REVIEW: Dark Knights of Steel II #4

Following last month’s tragic and secret murder of Queen Lara at the hands of Bane, in Dark Knights Of Steel II #4 House of El Army Commander Amanda Waller is ready to put her sinister plan into motion and seize control of the Kingdom of Metropolis as its regent. Meanwhile, Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Oracle, remains hidden away by her mother, who fears what her daughter’s extraordinary gift of clairvoyance could reveal.

Writer Tom Taylor, artist Otto Schmidt, colorist Arif Prianto and letterer Wes Abbott take things up several notches in Dark Knights of Steel II #4 as the League of Kingdoms comes together to prevent Waller’s ascension. With the kingdom’s future hanging in the balance, dangerous secrets and unexpected betrayals threaten to tear everything apart. Before we enter this kingdom of deception and treachery, let’s look at this month’s incredible covers.

Yasmine Putri’s standard cover is dark, devastating and breathtaking. Bane kneels amid the destruction of the El throne room, gripping a massive sword as the fallen Els lie scattered around him. Torn banners, shattered surroundings and fiery embers create an atmosphere of defeat and despair. Putri brilliantly captures the terrifying consequences of the kingdom’s growing instability.

The variant cover by Travis Moore and Tamra Bonvillain takes us in a different direction, presenting a beautiful, romantic moment between Prince Kal-El and Lois. Kal-El carries Lois in his arms against a gorgeous golden sunset, making this illustration feel like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Gerald Parel’s variant brings us back into the fantasy world with a stunning forest scene featuring Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. the Bat-Prince, and his Robins. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating lush greenery and carefully positioned characters. The scene resembles a painting from an epic fantasy adventure, filled with mystery and anticipation.

There is also a stunning Aquaman variant by Lucio Parrillo:

Now, let’s enter the Kingdom of Metropolis. With Queen Lara dead and her children incapacitated, Waller sees her opportunity to claim power. However, the kingdom’s protectors aren’t about to stand by while she takes control, especially when they suspect her of manipulating events to serve her ambitions. Bruce Wayne and the League of Kingdoms arrive with a plan to expose Waller’s treachery before her coronation. Unfortunately, they’re confronting someone who understands that controlling what people believe can be just as powerful as commanding an army.

Taylor does an excellent job demonstrating why Waller is dangerous without extraordinary abilities. Her greatest weapons are manipulation, fear and a willingness to exploit people’s vulnerabilities. She presents herself as the kingdom’s protector while working against everything the Els represent. Watching Bruce attempt to counter her schemes makes for a gripping battle of wills.

One of my favorite aspects of this issue is seeing Bruce with his Robins and allies. Their interactions provide welcome humor and warmth amid the growing darkness, and their different personalities make their partnership entertaining. Ivy and Harley Quinn also bring some delightful levity, reminding us that these beloved characters retain their familiar spark even in this medieval setting. But Taylor never allows the lighter moments to diminish the danger. What begins as a struggle over leadership escalates into a confrontation with consequences that reach far beyond the throne room. Just when our heroes appear to be gaining ground, the creative team delivers a devastating turn of events. Those final pages pack an emotional punch. Barbara’s role is particularly compelling. Her clairvoyance is an extraordinary gift, but Taylor also shows how frightening such knowledge can become when others seek to control it. Her circumstances lend the story a heartbreaking emotional undercurrent.

Schmidt’s artwork is phenomenal. His expressive characters bring weight to quieter moments, while his action sequences burst with energy and movement. Prianto’s rich colors beautifully contrast the forest’s golden sunlight and lush greens with the harsher shades surrounding the kingdom’s escalating conflict. Abbott’s lettering gives the confrontations additional impact without overwhelming the artwork. Together, they make this world feel alive.

(10/10) Dark Knights of Steel II #4 is an exciting, emotional and beautifully illustrated chapter that raises the stakes for the Kingdom of Metropolis. Taylor balances political intrigue, humor, powerful character moments and explosive action while reminding us that the most dangerous enemies aren’t always those with superpowers.