REVIEW: ‘Knight Terrors: Black Adam,’ Issue #1

Knight Terrors: Black Adam #1 is published by DC Comics, written and illustrated by Jeremy Haun, colors by Nick Filardi, and letters by Troy Peteri. This is part of the Knight Terrors event. The influence of Insomnia stretches to Kahndaq and Black Adam, forcing him to experience events beyond his power.

This is one of the first issues of Knight Terrors that actually shows the transition from the waking world to the dreamscape. It shows how the enemies moved in droves through both worlds. So much of this issue is a battle, but I found that it moves opposite to how battles usually unfold in comics. Where the power of a character normally increases and the chances of victory rise, here, it fizzles out. Black Adam’s power begins to fade, affecting what happens in the rest of the issue. His control slips, and that is just when things get weird and nightmarish. The Egyptian mythology and the DC lore of Kahndaq blend in a violent and horrifying conclusion, shocking perhaps the most unflappable figure in comics. The ending brings with it the possibility of hope, but these dreams have already proven that hope should not be believed quite so easily.

Investigating the worst fears of these characters is most fascinating for those that appear the strongest. Knight Terrors: Black Adam #1 highlights that, as the ruler and protector of Kahndaq presents himself as an impassible barrier between the enemy and his homeland. Arrogance and confidence are stitched into his DNA. So it stands to reason that it is something that he may fear losing. As the issue continues, the book gets deep into his confidence and reliance on his powers, but it’s more than that. For Black Adam, that power is granted to him so he can protect those he cares about. That is where his fear stems from, losing the ability to protect.

The art is awesome. The location is stunning, with a shift in the realms causing a change in the look of Kahndaq. It becomes foreign to even Black Adam. The faces on the statues are haunting, and the details etched onto the buildings are jaw-dropping. The monsters are also transformed when Adam goes from being awake to his dream, and both are phenomenal creations. I love the way that Black Adam is shown always to fling himself into action, often headfirst. It shows fearlessness and reliance on his invulnerability. There is some brutal imagery in the second half of the issue as Haun throws Adam further into the nightmare. 

The colors are very interesting. Purple has become a synonymous shade with Insomnia and his forces, meaning that that color brings an ominous vibe with it in these issues. Whilst the tones reflect that purple for much of the issue, relying on darker colors throughout the issue, Black Adam’s costume and powers also offer beacons of light. The lettering can occasionally be trouble, as Black Adam has a custom font and word balloon that can sometimes be difficult to read.

Knight Terrors: Black Adam #1 shows how to terrify a man who looks fearless. Black Adam is perhaps the most powerful being among this first wave of heroes and villains affected by Insomnia, and so it is fascinating to see how he is brought crashing down and humbled. Everything in that man’s life revolves around Kahndaq; that’s his family and his whole reason for existing. Haun brilliantly deconstructs that and proves that even Black Adam can be afraid.

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