REVIEW: ‘Knight Terrors: The Joker,’ Issue #1

Knight Terrors: The Joker #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Matthew Rosenberg, art by Stefano Raffaele, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr, and letters by Tom Napolitano. This is part of the Knight Terrors event. In the Joker’s nightmare, he discovers what his life would be like if Batman was out of the picture.

This is an issue that tackles a question many have asked before but through a different lens. The Joker without Batman is a quandary that has existed for years, and through a nightmare, Rosenberg is able to have a lot of fun with it. Nothing has to be taken too seriously, and anything can happen. The beginning of the issue is a funny and sudden shock, exhibiting some of the comic’s pitch-black humor. And after the adjustment period from the Joker, the issue becomes a parody of It’s a Wonderful Life, putting the clown in a casual environment. While it’s a peculiar direction, the ridiculous nature of the situation forms the spine of the issue. But in the comic’s last quarter, something perplexing resurfaces and superbly leads to the conclusion. 

This comic is an intensely focused character study. Whilst there are many other characters in Knight Terrors: The Joker #1, no one comes close to stealing the limelight from the main man. But the issue becomes like a double act that’s lost a half. Joker’s usual delight in murder and mirth is dampened after the first part of the issue, like he doesn’t know what to do with himself now. And since this is a dreamscape, things can be said without consequence.

However, Joker isn’t any less cutting or cruel, maintaining honesty about death and killing. And the reaction from those around him is hilarious. The trajectory he is on is fascinating, and you realize the outcome really is a nightmare for the Joker himself. Not every line lands, with some of Joker’s comments after the inciting incident seeming strange and out of character. This is intentional, as that incident decisively alters the Joker’s personality.

The art is fantastic. Although there is an attempt to place the Joker into a representation of the real world, there is very little done to try and convert him. The start of the book features two set pieces, set in locations that would be perfect for an intense showdown. However, the nature of the comic sets them up for fall. But the locations are magnificently drawn with the expectation of something big coming. Joker’s costumes are extravagant.

The layout for what becomes the remainder of the comic is fascinating and brilliantly done. Raffaele’s style is heavily detailed, and some of the expressions are phenomenal. There are moments that don’t require words, with intricate details enough to make the gag work on its own. The action is minimal in the book, with more happening at the start, but there is enough grim and horrific imagery that the craziness of the situation makes up for the lack of combat.

The colors are excellent. The fades from one color to the next are incredible, generating a natural feel of textures on the ground. There is usually a light source emanating from somewhere, the cone of luminescence radiating outwards. If there isn’t, the panel most likely looks darker, as if it would not fit to create a light source that isn’t there. The Joker’s color profile never changes, staying the one constant in an issue full of alterations. The lettering features DC’s standard word balloon used for the Joker, which can sometimes be tricky to read.

Knight Terrors: The Joker #1 is a great mix of character study and inventive storytelling. Using a classic movie as a benchmark to frame the plot around. Rosenberg’s script is achingly funny, subverting expectations multiple times and keeping the issue surprising. The visuals are stunning and thought-provoking. There may be moments that seem awkward or that don’t sound like the Joker, but that’s the whole point of Knight Terrors. The characters are acting abnormally because they’re trapped in an eternal nightmare, and that’s a reminder that should always be kept in mind. In dreams, the peculiar can become commonplace.

Knight Terrors: The Joker #1 is available where the comics are sold.