Ready for round two? The fate of the DCU is at stake with a dangerous tournament. Darkseid has returned more powerful than ever. The lord of the Absolute Universe wants more. This has forced the Justice League’s hand. Representatives have been selected to fight.
The fight has already had some unpredictability play out. Batman was eliminated. Lex Luthor has returned with a vengeance. Even the Quantum Quorum have no idea what’s coming. Darkseid is hiding inside of Booster Gold! That was all in issue #1?!
DC K.O. #2 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Xermánico, Javier Fernández, Alejandro Sánchez & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou rings the bell for another wild round.
Let’s take a closer look at where the next fall leads!
DC K.O. #2 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Xermánico, Javier Fernández, Alejandro Sánchez & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
This issue centers around Superman’s drive to win. The writing goes back to the previous board game amongst friends. Their banter eludes to life outside of heroes. Williamson tosses in a comment that spins into something more. With the notion Superman would be president in play, this only amplifies with the chapter. It also allows for another figure to step up with their own vision.
Seeing Lex Luthor in his evil glory is a sight. Through the combat to acquire the DCU’s more powerful weapons, Luthor shows the lengths he’s willing to go. There is more fun chaotic brawling in this chapter. Joker is stealing scenes in this tourney. His antics do fall back behind Luthor. Watching a daring move made sends shockwaves to the audience. This is topped by Superman’s response. Snyder times it perfectly to hit. This is the moment of the book. Even as the ending throws another curve, it doesn’t hit as hard as what the Man Of Steal has done. Another excellent read.
Fernández and Sánchez give readers many fond action points throughout this chapter. The two page splash of weapons covers the dream list of DC lore. This spirals into the featured match-ups of the 32 combatants. Some pairings leave a stronger reaction than expected. Joker taking out Giganta is a prime example of this. Seeing his devilish grin as he plots sends chills before some dark humor.
Luthor and Superman get a proper two page splash. It hits every mark that readers would want to see. Their fight gets upstaged by a striking full page image. Panels match their hatred for each other while the tourney pressure weighs in. The art team throws in a small break with a Venomed Lobo versus Starro. Readers are gifted a series of two page splashes. This will be a popular moment before things take a sharp turn.
Once here, Superman’s move takes center stage. The event gets a bold two page splash. It helps amplify the end of this round. With the field dwindled down, a simple grid page shows who’s left. The closing act gives another panel a monster, but inevitable feel. Another shake-up occurs to bring down the house. The art team is really bringing it for this series thus far.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
The second round of DCU combat goes full throttle on bringing the action. There’s a fair share on exciting match-ups presented via the writing. Fernández and Sánchez pull out all the stops with the art. Two rounds in and there’s no judge’s decision needed. This is a complete knockout for readers!
Let me know your thoughts on DC K.O. #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!