Art by: Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Caspar Wijngaard
Colors by: Frank Martin, Caspar Wijngaard
Letters by: Troy Peteri
Cover art by: Ivan Reis, Danny Miki, Brad Anderson
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: July 25, 2023
Knight Terrors #2 finds Deadman (inside Batman's body) teaming up with a resurrected Sandman from the original JSA to uncover the origins of the Nightmare Stone and heed the call for more heroes to save sleeping civilians from catastrophe.
Is It Good?
In Knight Terrors #1, there was value in Joshua Williamson's story because it answered several questions about how Insomnia came to be and what he wants. Now, Knight Terrors #2 answers the next set of questions surrounding the origin of the nightmare stone. So, if you're looking for answers, this issue is a must-have.
When last we left Deadman (inhabiting Batman's body), he magically knew that throwing a sample of Lazarus resin near Sandman's grave would bring the late JSA member back to life. During Deadman's connection with Insomnia, Deadman saw a vision of Sandman, so he suspected Sandman would have some insight. Now, Sandman recounts his first encounter with the nightmare stone during an old case involving a death cult. When Deadman and Sandman head out to look for surviving members of the cult, they get a call from still-awake heroes to help in rescue efforts, only to be met by the Sleepless Knights.
"Huh? Who are the Sleepless Knights?" you may ponder. Well, you'd have to read the Knight Terrors: Zatanna #1 tie-in to get a look at who and what they are. In short, they're medieval-garbed garbed nightmare warriors at Insomnia's command. Why did Williamson introduce characters in a single tie-in when all the rest of the tie-ins have been pointless? Some mysteries are never meant to be solved.
"Wait, wait. You're explaining, Mr. Reviewer Guy, but you're not saying if it's any good. Say. Say!"
Okay, stop being so pushy. Knight Terrors #2 is okay. Again, if you're interested in answers, Knight Terrors #2 is a keeper. Getting Sandman back, even if it is temporary, is a fun development. The explanation about the nightmare stone is helpful. Camuncoli, Nesi, and Wijngaard deliver some creepy imagery and generally strong visuals, and Deadman/Batman winds up in a genuinely threatening pickle in the cliffhanger.
What's not so great about this issue? Information is good, but this type of info should have been presented somewhere in week one of this ill-timed event. The pacing is steady but mild, so you don't get a sense of urgency to keep you invested. And the fact that a key set of players, the Sleepless Knights, is sloppily introduced in a tie-in without warning is a bummer.
In short, Knight Terrors #2 is mostly good, but there are enough drawbacks to call it a mild pick.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Bits and Pieces:
When last we left Deadman (inhabiting Batman's body), he magically knew that throwing a sample of Lazarus resin near Sandman's grave would bring the late JSA member back to life. During Deadman's connection with Insomnia, Deadman saw a vision of Sandman, so he suspected Sandman would have some insight. Now, Sandman recounts his first encounter with the nightmare stone during an old case involving a death cult. When Deadman and Sandman head out to look for surviving members of the cult, they get a call from still-awake heroes to help in rescue efforts, only to be met by the Sleepless Knights.
"Huh? Who are the Sleepless Knights?" you may ponder. Well, you'd have to read the Knight Terrors: Zatanna #1 tie-in to get a look at who and what they are. In short, they're medieval-garbed garbed nightmare warriors at Insomnia's command. Why did Williamson introduce characters in a single tie-in when all the rest of the tie-ins have been pointless? Some mysteries are never meant to be solved.
"Wait, wait. You're explaining, Mr. Reviewer Guy, but you're not saying if it's any good. Say. Say!"
Okay, stop being so pushy. Knight Terrors #2 is okay. Again, if you're interested in answers, Knight Terrors #2 is a keeper. Getting Sandman back, even if it is temporary, is a fun development. The explanation about the nightmare stone is helpful. Camuncoli, Nesi, and Wijngaard deliver some creepy imagery and generally strong visuals, and Deadman/Batman winds up in a genuinely threatening pickle in the cliffhanger.
What's not so great about this issue? Information is good, but this type of info should have been presented somewhere in week one of this ill-timed event. The pacing is steady but mild, so you don't get a sense of urgency to keep you invested. And the fact that a key set of players, the Sleepless Knights, is sloppily introduced in a tie-in without warning is a bummer.
In short, Knight Terrors #2 is mostly good, but there are enough drawbacks to call it a mild pick.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Bits and Pieces:
Knight Terrors #2 delivers a pile of useful information about the origins of the nightmare stone, and the plot developments are relatively interesting with creepily strong art. That said, the plot lacks urgency, and a key player shows up without setup or context unless you happen to read all the tie-in issues.
7/10
Why was Deadman surprised Sandman knew Batman? 🤔 Sandman was in the JSA for many of the JLA team ups which I assume are still in continuity. And I assume Sandman's death happened long after the "modern age" began so why wouldn't he know Batman? And why would Deadman not know this? 🤔
ReplyDeleteI think they are playing with the current New 52 and on continuity here - Sandman was resurrected by Batman in Death Metal - I don't trust Joshua Williamson to get anything right at this point though
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