REVIEW: ‘Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker,’ Issue #2

Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker #2 is published by DC Comics, written by Tim Seely, art by Acky Bright, colors by Brian Reder, and letters by Saida Temofonte. This is part of the Knight Terrors event. Angel Breaker, Raptor, and a small group of kids are trapped in a nightmare with a child-eating monster. What is more terrifying is the fact that they aren’t asleep.

The comic’s plot is epic and frightening, with a classic horror story feel to how it works. A plan is set early to try and keep the kids safe, but as proven in the previous issue, that is easier said than done. Then begins a descent into the bowels of the Kobra facility, where the book really comes to life. It alternates from being creepy to outright horrifying, and I was utterly transfixed during the whole issue.

The plot is slow, but that is not a criticism, as it allows the atmosphere to build. There’s no escape from a threat that seems to haunt even established, badass fighters. When something dramatic happens, it occurs rapidly, serving as a jump scare when you turn the page. And what makes it harder to look away is the fact that no one is actually asleep during this. If someone dies, waking up isn’t going to bring them back. Therefore, there is a somber feeling at the end of the issue.

The characters in this tie-in have been exceptional. I was largely unfamiliar with both Angel Breaker and Raptor, but they have formed an exciting partnership. They are villains, ultimately, but have been tasked with protecting children they have just met from a being that they didn’t know properly existed. They also don’t trust each other, making it difficult to cooperate. The dialogue is excellent, especially for the villain. It can change often, sometimes switching languages and is gloriously sadistic and bloodthirsty. I never truly understood what it is, but that is partially the point, I believe, as the creature appears as something different to each of her victims. Some of the exposition is difficult to follow regarding Angel Breaker and her sword, feeling repetitive without actually saying much.

The art is utterly fantastic. Bright brings a manga influence with them to the comic, which is noticeable in the face of Angel Breaker. The large eyes and mouth are a blending of styles. But there is further evidence of a Japanese impact on Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker #2, predominantly in Nanny Grillo, the monster. The face often shifts, turning from one visage to another, many appearing like homages to horror stories, folklore, and legends. All of these moments are deeply haunting and memorable, with some ingenious designs being brought to the fore. And as it adapts specifically for each person it faces, it means that what we see from page to page is entirely unpredictable. It’s one of the most stunning additions to the Knight Terrors crossover.

The colors are interesting. At first,  the base itself could be accused of being boring to look at, with dull colors and dark shadows making it a forgettable location. But that draws all of the attention to the characters. Angel Breaker has a classic black and red combination, whilst Raptor’s orange costume always makes him stand out. And as the story moves through the levels, there is a lighting change that impacts the intensity. It shifts from blue to red and back again, altering the intensity of the comic as it does so. The lettering is very clear and always easy to read. The font and the word balloon style created for Nanny Gillo made my skin crawl. 

Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker #2 is a magnificent horror story. Utterly terrifying and beautifully creative, it bucks the trend of the event to make this book even scarier. There is a general feeling of safety within these books, with the notion that a character can wake up and escape the nightmare they are in acting as a lifejacket. That is not the case in this issue, with multiple kids and a couple of villains stuck in a building with one of the freakiest monsters I’ve seen in a while. The superb art and the nail-biting plot mean that this terrific comic would work even if it weren’t a tie-in to Knight Terrors.

Knight Terrors: Angel Breaker #2 is available where comics are sold.