REVIEW: ‘DC K.O.: Knightfight’ Issue 4

DC KO Knightfight Issue 4 is published by DC Comics and written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Dan Mora, colors by Tríona Farrell, and letters by Tom Napolitano.

This is part of the DC KO event. Batman has to fight a Gotham that has removed the need for a Batman at all.

This is the final part of Batman’s tie-in to the event. After multiple chapters that are frantic and violent, DC KO Knightfight Issue 4 opens in a different time. The Heart of Apokolips has made another Gotham, one where Damian Wayne had grown up and served as Batman. He has taken the city to a level where crime has been eradicated, and he can retire. It’s one where Bruce has a grandson. It’s peaceful, the exact outcome Bruce has been dreaming about but has never been able to fulfil. And somehow, he has to fight and destroy it.

Unlike the other chapters, DC KO Knightfight Issue 4 has Bruce linger for a while, adopting a slower pace, which makes him more of a family man. But that’s not what the Heart desires. It needs action and blood. So that fight does come, but not in the way it’s expected. Batman has managed to end up on top, either through his ability, trickery, or brute force. But none of these may help him in this last part of the fight.

DC KO Knightfight Issue 4 highlights a dream that Batman can only ever have in a fantasy. Bruce is happy. Everyone is happy. It may start with just him, Damian, and little Alfred, but the rest of the Bat Family is there too, and Bruce gets to actually spend time with them. There’s a montage that slowly moves through the family, highlighting moments of specific connection while still charging ahead.

For Bruce, this world is perfect – serene and comfortable – but ultimately fake. There isn’t a darkness or feeling of unstoppable doom. Instead, a positive tone fills the pages as a defiant approach aimed at the Heart. That exists until the final moment, with a dark inevitability.

The art is fascinating, as so much of DC KO Knightfight Issue 4 takes place without costumes. There’s no need for them, as the necessity of Batman has vanished. The passage of time is important, as it shows members of the Bat Family who are comfortable and content with their lives. Bruce appears much older, fitting his role as a grandad. He resembles Alfred, even, not the young, handsome bachelor that we know him as.

Meanwhile, Damian has fully grown up. Usually, he is the diminutive Robin, but now he is tall and slight. His Batsuit, when he decides to wear it, has elements of Flashpoint, but with a thinner physique, contrasting with the bulkier Batman build of Bruce or Thomas Wayne. It can be difficult to discern who is who in the big group shots, with many characters out of costume. This isn’t too much of a problem, as it’s fun to guess. Damian’s Gotham is beautiful, having evolved into something friendly rather than gothic and intimidating.

The citizens smile and cycle through the streets. It’s turned into a glamorous city that wouldn’t look out of place along the French Riviera. The fight at the end is fierce, as both Batmen force themselves to go for the kill.

The colors are fantastic. The city is gorgeous and colorful. Not like the Gotham of old, where the neon lights sometimes punctured through the darkness. But with a real vibrancy and depth, like a watercolor painting. It’s interesting, then, that Damian’s Batsuit is so dark, with a black-and-red color scheme. It’s even darker than Bruce’s blue costume. The lettering features stark, easy-to-read fonts.

DC KO Knightfight Issue 4 concludes a comprehensive character study. The brutal soul searching that Batman has had to travel through has damaged his spirit, mind, and, ultimately, his body. It’s affected how he sees his sons and himself, as his legacy is questioned. But this final story seems to heal him somewhat. He’s allowed time with his family, in a world that gives them happy endings and true contentment. Sacrificing that hurts, but it’s a necessity to return to the tournament.

DC K.O. Knightfight Issue 4 is available where comics are sold.