Dark Knights of Steel #8 (of 12)
(W) Tom Taylor (A) Yasmin Putri
In Shops: Nov 01, 2022
SRP: $3.99
The battle between the Three Kingdoms has begun in brutal fashion, and to call the opening salvo anything less than shocking is an understatement! Can the Trinity stop further bloodshed? Or has all-out war truly begun?
Dark Knights of Steel: Tales From Three Kingdoms #1
(W) C. S. Pacat, Jay Kristoff, Tom Taylor (A) Sean Izaakse, Michele Bandini, Caspar Wijngaard (CA) Neil Googe
In Shops: Sep 06, 2022
SRP: $5.99
The El Kingdom has been ruled with integrity and honesty for generations, by familes from the Waynes to the Els. The future of the kingdom lies with its three heirs and the challenges they will face…but what really prepared them for their tumultuous future? What stories defined Bruce, Zala, and Kal-El? Learn these tales and more from international bestselling writers Tom Taylor, Jay Kristoff, and C.S. Pacat!
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.
Aquaman: Andromeda #1 (DC Comics/DC Black Label) – A DC Black Label Aquaman series is described as cosmic horror around a mysterious structure… that’s waking up!
Astronaut Down #1 (AfterShock) – It’s a trip into alternate realities in an attempt to save Earth from a horrific crisis.
By the Horns: Dark Earth #1 (Scout Comics) – The series is one of our favorites. It’s been six months since the events of the previous volume when a new quest begins due to a mysterious blight.
Code 45 #1 (Scout Comics) – There are dragons lurking in the tunnels beneath Montreal’s city streets – at least that’s the rumor.
Dark Crisis #1 (DC Comics) – DC’s next big event kicks off officially. DC’s classic heroes are gone, will a new generation be able to step up to handle the remaining villains while also standing up against the oncoming darkness?
Dark Knights of Steel #7 (DC Comics) – The series has been a hell of a lot of fun so far with a nice Elseworlds feel to it. Will three kingdoms go to war? Will someone be able to stop it?
Dogs of London #2 (AfterShock) – Ex-gangsters are haunted by someone they thought was dead but might be back!?
Fortnite x Marvel: Zero War #1 (Marvel) – The two properties come together again! The first volume was a hot commodity and we’re expecting the same with this.
Metal Society #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue was an interesting new series where humanity was extinct, brought back by robot overlords, and are now fighting in an MMA fight to win their freedom. So much to chew on but just a solid series.
Multiversity: Teen Justice #1 (DC Comics) – Head to Earth-11 for this group of heroes! Everything we’ve seen so far makes this one seem like a hell of a lot of fun.
Nubia: Queen of the Amazons #1 (DC Comics) – Nubia is off to tour of the Amazons that don’t call Themyscira home as a villain from her past steps out of the shadows.
Past the Last Mountain #4 (CEX Publishing) – The series has been fantastic as it reaches it conclusion. Will the creatures reach Dragon Lake and if they do, will it live up to their expectations?
Poison Ivy #1 (DC Comics) – Ivy sets out to complete her greatest work-a gift to the world that will heal the damage dealt to it…by ending humanity.
Potions Inc. #1 (Mad Cave Studios) – Ran finally gets the quest he’s been after his whole life. He and his siblings set off to find a missing artifact.
Quests Aside #2 (Vault Comics) – A fantastic first issue that takes the “save the bar” concept in a whole new direction.
Savage Avengers #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was a lot of fun bringing together a rather random group of heroes. The second issue looks to drop them in an unexpected location mixing things up from the previous volume.
Skybound Presents Afterschool #1 (Image Comics/Skybound) – A new anthology series that riffs on the classic “Afterschool specials” with a rotating team of creators.
Twig #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue of this series had a very Jim Henson vibe. The biggest issue was it was too short and might have been better as a graphic novel. Still, we’re excited to see where this adventure goes.
Ward #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – A medical drama with fairies, trolls, and some real humans too. Welcome to St. Lilith, a secret hospital for supernatural creatures.
Where Starships Go to Die #1 (AfterShock) – In a near future ravaged by climate change, an African astronaut teams with an Indian shipping magnate to mount a dangerous salvage mission to recover the wreck of humanity’s first interstellar starship.
Dark Knights of Steel #7 (of 12)
(W) Tom Taylor (A) Nathan Gooden
In Shops: Jun 07, 2022
SRP: $3.99
With three kingdoms on the brink of war, Batman is in hiding, recovering from an attack and a shocking betrayal. But Bat-man finds he’s not the only unfortunate soul to be taken in by his surprise rescuers-strange, magical youngsters have been given sanctuary alongside the bastard prince, Bruce Wayne. Will these teen outcasts change everything Batman believes in? Or will they perish at the hands of a demon?
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
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).
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?
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
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!
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.
