Darkseid has returned to the DCU after creating the Absolute Universe. With his power levels at an all time high, drastic measures were taken. The heart of Apokolips might be the key to stop him. It does not come without sacrifice.
A tournament was put in place to crown an Absolute Champion. Batman was a favorite to win it all. Fate knocked him off track with a crooked smile. The Joker eliminated him in a sneak attack in the tourney.
Being prepared for anything, the Dark Knight had a failsafe put into cheat the deadly game. He has been sent into a new world of Gotham City. This landscape is dominated by older versions of his Robins. It also leaves him with a haunting legacy to carry.
DC K.O.: KNIGHTFIGHT #2 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Tríona Farrell & Tom Napolitano takes the Dark Knight into dangerous grounds.
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding now.
DC K.O.: KNIGHTFIGHT #2 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Tríona Farrell & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson continues to throw new looks at readers with this chameleon-esque tale. Seeing Bruce Wayne come to grips with Dick Grayson surpassing him as Batman hits hard. The Narration opens Wayne up in a vulnerable state. This leads into a more true reveal as he deciphers what is really going on. Once readers think they have this figured out, events take a more twisted turn in self-reflection.
Letting Jason Todd as Batman dictate pace is a gamble. Williamson allows the explosive protege to break down Batman’s will. Using the Heart of Apokolips as a source of chaos opens up the playbook even further. Blending in another rogue is a true surprise. The mood carries a sense of uncertainity. Is it possible what Todd is saying true? The dialogue makes a solid case. Only in the close does the picture become more clear. It leads into a unique pivot into the unknown. Even with prep time, no one is ready for what is coming next.
Mora and Farrell lean into the dark, gritty pulse of Gothan. Adding the rain downpour makes the panels pop a bit extra. This leads into an incredible full page of Batman ready to fight. The following two page splash holds nothing back. It is an absolute classic in combat. Each panel builds up the excitement. Another superb full page image presents the face-off between Wayne and Grayson. The fallout leads into a more tricky space where more looks are featured.
Farrell’s use of a simple color scheme makes Jason Todd’s portion memorable. Utilizing only a few tones and red, the scenes bring out Batman's emotions. Readers watch as Todd’s rage lets loose. It is matched by Batman’s frustrations. Their two page fight splash is as brutal as imagined. It leads into a terrifying close. The full page “truth” about Todd’s Gotham is intense. It doesn’t come close to the insanity of the final page. A drastic move is made which can only lead into more unpredictability. Bring it on!
FINAL GRADE: 9
Batman’s post-K.O. world spins into a darker direction for its’ latest chapter. Williamson plays into the unstable scenario with the writing. Mora and Farrell go big with huge action and even greater emotion. The last page packs a punch all its’ own! Brace for impact on this wild ride!
Let me know your thoughts on DC K.O.: Knightfight #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!