Overview: The search for the Nightmare Stone continues in Knight Terrors #2, as Deadman and the original Sandman track down Red Tornado.
Synopsis (Spoilers ahead): Our story picks right up exactly where we left off: In the cemetery with Boston Brand, Deadman, still inhibiting Batman’s body and the newly resurrected Sandman (Wesley Dodds). “I saw glimpses of his (Insomnia’s) mind… I saw you. Any idea why?”
We jump back in time to one of the Sandman’s first cases involving the Nightmare Stone and a cult. Just before a man is about to plunge a knife into a human sacrifice, the Sandman jumps in, gassing the room and releasing the captive. The captive goes for the knife and plunges it into his chest just as a skull-shaped stone begins to form. The other members try to kill themselves as well, to fully bring the stone into existence, but they are all saved by previous actions taken by the Sandman.
We cut to Insomnia in the dream of the son of the cult leader. Not finding the Nightmare Stone, he explodes the son into gold coins.
A red alert takes Deadman and the Sandman to Terrifictech where Red Tornado is trying his best to put out all the fires caused by everyone being asleep. Red Tornado also informs his new companions that if everyone continues to sleep it will become permanent.
Trapped in the Knightmare realm, Insomnia reaches for Deadman to find him, allowing Deadman another glimpse into Insomnia’s mind. They are back at Arkham Asylum but long before the Lazarus rain. Insomnia, as a man, newly awake from his induced coma, sits across from John Dee (Dr. Destiny) who whispers someone has stolen his dream stones. A news report comes on telling of the resurrections of the believed-dead Justice League. This drives Insomnia into a rage, attacking everyone in sight. Insomnia is returned to his coma.
Through this connection, Insomnia is able to find Deadman and Sandman in the awake world. The issue ends with the Sleepless Knights attacking.
Analysis: Another solid installment of the Knight Terrors event. I think this is a perfect follow up to Knight Terrors #1. The first page is another Deadman-centered introduction piece, which I find super fun. I think the way Joshua Williamson is writing the pairing of Deadman and Sandman is great. Their dialogue between telling each other all the information they need to share is great. They are gold together.
The two and a half pages where we get to see Insomnia searching the Knightmare realm are great as well. I would really like to see more of that. Maybe a standalone Insomnia comic where he is searching specific nightmares would be fun.
The art is fantastic again. We have multiple artists, but you can’t tell unless you really go looking for it. If this is the art they are going to continue to crank out, I would keep doing it exactly how they have been. The first page with Boston Brand on air and the panels where Insomnia searches for the stone are big highlights in a comic that artistically shines. Don’t worry about the variant covers, they are again all amazing. I would be happy to receive any of them.
Editor’s Note: DC Comics provided TBU with a copy of this comic for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by purchasing this issue digitally on Comixology through Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.
Knight Terrors #2
Overall Score
4/5
Knight Terrors #2 adds another entertaining issue to the collection. Boston Brand Batman continues to be the hero we all deserve when the rest of the world falls asleep. Keep them coming.
