REVIEW: Knight Terrors: Superman #1

Superman himself comes face-to-face with the darkest part of himself in Knight Terrors: Superman #1. As he plummets towards earth in the real world, can the Man of Steel survive the Man of Screams in his own nightmare?

Superman’s dream starts with him at work at the Daily Planet on a not-so-typical day on the job. His nightmare seemingly being that the world is completely safe and therefore there is no need for Superman. Or is he terrified by the person that is responsible for that world peace? None of it can’t be that simple though. Quickly the real nightmare begins as Insomnia introduces Supes to the physical embodiment of his worst fears. There are a lot of things that make Superman such a great and iconic character. Here writer Joshua Williams explores that, turning those ideals on their head to show what can weaken a nearly indestructible man. It’s low-key heartbreaking.

The art is truly exceptional here. The style is a throwback to the Golden Age of comics. Specifically, the opening Daily Planet panels. They look like they are ripped from an early issue of Action Comics. Also, there’s a nice touch where in every panel featuring our three favorite reporters, Lois and Jimmy Olson are in random outfits to add to the craziness of Clark’s dream. Outside of the wicked design of Superman’s fear come to life, it’s light on the horror but the art still coneys a very emotional story. With the nods to the classic version of Superman and some amazing storytelling just with panels, artist Tom Reilly and colorist Nathan Fairbairn have created something special with this issue.

Knight Terrors: Superman #1 does one of the most difficult things to do in comics. Making an iconic character often maligned as a one dimensional goodie-two-shoes a compelling and even sympathetic figure. But it is interesting that even in the darkest regions of his mind, even his deepest fears come from a good place. The exploration of that here is masterfully done. And the end finally sheds some light on how the world can fight back against Insomnia thanks to an assist from the most unlikely yet likely character’s appearance. The emotional storytelling and the art that is a mix and old school and new, come together to make one of the best issues in the Knight Terrors saga so far.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Coloring – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Joshua Williams
Art by; Tom Reilly
Colors by; Nathan Fairbairn
Letters by; Ariana Maher
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.