Knight Terrors: The Flash #1 Review

The DC multiverse has been shaken up quite a bit in the last few years. From the cosmic epic Dark Crisis through Lazarus Planet, the heroes of the DC universe are always up against incredible forces of darkness. Knight Terrors is taking the despair to another level with the entrance of a brand-new villain, Insomnia. Insomnia plunges the world into the realm of dreams, enveloping heroes and villains alike in their own worst nightmares. Knight Terrors spans a main series and several two-issue miniseries. Knight Terrors: The Flash #1, written by Alex Paknadel with art by Daniel Bayliss, colors by Igor Monti, and letters by Simon Bowland, finds Barry Allen trapped in a dream haunted by monsters.

Though this issue is part of a larger event, it feels incredibly self-contained. Readers don’t need any knowledge of what’s going on with the wider DCU to enjoy this story. The issue opens with Barry investigating a crime scene when Iris calls to tell him Wally has been gravely injured. It’s revealed that Grodd is responsible, and Barry decides it’s his responsibility to run back in time and save Wally. Flash going back in time to save someone he loves is a well-worn road in Flash stories at this point, but this issue approaches it with a fresh angle while keeping things brisk.

RELATED: REVIEW: DC’s Knight Terrors: First Blood #1

Paknadel pens a compelling nightmare in this issue. There are a lot of tropes at play here, from characters on the edge of knowing they’re in a dream to Flash once again deciding on time travel, but each element is positioned to bounce off the other in intriguing ways. Barry’s narration is especially well-written, with vivid descriptions and clear emotional consistency. This issue takes a fascinating approach to the relationship between Barry and Wally. On the surface, the clear mentor/mentee and familial relationship that’s always been there is present, but some of the reveals in the story feel like an interesting commentary on the real-world relationship between the characters.

Bayliss does an exceptional job with the art in this issue. Seeing how an artist showcases Flash’s powers in a static format is always interesting, and it’s done expertly here. Through creative panel usage and kinetic line work, it’s always clear how lightning-quick Flash is moving. Bayliss’ character and world design and off-kilter perspectives help convey the looming, ominous feeling of the story.

Monit’s colors are gorgeous from cover to cover. The atmosphere of this issue is conveyed largely thanks to the moody hues found on each page. When powers are in use, it’s a brilliant cacophony of colors. The red of Flash’s costume is a bright spot at times, but often it feels like the color is being drained by the coolness of the surrounding environment, reflective of Barry’s state in this nightmare. Bowland’s lettering is on-point throughout. Speech bubbles change shape or outline to convey a change in mood, pitch, or character.

This issue’s biggest strength is how stand-alone it feels. It’s easily accessible to anyone interested in a solid, character-focused Flash story. The story takes the long-established relationship between Barry and Wally and says something interesting about it through this nightmare scenario. With Knight Terrors: The Flash #1, Paknadel and the rest of the creative team deliver the first of two parts in what is shaping up to be a fantastic speedster thriller.