REVIEW: Dark Knights Of Steel #2

Dark Knights Of Steel #2 is finally here! The first issue was fantastic I thought, I really enjoyed it and it was such a great and unique take on the characters that we know and love.

Before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. Again this issue has three main covers, the first is by interior artist Yasmine Putri and it is jam packed full of detail! This cover doesn’t feel like a comic book cover, it feels like something so much more than that. It perfectly captures the entire contents of the issue without giving too much away and like I said the detail is spectacular.

The first variant is by Joshua Middleton and showcases Wonder Woman looking like the absolute warrior that she is. I love this cover and also this take on Wonder Woman. The detail is spectacular and immaculate, from the wisps of hair to the gold coins that she wears shining in the light. Middleton has totally thought this cover through and that shows.

The second variant is again by interior artist Yasmine Putri and gives us another look at the Batman of this era and a closer look at his suit. These variants feel like medieval top trumps, as they compare each character by their strengths and weaknesses. The detail is great, especially when it comes to the parchment and the different elements to Batman’s attire.

Dark Knights Of Steel #2 picks up right where we left off in the previous issue, as Batman and the rest of The House Of El come to terms with Jor-El’s death. Not surprisingly Batman takes to his steed to get answers and a stab at revenge, though I will say I’m a little disappointed with Superman’s reaction.

Though you could see the hurt on his face when he realised what had been done, he didn’t take much action on it and his attitude was completely bratty. Like I said in my review for the first issue, it will be interesting to see how different this Superman is to the one we know and love due to his rather different upbringing, and this is a great taste of just that.

We later find out why Green Arrow killed Jor-El and how the prophecy that Constantine set out fits in with Castle El. This is an old age tale which never tires – kings acting without thought and without mercy to ensure a prophecy is fulfilled or prevented, we don’t know which it is yet, and Tom Taylor is doing a great job of keeping the readers on our toes in that sense.

We also meet some other characters that I feel will have quite a part to play in this series to come and we get a showcase of their capabilities, roles and relationship with the two kingdoms. Without spoiling anything, they too have excellent and unique character designs very fitting for the era that this series is set in.

It seems there are some changes in terms of their personalities, roles and also sexualities that we haven’t encountered before, I have to say it put a huge smile on my face. It will be very interesting getting to know these characters in this new light. I’d also like to think that one of the newly introduced characters’ line of “it tickles” was a homage to the cover of Superman #32 and if that is the case, I adore Tom Taylors’ attention to detail there, it’s a really nice touch.

The artwork is by Yasmine Putri and colours by Arif Prianto and I have to say they are magnificent. I’ve been a fan of Yasmine Putri’s comic covers, especially those for DCEASED and it is really great to see her tackle interior art. I adore the designs and her take on these characters in this particular era. The facial expressions of each and every character is incredibly detailed and you can instantly see how they are feeling just at a glance.

There is something incredibly realistic about her artwork, and that is also down to the colour palette by Arif Prianto. His colours have a very real feeling to them and the deep colours and vibrant ones are used exactly where they need to be. This is a great looking book, and I cannot wait to see more of their artwork in this series.

Dark Knights Of Steel #2 continues a classic yet compelling take on the DC Universe. This issue has it all, heartbreak, action, revenge, great artwork and excellent storytelling. This is a truly special book and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.

Haven’t picked up Dark Knights Of Steel #2 yet? You can get the standard cover by Yasmine Putri here (UK), or here (US).

**The above links are affiliates, which mean I will earn commission from any products bought via these links**