have to worry about with any Williamson book is his lack of interest in the goings-on with other DC titles. Williamson does appreciated work in connecting the trinity and referencing events they’ve encountered.

Since these types of exchanges haven’t played out in their respective titles, it’s nice to see Williamson addressing storylines like Superman teaming with Lex Luthor, Batman being lost after his encounter with Failsafe and well, whatever was going on with Wonder Woman. With Deadman popping in to offer some much-needed insight the trinity split up to try and get to the bottom of the case of Dr. Destiny, who may or may not actually be dead.

Williamson’s creepy atmosphere is further established by artist Howard Porter. Porter’s skills might not be as finely tuned as they were when he was collaborating on the definitive modern take on JLA with Grant Morrison, but for this story, his sketch-like style works in creating the ethereal, mystical tone needed for this nightmarish story.

Brad Anderson’s colors also play up this hazy, dream-like state essential in crafting the right mood for Knight Terrors.

Knight Terrors doesn’t seem like the kind of story that needs to play out across the majority of the DC books for the next two months, but First Blood suggests it could have worked more effectively as a mostly self-contained mini-series. Based on the premise, this might be a two month event that could be worth following based on the creative teams on the respective titles. This was a promising start.

Rating: 8 out of 10