REVIEW: Knight Terrors: The Flash #2 (of 2)

The world’s fastest man is still trying to outrun his worst fears in Knight Terrors: The Flash #2. Can Barry stop the madness he’s trapped in before he completely unravels mentally and physically?

First things first, this is the best issue in the Knight Terrors series so far. It’s such a wild and terrifying ride, so well written, and features amazing art. In the first issue, Barry travels back in time to save Kid Flash (Wally West here) and discovers something is haunting the Speed Force. Whatever is lurking out there is preventing Flash from saving Wally. But he keeps trying…over, and over, and over. With each attempt, Flash is literally deteriorating before our eyes, and by the end, is an all-out monster himself. And that goes for him mentally as well. The Flash does some reprehensible things in this issue including a legit “what the heck” moment. No spoilers but you’ll know it when you see it. Writer Alex Paknadel creates one of the most complex versions of Barry Allen seen in any comic. His fear is driving him over the edge.

Artistically, this issue is just as intense and darkly twisted as the story, The Flash’s new monstrous design is cartoonish yet grotesque, and a unique remix for the iconic character. Visualizing desperation in art is incredibly difficult, yet one look at The Flash here and it’s clear this is a man willing to pay any price to complete his mission. Another difficulty in comics is displaying The Flash’s awesome powers. It may not be easy, but when done right, The Flash may be the coolest hero in all comics in action. Showing speed in still panels takes talent and creativity. This issue is all about The Flash running so quickly he can travel back in time and that is visualized in spectacular fashion here. Oh, and the monster reveal, real nightmare fuel right there. Daniel Bayliss, Tom Derenick, Igor Monti and Pete Pantazis put together a visually stunning comic book.

“Love is the opposite of choice” is a line uttered to the Flash at the beginning of the issue which becomes its central theme. Barry’s love for Wally and the fear of losing him turns him into a man without a choice. He is willing to do absolutely anything to reverse time and save his friend. The descent from Det Flash in issue #1 to completely desperate friend in issue #2 is shocking. And the ending…terrifying, haunting, and most of all, sad. When one messes with time travel, there are always unintended consequences. And when he finally finds the monster, it’s more terrifying than he could’ve imagined. Knight Terrors: The Flash #2 is an incredible issue that will stay with the reader for a very long time.

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

Overall:
5 Stars

Written by; Alex Paknadel
Art by; Daniel Bayliss and Tom Derenick
Colors by; Igor Monti and Pete Pantazis
|Letters by; Simon Bowland
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.