Comic Review: Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Batman Knightfall #1

Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Batman Knightfall #1

DC Comics

Writers: Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgins

Artist: Javier Fernandez

In this spiritual successor to the Elseworlds imprint, DC Comics’ Tales from the Dark Multiverse introduces readers to a multitude of horrific alternate worlds where the nightmares of the DC universe are made into reality. The first one-shot in this new line, Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Batman Knightfall, presents a new spin on the famous 1990s arc.

With this first installment, co-writers Scott Snyder (The Batman Who Laughs) and Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers) capitalize on the Dark Multiverse concept that Snyder introduced in 2017 with Dark Nights: Metal. The one-shot is book-ended by scenes of cosmic being Tempus Fuginaut, whose role is comparable to Marvel Comics’ Watchers (Tempus appears in a similar role in Scott Lobdell’s Flash Forward). Here he acts as an observer, providing readers with a narrative link to the Dark Multiverse and an explanation of its origins, as well as a recap of the main events of Knightfall before launching into the main story.

Tales #1 picks up long after the events of Knightfall, in which Bruce Wayne fought to reclaim the Batman role from his misguided successor Jean Paul Valley. In the main DC universe, Bruce defeated Valley, but his Dark Multiverse counterpart fails and Valley dominates Gotham City unopposed. Thirty years later, Valley, in the guise of Saint Batman, controls all of Gotham, from Wayne Manor and Wayne Tower to the GCPD, turning the city into a police state. Only the appearance of the son of Bane provides any hope of overthrowing Saint Batman.

It is refreshing to see a new line of stories fill the position of the Elseworlds imprint while also tying itself into the main continuity of the DC universe. Dark Multiverse versions of major DC events, including the upcoming Death of Superman one-shot, offer a wide range of stories to be told with few limiting factors. The concept also allows writers to remix the original stories to entertaining effect. 

Sadly, the issue’s characters are its weakest aspect, though this may be a problem with the one-shot format and not any fault of Snyder or Higgins. As the start of a new series, Knightfall must introduce the Dark Multiverse to new readers, establish Tempus Fuginaut’s role, and tell its own story. About a third of the issue is focused on recap and exposition and it feels like there isn’t enough room to fully realize the characters that inhabit this new universe.

The main character concepts are certainly compelling: the son of Bane, an imprisoned Bruce Wayne, and an aging Jean Paul Valley take center stage. Bruce and Jean Paul benefit from pre-existing depictions in the original Knightfall arc and receive sufficient development here. Bane’s son does not have the same luxury. There is minimal backstory to explain his or the other new characters’ motivations and the issue suffers as a result, giving us little reason to be invested in anyone but Bruce and Jean Paul. This issue could have benefited from a greater length, perhaps one comparable to that of Mark Waid and Alex Ross’s Kingdom Come. 

The art by Javier Fernandez (Nightwing) and colorist Alex Guimarães (Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern) is where the one-shot truly excels. Guimarães’s colors are especially vibrant despite the dark, violent tone. Tempus Fuginaut’s scenes are some of the standout pages here. Saint Batman’s scenes and design are also strong points. Fernandez’s depiction of the Saint Batman armor is impressively detailed, with many visible cracks, seams, and areas of segmentation. The overall look of the armor combines the jagged, bulkier appearance and the white/crimson colors of the traditional Azrael costume with an intimidating Bat-helmet design. These elements fit together without going too far into the extreme territory of the original Valley Batman costume. Fernandez’s faces are also quite expressive, enhancing the issue’s violence and its brief moments of body horror.

Overall, Knightfall is a strong opener to the Tales from the Dark Multiverse anthology, with an interesting premise and great art. Fans of the original 90s event or of Scott Snyder’s work, especially Metal, will be satisfied but readers looking for an in-depth exploration of this world and its characters may be disappointed.

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