DC K.O. #2: Into the Second Round

32 champions remain as we enter round 2 of Darkseid’s twisted tournament. This time, the universe’s deadliest weapons are scattered around the arena, and whoever is left with an item will move on to the next round. It is a race against time, and there are no alliances as the stakes only grow higher.

This comic is reviewed by both Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast and Matt from the Hops “Geek” News podcast!

Creative Team: Scott Snyder (WRITER), Joshua Williamson (INTERLUDE WRITER), Javi Fernandez (ARTIST and COVER), Xermanico (INTERLUDE ARTIST), Alejandro Sanchez (COLORS and COVER), and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (LETTERS).

Catch up with DC K.O. #1 here!

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Writing:

Matt: Joshua Williamson lures us into a false sense of joy and comfort, as it is honestly refreshing seeing Diana, Bruce, and Clark bond and talk about what they would be if they had no powers and were not superheroes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long as Scott brings in utter chaos in all of the best ways possible.

This is the first of many tricks that will be played as the rules of this tournament are to find weapons that harness the power of the gods. I was curious how the tournament would play out, and this is genius. Seeing things such as the Lantern Rings, Thor’s Hammer, Speedforce Ring, and so many more raises the stakes so much higher, as even someone like the Joker can even the playing field. Amongst the chaos are Lex Luthor and Superman, who come face to face, and Clark has an important sacrifice to make and a lesson to learn, which truly blows my mind on the final page.

Megan: After reading DC K.O. #2, you’ll find yourself taking a minute to digest all that happened. So, so many things happen in the pages of the comic, and to say this raised the bar substantially would be an understatement. Once you first start reading, you’re brought into a good bonding session continued from the first issue with Diana, Bruce, and Clark over a board game. Once your guard is down and you find yourself comfortable in the calmness of these superheroes being relatable and human, that’s when round two of DC K.O. begins.

In the second round of the tournament, the champions must find the most powerful items of the universes. Once all of the items are collected, the challenge is over. Sounds easy enough until it’s said that there are only 16 items and 32 champions. So items such as the Power Rings, or the Lasso of Truth is up for grabs from anyone, and whoever doesn’t find an item, their time is over in the tournament.

This challenge, as linear as it may seem, comes with challenges of its own between the champions. As the challenge says, those who follow the example of Darkseid shall be rewarded an some challengers are taking that for what it’s worth.

The Art and Lettering:

Matt: Xermanico captures the friendly game night spirit and the innocence of the big three in an interlude and helps break up the chaos, and we can catch our breath for a moment. Javi and Alejandro do some absolutely stunning visual work in this second issue as an out war has broken out. We are gifted characters who have no powers, such as Harley and Joker, now being given the power of the gods, and it is terrifying.

The background these two set up and develop plays as much into the story at the same time. They do an incredible job bringing it to life and making it as much of a character as the heroes and villains on the field. The colors are violent and rip from panel to panel, and I have to shout out the parental content blocks when certain characters meet their demise. It was a funny and clever moment thrown into this heart-racing issue. Hassan’s letters, especially when the dialogue between Lex and Clark is crafted with power and give levity to the situation at hand.

Megan: There’s so much to love about the artwork of DC K.O. #2! Javi Fernandez and Xermanico offer completely different tones in their art, both of which match the story perfectly and put the reader into the mindspace of the tone. Xermanico puts you into a calmer headspace, relaxing while watching the heroes causally interact. Javi Fernandez immediately changes all of that and throws you straight into the tournament, with you on high alert for what’s to happen next. The energy Fernandez brings to the artwork lasts throughout the comic, heightening the emotions of the story and the reader.

Alejandro Sanchez handles the colors of the comic, and provides so many instances in the pages that will take your breath away. Sanchez’s work with the bright colors contrasting the dark is truly inspired, and leaves the artwork practically popping off the page.

Final Thoughts:

Matt: 10/10. Since I cannot give more than a ten, I will just say that I had to take a lap after reading this issue. DC K.O.#2 is incredibly intense and will give you heart palpitations as it delivers on the chaos and the action. The art team nails the moments, allowing everyone to get their moment in the spotlight. This story is so unique and will leave you asking just how they can top this next.

Megan: 10/10. All gas, no breaks. No notes. 10/10. 5 stars. Would recommend.

Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!