REVIEW: Knight Terrors: Robin #1

The current and one of the former Robins find themselves stuck in the same nightmare in Knight Terrors #1: Robin. Two more of DC’s heroes are forced to face their darkest fears and this is an interesting look at the fears that drive two different youngsters to become heroes in their own ways.

In-and-of-itself, Tim Drake and Jason Todd would both consider being stuck in the same headspace a nightmare. They are both Robins, but as individuals, couldn’t be more different. Writer Kenny Porter plays with this dynamic adding at as an extra obstacle for the two heroes to overcome. But the two do have to face their particular fears alone. Red Hood’s is of course being killed by the Joker as Robin (the catalyst for him Becoming Red Hood in the first place). But it’s not that simple, and Porter throws in a surprise guest that makes Todd’s nightmare more personal and heartbreaking. And speaking of heartbreaking, Tim’s nightmare places him on an endless loop of reliving the greatest tragedy of his young life. The mental anguish both characters are put through is rough.

The issue doesn’t let up visually either. The art team of Miguel Mendonca and Adriano Lucas have created a nightmare with some brutal imagery and some twisted character designs. The nightmare version of Red Hood that haunts Jason Todd is particularly disturbing to look at. There is plenty of nightmare fuel here. Tim’s Robin design harkens back to an OG version of the character with a modern twist and does well by both. Jason’s Red Hood redesign humanizes him by removing the helmet and is a bold departure from the character’s traditional design. Overall, it’s a beautiful but very dark issue. It gives off Nightmare on Elm Street vibes and Tim even comments on if they die in the dream, they die in real life; a very nice touch.

In the end, Knight Terrors: Robbin #1 is a fascinating look at what motivated two kids to become sidekicks of the Dark Knight. It is an emotional ride for the characters and also the readers as the answers for both are quite dark. One particular panel featuring Tim having a breakdown inside the nightmare is so well written and drawn, it will stick with you afterwards. This may be Insomnia’s cruelest nightmare yet. Can Jason and Tim put their personal issues to the side and escape? They might just need a miracle in issue #2.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Coloring – 4.5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Kenny Porter
Art by; Miguel Mendonca
Colors by; Adriano Lucas
Letters by; Tom Napolitano
Published by; DC Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

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.