REVIEW: ‘Dark Knights of Steel,’ Issue #2

Dark Knights of Steel #2 is written by Tom Taylor, illustrated and colored by Yasmine Putri, and lettered by Wes Abbot. It is published by DC Comics. After the shocking ending of the first issue, King Jor-El lies dead. Bruce Wayne and Prince Kal-El seek out the identity of the assassin. Bruce suspects it is the work of King Jefferson Pierce of the Kingdom of Storms. Meanwhile, Jor-El’s other child Zala learns of her father’s murder and seeks retribution against the Kingdom of Swords.

I mentioned in my review that I would have loved to see more medieval versions of DC characters throughout this series, and Putri definitely delivers on that front. The dungeons of House El are filled with all kinds of DC Characters, from the Flash to King Shark and even Detective Chimp. Amanda Waller is the general for the House of El, and the Green Lantern is depicted as a mysterious figure intent on protecting the world by any means necessary. Even King Pierce’s children Lightning and Thunder make an appearance! Putri continues to put a medieval spin on characters’ superhero outfits, with Green Arrow sporting an outfit that makes him look like an actual Robin Hood and King Pierce wearing a robe and crown that have a design similar to his Black Lightning costume.

Putri’s color work is also a sight to behold. The opening of the issue features Bruce screaming in rage over Jor-El’s death, with the sky flashing a fiery red to represent his fury. Whenever Pierce uses his powers, the page is awash in bluish-white lightning. Golden light spreads over the kingdom of Amazon Island. And Abbot’s lettering also benefits from the colors; especially a sequence where Pierce’s kingdom is invaded. A large “Tooom” is heard, with the letters depicted as jet black and cracking apart like bricks.

Taylor’s script ratchets up the tension between the House of El and the Kingdom of Storms, hinting at the potential war between the two. On the one hand, it’s not hard to see why other kingdoms would be afraid of the Els; their superpowers make them virtually indestructible and a major threat if they ever decided to invade. On the other hand, as a mysterious narrator warns, those who fear fate may inadvertently cause it to happen with their actions. Nowhere is this made more clear than the last page, which features another shocking death; the Kingdom of Storms’ attempts to prevent war may have inadvertently caused it.

Taylor also continues to excel at writing character interactions, especially between Bruce and Kal. Having learned that he’s Kal’s half-brother, Bruce doggedly pursues the “Green Man” who killed his father while Kal inadvertently blames Bruce for his father’s death. Zala, in addition to training on Amazon Island, is also in a relationship with Wonder Woman and shares a tender kiss with her before departing the island. And Harley Quinn, in addition to being a source of humor, is also a font of wisdom. Even though this is a different universe, Taylor has a clear grasp of what makes these characters tick.

Dark Knights of Steel #2 continues to explore Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri’s medieval DC Universe, with the ending promising a war between kingdoms. The next issue will more than likely kick off the war between the House of El and the Kingdom of Storms, and I look forward to seeing what DC characters join the fray.

Dark Knights of Steel #2 is available wherever comics are sold.