“Chapter One: Into The Ring”
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Javi Fernánandez, Xermanico
Color Artist: Alejandro Sanchez
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by James Attias
Let the biggest event of the year, and the biggest fight in history begin… DC K.O. #1 kicks off with a bang!
Ding Ding
It is finally here, after a long build up, and constant teases… DC KO begins. Despite there being several stories leading up to this event, and several preludes and books setting the scene, a lot of this issue is setting up the event. There’s a lot of exposition here.
We all love Superman, but seeing him in this book so far, just makes me sad. They have him as a bit of a wet blanket that hates playing any kind of game that someone will lose. I mean I love the big blue boy scout more than most, but when the fate of the entire multiverse is once again at stake, maybe playing to win ain’t gonna kill ya Clark!
Made You Look
The biggest selling point of this event has been the universal fandom arguments of “Who Would Win?” which we have all been looking forward to since the event was announced. We’ve seen the fight brackets, we know who’s fighting whom. This book takes away some of that evil spoiler filled marketing, and adds a splash of surprise, I’m not going to give anything away (as if you haven’t all read it online anyway. But no one is safe. Even if their face is plastered all over this event, there will be twists and turns and you will be deliberately misled. Which I think is a stroke of genius, as online leaks, promos and spoilers are killing the element of surprise, so a little smoke and mirrors keeps this old nerd well and truly happy.
The art was fine, there is a lot going on in this book, so to keep it clear what’s happening would be a challenge for any artist. Some designs felt a little lazy, but I’ll get over it. As for the writing, much like the art there is A LOT going on. But one element, really really got my goat. A certain character is stabbed in the back… It happens. Bad guys do that all the time. Wouldn’t have been an issue if that character hadn’t been wearing a god damn suit that was meant to withstand the entire might of the Justice League… But no… a F$%^&ing switch blade from the back can pierce it. My eyes are still rolling…. Do better. Please.
Conclusion
DC K.O. #1 is whirlwind inside a hurricane, setting up the biggest battle royale in DC Comics history. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see where it ends up.
Review Written to Honor Steve J Ray – May he Rest in Peace.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment