REVIEW: Knight Terrors: Superman #2 (of 2)

The Man of Steel remains stuck in his very own nightmare, continuing on from Knight Terrors: Superman #1. Can a friendly dream-crasher and some allies in the waking world help Supes figure out what’s really happening?

Initially in his nightmare, Superman was confronted by the Super Reaper and facing the prospect of outliving everyone and everything, being left alone at the end of time. All this while his body as crashing down to Earth. As issue #2 begins, Superman is joined in his dream by Supergirl (who has jumped into his dream to escape hers) while his body has been rescued by Aquaman and Aquawoman. The rest of the story unfolds on parallel paths and does a great job of ramping up the tension and action. Supes is ready to confront his nightmare and it’s time to fight back. Writer Joshua Williams makes a smooth transition between the issues from nightmare to an action/thriller of story with a sampling of horror.

The art is truly exceptional, just like issue #1, the style is a throwback to the Golden Age of comics. Action Comics were clearly an inspiration for the team of artist Tom Reilly and colorist Nathan Fairbairn. Throwback Superman looks cool and the retro/modern mashup designs of Supergirl, Aquaman, and Aquawoman look great as well. Yes, it is a nightmare, but the issue is downright “fun” visually with its nod to classic comics, coloring that pops, and over-the-top action that populates the panels. It’s a bold decision to take the art in this direction but it pays off as this is one of, if not the most unique looking side stories in the Knight Terrors saga.

The first issue did the nearly impossible by making the goodie-two-shoes Superman a more compelling and even sympathetic figure. There’s a moment at the start of this issue where Clark does question himself within the nightmare realm. But he does remember who is and becomes the Superman most people know and love; it is that journey, however brief, that makes this a unique storyline. Yes, it is likely that there will be a time where the indestructible man will outlive not only the people, but also the world he loves and calls home itself. But that day is not today. Today he can fight for what’s right and that’s exactly what he does. Knight Terrors: Superman #2 is a satisfying conclusion to the Superman arc that brings both something new and some comforting to fans of DC’s iconic superhero.

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

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Joshua Williamson
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.