REVIEW: DC K.O. #1

DC K.O. #1 is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, and surprisingly deep first issue in this new crisis event that heralds the return of DC Comics’ ultimate evil. Writer Scott Snyder, artists Javi Fernández and Xermánico (who handles the interlude artwork), colorist Alejandro Sánchez, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou have delivered an explosive debut for this universe-shattering saga. By the time the story passed the standard 28 pages and reached its final moment, I wanted to scream, “Nooooooo!”—because I was already desperate for more.

Since the death of Darkseid and the creation of the Absolute Universe, we’ve been warned that something massive was coming—and here it is. It’s been a long time since a DC event truly felt like it could shake the foundation of the Multiverse, and this issue does just that. It left my jaw dropped more than once and reignited my excitement for what’s ahead.

Fernández and Sánchez’s main cover explodes with energy and intent, framing the chaos of a multiversal war inside the fractured “DC K.O.” logo. Superman leads the charge, every muscle and grimace embodying the raw determination of a hero standing against impossible odds. It’s minimalist yet epic—a visual knockout that promises a story that hits hard and never lets up.

Jim Lee and Alex Sinclair’s Darkseid variant is pure intimidation carved in cosmic stone. His face emerges from the void, illuminated by the fiery glow of the Omega symbol—a chilling reminder that evil never truly dies, it only waits. The god of tyranny has never looked more majestic or menacing; you can almost feel the gravity of his stare.

Ben Oliver’s Face-Off variant trades spectacle for intimacy. Superman stands alone, fists clenched, eyes burning with controlled fury. There’s no smile, no hope—just the quiet, dangerous calm before the storm. It’s a portrait of a hero pushed to his limits and a haunting question: What happens when Superman stops holding back?

There are also variants available by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer, Frank Cho & Sabine Rich, Jae Lee & June Chung, Mike Del Mundo, Dan Mora, Mark Spears, Greg Capullo, Scott Koblish & Hi-Fi and Noobovich. 

The DC All In Saga, developed by Snyder and Joshua Williamson, has been brilliantly plotted from the start. Snyder’s command of character and momentum shines—his understanding of Superman, in particular, is masterful. I always knew Snyder could write Batman, but his take on Clark Kent reminds us what makes Superman the moral and emotional center of DC’s mythology. This issue made me love the Man of Steel even more than I already did.

Reading this felt like watching a blockbuster film—every panel, every line, every artistic choice has purpose. Nothing is wasted. Fernández and Xermánico move in perfect sync, and Sánchez’s colors make each moment explode off the page. The emotion embedded in the art—whether in family moments, battles, or quiet heartbreaks—makes this story soar beyond the typical event book. While this issue focuses on the traditional DC Universe, the promise of the Absolute heroes entering the fight raises tantalising questions. Will they side with the darkness that shaped their worlds—or join forces with the heroes of old to stop it?

(10/10) DC K.O. #1 is the event comic readers have been waiting for: bold, cinematic, emotional, and unrelenting. It’s the kind of book that punches you in the gut, leaves you gasping for air, and makes you stand back up for another round.

And for an extra layer of fun, you can even build your own custom bracket for this multiversal brawl at dckobracket.dc.com and enter to win prizes!