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This summer, the world of DC Comics was plunged into a realm of nightmares and intrigue, an event that will be etched in comic book history – Knight Terrors. This gripping event, not only redefined the boundaries of narrative complexity but also challenged our perceptions of the beloved DC characters we read so much about, pushing them to their limits, and sometimes, beyond. The ‘Top Tier Terrors’ section delves deep into the better moments and standout characters of the series. ‘Worth Reading’ is where we recommend the Terrors of the event that might not have been the greatest, but they definitely were not the worst either.
And for those moments that left us scratching our heads in bewilderment throughout? The ‘Well, They Happened’ section breaks down the head scratchers and the hmmmm wonder why they did that, speculating the reasons and the broader implications for the DC Universe. Strap in, dear reader, for a journey through the Knight Terrors and Insomina’s world is here.
Top Tier Terrors
Knight Terrors: Detective Comics
In a harrowing twist, Batman finds himself ensnared within the confounding Nightmare Realm. Amidst this dark chaos, Jim Gordon encounters an eerily familiar sight: three individuals engaged in a mystifying ritual, one of whom dons a metal Batsuit reminiscent of Jim’s past, though with a more sinister integration. As Gotham’s very essence gets threatened, and with Babs—Jim’s daughter—in the crosshairs, the line between reality and nightmare becomes alarmingly blurred.
Subsequently, a series of bizarre events unfurl in Gotham. Witnessing unsettling manifestations of power, wealth, and knowledge, Jim Gordon is forced to confront some unsettling truths about Gotham’s denizens. A peculiar clock becomes the centerpiece of Jim’s investigation, prompting him to seek Oracle’s expertise. As they delve deeper, the urgency to discern the line between dream and reality escalates.
Verdict: ABSOLUTE BANGER. For a story that unfolds in Gotham City, there are a lot of moving elements and unique implications throughout that make this one special. They did a great job utilizing characters that would typically be supporting characters in this story.
Score: 97 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Zatanna
Zatanna finds herself in a dire situation as one of the few remaining conscious beings on Earth, with looming threats from Insomnia’s Sleepless Knights. In a bid to counteract the overwhelming odds, she employs her magic to rally any available allies, leading her to join forces with an unexpected companion, Robotman from the Unstoppable Doom Patrol.
In a subsequent twist, the Sleepless Queen makes a bold move by targeting Robotman, intensifying the peril for Zatanna and the fate of Earth’s dreamscape. As the stakes rise, Zatanna grapples with the profound consequences of her magic, placing both her and Robotman’s futures in a precarious balance.
Verdict: Enjoyable Ride. Zatanna and Robotman make a fun duo as they manuver around Insomnia’s goons and almost become something they aren’t. The issues brilliantly explore themes of sacrifice and resilience. For fans seeking a mix of magic, suspense, and unexpected alliances, this is the one for you.
Score: 95 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Batman
In “Knight Terrors: Batman,” readers are plunged into an enthralling journey as Bruce finds himself ensnared in the chilling depths of the Nightmare Realm. Facing the daunting task of escaping a world shaped by his own fearsome legacy, Batman must delve deeper into his psyche than ever before. This narrative challenges him to confront and outdo the very horrors he has inspired in Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Meanwhile, as a bonus in the issue the story also intriguingly touches on the nightmares faced by other heroes like Arsenal and Black Canary, adding layers to this two-parter. For fans of intense psychological drama and dark superhero tales, “Knight Terrors: Batman” promises an immersive and thought-provoking adventure for you.
Verdict: When does the Dark Knight NOT deliver? Although the Bat-Gun Head Monster Creature is quite bizarre, it adds to the lore and the terror of one of DC’s greatest superheroes. Definitely worth a read.
Score: 95 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Green Lantern
“Knight Terrors: Green Lantern” takes us on an exhilarating cosmic journey where Hal Jordan, alongside Kilowog and fellow Lanterns, defies an Earth-bound ban to investigate a mysterious disturbance in Sector 2814. The story reaches its peak when they encounter a planet under the grip of an entity embodying Hal’s greatest fear, providing a stunning narrative twist. Simultaneously, as a bonus story the comic delves into Sinestro’s psyche, offering a harrowing glimpse into his fears and regrets in a gripping backup story.
Verdict: “Knight Terrors: Green Lantern” masterfully balances intense action with deep psychological exploration, and showcasing the resilience of the human spirit against the darkest of fears. This two-parter is a must-read for Green Lantern fans and those who casually see Green Lantern books on the shelf or if you relish the blending of space adventure with character-driven drama.
Score: 95 out of 100
Knight Terrors
“Knight Terrors,” narrated by the ethereal Deadman, a.k.a. Boston Brand, takes us on a spine-chilling journey through the DC Universe, engulfed in a world of superheroes nightmares. After a captivating special issue, Deadman teams up with Batman and the enigmatic Wesley Dodds, the original Sandman, to unravel the mystery of the vengeful Insomnia and his quest for the elusive Nightmare Stone.
The narrative intensifies with the introduction of the Sleepless Knights, Insomnia’s relentless minions, and takes a turn when Batman’s son, Damian, adds to the chaos. As the story culminates in the eerie Arkham Tower, the heroes face a moral quandary over Insomnia’s vendetta, making “Knight Terrors” a gripping blend of horror, mystery, and dark psychological twists.
Verdict: This DC Event is one to read, if not all the two-part character arcs these four issues take you on a fun ride that explores a newer villain named “Insomnia”. See what makes him tick and what made him flip the script on our favorite heroes.
Score: 94 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Superman
“Knight Terrors: Superman” takes a deep dive into the psyche of the Man of Steel, where Superman faces his greatest fears in the Nightmare Realm. Teaming up with Supergirl, they embark on a harrowing quest to find their loved ones, leading them to the eerie Nightly Planet and an intense confrontation with the Super-Reaper. This gripping narrative also explores Superman’s unexpected landing in the waking world, adding a surprising twist to the tale.
With pages that you can’t help but read, as they unravel the mysteries of Marilyn Moonlight and battle the formidable Sleepless Knights. “Knight Terrors: Superman” skillfully intertwines the haunting past of Metropolis with the present crises, delivering a must-read for fans seeking a unique and thrilling Superman adventure.
Verdict: “Knight Terrors: Superman” skillfully intertwines the haunting past of Metropolis with the present crises, delivering a must-read for fans seeking a unique and thrilling Superman adventure.
Score: 94 out of 100
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Worth Reading
Knight Terrors: Shazam
“Knight Terrors: Shazam” delves into the dual psyche of Billy Batson and his superhero alter-ego, Captain Marvel, as they confront their deepest fears in a uniquely challenging scenario. This installment in the Knight Terrors series uniquely portrays the struggle of a hero battling nightmares in both identities, amplifying the stakes like never before. As Billy faces a dire test of courage and resilience, Mary Marvel’s journey in the Nightmare Realm brings her face-to-face with the daunting Nightmare Captain, leading to unexpected transformations and revelations.
Verdict: The narrative of “Knight Terrors: Shazam” not only explores the personal fears of the Shazam family but also weaves a tale of suspense and emotional depth, making it a worthy read for fans intrigued by the psychological dimensions of their favorite superheroes.
Score: 92 out of 100
Knight Terrors: The Flash
“Knight Terrors: The Flash” takes readers on a high-speed journey with Barry Allen as he navigates the treacherous landscapes of the Nightmare Realm. Freed from one dimension only to be trapped in another, Barry faces a series of deeply personal and harrowing challenges that test his resolve and speed. Fans of The Flash will find this issue a thrilling and emotionally charged read, offering a unique insight into Barry’s psyche and his unyielding determination to overcome even the most daunting of obstacles, and add new layers of depth to the Flash character.
Verdict: I WANNA GO FAST! As Barry confronts his greatest fears, the story captures the essence of what it means to be the Scarlet Speedster, both in terms of his incredible speedy abilities and his human vulnerabilities.
Score: 91 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Robin
“Knight Terrors: Robin” presents the reader with a gripping and intense narrative as Jason Todd and Tim Drake, the two renowned Robins, find themselves ensnared in the haunting depths of the Nightmare Realm. This two-parter of the DC Event uniquely explores the tumultuous relationship between these Bat-brothers as they face a harrowing journey through their darkest memories and fears. With nightmare versions of themselves at every turn, Jason and Tim are pushed to their limits, compelling them to confront not only their internal demons but also the strain in their partnership.
Verdict: I’M THE BEST ROBIN, NO I’M THE BEST ROBIN!! These books blend psychological horror with the action-packed dynamics of the Robin legacy, offering readers a profound look into what shapes these heroes beyond their capes and masks.
Score: 90 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Wonder Woman
“Knight Terrors: Wonder Woman” thrusts readers into a spine-chilling adventure with the Justice League Dark, as Wonder Woman, alongside Detective Chimp (!!!!) , confronts an eerie disturbance at the Hall of Justice, leading them straight into the Nightmare Realm. “This story “Knight Terrors: Wonder Woman” artfully combines mythological elements with psychological horror, as Wonder Woman faces her own insecurities and fears while navigating this labyrinth of horror. Meanwhile, Queen Nubia’s enthralling subplot in the Well of Souls adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue.
Verdict: I WILL LASSO YOU TO TELL ME THE TRUTH!!! “Knight Terrors: Wonder Woman” is a testament to the strength and resilience of some iconic characters, offering fans a riveting and emotional journey that explores the essence of heroism in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Score: 88 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Ravager
“Knight Terrors: Ravager” embarks on a journey with Rose Wilson, a.k.a. Ravager, as she faces her most daunting challenge yet in the Nightmare Realm. Separated from Stormwatch, Ravager confronts a haunting and personal trial: protecting her younger self from the menacing Murder Man and his Slaughter Squadron. As the story unfolds, Ravager battles not only to save her younger self but also to thwart the Slaughter Squadron’s plot to invade our reality. This character arc is a thrilling and emotionally charged addition to the Knight Terrors series, offering fans a profound look into the complexities of Rose Wilson’s character and her fierce determination to fight against overwhelming odds.
Verdict: YA DID GOOD KID. This gripping narrative delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the past’s shadows as Ravager grapples with the enigmatic Murder Man, a figure disturbingly familiar and knowledgeable about her life.
Score: 87 out of 100
Knight Terrors: The Joker
In “Knight Terrors: The Joker,” readers are treated to an unexpectedly hilarious yet dark twist on the infamous Clown Prince of Crime. Imagine the Joker, Gotham’s mastermind of chaos, thrust into the mundanity of everyday office life, grappling with the horrors of meetings, office politics, and the dreaded coffee machine small talk. This story ingeniously flips the script on Gotham’s most feared villain, exploring what truly terrifies him – normalcy. As the story unfolds, it teases potentially the most disturbing revelation of the year about the Joker’s psyche.
Verdict: WHAT’S A WORLD WITHOUT BATS?!?! NOT ONE I WANT TO BE IN. Amidst this comedic setting, there’s an underlying sense of foreboding as the Joker navigates his day job while a mysterious figure terrorizes Gotham by night. This issue brilliantly melds humor with horror, showcasing a side of the Joker that’s both absurdly funny and deeply unsettling.
Score: 87 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Action Comics
“Knight Terrors: Action Comics” takes readers on a heart-pounding journey with Power Girl as she confronts the most chilling adversary yet – her own nightmarish reflection. Trapped in a world where her fears manifest, Paige, aka Power Girl, faces a relentless battle not just against external foes but also against the demons within. Meanwhile, in the back-up story the Super-Twins face a horrifying scenario in the Nightmare Realm, hunted by a monstrous version of their adoptive father, Cyborg Superman. As Superboy and Kong Kenan, along with the Steel family, race against time to rescue them, the suspense intensifies.
Verdict: SUPER! The character arc carefully intertwines Power Girl’s quest for self-confrontation with the Super-Twins’ struggle for survival, creating a multi-layered story of fear, resilience, and identity. This arc’s strength is blending psychological horror with superhero action, and is a solid read for fans.
Score: 86 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Poison Ivy
“Knight Terrors: Poison Ivy” immerses readers in a deceptively idyllic suburban nightmare, where Pamela Isley, better known as Poison Ivy, finds herself in a too-perfect neighborhood tailor-made for her. Alongside Harleen Quinzel, the couple’s tranquil life is contrasted with unsettling, over-the-top happiness from their neighbors, hinting at something sinister lurking beneath the surface. As Ivy navigates this surreal, smile-filled world, her dream quickly devolves into a nightmare, with dark undertones and eerie occurrences that challenge her perception of reality.
Verdict: WHO KNEW PLANTS COULD BE SO TERRIFYING! This issue brilliantly captures the essence of a psychological thriller, blending Poison Ivy’s characteristic connection with nature and her struggle against a suffocating, artificial paradise. The narrative takes a gripping turn as Ivy and her companion confront the creeping horror of their seemingly perfect existence.
Score: 84 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Nightwing
In “Knight Terrors: Nightwing,” readers are plunged into a chilling scenario where Dick Grayson, aka Nightwing, faces his ultimate nightmare: waking up in jail, accused of murdering someone he loves, with no memory of the act. This character arc intertwines Grayson’s traumatic past with his present predicament, as he encounters grotesque humanoid pigs reenacting scenes from his childhood at Haly’s Circus. This surreal and haunting journey is intensified by vivid flashbacks, adding layers of psychological horror.
Verdict: BOY WONDER, I WONDER WHERE I BE?! As the Batgirls work tirelessly to unravel the mystery, Nightwing finds himself in an uneasy alliance with notorious villains like Two-Face and Scarecrow, who may hold the key to his innocence — or further entrapment.
Score: 82 out of 100
Well They Happened
Knight Terrors: Titans
In “Knight Terrors: Titans,” the Titans are thrust into a harrowing battle for survival within the nightmarish depths of the Nightmare Realm. This story arc pits the team against their most daunting adversaries yet: the Terror Titans, distorted reflections of themselves, embodying their deepest fears and darkest aspects. As these menacing doppelgängers threaten to usurp the legacy of the Justice League with a chilling willingness to kill, the Titans must confront not only these external threats but also their internal demons. Amidst this chaos, the story introduces a mysterious young girl trapped inside Titans Tower, adding another layer of suspense and intrigue.
Verdict: MAN, THAT’S A TALL TOWER.. With the familiar setting of Titans Tower transformed into a labyrinth of terror, “Knight Terrors: Titans” offers a compelling blend of action, psychological thrills, and dark fantasy.
Score: 78 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Punchline
“Knight Terrors: Punchline” takes readers on a dark and twisted journey into the psyche of Alexis Kaye, also known as Punchline, as she confronts the very essence of fear in a haunting nightmare world. Projected as fearless, Punchline is put to the ultimate test when she faces a formidable and terrifying version of Batgirl in a battle for the soul of Gotham.
Verdict: This character arc peels back the layers of Punchline’s character, revealing her deepest anxieties and fears in a cinematic horror-movie style setting. As she grapples with the nightmarish Batgirl, the narrative delves into themes of inner strength, resilience, and the struggle to overcome personal demons.
Score: 75 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Catwoman
“Knight Terrors: Catwoman” embarks on a haunting and introspective journey with Selina Kyle as she navigates a labyrinth of guilt and redemption in the Nightmare Realm. Trapped in a twisted version of Gotham, Catwoman confronts her gravest sin: the murder of Valmont for the love of Batman, a decision that haunts her amidst the surreal and disturbing visions orchestrated by Sister Zero, her own sister, Maggie. These issues offer a unique and gripping exploration of Catwoman’s struggle for redemption and the harrowing paths to salvation within the mind.
Verdict: OH BATS…. This eerie arc delves into the complexities of Catwoman’s psyche, as she grapples with her Catholic guilt and the disorienting reality where time, identity, and morality are distorted. The story takes a further bizarre turn with a snake-limbed Joker and a Gotham that doesn’t recognize the Batman she saved.
Score: 69 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn
“Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn” catapults readers into a wild and whimsical journey beyond the realms of reality and dreams, straight into the absurdity of the Harley Quinn Zone. Hosted by Harley Quinn herself, this comic is a rollercoaster of interdimensional adventures, blending her trademark humor with a dash of cosmic mystery.
Verdict: WHAT’S GOIN ON PUDDIN’?! In this bizarre arc, Harley confronts the unimaginable and the nonsensical, from cancan-dancing donuts to battling one of Superman’s formidable foes, all while exploring her own convoluted origin story.
Score: 66 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Black Adam
In “Knight Terrors: Black Adam,” readers are thrust into arc that showcases a side of Black Adam rarely seen. As a nightmarish wave engulfs the planet, the usually indomitable protector of Kahndaq finds himself in the Nightmare Realm, stripped of his powers and facing his deepest, darkest fears. Accompanied by a mysterious feline guide, Black Adam embarks on a treacherous journey, challenging not just his physical strength but his mental resilience as well.
Verdict: MEH. The feline is cool.
Score: 63 out of 100
Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker
In “Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker,” the comic delves into a heart-pounding narrative as Angel Breaker, in a desperate bid to harness John Dee’s dream powers, teams up with the skilled but untrustworthy thief, Raptor. Set against the backdrop of a world plunged into nightmares, this unlikely duo finds themselves in an abandoned Kobra safe house, facing dangers that go far beyond mere physical threats. Their mission becomes a race against time when they encounter the terrifying Nanny Gillo, a nightmarish entity drawn from Angel Breaker’s own fears.
Verdict: HMM.. well this one has nice covers to collect, but unless you’re an Angel Breaker fan probably steer clear.
Score: 61 out of 100
Well, there you have it! Hopefully this ranking list didn’t put you to sleep like Insomina did to so many of our favorite heroes! Let us know what you think in the comments, did you enjoy Knight Terrors? Which was your favorite two-parter character arc?
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