DC KO #3 – Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Writers; Javi Fernandez, Xermanico, Artists; Alejandro Sanchez, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: After eight one-shots and tie-ins detailing the round of sixteen, we’re down to only eight contenders, and the Heart of Apokalips is ready to test them once again. Six heroes and two villains have made it to this point, and the Heart reveals that there was a second component to the last game – the contestant who generated the most Omega Energy will be given an advantage for an upcoming tag-team round. Each contestant can bring a partner from the defeated champions. Luthor picks Supergirl, as a way to keep Superman from choosing her. Wonder Woman picks Big Barda for her strength and Apokaliptan knowledge. Cyborg picks Connor Hawke for an unusual strategy, while others pick usual partners – Zatanna picks Constantine, Guy picks Hal, and Aquaman picks his opponent for the last round, Hawkman. And Superman picks Shazam, who he always trusts to have his back.
And then there’s Joker, the lucky winner, who gets the advantage of picking any partner from around the multiverse. At first, he seems to pick one of his most twisted counterparts, doubling his threat level – but the actual truth is even more dangerous than that. And so ensues the craziest battles yet, with some surprising outcomes. The winners have already been spoiled, and maybe the entire tournament has been, but there are some fascinating character beats here. Wonder Woman seems the most comfortable with the warrior instinct required for this. Luthor is long-gaming, as he always does. Superman slowly finds himself taking the larger, cosmic view in a way he’s rarely comfortable with. And then there’s Joker, who understands the insane, surreal logic of the entire affair in a way no one else does. The scale is off the charts, but this wouldn’t work nearly as well if it wasn’t for how well Snyder and Williamson understand each of the contestants.
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