Tag Archives: javi fernandez

DC K.O. #5 wraps up the event with a battle across history

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DC K.O. #5

In the melee that started with dozens of heroes and villains vying for their chance to win the ultimate power in the universe, now only one remains! But to truly be crowned the King Omega, you must battle more than the obstacles in your path…you must battle yourself. It’s the finale to end all finales as the one true champion is crowned, the fate of all that lives hangs in the balance, and a shocking decision will bring the DC Universe to the next level. We would type more, but honestly, anything else is a spoiler—so suit up, get ready, and leap into the final round! DC K.O. #5 wraps up the event with an interesting concept but overall a hollow finale.

The King Omega has been crowned and they must battle Darkseid for the fate of all of reality, past, present, and future. DC K.O. #5 is the culmination of months of stories heading up by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson and an event that at times has been fun but overall, a bit of a headscratcher. This issue is a prime example of that. It opens with the King Omega crowned. We’re not spoiling who but when we left everyone in DC K.O. #4 that had happened and we flashed to another time to see the corruption of Booster Gold. DC K.O. #5 dives into the next round as the King Omega must face a giant Darkseid who has gone all kaiju. From there, it’s a battle through time as the champion and Darkseid punch it out for the fate of everything.

Visually, the comic is great with some very memorable moments of two combatants slugging it out literally through time. But, the comic leaves things a bit unsettled as a lot is unanswered as to the how and impact of it all and teases of yet another “Crisis” event to come. That’s the headscratcher, DC K.O. #5 doesn’t feel so much of a finale as just a resting point until the next major “Crisis” event. It’s a chapter in a very connected storyline. But, this teased storyline feels like something we’ve seen before with DC’s Metal concept and the Dark Multiverse. We get far more than just that with hints at “Next Level,” the launch of new series and characters getting the spotlight, plus storylines and possible other series yet to be announced.

The art is pretty solid. Javi Fernández, Xermánico, and Wes Craig handle different points of the story creating visuals that feel epic. Two combatants literally battling through time feels massive in the scope of it all though the fighting lacks a bit of a punch as far as the damage Darkseid does with his barrage. The trio are joined by Alejandro Sánchez on color and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou for lettering and together the comic looks good.

DC K.O. #5 goes for big swings and ideas as two titans battle. It doesn’t really hit at an emotional level when it should. It’s surface level entertainment missing a depth to really connect readers. It also reads as incomplete with a “to be continued” type ending as opposed leading to a new beginning and fresh start. Like recent DC events, DC K.O. comes off as one for the diehard fans invested in the meta story and who get excited when they see “Crisis” dropped on the comic page.

Story: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson Art: Javi Fernández, Xermánico, Wes Craig
Color: Alejandro Sánchez Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

DC K.O. #4 has what we’ve been waiting for, the Contestants vs. Absolute Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman

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DC K.O. #4

Three mysterious new Omega-charged fighters have entered the tour nament…and this trinity of the Absolute will change the face of the DCU forever! It’s all down to how far the final four are willing to go to win in the penultimate chapter of DC K.O.! Plus: Booster’s true allegiance revealed, Darkseid’s return foretold, and a bonkers last page that will bring the battle to the next level! DC K.O. #4 delivers what readers have been waiting for since the beginning of this event.

When DC K.O. debuted, it teased an eventual showdown between Absolute Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, and the contestants. Issue after issue, it’s a thread that has been absent from the story, until now. But, why is this trio on the side of Darkseid? Who will win? DC K.O. #4 delivers all of that and more as the event begins to wind down towards the final battle.

Written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, DC K.O. #4 is a fun issue that sort of sticks to the formula of new level and boss battle. And that formula has generally worked delivering an event that feels epic and popcorn fun rolled into one. Four contestants remain as Superman, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor, and Joker have to face off with a Booster Gold infused Darkseid and his trio of warriors and the battle is entertaining. Yes, the comic sticks to the formula of heroes battling it out before teaming up, but it gives good reason as to the motivations and causes of all of this. There’s also enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes.

The art by Javi Fernandez and Xermanico continues the bombastic style of the series that feels like Capcom making a new brawler featuring just DC characters. They’re joined by Alejandro Sanchez on color and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. The art is entertaining and the battles feel fierce and epic as expected. What’s particularly great is the overall ominous feel of Darkseid’s forces and the flashback where we get to see how his warriors were recruited is fantastic with some great page layouts. There’s some small quibbles like the size of Absolute Batman that grows (can easily be explained by Omega energy) but his height doesn’t line up with what we’ve seen in the recent Absolute Batman/Wonder Woman crossover.

DC K.O. #4 doesn’t break any ground but it’s a fun blockbuster. There’s a lot going on and it does a solid job of telling and showing the why and how of it all while delivering punches. The issue has some solid surprises as well that adds to the enjoyment and “comic book” feel of it all. DC and its team have put together an event that’s a summer blockbuster on the printed page that delivers crazy concepts and great visuals that allow you to sit back and just enjoy.

Story: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson Art: Javi Fernandez, Xermanico
Color: Alejandro Sanchez Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.95 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

DC K.O. #3 Delivers the Tag-Team Portion of the Gauntlet

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DC K.O. #3

IT’S TAG-TEAM TIME! As the Omega Tournament reaches its endgame, the final eight combatants are put to the ultimate test–confronted with a decades-long stay in their own personal hell! Emotions run high as heroes falter, villains revel, and the Heart of Apokolips eyes its new King Omega. In the end, only the final four will remain… DC K.O. #3 delivers a new round and a new challenge as the remaining contestants must pick a partner and battle it out.

This event, so far, has been an intriguing one. On the surface it’s simply a tournament that feels very influenced by classic video game fighting games. It also dips into motivations and the drive for each participant as they battle to become the champion. DC K.O. #3 creates a new twist to the formula, opening up with a tease of a possible world if Superman won the tournament. There’s been a focus on Superman throughout the event and his holding back and the impact of that. A person of immeasurable power, he could bring peace, he could really stop evil and suffering… so why hasn’t he?

Written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, DC K.O. #3 is a fun comic that gets interesting because of who each contestant picks. Some are obvious choices, while others are more intriguing in the strategy. What’s nice is, the comic keeps you guessing with power combos and moves that feel like they come out of nowhere in a good way. This isn’t a “battle comic” that just has a lot of punches or weapons used, there’s surprises and deep thought put into each battle and how they play out. And, they add depth to the characters. We get to examine how they think a bit more and the relationships many of them have. It delivers action but also something a little bit more.

The art by Javi Fernandez and Xermanico with color by Alejandro Sanchez and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou looks solid. The comic really feels epic at times taking a little bit of inspiration from video games, especially what feels like Capcom’s fighting series. The visuals make you hear “Fight” as the battles begin with a “KO” as they end. That is blended in with the style you’d expect from a DC comic to make something that has a little bit more excitement and energy to it. Fernandez and Xermanico are talented, but the subject matter/style of story really makes their work pop. Sanchez’s colors and Otsmane-Elaou’s lettering add the icing and cherry really delivering that last bit of energy and excitement to the visuals.

DC K.O. #3 is a fun comic that feels like a nice mix of DC epic event and video game beatdown. It’s just entertaining fun so far with an epic, world threatening back story that teases at least some changes when it’s all over. Right now, it’s delivering a nice balance of surface fun with a little more just underneath.

Story: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson Art: Javi Fernandez, Xermanico
Color: Alejandro Sanchez Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

DC K.O. #2 Delivers a Lot of Action and Surprises

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DC K.O. #2

The tournament is in full swing. Heroes have fallen. Darkseid is near. The 32 champions have been chosen, and now they must compete to earn the Heart of Apokolips. The first challenge? Battling across a deadly arena to acquire new weapons of war. The greatest powers of the DC Universe are up for grabs, and whoever holds them will advance to the next level. Superman has his doubts that the Justice League is doing the right thing, but there are others who have no problem killing to get what they want… DC K.O. #2 is packed with action and some very unexpected twists and turns.

I’ll admit, when I first saw DC K.O. #2 teased, I rolled my eyes a little. On its surface it feels like something we’ve seen many times before, a tournament featuring heroes and villains for some world changing prize. It’s a concept done many times over and the bracket and art mixed in a video game like feel to this take. But, then I read the first issue and it packed some surprises. Batman didn’t make it through the first round. There was an interesting focus on Superman and his role in the bigger scheme of things. And the kick-ass art helped.

DC K.O. #2 continues that interesting focus on Superman and so much more. The second round is here and the 32 contestants are competing to find 16 items of power. Think Wonder Woman’s lasso or a Green Lantern ring. It’s a race where anything goes and boy does it. While so many characters scramble to get an item and make it to the next round, writers Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson continue to center the event around Superman and how far he’ll go to save everyone. And he goes far.

While examining who Superman/Clark is inside, the comic puts the character through a brutal battle with Lex Luthor who goes to the extreme and takes things to the next level. DC’s “All In” has generally brought a rather positive and altruistic, bright, feel to the DC Universe, DC K.O. #2 delivers the grim and dirty vision of that with death and destruction… and the loss of a hand. No, Aquaman doesn’t get his hook back… It’s a shocking event that’s unexpected and twisted in so many ways but also pushes one character in a way we haven’t seen before. Without spoiling things, it’s very uncharacteristic of them and makes the series even more intriguing.

The art by Javi Fernández and Xermánico with color by Alejandro Sánchez and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou pops. The issue, for the most part, is one giant battle as the heroes and villains rush to get their prizes. It opens up though with the continued relaxing moment of Bruce, Clark, and Diana, The art between the two is interesting with one having such a calm and chill factor to it, while we’re rushed into the next battle which is pretty non-stop until the end. The wholesome nature of one’s visuals are betrayed by the rough and destructive nature of the other. Superman particularly looks great, along with Lex, the both really hitting the drama and emotions, and general anger between the two.

DC K.O. #2 is a solid second issue that took an intriguing figure issue and will get readers to really go all in for the third. There’s something far more here than just a beat-em-up event, and no, not that ending. It delivers at the surface level all of that but underneath, it’s teasing something far more interesting.

Story: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson Art: Javi Fernández, Xermánico
Color: Alejandro Sánchez Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

DC K.O. #1 Returns to Press for a Knockout Second Printing!

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DC has announced that DC K.O. #1 by Scott Snyder and Javi Fernández, is headed back to press! The second printing will arrive in comic book shops on November 26, following a rapid sellout of the debut issue through comic book distributors. In addition to DC K.O. #1 going back to press, both Justice League: The Omega Act Special #1 (an oversized prologue to DC K.O.) and Titans #28 (a tie-in to DC K.O.) will be getting second printings.

DC K.O. #1 Second Printing will showcase Javi Fernández’ main cover from DC K.O. #1 with new trade dress, and a new Dan Mora variant cover featuring Darkseid’s three destroyers, the Absolute Universe’s Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

And the action doesn’t stop there! The tournament is already in full swing. Heroes have fallen. Darkseid is near. The 32 champions have been chosen, and now they must compete to earn the Heart of Apokolips. DC K.O. Knightfight #1, a tie-in miniseries by Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora, publishes on November 5, and DC K.O. #2 hits shelves on November 26, continuing the high-stakes battles from DC K.O.#1 that fans are raving about. Then get ready for DC K.O. All Fight Month this December, a brutal eight-part spotlight on the second tier of the competition bracket where competitors get a chance to power up with Omega Energy.

The greatest powers of the DC Universe are up for grabs, and whoever holds them will advance to the next level. Throughout DC K.O., expect intense matchups, surprise upsets, and jaw-dropping moments that will shake the DC Universe to its core.

Collectors can still find remaining first printing copies of DC K.O. #1, featuring the striking DC K.O. acetate over Javi Fernández’s cover art, at participating comic shops, while supplies last.

DC KO #1 Kicks Off the Next Big DC Event is Both Entertaining Fun and Familiar

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The Heart of Apokolips has transformed Earth into a hellscape in preparation for the return of Darkseid! The end of the DC Universe is here! The Justice League’s only chance to defeat Darkseid is to enter a deadly tournament, an epic and over-the-top battle royale that will surprise you! The World’s Greatest Heroes fight to become the champion to enter the ring against Darkseid, but there’s a catch…the closer you get to the Heart of Apokolips, the more it corrupts you, changes you into something dangerous. Which DC character has what it takes to make it to the end? Who is willing to do what it takes to win it all, even if it means taking down their friends and family? You want to get nuts? Let’s get nuts!

Story: Scott Snyder
Art: Javi Fernandez, Xermanico
Colors: Alejandro Sanchez
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

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DC Reveals All 32 Tournament Contestants in Stunning Dan Mora Cover for DC K.O. #1

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DC has unveiled the final DC K.O. #1 variant cover by superstar comic book artist Dan Mora, featuring portraits of all 32 fighters entering DC’s bracket-style tournament to determine who will be crowned King Omega. DC K.O. #1, written by Scott Snyder with art by Javi Fernández, will be available on October 8, 2025.

Mora’s cover features the full tournament lineup, as each character prepares to enter the five-level gladiatorial arena rising from Earth itself. This is the first time fans will see every fighter that will secure themselves a spot in the first round, offering a head-to-head glimpse at the potential matchups that will define the series. Whether you’re rooting for icons or underdogs, this cover is your first look at the chaos to come.

Written by Scott Snyder with art by Javi Fernández, DC K.O. is a no-holds-barred event series launching on October 8, 2025, as part of DC’s All In publishing initiative. The bracket tournament pits heroes against one another in escalating battles—each round unlocking new power, new consequences, and new revelations.

The Dan Mora cover will be available as a variant for DC K.O. #1, alongside the main cover by Javi Fernández and additional variants by top DC artists. Fans can expect bracket breakdowns, fighter spotlights, and early match-up teases in the weeks leading up to launch.

DC K.O. #1 Dan Mora cover

Preview: Spider-Man: Black Suit & Blood #2 (of 4)

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Spider-Man: Black Suit & Blood #2 (of 4)

(W) Greg Weisman, Erica Schultz, Dan Jurgens (A) Javi Fernandez, Marcelo Ferreira, Dan Jurgens (CA) Giuseppe Camuncoli
Rated T+
In Shops: Sep 18, 2024
SRP: $5.99

AMID THE CHAOS CAME A COSTUME!

Spider-Man’s black costume 40th Anniversary celebration web-slings into dark and novel territory – BLACK, WHITE & BLOOD style! GREG WEISMAN (SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MEN, Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-Man) and JAVI FERNÁNDEZ (MARVEL ZOMBIES: BLACK, WHITE & BLOOD) take Peter Parker and the symbiote suit right to the bleeding edge! ERICA SCHULTZ (DAREDEVIL: GANG WAR, BLOOD HUNTERS) and MARCELO FERREIRA’s (STRANGE, MOON KNIGHT: CITY OF THE DEAD) Spidey shows no mercy! And legend DAN JURGENS (THOR, THE SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN) writes and illustrates a bold new take on one of the most iconic chapters of Spider-Man’s life!

Spider-Man: Black Suit & Blood #2 (of 4)

Wolverine #50 wraps up the latest volume with ho-hum finale

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Wolverine #50

It’s all come down to this: the final battle between Wolverine and Sabretooth. The “Sabretooth War” concludes in the way it began – a violent, bloody battle – but WHO will be left standing? Wolverine #50 wraps up the brutal confrontation between Wolverine and Sabretooth delivering a hallow finale.

Written by Benjamin Percy and Victor LaValle, Wolverine #50 gives readers a final battle between the two foes wrapping up “Sabretooth War” as well as this latest volume of the series. The story up to this point has been brutal at times with a massive body count that has included some surprises. As expected, Logan and Victor battle it out until one is left standing. And, it’s a brutal one with body parts being sliced off and blood spurting. But, in the end, it all feels rather hallow.

There’s a lack of real emotion to Wolverine #50 as the main story wraps. Creed’s horrible actions are recounted emphasizing his lack of empathy or reflection on any of it. But, Logan shows that same sort of brutality with what feels like no reaction from him or anyone around him. Usually when a person is chopped into bits there’d be some sort of shock, but everyone comes off as rather numb which feels like it diminishes the contrast that’s painted in the text. There’s a disconnect with what we’re told makes Logan different from Creed. We’re told it and not shown it at all.

The art at times is solid and at others its a panned out mix of things that’s just ok. Geoff Shaw, Cory Smith, and Oren Junior all handle the visuals with Alex Sinclair on color and lettering by Cory Petit. There’s some solid action but like the story itself, the visuals don’t feel like they drive home the brutality of it all. Even with Creed laying at Logan’s feet, it feels more comedic than sad or shocking.

The comic features two additional stories. One features writing by Larry Hama with art by Daniel Picciotto, color by Yen Nitro, and lettering by Cory Petit. The other features a story by Benjamin Percy, art by Javi Fernandez, color by Matt Hollingsworth, and lettering by Petit. Both have their moments and would feel right at home in an anthology celebrating 50 years of Wolverine but here there’s a feel like they’re just tacked on and not as much a celebration.

Wolverine #50 wraps things up and celebrates 50 years more with a whimper than a bang. The comic isn’t bad but it also doesn’t quite excite either. It’s perfectly fine wrapping up the story arc and the series. What it doesn’t do is excite for what comes next beyond a few pages shown and doesn’t feel like much of a celebration of an iconic character.

Story: Benjamin Percy, Victor LaValle, Larry Hama
Art: Geoff Shaw, Cory Smith, Oren Junior, Yen Nitro, Javi Fernandez
Color: Alex Sinclair, Matt Hollingsworth Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Wolverine #50

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Wolverine #50

(W) Ben Percy, Victor Lavalle (A) Geoff Shaw, Cory Smith (CA) Leinil Yu
Rated T+
In Shops: May 29, 2024
SRP: $7.99

CREED VS. LOGAN – THE FINAL SHOWDOWN!
It’s all come down to this: the final battle between WOLVERINE and SABRETOOTH. The Sabretooth War concludes in the way it began – a violent, bloody battle – but WHO will be left standing? Plus: Special short stories celebrating fifty issues of this run and 50 YEARS OF WOLVERINE, from legendary Logan scribes including Larry Hama, as well as a final send-off from Benjamin Percy and Javi Fernández, and some special SURPRISES!

Wolverine #50
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