REVIEW: DC K.O. #4

DC K.O.#4, “Trial by Absolute,” picks up on an Earth ruled by King Omega (Darkseid), as Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker and Lex Luthor are greeted by the Superman, Wonder Woman (with Pegasus) and Batman of the Absolute Universe — with a possessed Booster Gold by their side. This issue features the penultimate battle to decide the fate of the universe. This is the chapter packed with shocks, thrills, major explanations and the complete devastation of everyone’s tournament brackets.

This creative team has delivered an amazing and captivating DC Comics event. From issue to issue, the stakes have risen higher and higher as writers Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, along with artists Javi Fernández and Xermánico and colorist Alejandro Sánchez, have given readers their very best. Every character receives meaningful panel time, with emotions and internal conflicts shining through as the story unfolds. All the tie-ins, specials and main event issues have built toward several surprising moments in this monumental installment.

I can’t wait to talk more about this issue but first let’s gawk at and chat about some of the great covers we got this month. The main cover by Fernández and Sánchez marks the official encounter between the regular DC Universe and the Absolute Universe’s big three: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Right from the jump, there’s something extra in the twinkle of Absolute Superman’s eyes — Omega symbols, signaling Darkseid’s control over those from the universe he created with his essence. These are clearly not the heroes we met earlier in the Absolute Universe. The evil that now controls them has turned them into dark visages of their former selves. It’s a powerful portrait as they stand ready to destroy the remaining four combatants.

The variant cover by Mike Del Mundo is striking and intense. We see the Absolute Universe’s Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman entering a brightly lit coliseum, ready for battle as they walk over a massive Omega symbol etched into the floor. Superman’s super suit glows with energy, Wonder Woman hoists her giant sword in her right hand, and Batman has his chest axe at the ready. These aren’t superheroes — they are Darkseid’s pawns.

I always enjoy Dan Mora’s artwork, and his variant cover is a work of beauty. Designed like a fight card showcasing the final four combatants battling for the heart of Apokolips, this cover gets you ready for the main event inside. It tells us everything we need to know: who the fighters are, their monikers, good versus evil and that this is a fight to the death. And of course, we’re ALL IN, because this is going to be an incredible round.

There are also variants available by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer, Rafael Albuquerque & Marcelo Maiolo, Jeff Spokes, Guillem March and Aaron Bartling. 

The fight itself is brought to brilliant life by Fernández and Xermánico, with colors by Sánchez, and they knock it out of the park as usual. What GraphicAudio books are to the ears, this artistic team is to the eyes. Every panel, every burst of action and every expression is captured and showcased in gorgeous, cinematic detail.

The writing is also sharp and purposeful, as always, by Snyder and Williamson. We’re taken from present to past, back to the present and even glimpses of the future in a ride that is thought-provoking, exciting, frightening and hopeful. They clearly explain why the superheroes of the Absolute Universe — along with Booster Gold — are aligned with Darkseid and what that alignment means for the larger DC landscape. They also smartly address why the Absolute Universe books remain separate from this event, and the explanation feels intentional rather than corporate.

While there are shocking turns and powerful character moments, the outcome of the final clash carries a sense of inevitability — and that’s not necessarily a flaw. When you’re dealing with characters this iconic and stakes this massive, there’s a certain gravity to how events must unfold. The tension lies not in what happens, but in how it happens — and Snyder and Williamson understand that completely.

The villains have proven throughout this tournament that they fight dirty, cannot be trusted and will always chase power when it’s within reach. The heroes knew this from the beginning, which is why they initially tried to keep the bad guys out of the tournament for the heart of Apokolips. Still, desperation makes everyone reconsider their strategy. With those flashbacks of Bruce, Clark and Diana during game night, one can’t help but wonder if the Trinity briefly considered playing from the villain’s handbook themselves — and what that might have changed.

(10/10) DC K.O. #4 delivers spectacle, emotional weight and forward momentum. It sets the stage for a finale that feels earned, not rushed. Even if your bracket didn’t survive the chaos (mine certainly didn’t), this chapter proves why DC K.O. has been one of the most entertaining DC events in recent memory.