Spoilers Ahead
Initial Thoughts
The fallout from DC KO is still reverberating within the DC universe as we move toward the next big DC crossover event. Justice League: Knight Vision Special finally grants visions to Batman and Lex Luthor — the only tournament participants without one — and forces them to work together to stop their premonition from coming true. The issue then follows their effort to bring down what seems like an ordinary gun deal that turns into something much darker. Ultimately, the series, while short, makes an impact, and for those of us who aren't reading Justice League: Unlimited, it gets us right back into the greater scheme of the DC Universe.
This one-shot spinoff did its job, advancing the story and bringing attention back to the events of DC KO as we transition to the next phase of the DC Universe, all while delivering a decent enough story. Both Batman and Lex Luthor are turned up to 11, making their mutual detestation lend much more credence to our payoff when they team up to take down Prometheus. This was a step in the right direction to get us ready for what is store for the DC Universe.
The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend
Batman and Lex Luthor are more similar than they would like to admit. Writers Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson make that the story's central theme, and it works for the most part. The idea of these two characters working together should feel uneasy, as one is the smartest detective on Earth and the other is an evil mastermind. While Prometheus is the issue's big bad, the real conflict comes from the friction between Luthor and Batman. Both characters are written as exaggerated versions of themselves, turned up to 10 in sassiness and stubbornness, which makes their interactions even more tumultuous.
One big issue lingering over Batman and Luthor is their constant worry about Vision and how to stop it. If you've read Emperor Aquaman, you know this anxiety is always present within the story and the character of Arthur Curry. Although not to that scale, I got a similar sense of chasing to stop the future from Justice League: Knight Vision Special. I like that sense of urgency in a story, as it makes it feel important and like the biggest deal in the world.
Ultimately, though, the mission of this one-shot was to refocus DC and its next big crossover, and I think it did that well enough to keep us interested.
An Unlikely, Yet Very Likely, Team-up
The team-up between Batman and Luthor was expected, but it was still a great payoff to the issue. Their back-and-forth did more to bring them together than to separate them, as they intended. Both were incredibly smart—geniuses, to be exact—but both always kept people away by being the “smartest guy in the room.” That kept me hooked throughout the book: seeing how that dynamic would shake out at the end. Making the villain a common foe they both recognize, like Prometheus, really forced the enemies to work together to complete the mission. That, I think, was the most interesting part of this issue.
Prometheus is no pushover, however, as his mix of Bruce Wayne mentality and Lex Luthor’s brutality makes him a formidable foe. I was struck by the fantastic idea of making Prometheus the story's main antagonist. Batman and Luthor not only have to deal with each other’s presence, but also with Prometheus, who in many ways mirrors what Bruce and Lex are all about. Prometheus’ ability to mirror the abilities of other heroes and villains makes him a perfect hurdle for Batman and Lex Luthor to finally work together to not only save the day, but also continue their mission to stop their vision.
The Dark Knight Shines Bright
The art for Justice League: Knight Vision from Miguel Mendonca created a great atmosphere for the story, fitting the vibes of a hot, muggy night in the swamps. The character designs also had an added element of toughness and gruffness, with Mendonca’s sketch-style drawing and Fajardo’s coloring. I think this combination works for Batman and brings him to life in a way that makes his design one of the better versions of the Caped Crusader. The shading makes Batman mysterious and terrifying, even in the light, which fits perfectly with the book's feel and vibe.
Obviously, Batman is one of the most sought-after characters in comic books, but most associate that with the character's story. Just as prestigious is an artist’s chance to draw and color Batman. Everyone has their take on the Dark Knight, and Miguel Mendonca's iteration hit the mark. Beyond that, I think Lex Luthor is an incredible yin to Batman’s yang. Bright green and purple clash with Batman’s black, blue, and grey, yet it doesn't feel out of place. So, not only do their philosophies clash, but their colors do too. However, they mix a lot better than their bad-guy-good-guy dynamic.
Final Verdict
The Justice League: Knight Vision Special one-shot was strategic in its use of Batman and Lex Luthor's icy relationship, making the underlying conflict of their troubling vision much more terrifying. I mean, why else would these two work together? Overall, this issue did its job and was a very entertaining read. I'm a sucker for unlikely team-ups. The creative was a literal dream team of some of the best and most well-known creatives in the comic book industry, the perfect team to remind us and move us forward from the events of DC K.O. I wouldn't be opposed to continuous one-shots to string us along until the next DC event.