DC K.O.: KNIGHTFIGHT #4 (DC COMICS)
Batman has faced many challenges but nothing lie this.
After being eliminated by the Joker in DC K.O., Bruce Wayne made a back-up plan. The one thing he didn’t calculate was the Heart Of Apokolips was ready for his “prep time”.
Wayne was sent into different versions of Gotham City. Each had one of his sons assuming the mantle of the Bat. Dick Grayson. Jason Todd. Tim Drake. Each led Gotham into a new era. Now the most personal heir to the throne is ready to challenge him with his secret weapon: happiness.
DC K.O.: KNIGHTFIGHT #4 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Tríona Farrell & Tom Napolitano concludes its’ tie-in event with Damian Wayne ready to fight his father.
Let’s take a closer look into this finale.
DC K.O.: KNIGHTFIGHT #4 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Tríona Farrell & Tom Napolitano(DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson challenges Wayne in a completely new manner. Using the elusive vision of happiness, the writing shows Damian’s success as the Dark Knight. Seeing Bruce smiling at his old age is a bold statement into itself. The sheer existence of Alfie is a goal that always eludes him on his mission. Could Wayne ever “stop” being Batman to be happy. The answer is more complex than one may think. This issue gives a very strong argument on what the result would be.
The writing adds more layers into the long game of the Heart’s plans. Seeing Damian buy into Bruce’s wild dream leads into a more reflective look at the Batman role. There’s a sense of deception as Damian lays out the plans for this confrontation. The dialogue between father and children moves into a fight needed to advance. None hits harder than the closing moments with Alfie. It packs a punch before Bruce needs to fight Damian. Their fight will have readers on seat edges. It ends on an emotional note which bulldozes to close. Williamson hits a fantastic inner monologue to complete this finale with. One of the more introspective Bat stories readers will bare witness to without question.
Mora and Farrell open with one of the best beginning pages in recent memory. The Wayne family history through lil’ Alfred’s eyes hits the mark of the personal struggle on display. A two page spread welcomes readers into this shining vision of Gotham. Panels are filled with an older Bruce enjoying time with his grandson. This vision is very imaginiative as the hopes of this never have been in reach. The moments spiral into a family reunion that few could ever witness.
The faces of the Bat family providing strength is this time is monumental. It’s a resource Wayne uses but never in this type of display. The usage of smaller panels focuses in on the personal attachment Wayne has with this group. It leads itself into the battle waiting to take place. The art with Alfie “saying goodbye” checks every box. Readers watch as Damian dons his Bat suit via full page shot. The following fight is fast and unapologetic. A full page shot stops everything on a dime. This rushes in the closing of the chapter. The closing pages are impactful on where this has all been based around. An incredible final shot wraps up the thrilling story in this phase. Can’t ask for much more here.
FINAL GRADE: 9.7
What is the cost for everything the Dark Knight could ever want? This is what is discussed in this epic finale . Williamson dangles a perfect dream to a broken soul with phenomenal writing. Mora and Farrell construct a powerful look at the hidden side of the Dark Knight. This isn’t your typical Batman story by a longshot.
Let me know your thoughts on DC K.O.: KNIGHTFIGHT #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!