Accidental Hero, Intentional Fun: A Deep Dive into AWA's Knighted

Alright, buckle up, comic fans, because today we're taking a closer look at AWA Studios' Knighted! Forget a quick glance; we're exploring the nooks and crannies of this Gregg Hurwitz-penned, Mark Texeira-drawn series that puts a fresh, awkward spin on the vigilante trope. Is it just another Batman echo, or something more? Let's find out.

Meet Bob Ryder: You Thought You Were Having a Bad Day?

Imagine the absolute worst day: your public marriage proposal crashes and burns, you get mugged, and then—plot twist—you accidentally kill your city's revered caped crusader, The Knight. Welcome to Bob Ryder's profoundly unlucky life.

But instead of cuffs, Bob gets a cowl. As established in AWA's shared Resistance universe (where a pandemic aftermath left some survivors with powers), this city needs its Knight. Thanks to a contingency plan left by the deceased hero, Bob, a self-doubting, anxiety-ridden Bureacrat, inherits the high-tech suit, a grumpy-but-wise butler named Javier, and the crushing weight of heroic responsibility.

What makes Bob compelling, and a departure from the norm, is his sheer normalcy in the face of the extraordinary. He's not avenging dead parents or discovering innate powers; he's just a guy, completely out of his depth, trying (and often failing) to do the right thing. This vulnerability makes his journey relatable, even amidst the capes and chaos.

More Than Just a Batman Riff?

Let's tackle the bat-shaped elephant in the room. The Knight? Brooding billionaire vigilante with cool tech and a loyal butler? The parallels are undeniable. Well, never mind, it's definitely a play on Batman.

However, Knighted uses these familiar Batman-esque elements as a launchpad for satire and character study. Writer Gregg Hurwitz (known for his thrillers and past work on Batman and Moon Knight) seems less interested in replicating the archetype and more in exploring what happens when an ordinary person is forced into that extraordinary, bat-themed suit.

Bob's fumbling attempts to fill the Knight's boots provide both comedy and pathos. He grapples with the moral gray areas, the absurdity of the situation, and the psychological toll of inheriting a flawed predecessor's legacy

Gritty City, Gritty Art

Mark Texeira's art is frequently cited as a major strength. His gritty, grounded style perfectly

captures the urban decay and visceral impact of Bob's misadventures. Fight scenes feel impactful, cityscapes loom atmospherically, and the characters wear their anxieties and determination on their faces. Texeira masterfully balances the inherent coolness of the Knight persona with the slight absurdity of Bob trying to embody it.

The Five-Issue Arc: A Whirlwind Tour

Issue #1: Sets the stage brilliantly – Bob's rock bottom, the accidental "superhero-slaughter," and the reluctant donning of the cowl. A hook that grabs you.

Issue #2: Bob's disastrous debut. Clumsy, chaotic, but with flashes of the heart and potential within.

Issue #3: Explores the original Knight's complexities and Bob's struggle to reconcile the legend with the flawed reality.

Issue #4: Bob faces a significant threat, testing his nascent skills and resolve, while his relationship with Sara adds emotional grounding.

Issue #5: The conclusion. Bob confronts his doubts and steps up. While some readers felt the final confrontation was a bit rushed or "Meh", but it brings Bob's initial arc of transformation to a satisfying close.

The Supporting Cast: Anchors in the Chaos

Knighted isn't just the Bob show.

Javier: The Alfred-esque butler is a standout, providing cynical wit, tough love, and essential guidance, acting as Bob's reluctant mentor.

Sara: Bob's love interest grounds the story, seeing the hero within the hapless man, adding emotional depth beyond the capes.

What's It All About? Themes Beneath the Cowl

Beyond the action and humor, Knighted delves into:

Identity: Can Bob become the Knight without losing himself?

Responsibility: The weight of unexpected power and legacy.

Heroism: Challenging the idealized superhero myth by showing the messy reality for someone unqualified.

Redemption: Bob's journey from pushover to protector.

AWA's Universe: Set within the Resistance world, it subtly touches on societal reactions to emerging superpowers and threats.

The Verdict: Should You Get Knighted?

Knighted is a compelling twist on the vigilante story. It blends action, humor, and genuine character moments effectively. While pacing can be a bit uneven at times – Knighted still stands as a strong example of AWA Studios' commitment to character-driven, creator-owned comics.

It might remind you of The Boys with its satirical edge, or simply appeal as a story about an underdog rising to an impossible challenge. If you enjoy superhero stories that play with convention and focus on the human element (flaws and all), Knighted is definitely worth checking out. It's a reminder that heroism isn't always about being perfect; sometimes, it's just about stepping up when you least expect it.