Deathstroke’s past and present collide when he discovers the source of Vandar Savage’s ire is being protected by Adeline, Deathstroke’s wife. But what she has in her possession might be the only thing capable of stopping this endless winter for good. Crossing Vandar is dangerous enough, but their quest will barely have begun before tragedy strikes… Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #2 expands on the fantasy take on familiar DC heroes and villains with a main story whose art is jaw dropping.

The main story “Allwinter,” written by Jay Kristoff continues its focus on Slade as he has learned his intended target is his ex-wife and a young boy who may hold the key to the future. Kristoff nails a sadness revolving around Slade, a soldier who believes his work is a job but one he can also feel regret for. Kristoff’s story is rather predictable at times but it exudes emotions and delivers a magical feel to it all.

That magical feel is partially due to the art of Tirso whose use of color is amazing. “Allwinter” is a world of black and white whose color and life has been sucked from it. The Slade’s target, Alec, can bring that color back ending the “allwinter” for a short period of time. The sparse use of color really makes the comic work and adds a beauty to the already impressive visuals. The comic is near perfection when it comes to that nailing down the surprises and making each moment of color feel magical.

The issue features a back-up story written by Tom Taylor with art by Riccardo Federici. It’s the story of an orphaned child…heir to the throne of Atlantis, Atlantis, whose arrival will signal prosperity…or terror! Taylor and Federici give us a spin on the Superman myth with two characters whose name might seem familiar coming upon a small child who isn’t from another planet, but still another world. It’s an interesting story, and if it weren’t for the title of “Heir to the Sea,” the story would feel like it’s full of more surprises. Like the original Dark Knights of Steel, Taylor does an excellent job of taking the familiar and twisting it just enough to surprise.

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #2 is a hell of a second issue. It’s main story is wonderful and one of the strongest stories DC is putting out right now. The second half too continues the series’ ability to take familiar characters and still surprise in how it uses them. It’s the best Elseworlds series on the shelf right now and the best comic DC is currently releasing.

Story: Jay Kristoff, Tom Taylor Art: Tirso, Riccardo Federici Letterer: Wes Abbott
Story: 8.75 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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