KNIGHT TERRORS #3 (DC COMICS)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we are checking out the flagship title of DC Comics’ monster crossover of 2023! What happens when the DC Universe keeps living in an endless nightmare? Readers are quickly finding out in the pages of Knight Terrors and its’ companion stories. Issue #3 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri pushes the attack of Insomnia forward with an unlikely pair getting a much needed assist.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s happening now, shall we?

Knight Terrors #3 - Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri (Credit: DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

When a mysterious foe named Insomnia takes out longtime JLA foe Dr. Destiny in the Hall Of Justice, the trinity of the DCU (Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman) are challenged like never before. With the world put to sleep and cast into their own personal nightmares, things look very grim for both heroes and villains alike. There are only a few heroes left awake to fight back. One of which might be the key to ending the terror: DEADMAN, the body possessing spirit!

With Insomnia’s Sleepless Knights in hot pursuit for the Nightmare Stone, Deadman (who’s possessing Batman) involves an unlikely ally to help with the case. Wesley Dodds, the Golden Age Sandman has been brought from the dead to help with this battle. One is a spirit. The other is a zombie reincarnate. How does the pair survive the latest onslaught?

This issue opens up with Deadman giving a monologue to the readers in theatrical fashion. His grab looks that of Shakespearian times. In the present, “DeadBat” and Sandman are fending off some of the Sleepless Knights. As the pair looks to be overwhelmed, Robin (Damian Wayne) enters the fray, swinging his sword! Deadman speaks of his interactions with Damian while readers see the young hero fight their way out of danger. This all leads to the Batplane making the save, lifting them to safety.

While on the ship, Damian forces Deadman to relinquish his possession of Batman. The trio try to assess what’s next. This leads Deadman to try connecting with Insomnia to find more information about his endgame.

What does he find when they connect? Readers see first hand how unhinged this antagonist has become. With a flashback sequence that will send chills after reading, there appears to be a lead into where the Stone may be.

Where does the journey go from here? What are the trio willing to do to stop Insomnia? Readers see the dangers the heroes are prepared to cross to end this terror once and for all. Insomnia isn’t going down without a fight. This makes for an interesting dynamic as the closing attack raises the stakes. This all leads to an ending page that will leave some with questions heading into the next chapter.

Knight Terrors #3 - Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri (Credit: DC COMICS, Cover: Francesco Mattina)

Knight Terrors #3 - Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri (Credit: DC COMICS, cover : Giuseppe Camuncoli)

First off, Williamson deserves all the praise for making Deadman the center of this story. The one-liners and banter with Damian (and Batman previously) have been fantastic. The pairing with Dodds works on various levels. Having another detective on the case brings a new perspective to the events unfolding.

Dodds has a whole vibe all his own (even in zombie form). This becomes evident in how things build into the final act. Williamson shows how Dodds plan has a certain confidence to it without coming across arrogantly. Pacing keeps things moving at a brisk pace but takes nothing away from the events playing out. The final page is a fitting close to what became an intriguing mix of characters and personalities.

Camuncoli, Nesi, and Wijngaard keep the horror aspects blended in with the action sequences for this chapter. The Damian Wayne full page panel introduction is a visual that will jump right off the page. It is preceded by an excellent two page spread building to that moment.

The dream/flashback sequence in Insomnia’s mind is another noteworthy portion of the story. The coloring gives these panels a somber feel as readers witness how troubled the villain has been. The third act moves at a quick pace but the team leaves no doubt that the story has much further to go. With a strong ending visual, fans will have much to ponder until the next chapter.

Knight Terrors #3 - Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri (Credit: DC COMICS - Cover: Christian Duce)

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The latest installment of DC Comics’ horror-infused nightmare leaves fans wide awake with some impactful events to process. Williamson, Camuncoli, and the team deliver a solid companion piece to the larger story unfolding across the DCU. Keep an eye out for this on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Knight Terrors #3. Thanks for reading!

BATMAN SUPERMAN: WORLDS FINEST #17 (DC COMICS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out the latest installment of a DC COMICS series that is an absolute fan-favorite amongst comic readers. Whenever “Superman” or “Batman” mentioned, the expectations are high considering their place in pop culture. The current run of WORLD’S FINEST by MARK WAID and DAN MORA has brought a modern feel to those characters without losing their classic appeal.

World’s Finest #17 by Waid and Mora (along with Tamra Bonvillain and Steve Wands) caps off the latest story arc hitting the local comic shops on July 18th. Let’s see how events play out, shall we?

BATMAN SUPERMAN : WORLD'S FINEST #17 by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain and Steve Wands - Credit: DC Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

What started as a murder investigation has spiraled into something more than anyone expected. Simon Stagg, longtime business rival of Bruce Wayne, is found dead. All clues pint to Rex Mason aka METAMORPHO as the lead suspect. When the World’s Finest start digging into if a hero became a murderer, they stumble into an unexpected truth. NEWMAZO, an updated version of a Justice League rogue capable of stealing powers, has been behind this event.

While targeting billionaires and controlling some of the most brilliant minds concerning robotics in the DCU, this new threat appears to be at the door of victory. The plan of a robotic revolution is underway. Being bound by electrical collars, the duo now stands before the upgraded android and his main weapon: Ultra-Morpho. With some creativity, Batman and Green Arrow defeat the enforcer, severing the collars. With a plan in place and the impersonated billionaires (including Stagg) now free, it’s time for the good guys to fight back. How will the heroes stop him with the combined might of some of the most power beings in the world?

This issue kicks off with Batman taking the attack to Newmazo, who was in disguise as Supergirl. Tying him up in a version of the Lasso Of Truth, Newmazo is ready to end the Dark Night. Those plans are faulted when Martian Manhunter and the real Supergirl crash the party. However the advantage is short lived as Newmazo acquires their strength. Batman and Doc Magnus (from Metal Men Fame) scramble for a plan.

How can you stop something that can mimic powers on a high intellect? Readers sit back and see how one final attempt is made to stop world extinction. With an event drawing in the heaviest of hitters in the DCU, the action feels box-office as an unlikely player plays a crucial role. The resolution plays to perfection and will send readers home on a high note with another fantastic story in the books.

BREAKDOWN: Waid continues to prove why he’s one of the best writers in comics. Crafting the challenge of a villain who can match and surpass the heroes at their own game is no easy task. Seeing Batman find a solution with his detective skills is always a great joy to read. The relationship with Superman is presented with a special event feel, which after all these ears, is tough to pull off. Juggling the massive supporting cast is worked to perfection.

Being an old school DC reader, seeing the Metal men, T.O. Morrow and Metamorpho featured in a story like this is amazing. This issue and series encompasses the superhero lore without making the story feel dated. The payoffs are huge to compliment the action. The closing act ties up loose ends nicely. Pacing kept everything moving in a rising direction until the final battle. The issue is everything you want from a superhero comic: action, drama and a reminder of why superheroes are still relevant in this day and age.

Can there be a more perfect artist for this series than Dan Mora? Without question, Mora defines bringing big-scale action to the comics genre. Form the opening fight between Newmazo and Batman, Mora sets things in motion radiating of excitement. Even during the battle, Mora never lets Newmazo lose his evil smile as the action heats up. Counter-balancing that is Batman reacting to events. Leading the most powerful beings in the DCU in a losing effort, readers can connect with the dangerous fight. Seeing Batman in this state gives the feel that he can actually fail and lose.

The action never slows down as Mora architects some excellent two page spreads that are nothing but extraordinary. The final battle begins with a dramatic reveal, setting the stage for a showdown fans will be elated to see. Closing the fight is an incredible one full page panel with a character that can be the only one to end things at this stage. The closing act gives readers some fun character moments with the expressions featured. From start to finish, the issue doesn’t disappoint.

FINAL GRADE: 9.5 OUT OF 10

The best superhero book at the LCS gives readers a classic finale that needs to be witnessed. Waid’s superb writing and Mora’s stunning visuals closes off the “Tomorrow” storyline in epic fashion. This series needs to be in your collection before calling it a wrap on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Batman Superman World’s Finest #17. Thanks for reading.