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Review: Dark Knights of Steel #6

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Dark Knights of Steel #6

I’ve been a pretty big fan of this series. Its mix of the familiar with new has been perfectly balanced. As opposed to just taking characters and putting them in a new setting, the series keeps things slightly different at times so just when you expect one thing, it turns out to be something else. Dark Knights of Steel #6 is an example of that as the various kingdoms prepare for war and moves are made to prevent it.

Three kingdoms are preparing for war as assassinations have been going on all over and a prophecy seems to be driving a lot of the decisions. Written by Tom Taylor, Dark Knights of Steel #6 keeps things interesting with great pacing and some tension as characters are put into place for the latter half of the story.

What’s really solid is what Taylor dances around. There’s hints that there’s more going on here, another force or character behind the events. I’m sure this is the reality of it all and we’ll see the kingdoms team up to take on this threat. But, Taylor keeps readers on their toes so you never know if this is how it’s going to shake out. I could be wrong and we’ll see!

The art by Yasmine Putri continues to look beautiful. The comic has always looked great with some solid designs that take inspiration from their main comic versions but is far more than just strapping armor on things. The colors by Arif Prianto pops and lettering by Wes Abbott emphasizes the moment. The art perfectly nails the story as key moments pop and really stand out. A stabbing, a person wrapped up in the lasso of truth, reveals, they all really stand out and nail it creating a read that’s visually fun to look at and also fun to read.

Dark Knights of Steel #6 kicks off the second half of the story and keeps things moving and up in the air. Can war be prevented? Will the prophecy be fulfilled? It delivers just enough unexpected to keep the readers guessing what will happen next and most importantly, it’s a hell of a lot of fun. Another fantastic issue for a series and world I hope we get more of.

Story: Tom Taylor Art: Yasmine Putri
Color: Arif Prianto Letterer: Wes Abbott
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.1 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Amazing Spider-Man #1

Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.

Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – It’s a whole new era with a new creative team to celebrate 60 years of Spider-Man!

Blood Stained Teeth #1 (Image Comics) – A new vampire series from Christian Ward and Patric Reynolds that sounds like it has a nice twist on the genre that fans can sink their teeth into.

BRZRKR #8 (BOOM! Studios) – We’re all in on this series that focuses on an immortal warrior who just wants to peace. The bloody action is perfectly mixed with the focus on the individual at the center of it all.

Dark Knights of Steel #6 (DC Comics) – The series has been a lot of fun taking classic characters and putting them in an Elseworlds fantasy story that delivers just enough twists to keep readers on their toes.

Justice League #75 (DC Comics) – This kicks off the next big event!

The Killer: Affairs of the State #3 (BOOM! Studios/Archaia) – The series has been excellent so far putting its main character where he doesn’t want to be, working for French Intelligence.

Knights of X #1 (Marvel) – Destiny of X has been solid so far launching the next phase of the X-line of comics and feeling like a nice evolution of everything that’s been laid out before.

The Naughty List #1 (AfterShock) – His name is Nicholas Sinterklass, and this is the story of what happens when you steal his Naughty List.

Past the Last Mountain #1 (Comics Experience) – Half a century ago, the United States rounded up and imprisoned all the fantasy creatures that live amongst us. Now, a faun, a dragon and an adorable troll boy have escaped confinement, and are on the run from the United States Army!

Punisher #2 (Marvel) – The first issue left us scratching our heads but we really want to see how this whole Punisher joins the Hand story plays out.

Retroactive (Humanoids) – An agent working for the U.S. Bureau of Temporal Affairs sets out to discover the source of several anomalies in the timeline-only to become imprisoned in an inescapable time loop.

Rogues #2 (DC Comics/DC Black Label) – The first issue was amazing as the down on their luck Rogues get back together for one last heist.

6000 Miles to Freedom (Graphic Mundi) – Taking real life experiences as inspiration, the story focuses on two boys attempting to escape the Taliban.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin #5 (IDW Publishing) – The highly anticipated miniseries wraps up and we’re excited to see how it all ends (and then want more).

Preview: Dark Knights of Steel #6 (of 12)

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Dark Knights of Steel #6 (of 12)

(W) Tom Taylor (A) Yasmin Putri
In Shops: Apr 26, 2022
SRP: $3.99

Kingdoms are divided. Monarchs have fallen. Families have been torn apart. The Kingdom of Storms, the Amazons, and the Els are on the brink of all-out war. Can Constantine, Lois Lane, and Harley Quinn stop what’s coming? Or is the prophecy correct? Do Superman and his family have to die to save the world?

Dark Knights of Steel #6 (of 12)

Review: Dark Knights of Steel #5

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Dark Knights of Steel #5

Can we just crown Tom Taylor the ruler of “Elseworlds” stories? Taylor has proven again and again a mastery of taking familiar characters, throwing them in new situations, and twisting them just enough. Dark Knights of Steel #5 is a prime example of that as we get near the midpoint of the series and get a hell of a few twists.

Dark Knights of Steel is a swords and sorcery spin on DC’s heroes with the Kingdom of El on a crash course of war against the Kingdom of Storms. Alliances have been formed. Shocking deaths have happened. As a reader, I’ve been kept on my toes with every issue. This one is a perfect example with the rug pulled out from under the reader.

We’ve learned that Bruce is the son of Jor-El and half-brother of Kal-El. Wonder Woman is on a mission to find Zala Kal-El who murdered King Pierce’s son… or did she? There’s a lot in this issue as lies and betrayals are thrown around and an ending I wasn’t expecting at all. Taylor has kept the comic fun and entertaining and unexpected!

Yasmine Putri‘s art is beautiful. Along with Arif Prianto‘s colors that pop and Wes Abbott‘s lettering, the comic is fantastic to look at. Everything looks amazing and there’s nothing to knock at all as far as the art. It all works and works so well. There’s a mastery of the panels with Putri closing in or pulling back on scenes nailing the impact for the reader.

Dark Knights of Steel #5 is just a fantastic issue. It has a bunch of “holy shit” moments that leaves the reader not knowing what’s next.

Story: Tom Taylor Art: Yasmine Putri
Color: Arif Prianto Letterer: Wes Abbot
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wrong Earth: Trapped on Teen Planet #1

Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.

Batman: Killing Time #1 (DC Comics) – A young Batman must deal with Catwoman, Riddler, and Penguin who have stolen a priceless artifact from him.

Black Panther #4 (Marvel) – The series has delivered a fantastic mix of political thriller and paranoia with superhero action.

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #3 (Marvel) – Devil’s Reign as a whole has been fantastic including it’s tie-in series. This one focused on Elektra has delivered a sadness through all of the action.

Dark Knights of Steel #5 (DC Comics) – The series has been a fantastic “Elseworlds” take on DC characters with a lot of surprises and beautiful art.

Fitz and Cleo: Get Creative! (Henry Holt) – A cute graphic novel for young readers about two ghosts and their cat.

Nice House on the Lake #7 (DC Comics) – The amazing series is back and we’re ready to figure out what this mystery is all about!

Radio Spaceman #1 (Dark Horse) – A steampunk space adventure from Mike Mignola, Greg Hinkle, and Dave Stewart!

Rogue Sun #1 (Image Comics) – Image’s superhero universe expands as a son discovers his estranged father was a superhero.

She-Hulk #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was full of laughs and so many moments we all can relate to. A solid new series for the character that puts her again in the spotlight she deserves.

Strange #1 (Marvel) – There’s a new Sorcerer Supreme in the Marvel Universe!

War for Earth-3 #1 (DC Comics) – A lot of different storylines are coming together as Amanda Waller continues her plans and so many are trying to stop or help her.

Wrong Earth: Trapped on Teen Planet #1 (AHOY Comics) – The world of “Wrong Earth” expands as new creators dip into the superhero universe. Gail Simone with Bill Morrison, Walter Geovani, and Rob Lean kick things off with an alternate world of teenagers, malt shops, love triangles, and school dances!

Preview: Dark Knights of Steel: The Gathering Storm #1

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Dark Knights of Steel: The Gathering Storm #1

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Yasmine Putri

DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL is an entire retelling of the DC Universe as you know it. Featuring Bruce Wayne, Alfred, Kal-El, Jor-El, Lara, Harley Quinn, Dinah Lance, Dick Grayson and many more of your favorite characters, DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: THE GATHERING STORM collects issues #1-3 of this imaginative fantasy series for a wild ride that you won’t want to miss.

Dark Knights of Steel: The Gathering Storm #1

Preview: Dark Knights of Steel #5

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Dark Knights of Steel #5

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Yasmine Putri

Betrayals and assassinations have brought the world to the brink of war! As the Kingdom of Storms and Themyscira prepare for invasion, the El family is reunited at last to mourn their father…but what secrets does Bruce Wayne have that could prove vital to the future of the land?

Dark Knights of Steel #5

Review: Dark Knights of Steel #4

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Dark Knights of Steel #4

Dark Knights of Steel has a been a solid “Elseworlds” storyline taking the characters we know and throwing them into a fantasy setting. The series, more importantly, hasn’t been simple the characters we know in a new setting. Instead, there’s been some slight tweaks and additions and enough to keep readers guessing. Add in political machinations and it’s been an entertaining read. Dark Knights of Steel #4 continues the success with an issue that pulls back the curtain telling the story of the Els’ coming to Earth and how Bruce came to be.

Alfred spills the details. All of the details. After Bruce’s discovery in the previous issue, Alfred has decided to sit him down and tell him the truth (I’m assuming it is). Written by Tom Taylor, Dark Knights of Steel #4 takes us through the Els’ early years on the planet and we find out how they came to rule their kingdom. It’s a much more grounded and benevolent story hinting at what’s to come.

What I like about Taylor’s storytelling is that it makes sense in many ways. It’s a gradual takeover by the Els and not some quick power grab or worship by the people. It very much fits the “benevolent’ character of Superman. But, it also shows a slow corruption over time to where things are at.

Taylor also delivers some twists finally revealing who the “Green Man” is. It’s definitely not who I expected, showing the series can still surprise.

Bengal handles the art duty for this issue with Arif Prianto on color and Wes Abbott on lettering. The art is good. There’s some fantastic panels and pages but generally the characters lack a certain detail of previous issues. Bengal’s art style is good and consistent but it’s nothing that really jumps out to me. It’s a step back from the previous issues and is noticeable, partially because the first three issues were so good visually.

Dark Knights of Steel #4 fills in some interesting gaps to the story. We get to learn a bit of the world’s history through Alfred. While the issue is mainly devoted to the past it’s very much about the present and by the end, has set the series up for its next arc and direction.

Story: Tom Taylor Art: Bengal
Color: Arif Prianto Letterer: Wes Abbott
Story: 8.25 Art: 7.4 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Speed Republic #1

Wednesdays (and now Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.

Batman #120 (DC Comics) – The new creative team has grounded the character in some ways focusing on a murder possibly committed by members of Batman Inc. With a reminder of Bruce Wayne’s misfortunes as well, it’s been a nice change from the years of over the top bad guys.

Chicken Devil #4 (AfterShock) – The series has been over the top violence and a hell of a lot of fun.

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was fantastic focusing on Elektra’s version of Daredevil. A piece or her past is haunting her and now she’ll need to go against Kraven the Hunter!

Dark Knights of Steel #4 (DC Comics) – The series has been a fantastic “Elseworlds” type story taking our familiar heroes and villains and putting them in a world of sword and sorcery. The various machinations as kingdoms jockey towards war has been intriguing.

Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1 (Marvel) – What sounds like a pretty big event is kicking off!

The Goon #14 (Albatross Funnybooks) – The Goon is always an entertaining time. There’s a twisted Popeye like fun about the series which continuously delivers amazing art, laughs, and most importantly, fun.

Monkey Prince #1 (DC Comics) – Perfectly time for the new year, we want to really check out this series mainly due to DC’s excellent press roll out for it.

New Masters #1 (Image Comics) – Alien colonizers have taken over Western Africa as a group of outcasts find themselves in a struggle for power and control is this interesting piece of Afrofuturism.

Nocterra #7 (Image Comics) – The last arc ended with a cliffhanger and we’re excited to see what happens next in this world cast in darkness.

Primos #1 (AWA Studios) – Centuries ago, two Mayan brothers constructed a spacecraft that sent them hurtling into outer space. Returned to Earth only to find their culture and civilization destroyed, one of the brothers vows revenge and seeks to decimate the planet with intergalactic technology gathered on his travels.

Sabretooth #1 (Marvel) – One character has been shuffled off to the side and we want to see what he’s been up to.

Savage Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – Non-Stop Spider-Man was a really fun series and this follow up will hopefully continue that.

Serial #10 (Abstract Studio) – The series wraps up and we’re so excited, and nervous, to see what happens between Zoe and Jenni!

Speed Republic #1 (Mad Cave Studios) – In the future, Europe has united under one man, The Autocrat. He rules the apocalyptic landscape from corporate monopolies with a vision of unity that is gospel to some, but hollow to others. To distract the 99% from their poor and empty lives, they are given the opportunity to compete in the Grand Race.

X-Cellent #1 (Marvel) – X-Statix. Nuff said.

Preview: Dark Knights of Steel #3 (of 12)

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Dark Knights of Steel #3 (of 12)

(W) Tom Taylor (A) Yasmin Putri
In Shops: Jan 05, 2022
SRP: $3.99

War is on the horizon as a series of assassinations has rocked the lands. The Kingdom of Storms is gathering its allies with eyes on the destruction of Kal-El and his family. What secret does the Dark Knight learn that could be the key to everything?

Dark Knights of Steel #3 (of 12)
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