If the first part of Zatanna’s story was an example of what an event tie-in should be, KNIGHT TERRORS ZATANNA #2 is an example of how a tie-in can stumble under the weight of the event even when it’s written well and looks great.

My biggest complaint with this issue is the fact that Zatanna is facing off with the Sleepless Knights in the same week they’re also battling Deadman, Sandman, and Damian in Joshua Williamson’s KNIGHT TERRORS #3. Even if both issues are happening at different points in the story’s timeline, it was disorienting to see them be the losing antagonists twice in the same week. Maybe Insomnia should have gotten some better hench-people? I don’t blame Culver for this, as he’s only continuing where his story left off, but it definitely took the wind out of this issue’s sails for me. It goes back to my major gripe with “Knight Terrors” as an over-arching event — DC doesn’t appear to have plotted the event out in it’s entirety before giving the tie-in writing teams their individual tasks.

However, Culver’s second script lacks the same wit and bite it had when Zatanna and Robotman were bantering with each other in the previous issue. This is due to Robotman spending the majority of the issue hunting down Zatanna under the spell of the Sleepless Queen. We do get a few moments of levity between our two heroes at the end of the issue after Zatanna uses her own magic to defeat her enemies and return Robotman to his sense. It’s teased that we’ll be seeing more of Hex & Violence in KNIGHT TERRORS: NIGHTS END #1! Culver also writes a scene where Zatanna confronts the illusion of her father, a nightmare in the awaken world, in a way that offers a unique perspective on a relationship that has been written about often.

David Baldeon’s art continues to impress and includes scenes with captivating action, believable horror, and magical mysticism. Rain Beredo also shines on colors on the last few pages as Zatanna’s magic is on full display. Combined, the creative duo also craft a brilliant design for The Rustbringer, Robotman’s possessed alter ego. His metallic color and intense shading make the character standout amongst everyone else.

Rating: 6.5/10