Knight Terrors: Punchline #2 review

Every now and then, DC Comics will shut down for a line wide event. In the last few years, the DC Universe froze in Endless Winter, been on storm watch in Lazarus Planet, and remains fast asleep during Knight Terrors. Typically, readers may expect the tie-ins to cover key characters amid other generally useless spin-offs. In particular, Knight Terrors: Punchline unsurprisingly falls among the latter.

Cyber Bullying

The focus of the first issue involves Punchline making the choice to block things out. Everything that populates Punchline's dream world challenges her ego and narrow world view. Simply put, her lack of self-awareness with herself and her surroundings leads to an ambush by her darkest beliefs. Consequently, her fear of information and control manifests as a cybernetic homunculus dressed like Batgirl! Naturally, it forces her to confront those fears by chasing her through her unconscious mind. Yet, she continues to dismiss any criticism as rumors or internet hate.

Ironically, Punchline spends her nightmare in a world set behind a computer screen. First appearing inside of an CRT-like boot screen, Punchline struggles to gain her bearings on her situation. Before she can gather her confidence, the homunculus shoves her into the metaphorical void until she crashes into a message board. Subsequently, a gang of anonymous commenters animate off the screen to attack her. In a way, their design reminds me of the Mad Men from the Red Robin (Vol.1) run. Unsubtly, when Alexis Kaye realizes the "block button" won't work as a defense, she wields the "reply button" as a blunt object instead. With every strike, the strength of the metaphor multiplies until she literally "beats the internet."

Oh My God, I Know It's A Metaphor

Knight Terrors is frustratingly transparent about it's meta narrative. In fact, some of the dialogue not only dissects the story, but the real life online discussions about her as well. Despite being a villain, Punchline truly believes that the internet should be on her side in both the book and reality. One perspective taken is that her critics are "terminally online losers who spend all day obsessing over every word picture and decision." In a meta sense, this ideally includes the readers or reviewers like myself. Additionally, Punchline reasons that disliking her is the same as loving her without confronting the fact that no one wants to be on her side.

In universe, Punchline believes that Insomnia intends to "kill her with caring." Despite her deflection, Insomnia takes her voice away and knocks her down the infinite scroll into the comment section. This allows artist Lucas Meyer to take a lot of fun liberties with the illustration. For instance, Insomnia shapeshifts into Punchline for non-consensual therapy as if he were Freddy Kruger from Nightmare On Elm Street (1985). In spite of her apathy, Punchline could rationalize that replying against trolls was her best option. Without her voice, she ends up beaten in silently self-reflective panels. Sadly, Punchline doubles down on her delusions and overpowers her foes by continuing to insist she doesn't care.

Recommended If...

You don't mind meta commentary.
You're a fan of Punchline.
Forced to keep up with every Knight Terrors comic book.

Overall

In terms of the meta commentary, I don't feel the need to dispel any of Punchline's comments about the internet. While it is unenviable to write a villain as the protagonist, I don't like using Punchline as a vessel for the author's justifications against the readers. Although the character is still trying to find her place, asking readers to empathize with a sociopath is tough. Outside of a generally well received design, Punchline isn't nearly as beloved or redeemable as Harley Quinn. A story about contending with the internet wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't on the side of someone who regularly abuses it. Worst of all, the villain's interest in Punchline at all during this event feels entirely unnecessary. On a positive note, the artwork, framing, and tone of the tie-in looks fine, but overall this is essentially just spam.

Score: 5/10

DISCLAMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.

9 comments

Harleyfan

August 15, 2023

Harley wannabe, neo Joker knock off🤮pass on Trashline.

Sara

August 15, 2023

"essentially just spam"

Nicely put.

I don't mind some meta-commentary, but it has to be about something I care about. I don't know how anyone can care about Punchline. She's a character DEFINED by an aggressive marketing campaign that just goes on and on. Every Punchline appearance is about how you should like Punchline.

After reading this review and criticism, in Upcoming Comics, of the lack of racial diversity in the event, editorial's preference for Punchline over almost any other possible character seems more perverse than ever.

Sasha
August 15, 2023
D.C. is absolutely desperate for readers to latch on to Punchline, but the only thing she ever had going for her was being “Joker’s new sidekick” and already that idea has been dropped. This character is just endlessly confused. We know nothing about her, why she is the way she is, or even what her goals are besides getting clout. She’s not sympathetic and funny like Harley or a unhinged mastermind like Joker, she’s just an generic thug with a clown themed costume.
Also about the “lack of racial diversity” comment. I seriously doubt DC deliberately chose mostly white characters for the event. I wouldn’t care if this event was only featuring Black characters, if the stories are all this pointless and weak then who cares what characters are featured in it - no one is going to enjoy it.
1. Sara
  August 15, 2023
  Even her costume has almost nothing to do with being a clown. Wash away her face paint and she looks like she's on her way to a club.
  My point of mentioning the lack of racial diversity was that they chose to feature Punchline, who is new, boring, and unimportant, because they think she has strong merchandising potential. Evil Punchline's battle with mean commenters on internet forums is such a pathetic example of putting down the haters.
  1. Sara
    August 15, 2023
    If DC is going to pat themselves on the back for inclusiveness, they have to make an effort if they want people to take them seriously. To give an example: Why not use Renee Montoya? This would have been a perfect opportunity to expand on her arc in GCPD: The Blue Wall.
2. Mingthemerviless
  August 16, 2023
  Ok I ll say it.....a new original character has to be cool and effective. Effective either in presentation or in deed. Punchline has none of that. She exists as a fan fiction version of the Harley Quinn we all enjoyed before DC butchered her beyond recognition.
  New character (at the time) Bane brutalized his way through Gothams world, had Batman ragged from exhaustion and set the denizens of Arkham loose. He changed his mind about killing Batman ( who he deduced was Bruce Wayne) and crippled him to continue tormenting him. His hubris being his weakness. Effective and cool. His job was to take Vatman off the table and he did it organically, in a cool way and fun to read.
  I've yet to see what Punchline is supposed to be other than another original character Tynion couldn't sell very well along with Ghostmaker and Clownhunter.
  You know who did work for 5 minutes? Abyss. Then DC editorial hashed him up...never to be seen again.
  Cool and eff3ctive.....Punchline ain't those.

Kirru

August 16, 2023

Thanks for a solid review, Aaron. Though I feel no love is lost from you for the character or the circumstances, I think it's cleanly put, just to avoid the maligned "fair".

Unpopular interruption incoming:

The article got me interested.

I'll be reading this and others later in trade, long, long after detractors have scoffed off about it. I'm not touchy with meta-commentary, especially about the consumers they entertain. I don't pass myself off as one of the Internet crowds. Satire as a reflective form is unrecognizable in this age. All that smarts now is backlash.

Just to voice an alternative to other reactions. No offence.

Blockhead Jr.
August 17, 2023
I love comics in general. If I can avoid a negative take I would.

Kerk Lastnameless

August 16, 2023

DC is trying its damnest to elevate her to the status of a big time villain, but she just dropped out of college a few months ago. I cannot see her as anything other than Joker's sidekick. She is no equal of the Joker. To suggest otherwise is the same as to suggest that Batgirl is the equal of Batman.

Harleyfan
August 15, 2023
Harley wannabe, neo Joker knock off🤮pass on Trashline.
Sara
August 15, 2023
"essentially just spam"
Nicely put.
I don't mind some meta-commentary, but it has to be about something I care about. I don't know how anyone can care about Punchline. She's a character DEFINED by an aggressive marketing campaign that just goes on and on. Every Punchline appearance is about how you should like Punchline.
After reading this review and criticism, in Upcoming Comics, of the lack of racial diversity in the event, editorial's preference for Punchline over almost any other possible character seems more perverse than ever.
1. Sasha
  August 15, 2023
  D.C. is absolutely desperate for readers to latch on to Punchline, but the only thing she ever had going for her was being “Joker’s new sidekick” and already that idea has been dropped. This character is just endlessly confused. We know nothing about her, why she is the way she is, or even what her goals are besides getting clout. She’s not sympathetic and funny like Harley or a unhinged mastermind like Joker, she’s just an generic thug with a clown themed costume.
  Also about the “lack of racial diversity” comment. I seriously doubt DC deliberately chose mostly white characters for the event. I wouldn’t care if this event was only featuring Black characters, if the stories are all this pointless and weak then who cares what characters are featured in it - no one is going to enjoy it.
  1. Sara
    August 15, 2023
    Even her costume has almost nothing to do with being a clown. Wash away her face paint and she looks like she's on her way to a club.
    My point of mentioning the lack of racial diversity was that they chose to feature Punchline, who is new, boring, and unimportant, because they think she has strong merchandising potential. Evil Punchline's battle with mean commenters on internet forums is such a pathetic example of putting down the haters.
    1. Sara
      August 15, 2023
      If DC is going to pat themselves on the back for inclusiveness, they have to make an effort if they want people to take them seriously. To give an example: Why not use Renee Montoya? This would have been a perfect opportunity to expand on her arc in GCPD: The Blue Wall.
  2. Mingthemerviless
    August 16, 2023
    Ok I ll say it.....a new original character has to be cool and effective. Effective either in presentation or in deed. Punchline has none of that. She exists as a fan fiction version of the Harley Quinn we all enjoyed before DC butchered her beyond recognition.
    New character (at the time) Bane brutalized his way through Gothams world, had Batman ragged from exhaustion and set the denizens of Arkham loose. He changed his mind about killing Batman ( who he deduced was Bruce Wayne) and crippled him to continue tormenting him. His hubris being his weakness. Effective and cool. His job was to take Vatman off the table and he did it organically, in a cool way and fun to read.
    I've yet to see what Punchline is supposed to be other than another original character Tynion couldn't sell very well along with Ghostmaker and Clownhunter.
    You know who did work for 5 minutes? Abyss. Then DC editorial hashed him up...never to be seen again.
    Cool and eff3ctive.....Punchline ain't those.
Kirru
August 16, 2023
Thanks for a solid review, Aaron. Though I feel no love is lost from you for the character or the circumstances, I think it's cleanly put, just to avoid the maligned "fair".
Unpopular interruption incoming:
The article got me interested.
I'll be reading this and others later in trade, long, long after detractors have scoffed off about it. I'm not touchy with meta-commentary, especially about the consumers they entertain. I don't pass myself off as one of the Internet crowds. Satire as a reflective form is unrecognizable in this age. All that smarts now is backlash.
Just to voice an alternative to other reactions. No offence.
1. Blockhead Jr.
  August 17, 2023
  I love comics in general. If I can avoid a negative take I would.
Kerk Lastnameless
August 16, 2023
DC is trying its damnest to elevate her to the status of a big time villain, but she just dropped out of college a few months ago. I cannot see her as anything other than Joker's sidekick. She is no equal of the Joker. To suggest otherwise is the same as to suggest that Batgirl is the equal of Batman.

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Knight Terrors: Punchline #2 review

Cyber Bullying

Oh My God, I Know It's A Metaphor

Recommended If...

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