REVIEW: ‘DC K.O.’ Issue 1

DC KO Issue 1 is published by DC Comics and written by Scott Snyder, with art by Javi Fernández and Xermánico, colors by Alejandro Sánchez, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

A tournament is set up between the heroes that will decide the fate of the whole universe.

This is the beginning of a giant epic. This event has been brewing since the start of the All-In reboot. With Darkseid dead, it felt like only a matter of time until he returned. Through multiple series, including Superman, Justice League Unlimited, and many others, the Legion of Darkseid has been getting closer and closer to the heroes. This contest is all that stands in the way. The explanations are a little nonsensical, but it’s all to get the heroes to the same place.

There is a terrific sense of dread and danger inside DC KO Issue 1. Not just the oncoming storm of Darkseid, who’s more powerful than ever, but the statements from others who think that the heroes have already lost. The odds are forcing the Justice League into making decisions they don’t want to make, which generates the rules and incentives for this epic tournament.

The massive DC KO Issue 1 is split into three chapters. One is establishing the necessity for the tournament, with the rules and stipulations in place. The second chapter is about preparing Earth, keeping people safe, and transforming it into a battlefield that can withstand what’s coming. And the third gets them to the start of the tournament, which is much harder and more dangerous than expected.

The setup is intriguing and thoughtful before the issue turns really hardcore. It’s unfathomable to consider how deadly it would become. But it becomes a battle and a charge against dangerous enemies, and crucial characters are brutally murdered. It’s staggering and shocking, especially within the final pass. And this is just getting to the start of the showdown, before it even begins.

The focus of DC KO Issue 1 is on Superman. This is understandable because he’s often considered and posited as the champion of this universe. Even though this comic is ferocious and ultimately becomes a fight to the death between characters, Superman is the one who is least likely to do that.

Killing is repugnant and forbidden to him, but this whole event is about being ruthless, because the fate of the world and everything around them is at stake. The conversations are dark and direct. There’s a terrific, ominous narration throughout the issue, explaining what’s happening. It gives the book a sense of extreme cosmic importance.

The art is mesmerizing, with a brilliant escalation. DC KO Issue 1 begins as domestic as it can get, with the Trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman all hanging out at home together. It then instantly turns apocalyptic, with a prophetic future of Darkseid’s return, which is immense and dramatic, laying down a marker. With a brief interlude created by Xermánico, the majority of the comic is illustrated by Fernández. The artist suits the majesty of a blockbuster event perfectly.

There are both quiet, gentle moments and an extreme spectacle. There are dozens of faces and cameos, and all the faces and costumes are incredible. But there is even more to that, as the heroes upgrade themselves further. There are glimpses at what they have in store. The constructions and ships look fantastic. When Darkseid appears, fear and darkness emanate from him. And these are just flickers, not even his true visages.

In the final act, a truly cataclysmic battle erupts between the full might of the new, limitless Justice League and gigantic celestial creatures. It’s one of the most jaw-dropping battles in DC history. There is carnage and death, and a lot of it. Each one hits like a freight train as a race behind to reach a certain point.

The colors are spectacular in DC KO Issue 1. Sánchez recognizes both the vibrancy of the heroes and the darkness of the tone. Their powers and costumes are bright, and an intense white light shines on their faces. There is a frequent contrast of blue and gold. But on every page, there is an ethereal richness to the colors. The lettering is by the most creative letterer in the business. Otsmane-Elhaou deserves applause for being inventive with every word balloon, as the text radiates a distinct voice, time, and gravitas; however, this can make it difficult to read.

DC KO Issue 1 is an almighty beginning to a blockbuster. It’s a fight to the death to even get to the fight to the death. This is just the start of summertime that has been coming for a long time. And the fantastic creatures involved only exceed expectations.

The deliberation and attention to detail are immaculate in DC KO Issue 1. It’s fantastic to see heroes who have been holding weapons and plans finally bring them into play. Just the muttering of words is enough to build excitement. The importance of the tournament that will now unfold will affect the future of the DC Universe as we know it.

DC KO Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.