Knighted is one of the titles in the Upshot Universe by AWA Studios. As the homage covers indicate, this is the publisher’s take on the Team Normal trope, especially Batman. This actually has a lot more layers to it, especially with the writer Gregg Hurwitz’s bibliography. His time with vigilante characters allow a fresh take on this archetype and setting. Let’s go over why.
Knighted By Vigilance
Some of Hurwitz’s earliest comics are with Marvel MAX’s vigilantes. Starting with the Foolkiller, Hurwitz wastes no time in showing just how deranged this archetype can be. The only real appeals come from the over-the-top violence done to wicked people; but that quickly gets dull.
So how about the Punisher? If Foolkiller is every man-child’s schlocky power fantasy; Punisher MAX is recognizing how terrifying it is. There needs to be more to these long running characters than just violence. Frank Castle shows humanity when he believes he killed a girl as collateral. So to combat the drug cartels, Castle shows a town how to stand up for themselves to cripple their business.
So after going through the maiming phase, Vengeance of Moon Knight goes into the self-reflection of vigilantism. It’s all too easy to scapegoat your inner demons onto somebody else. Sure Moon Knight has an Egyptian god harping on him, but he still chooses to ignore him. The same can be said for his supporting cast, they want to blame Moon Knight for their lives falling apart. But the truth is, they like the adventures that can change their lives. Everybody can use a shakeup in the status quo every now and then.
A Villainous Perspective
Hurwitz’s efforts would get noticed by DC, getting the writer the opportunity to dive into Gotham City. Starting with Penguin: Pain and Prejudice, Hurwitz shows off the layers of a great villain. All the while emphasizing the parallels and foils of the Dark Knight; something that the writer returns to in Batman: The Dark Knight. Scarecrow, Mad Hatter, and Clayface all challenge the Caped Crusader in ways few rogues do. The latter two in particular are all about making changes to keep up with their peers. Something that Batman has to do constantly with the Justice League.
And you know what? I think they’re well worth it, especially with how Hurwitz’s shows off Batman’s lateral thinking. Who would’ve thought seeing Bat Jet be a makeshift Batmobile would be such a spectacle?
Knighted By Satire
So how does Knighted use all of this? Let’s start with the classic Knight, Chase Black. He was basically if Batman was more like the Foolkiller, an entitled man-child. His timely death is parallel to the Punisher needing to avoid collateral.
Why? Because Black recklessly endangered an entire building’s tenants…
Not even as collateral in a crusade, Black was just peeping on undressing women. His butler was happy to be rid of him and give the job to the guy who killed him. Who is the slayer of this menace with good publicity; some guy named Bob!
In a weird way Bob is like Jake Lockley taking over as Moon Knight from Marc Spector. While Bob’s no dissociative identity, he does find himself like Lockley and his old crew. Bob can’t help but engross himself in the Knight role despite getting cold feet. Aside from his sense of justice, it feels liberating after staying in the shadow of everyone around him.
Finally there’re the villains of Knighted, the Grinders and their leader Boneman. Much like Batman’s rogues Boneman was abused and needed to change himself to stand out. In a world of people with superpowers called Reborns, biohacking gains a strong following. He’s also a great reflection of both Knights; like Chase Black, Boneman dedicates himself to a crusade for glory. Then again he’s more of a foil for Bob in turning their lives around.
The Nightly Knight
But the biggest story around Knighted is a new chapter in Gregg Hurwitz’s career. The stoic, macho, self-built man isn’t going to fly anymore. For Hurwitz, having no powers should mean working twice as hard to be a good person and make the right choices. Because indulging in violence and comparing yourself to your enemies isn’t just toxic, it’s dull. Sometimes cutting loose from the conventions and enjoying the little breakthroughs is enough. After this who knows what Hurwitz will do.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.