REVIEW: ‘Knight Terrors: Superman,’ Issue #1

Knight Terrors: Superman #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Joshua Williamson, art by Tom Reilly, colors by Nathan Fairbairn, and letters by Ariana Maher. This is part of the Knight Terrors event Superman gets dragged into the dream world just like everyone else. But what can an invincible man be scared of?

This issue takes a different tone than many of the other issues in this event, whilst still using the same key points. It opens at the point where Superman fell asleep in Knight Terrors: First Blood #1, leading to him waking up in his own nightmare. But it’s different in that Superman is aware of it being a dream. This changes the dynamic of the book drastically, giving it a separate atmosphere from the rest of the tie-ins involved. It’s fast-paced and action-oriented, with situations that are exaggerated and dramatic. Because of that consciousness even within the realm of the unconscious, it allows for the wider plot of the event to be pushed forward. Insomnia’s real plan is highlighted, as well as the rules or his powers. The last two pages introduce a set of characters that haven’t been seen through this whole event yet and could shake things up dramatically.

Knight Terrors: Superman #1 may have a character that knows he is dreaming, but that doesn’t make the ordeal any easier for him. In fact, there are parts that highlight how it can be an even more difficult predicament. Those that are getting sucked into their dreams and unable to shake off the illusions aren’t struggling in the same way. Clark is shown horrors that he knows are hallucinations, but that leads to intense paranoia about what is actually true or not, as well as confusing us. It causes trepidation towards any form of help. The dialogue is incredible, featuring displays of power and posturing from two formidable beings.

The art is superb and creative as well. Reilly is a terrific choice, bringing that cartoon depiction of Superman that can be found in several pieces of media. As the issue progresses and the dream shifts, Reilly keeps up and adapst to fit the scenarios. These can be gruesome and alarming, with some brutal imagery at play. Barriers are often broken within the comic page itself, as Superman gets thrown through the walls of the panels. The scale varies throughout the issue, ranging from planets to huge figures for Superman to fight. Both those alterations help demonstrate how changeable the nightmare world is. 

The colors are gorgeously vibrant and rich. Where Insomnia travels, purple follows him. It helps instill a feeling of dread when you discover that one color can be representative of a character. There are also some great but subtle changes in size to denote the tone and volume of the dialogue.

Knight Terrors: Superman #1 helps advance the larger story within the whole DC Universe. The most powerful character just doesn’t take the living in a dream world, and that forces progression. Having the same writers as the main books helps keep the synergy and consistency, with sustained decisions making from Williamson. But Kent’s awareness of the situation does not mean that Superman’s nightmares aren’t explored, or that the concept of the event has just passed him by. You see them, and they are intense, but the drama is generated by the troubled indecision of the main character whilst everything is happening around. What it felt like was that some of these bad dreams had been had bat Superman before, so he was prepared to be plagued by them yet again.

Knight Terrors: Superman #1 is available where comics are sold.