First of all, major props to DC and writer Joshua Williamson for metaphorically and literally resurrecting the original Sandman character. He is one of DC’s earliest heroes and one of the founders of the JSA back in the 1940s. The gas mask and suit wearing, sleeping gas spraying, noir detective its ripped straight from the Golden Age. Deadman (who is still inhabiting Batman’s body) gives him the rundown and the two begin their race to beat Insomnia to the Nightmare Stone. The two cover a lot of ground, from dreams to flashbacks to superhero hideouts. There is some Nightmare Stone lore, some Insomnia backstory, and a peek at the world descending into chaos with nearly everyone in a coma-like slumber. The two make some great progress but of course things won’t be that easy. The story is fast paced, with a good mix of horror and action.
The art, and coloring specifically, are outstanding in this issue. Colorists Frank Martin and Caspar Wijngaard knock it out of the park. The dream and flashback panels are particularly well done and look imaginative and cool. Issues like this showcase what make comics such a unique and special artistic medium. If it’s happening in the real world, the colors are sharp and bold. If it’s a flashback, it’s bordered and a bit faded, if it’s a dream it’s a mixture of the two. The final panel is terrifyingly cool looking as well. The artists, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, and Caspar Wijngaard handle the different settings bringing their unique flairs. All this comes together to create one of the most versatile visual experiences in the Knight Terrors series.
With so much going on within the event, it’s almost easy to forget about Deadman being the one tasked to get all of the heroes out of their nightmares. It’s difficult sure, but don’t sleep on Boston Brand and his throwback partner. This issue sends him and his new partner on a rollercoaster ride that is equal parts revelatory and terrifying thanks to great writing and art. Insomnia is written as a true terror (including pulling a Freddy Kruger halfway through the issue) and stands in direct opposite of our protagonist. In fact, the chemistry between Deadman and Sandman is so good, I for one wouldn’t mind a future one-shot with them in a full-on noir setting solving a mystery. Knight Terrors #2 is fantastic and it will be very interesting to see what happens to Deadman and Sandman in the next issue.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Coloring – 5 Stars
Overall – 4.5 Stars
Written by; Joshua Williamson
Art by; Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, and Caspar Wijngaard
Colors by; Frank Martin and Caspar Wijngaard
Letters by; Troy Peteri
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
- Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.
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