Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re continuing to follow the terror encompassing the DC Comics Universe. During their “Dawn Of DC” storyline, “Knight Terrors” has snuck up on the DC heroes, putting them in an endless nightmare landscape. With the crossover coming to a close soon, all bets are off on how the DC Universe survives.
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri takes DC’s last standing defenders head on into the heart of the danger. Let’s see how the latest events unfold, shall we?
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteriv (Credit: DC COMICS - Cover: Ivan Reis)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
With the world put in an endless slumber, Insomnia has unleashed an evil in the DC Universe unlike anything else witnessed. The forces of good are trapped fighting their own personal demons. Who is left standing is a trio of heroes that have the fate of the world on their shoulders.
DEADMAN (who is currently possessing Batman’s body), Wesley Dodds (the re-incarnated Golden Age Sandman) and Damian Wayne are the trio of heroes left standing (and awake) to save the day. Last issue, the group heads to the House Of Horrors for the Nightmare Stone, the key to ending this ordeal. In Deadman’s possession, things seem to be looking up but is he really in control or has Insomnia been manipulating them all along?
This issue opens up with Deadman addressing the readers eluding to the story isn’t going to have a happy ending. The trio of Heroes make their way to Arkham Tower in search of Insomnia, whose body is inside. Deadman claims the stone is telling him to steal Insomina’s power. The group heads inside, not knowing what to expect.
The building is clean and unphased by the event. As they progress, Damien is confronted by Batman, who praises what his son has done. Knowing something is off, Damian stabs him! Damian snaps back to the present and its’ revealed he is now starting to fall asleep. The trio finds Insomnia and Deadman leads the charge to end things once and for all.
What happens when he uses the stone to steal Insomnia’s powers? Readers bare witness as Deadman takes the lead with one last shot to save the day. Can he do the impossible? What happens if he fails? The events start becoming clear as secrets are revealed with a shocking play made that alters the course of the story. The closing moments will have readers talking as the final chapter appears to be at hand.
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteriv (Credit: DC COMICS - Cover: Casper Wijngaard)
Williamson speeds things up to brace readers for the upcoming conclusion with this issue. The segments with Robin give a small break to the overall theme. Readers can sense Damian’s closed emotions start peeking out when Batman speaks with him. However, this story has been all about Deadman. With his venture to end this nightmares, he becomes challenged with a truth that he is not expecting. The flashback moment hear translates to the readers about another layer to Insomnia’s character. It plays strong into the set-up for the final act. With what lies ahead, fans can expect a big ending as the major players are set in place to face off.
Camuncoli, Nesi, and Wijngaard keep the chilling feel throughout this issue. The time in Arkham Tower sets up like a true horror movie. The expressions of “Batman” plays into Damian’s fears very good to progress his story. Insomnia’s body made for a strong visual to express the terrors at hand. The flashback points hit their marks as Insomnia’s motives become clearer to a degree. It’s capped off with a solid two page spread late, leading readers into the final stage of the crossover.
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteriv (Credit: DC COMICS - Cover: Darick Robertson)
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
Insomnia’s final play makes for an engaging issue to send readers into the upcoming finale of DC Comics’ massive crossover event. Williamson, Camuncoli, and the team give the major villain some definition to his character as the closing chapter is about to begin. Keep an eye out for this issue on New Comic Book Day!
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