DC KO #4 (DC COMICS)
Four remain in the fight to become Absolute Champion.
Superman, Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman and the Joker are the DCU’s last hope. One will emerge as champion but they will have earned it.
Darkseid has been waiting for this moment as well. Knowing that the tourney was commencing, he plotted as he possessed Booster Gold. The former Lord of Apokolips will not go down quietly. He has assembled his champions. A trinity of heroes in his dark, cruel world.
The time for talking is over. It’s time to fight.
DC K.O. #4 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Xermánico, Javier Fernández, Alejandro Sánchez & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou delivers its’ pen-ultimate chapter.
Let’s get ringside for all the action.
DC K.O. #4 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Xermánico, Javier Fernández, Alejandro Sánchez & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Snyder and Williamson do not waste time in bringing the action with this chapter. Many had wonder how this meeting would play out. Motives become revealed as the battle rages on. Before then, there are a few surprises thrown into the mix. One of which being the unlikeliest of final combatants. Joker’s actions thrown everything off its’ axis. It’s a perfect Joker move with the writing fully leans into. The writing lays all its’ cards on the table in response. There is no turning back form this stage. Luckily for the heroes, one element switches up momentum heading into the championship rounds.
Readers see a heartfelt reunion, one that features a smile rarely seen. Knowing what that reaction means, it creates a glimmer of hope about the fate of the tourney. Snyder throws in some tongue-in-cheek liners as one battle commences. There is plenty of blockbuster action pushing the conflict forward. Superman makes a risky call which will have the audience on their feet. Before anyone can celebrate, Snyder pulls out a horror technique to shake events up. Events move very fast until the only conclusion that can happen. The tourney has been based on what one is willing to do. One did and the price might be too high to pay.
The bonus closing gives a full, layered look at what Darkseid had been planning for quite some time. It adds much to what just transpired and teases an inevitable phrase. This will be the talk at the shops this week.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
The art team knows exactly what this issue is all about. Readers want action? They got it! After the full “video game” intro page, the punches are flying. A two page spread unlocks the brawling as stakes keep rising. When Joker makes his unpredictable move, it’s gifted with a half page panel. There’s no shortage of frustration and anger on the combatant's faces. Match-up do not matter in this instance. It’s all about winning at all costs. The interlude gives away one secret, but the impact is still very welcomed.
It leads to a rare image in this fight: genuine happiness. Readers see actual smiling when someone appears for the combat. It also creates a sense of “This is the End”. A very low-key move but one that hits. The aura moves into the next phase of combat. Panels match the rapid-fire rounds until one strike seems to end all. It gives a breather for the audience to catch their breathers. That is quickly stolen by a horrific debut via two page splash. This spins into the last rounds of the fight. Readers get their moneys worth as the end is here. A defiant move is made with the ramifications taking up half panels. A haunting series of panels conclude events for now, but one more round is left.
The epilogue has a series of two page splashing bringing the sinister lord’s plans to the spotlight. It brings the evil plans to fruition. The panels are a perfect close to an excellent chapter.
FINAL POINT: 9.7
The smoke has clearer. One remains standing in a thrilling bout of will and sacrifice. Snyder and Williamson’s writing brings out the desperation and struggles of hope. The art team doesn’t back down on leaving all the action on the pages. The champion has been crowned. How long can they reign?
Let me know your thoughts on DC K.O. #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
