REVIEW: Dark Knights Of Steel #12

Dark Knights Of Steel #12 picks up where we left off for the finale of the series and it’s safe to say that I and we have been eagerly awaiting it since the bombshell that was dropped in the previous issue.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The standard cover is by Dan Mora and it perfectly captures the essence of this story. Here we see most of our heroes in a movie poster style cover which is sure to attract attention whether you are a reader or not.

The variant by Ejikure gives us a glimmer of hope. It’s always great to see The Trinity of DC in powerful stances and working together and this is a perfect glimpse into this very issue. The detail is great and I love the blurred details which show movement. The sun creeping behind the clouds really gives a sense of a better tomorrow and it works perfectly for these characters and this finale issue.

Jorge Molina’s variant shows a rather valiant looking Batman. The facial expressions and the stance really reminds me of Robert Pattinson’s Batman. Though I have to say the detail is fantastic, from the stormy clouds, the shine from the sword to his metallic and uniquely styled suit, this cover has everything.

Knowing Tom Taylor (lettered by Wes Abbott), I was fully expecting pure chaos in this issue and that is exactly what we got. The issue opens with Amanda Waller confirming her traitorous detail with Protex and we also get a glimpse into the plans of the Kingdoms. One thing I really love about this issue and the series as a whole is the way the story is told. The narration is like that of a story book and it works so well with the fantasy theme. My only critique for the entire series is that there isn’t more and that there was too big of a gap between each issue. 

In this issue we see all of the Kingdoms come together to take down the common threat and get their revenge on the White Martians and it was fantastic to see them all play their part and showcase what they can do. Though it isn’t all cheers and smiles once they take down the White Martians, another threat stands in their way along with a very saddening and emotional moment – also expected from Tom Taylor.

The interior art by Yasmine Putri, with colours by Arif Prianto is fantastic, in the moments which involve fire in particular were incredible. Not only could I feel the heat from the realistically created flames, but it also gave the Putri an excuse to create some badass imagery of The Trinity. 

Despite our heroes being unknowingly deceived, Dark Knights Of Steel #12 ends on a high. With this battle, Kingdoms have united and a League has formed, though I have a feeling this isn’t the end of the story and I truly hope we get to explore it again.