REVIEW: ‘DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special’ Issue 1

DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special Issue 1 is published by DC Comics and written by Jeremy Adams, art by Travis Mercer, colors by Andrew Dalhouse, and letters by Dave Sharpe.

This is a one-shot within the DC K.O. event. Jon Kent had been tasked with keeping a team of child superheroes safe. But they have other ideas, trying to help in a plan that puts them in the path of Granny Goodness.

The Kids are All Fight Special Issue 1 pivots to a very young generation of heroes, investigating how they have been affected by DC K.O. There are virtually no heroes left on Earth, and those that remain are busy. So no one is looking after the youngsters, who want to get involved. There is a slightly suturing start, as the one-shot links in with the pages of Titans. But it’s not long before the children are thrust into action, escaping and going off on their own. Protecting them is young Superman, the most powerful figure left on Earth.

From the minute the kids escape, the pace and energy ramp up to extremes. The children don’t even get a chance to get their bearings before Granny Goodness attacks them. Those added to the villain’s forces are surprises, and she has clearly been busy collecting familiar faces. The fight is energetic and exciting, quickly overwhelming and endangering the heroes that were so eager to leap into action.

The tone of DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special Issue 1 recognizes the ridiculousness of the situation, but it’s not overly silly or childish. There’s quite a somber moment at the end of the second act, when Fairplay’s plan gets his friends captured. The tone makes it accessible to all ages, with a frantic finale that creates a new group moving into the next phase of the event.

The young heroes that make up the heart of DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special Issue 1 are a new, extremely young generation. There is a fresh feeling to this group of heroes, many of whom will be unknown to the readers. Cheshire Cat may be the most well-known, as the daughter of Cheshire and Arsenal.

But there is also Boom, Jay Garrick’s granddaughter from another time, and Fairplay and Quiz Kid are both connected to Mr Terrific. It’s an odd selection, a little over-weighted with ultra-geniuses. But the four that start on the Justice League Watchtower are only part of something much bigger, with the rest of the cast coming from elsewhere.

They’re so young that Superman’s son looks like part of the older generation. He’s the leader and the icon, having to be an older brother to fit heroes who have more excitement and ideas than they know what to do with. When the kids escape, Superman enlists the help of Cassandra Cain, also known as Batgirl. It creates a Super and Bat combo at the start of this tiny, youthful Justice League.

The other children included are brought by Granny Goodness. These are much more recognizable figures that amplify the star factor of the characters, and replicate the Justice League on a much smaller scale.

The art in DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special Issue 1 excellently reminds us of how young the heroes are. They have cool costume designs and powers, but they’re ultimately kids. Small, excitable, and vulnerable. Especially compared to the gallery of more competent superheroes that watch over them, such as Donna Troy and Arsenal. 

There’s a terrific, cartoon-like quality to the artwork, creating phenomenally expressive faces. Some elements could be improved, however. The sense of movement in the action sequences isn’t brilliant, especially with multiple speedsters, and it can often seem like the kids are just standing around.

The colors are intensely vibrant. There are so many bright primary and secondary colors. Blue, yellow, and green are prevalent and prominent, especially in the children’s costumes. It makes them reminiscent of classic suits and instantly interesting. The Cheshire Cat starts the issue in a dark outfit, with only her blue hair as the only bright shade. This alerts us when she puts on her mask, which is a combo of white and red. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special Issue 1 heralds a new generation of young justice. Some of the character selection isn’t necessary, and there’s quite a bit of doubling up with the same powers and iconography. But there’s a terrific energy to the one-shot. It gives this Superman a sense of responsibility and makes him grow up while still recognizing his own youth. It’s not a flawless tie-in, but it’s a fun side from the main event that involves one of Darkseid’s most evil generals.

DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.