After the events of December’s “All Fight Month,” issue No. 3 of the DC Comics event DC K.O. became even more anticipated than ever. Not just because of who won and lost. Readers wanted to know what the Heart of Darkseid was going to throw at the fighters next. As predicted, it didn’t disappoint.
Instead of the characters fighting one-on-one, Zatanna, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor, Aquaman, Superman, Cyborg, and Guy Gardner were forced to choose teammates who lost in the tournament. However, because The Joker (who moved on after defeating Red Hood in a controversial way) emitted the most Omega Energy, he was given the choice to pick anyone from throughout the multiverse.
The question now is whether the Clown Prince of Crime’s choice, like the others, was the right decision. Let’s find out.
DC K.O. No. 3 creative team
- Writers: Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson
- Artists: Xermánico and Javier Fernández
- Colors: Alejandro Sánchez
Wonder Woman and Barda defeat Cyborg and Conner Hawke
Cyborg choosing Conner Hawke seemed weird until he added nanotech to Hawke to make him faster and stronger, while downloading his fighting skills. Sadly, that move proved to be fruitless against two goddesses. Wonder Woman uses Barda’s strength to cause a shockwave after she hit her bands as hard as possible.
Wonder Woman’s Grade: A+
Wonder Woman didn’t just go for power and chemistry. She knew that Barda trained on Apokalips. So, after the duo won, she asked Barda to tell her everything she knew about the Heart of Darkseid.
Cyborg’s Grade: C
Cyborg did make a smart move. Conner Hawke is one of the deadliest people on Earth, but he still picked a mortal. In the end, that proved to be a mistake.
Lex Luthor and Supergirl defeat Aquaman and Hawkman
Say whatever you want about Lex Luthor, but his arrogance is only matched by his intelligence. He knew that Supergirl wasn’t going to fight by his side, but that isn’t why he picked her. He selected Kara Zor-El because she was the strongest person he could manipulate with a combination of Red Kryptonite (which makes Kryptonians rage) and other things. Then, all Lex had to do was sit back and watch her defeat Aquamana and Hawkman.
Lex Luthor’s Grade: A++
So far, Lex Luthor is the MVP of DC K.O. Even if he doesn’t win it all (and there’s a chance he will), everything he’s done has been brilliantly executed. It’s possible that Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson have been building Lex up for him to fall hard.
Aquaman’s Grade: B
This was a risky pick because Hawkman can hold a grudge. If he wanted to, Carter Hall could have been petty and decided not to fight. Thankfully, Hawkman knew the consequences of standing aside and letting Luthor win.
The Joker and Mister Mxyzptlk defeat Zatanna and John Constantine
Zatanna and John Constantine know how to work well together thanks to years of team-ups and dating. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough. The Joker's twisted mind, combined with Mister Mxyzptlk’s powers, was a combination that no one could have been ready for.
Zatanna Grade: A
Zatanna couldn’t have asked for a better partner. They’re among the most powerful and creative magicians in any genre and have worked together plenty of times. Too bad it wasn’t enough to defeat Joker’s visual neurotoxins.
Joker’s Grade: A++
The Joker showed everyone why he’s among the most underrated when it comes to planning. People see the smile and the mayhem, and think about his need for chaos, and forget that this is all part of the act. Well, at least some of it is an act.
Superman and Shazam defeat Guy Gardner and Hal Jordan
Superman overcame the Black Mercy plant and the Green Lanterns creating Green Kryptonite with their rings to advance to the next round. Overcoming both was an impressive feat, but how the creative team came up with it was even better.
Superman’s Grade: A-
I scratched my head when Superman picked Shazam; Billy Batson can be immature despite having the wisdom of Solomon. But Kal-El pulled a trick out of Batman’s book and thought three moves ahead. Having Billy lend him his powers led to the quickest win in the tournament.
Guy Gardner’s Grade: A
If Jay Garrick hadn’t beaten The Flash when he chose to be a Red Lantern, it’s easy to guess that Guy wouldn’t have chosen anyone. He would have gone it alone and been slaughtered. Thankfully, he was smart enough to learn from his mistakes and pick his favorite (and best) teammate.
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