REVIEW: ‘Dark Knights of Steel: Tales From The Three Kingdoms’, #1

Dark Knights of Steel: Tales from the Three Kingdoms #1 is an anthology one-shot published by DC Comics. True to its name, it contains a trio of tales set in the world of Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri’s Dark Knights of Steel maxiseries. Each tale takes place prior to the events of the main series, and features new medieval takes on DC’s heroes and villains. One tale even hints at a potential spinoff series!

The first story is written by Taylor, with illustrations & colors by Caspar Winjgaard; it recounts how Prince Kal-El befriended Jimmy Olsen. “The Flock” is written by Jay Kristoff, illustrated by Sean Izaakse, and colored by Romulo Farjardo Jr. It shows how Batman met his Robins. Finally, “King’s Bane” is written by C.S. Pacat, illustrated by Michele Bandini, and colored by Antonio Fabela. It reveals how a young Bruce Wayne encountered the monstrous mercenary called Bane. The entire issue is lettered by Wes Abbott.

While Taylor’s biggest Elseworlds stories, such as Injustice and DCeased, were known for their high death counts and horrific premises, Knights has managed to mostly sidestep this. That continues in Three Kingdoms‘ first story, as the focus is put on Kal and Jimmy’s relationship. Jimmy is well known as “Superman’s Pal” in the mainstream DC Universe, and Taylor puts plenty of thought into exploring how it works in the Knights universe. Winjgaard manages to perfectly replicate the look and feel that Putri brought to Knights, including Kal’s red-and-blue vest and cape and the black metal armor that Batman wears. He even gets to introduce a few new takes on certain characters; Jimmy is friends with Oswald Cobblepot and Harvey Dent—better known to Batman fans as the Penguin and Two-Face.

“The Flock” is another story that’ll appeal to Batman fans, especially since nearly everyone who’s ever been a Robin is there. Kristoff puts his own unique twist on the Robins, as they rob from the rich and give to the poor. And given Batman’s origins in this universe, it’s not surprising that he finds a connection with these kids. Izaakse’s art is the main draw, as “The Flock” takes place during All Hallows’ Eve, letting him draw Kal in a medieval version of his secret identity as Clark Kent. Combined with Farjado’s rich color palette, including a string of glowing reddish orange lights against a pitch black background, it makes for a visually appealing story.

The final story, “King’s Bane,” puts its own spin on the relationship between Batman and Bane. Instead of being “the man who broke the Bat,” Bane is the one who trains Bruce to fight. He also receives a medieval makeover courtesy of Bandini and Fabela. His trademark luchador mask is replaced by a massive metal helmet, with three tubes running from his skull to his spine. And Pacat even gives it a mystical bent, as instead of the super-drug Venom magic is what fuels Bane’s immense strength. Bane is one of my favorite villains in the DC Universe and I can definitely say that this story did him justice.

Dark Knights of Steel: Tales from the Three Kingdoms #1 expands the world of DC’s superhero swords-and-sorcery epic, with a trio of creative teams putting their own spin on heroes and villains alike. Even if you haven’t read the main Dark Knights of Steel storyline, this is still a great read and a perfect example of how to execute a concept.

Dark Knights of Steel: Tales from the Three Kingdoms #1 is available wherever comics are sold, including with our ComiXology affiliate link.