Dark Knights of Steel #1

Dark Knights of Steel #1is the perfect mix of swords, sorcery, and superheroism, as Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri forge a new DC Universe. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones and/orLord of the Ringsor enjoy Taylor's previous written work, I highly suggest adding this series to your pull list. Read Full Review

Dark Knights is 31 pages and still doesn't feel like enough especially after the shocking cliffhanger. Taylor is DC's top writer these days and anything he's associated with is high quality. With Putri's stellar artwork, this is going to be DC's event to read heading into 2022. Read Full Review

The first chapter in this series delivers a fresh and compelling narrative that feels both stunning and apropos. I was immediately hooked from the introductory pages. And long before the episode's end, I realized my complete investment in this narrative. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel #1 will appeal to both fans of DC Comics and fantasy alike. I think it safe to say that Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri have a hit on their hands. This will be the next great Elseworlds to dominate the imaginations of fans everywhere. Read Full Review

The hype prior to this first issue was absolutely worth it, and I'm adoring the creations by fans. Prepare to get your world shaken, because the cliff-hanger is insane! This is a must-have, don't miss out! I imagine it will sell out everywhere, so call your stores and place your orders. Read Full Review

A critical hit! I can't wait until the next issue comes out! We have twelve fantastical months to look forward to. This series holds great meaning to me, and I am sure to many others. As a Dungeons & Dragons player, the casting of these characters are mad-fun. Bruce is a Blood Hunter/Paladin, combative, but knows of magic with intense devotion. Kal is a regal Rogue with strength and charisma. It's a stunning take on our DC playground and the transformation is on point. The Dark Knight and the Kryptonian Prince are a brilliant team up, and the art and action transcends you. Read Full Review

This premiere issue focuses mainly on the House of El, but by jumping the story forward 19 years on page 12 Taylor creates a tantalising gap that will be the source of much of the following issues plot and character development. The final panel of the issue will have many readers adding this to their subscription list alone. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel is an exciting comic book and will hopefully mark the start of a wider world that Taylor, Putri, and other creators can romp in for years to come. Read Full Review

This book is alchemy; disparate parts combined, through the crucible of astounding art, reveal something new about characters whose stories are practically ancient. You don't want to miss these revelations. Read Full Review

One thing we do know, It is unlikely that Jor-El will be divulging anything given what happens on the last page. What an excellent first issue! The stage is set. We have some good character moments. We have the seeds of some upcoming plots. The whole thing is just beautiful. And we have court jester Harley. Tremendous stuff. Read Full Review

Tom Taylor delivers another Elseworld tale that could very well have the same potential and staying power as DCEASED or even INJUSTICE had prior. DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL has a unique blend of comic lore interwoven with some creative charm, fast-paced action, and a steady narrative flow that gives fans just enough information to hold their attention while sprinkling in just enough questions to ponder for the next issue. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel #1 is yet another alternate DC Universe from the mind of Tom Taylor that lives up to the high bar he's continually raised for himself. With art and colors from Yasmine Putri, the epic scope of this fantasy series can be fully realized while still giving the space for more intimate, dramatic scenes. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel opens up a world of possible storylines and gives alternative takes on many of DC's most popular characters. I can't wait to read more. Read Full Review

This is Taylor once again taking the characters we know and twisting their fates and origins just enough to give us a completely new take on them. The art is stunning, the story is fascinating, and it's a great start to what's sure to be twelve issues of top-tier comics. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel #1 is a hell of a start. Taylor has gone the extra distance with this debut and series. It doesn't just take characters and dump them in a new setting. It delivers some subtle changes to a few that delivers what feels like a whole new experience in many ways" in a new setting. If the debut delivers this much, I can't wait to see what's next. Read Full Review

DC Comics'DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL #1 not only introduces us to a new world but to what feels like a whole new set of characters. This creative team is boldly changing up classic stories, so we can see them in a new light. Read Full Review

Tom Taylor gives fans another Elseworlds story, and while this first issue is heavy of setup, I liked it a lot.  Where DCeased lost me a bit because of the genre, this is right in my wheelhouse.  The whole thing looks fantastic, and I am looking forward to the next issue already. Read Full Review

Masterful as ever, Tom Taylor's work alongside Yasmine Putri is definitely worth checking out for fans of dark fantasy as much as fans of the DC Universe! Read Full Review

Taylor definitely is having fun taking the familiar, populating it with some great characters, and playing to expectations with some intriguing changes. Just the opening pages alone do a great job of this and set up so much. Putri's artwork is fantastic, perfectly suited to this kind of work, and has me eager to see what other characters they get to bring to life in this era and style. I'm excited about this project. Read Full Review

Writer alone, Dark Knights of Steel #1 from DC Comics should be on your pull-list. Tom Taylor has some of the hottest titles for DC and Marvel, with Son of Kal-El and Dark Ages. Add in the wicked concept and some art that breathes life into the story and the mythology. What you have then is a must buy on day one. Get it before its gone. Read Full Review

As a start to a sweeping and epic new series I have to say that Dark Knights of Steel hits a lot of positives for me. Taylor does a great job introducing a new world, new situations for characters, and engaging me as a reader from the start. It does have a few drawbacks, including the fact that the story moves at a rapid pace that doesn't give much time for readers to get to know the world, and some repetition in the opening. All in all, I can still say I'm excited to see where this adventure goes from here. I'm fully on board for more of my favorite characters steeped in this fantastic world. Read Full Review

Great setting, fine art and fine writing, but I just didn't feel like this first issue embraces the concept as well as it could have. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel #1 is like a hot dog of a comic. It's fun and tasty but you're not going to get anything of substance from it. Come to see the changes made to the character designs and their stories but don't expect anything deep here. Read Full Review

tcobandag

Nov 02, 2021

Just WOW

Anakin

Nov 02, 2021

Fantastic stuff, I love how this story isn't beholden to the legacies of these characters. It truly feels like a reimagining and an inspired take on the DC universe. I cannot wait to read more of this.

UncannyHavok

Nov 02, 2021

Great comic! Fresh take while still capturing the personalities of Superman and Batman.

Danilo Silva

Nov 02, 2021

Okay, this issue was surprisingly fun, and made me very curious to read the next chapter in this fable. I just loved Yasmine Putri art, and it seems Tom Taylor just can't make mistakes at this point. Seryously, just read.

Ryan P

Nov 02, 2021

Fantastic start! Thus far the writing and the art have been great, definitely looking forward to the rest of this series!

YuurSenpai

Nov 03, 2021

All I can say is WOW, what an introduction to this new world in the DC Universe. Tom Taylor is once again showing why he is one of the greatest minds in comic books today. Adding to his extensive list of original ideas, Dark Knights of Steel is showing early signs of the potential this world has to bring epic storytelling for these classic characters.

TheObserver

Nov 04, 2021

Very Good, Very very good script and very good Art. Very Good teams ! I love the mix between the medieval atmosphere and the immeasurable powers of the characters. I can't wait to see how the characters will develop especially those we weren't expecting. A great start. We can't wait for the sequel. 9/10. Next time, I would put 10/10 if it's also perfect and if the secondary characters are also developed and do not appear only as winks.

deen

Nov 06, 2021

Just a straight up banger.

Hex

Nov 02, 2021

I wanted to get here before all of the Taylor haters did and they could infect the reviews imparting their pseudo-wisdom into how he doesn't understand characters real motivations even in alternate universes or whatever. I believe in separating art from the artist. Sometimes it's hard and sometimes the artist puts too much of themselves in the art or you just can't see past what an artist is doing but for the most part, Taylor at the end of the day is just telling a story, or a message. That's all comics are about, since day one was to send a message. People are acting like this is something new, that progressive minds are polluting their comics with unnecessary messages of peace, love, caring for each other and the only planet we have. Wel l, you'll be happy to know that this is just a good story, set in a different universe. No one to complain about Jon Kent, someone will be upset Black Lightning was a king because it's not, "historically accurate". but their opinions don't matter. It's a beautiful book throughout, the pacing and repetitiveness near the beginning could use some polish but I also understand why it happened, I just hate repetition. Always love when they throw in Vertigo characters and the one they chose is perfect for this story. It's also refreshing seeing the entire Batfamily together. There are those who would rather it just be Batman and to kill all of the Robins. To that I say, go join Dan DiDio in obscurity. Your ideas are outdated and unwanted. Batman stories are bolstered by his allies, not his fists. Overall, it's a great jumping off point for a maxi series. We'll see what Taylor does next. more

Robin

Nov 02, 2021

Damn this took a turn, an amazing start and what a way to end the issue in this universe Bruce and Kal-el are step brothers and he just finds out about it, really forward to seeing other members of bat family and where is Wonder Woman?

Lal

Nov 03, 2021

It's a fun and fresh take on the DC universe. A very compelling first issue.

Geov

Nov 03, 2021

One more hit from Taylor's tone. script is great, fluid and super interesting, the art is beautiful and only enhances the reading experience. Looking forward to the next chapters

Raging Rainbow

Nov 13, 2021

Although he's doing a terrible job writing Jon Kent in the new Superman series, Tom Taylor decides to show us what kind of story he can write when he ISN'T chasing media attention. And, surprise surprise, it's actually pretty good. At least as far as first issues go. The real test will be to see how this whole saga plays out. https://youtu.be/OiZWE9UBMbI

DiegoLDUganda

Nov 02, 2021

Interesting concept

BigCliff

Nov 02, 2021

Why hasn't something like this been down with DC comics before? Tom Taylor has become a writer that's really gained more interest for me over the last year. DCeased, Nightwing: Leaping Into The Light & Seven Secrets are so of my favorite books currently. So I picked this up being curious about what he has planned & I'm glad I did. Though I'm not a big fan of fantasy, Taylor uses classic fantasy tropes & techniques to draw you into a new fantastical interpretation of the dc comics character catalog. Some, still having their classic blueprint present, are now thrust into roles of noble families, houses, knights, Sirs, kings, princes, sirens, banshees, mystics, sorcerers & more. Black Lightning is the king of the realm known as the Kingdom of Storms, Green Arrow appears to be of another land, etc. But what makes this unique is the new changes/interpretations of these characters builds the stage for a very heartfelt, emotional, tension filled, epic adventure. Plus Yasmine Putri's artwork propels the story-telling for me. Her designs for each character, my favorite being King Jefferson/Black Lightning left a great impression on me. Can't wait to see what she does next in this series. Furthermore this style of story leaves room to use a plethora of characters such as Zatanna, Swamp Thing, Trigon, Raven, Starfire, Poison Ivy, Beast Boy & more that I probably can't think of at this moment. Wonder Woman & Aquaman will probably be royalty of their houses/land, etc. This issue is fun & a surprising good introduction to this world. I highly recommend it. more

daspidaboy

Nov 02, 2021

People may not like Tom Taylor that much, but for me he's my favorite comic book writer of all time. This is basically Game of Thrones mixed in with DC Comics, and the art is fantastic.

allenquanobi

Nov 02, 2021

I think I'm at a point where DC limited series and black label stuff seems to work a lot more for me than their ongoings. The only ongoings I have right now are Superman Son of Kal El and Nightwing, both written by Taylor (hint hint to my likability towards the man's writing). For me, Tom Taylor feels like the best DC writer in ages. He understands nearly every character that he writes, so each of them feels like they say the right things and have their tone right. The story is also a fun elseworlds tale that is taking its time with the worldbuilding. Barely anything happens with plot, but that's ok since this is a #1 and it's setting up its world. The art is also great as well, Yasmine Putri captures the medieval look well. Highly r ecommend for both experienced readers and new ones as well. Seems like Taylor can do no wrong right now more

Batman Jones

Nov 03, 2021

Wonderful. Taylor is by far the best mainstream writer DC has right now. I say let him write whatever he wants and we will all be the better for it.

charliekelly

Nov 06, 2021

I really enjoyed this. I think the best part is that it's a great story even without the gimmick of being a DC story set in a fantasy world. The fantasy elements are just the icing on the cake, but the icing happens to be really good in this instance. Taylor does a great job of giving this faithful elements of both fantasy and superhero storytelling without sacrificing either. The art is really beautiful too. The designs of the characters in particular are amazing.

Avanvolk

Oct 13, 2025

A good start. Fun to see how all of the different DC characters make the transition into a medieval setting. Hard to believe something like this hasn't been done before, at least not to this extent. Bruce being the bastard child of Jor-El and Martha Wayne is an interesting twist. I'm obviously not a fan of the moral implications of their infidelity, especially with those two characters in particular, but Bruce having Kryptonian abilities has some very intriguing potential.

Mout

Nov 02, 2021

fucking amazing

WhistleBlower

Nov 02, 2021

lol the guy who simps for Scott Lobdell and his pedobait is crying about people having different opinions. This is what being an anti-vaxxer does to you, kids.

retcon_D

Dec 04, 2021

I really was conflicted trying to give a rating on this one. I feel like I’m settled on what I have now, though. The first issue breezes by and enthralls you into this medieval world. It does exactly what you’d think it would do just by looking at the cover, and it sticks the landing quite well. Looking forward to more in this title.

OldManComics

Feb 10, 2022

Really digging this medieval DC world, the choices just make sense for me. There is so much going on but it still feels balanced, and we just get that feeling of power through the issue to know more and more! Putri's art just fits perfectly in this style. Damn, can't wait for more!

ZONS9

Feb 24, 2022

Pretty good start to the series. The characters are interesting and so is the setting. Taylor's writing is snappy and fast-paced as always. The Best: The artwork by Yasmine Putri is simply delightful, both pencils and colors, and brings this to life. The Worst: There's a twist at the end with Bruce that feels a little weak.

Onomatopoeia

Nov 02, 2021

I like the originality, although I can see the potential for some problematic complaints. Superman is no longer an immigrant who adopted American culture. Instead he, and his family, are refugees that have used their abilities to claim a throne/kingdom. I can see the Fox News and OAN headlines now... I just hope I'm wrong.

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Merlyn - Nov 2, 2021

I think you're totally jumping the shark there, no offense.

Onomatopoeia - Nov 3, 2021

Fair. I admit it's a stretch, but I couldn't shake it. The uproar over Jon Kent coming out as Bi surprised me, so I don't think anything is off the table.

Merlyn - Nov 3, 2021

That's a tooootally different situation, though, it couldn't be more different. That's an in-continuity story where Jon Kent, a character who never exhibited any sort of attraction towards boys is suddenly bi because Taylor knows that will appease his LGBT crowd that he has vigorously tried to cultivate on twitter. He isn't "coming out" as much as he's turned bi completely out of nowhere just so a writer can preach to his choir. That's fanfic taken to the next level.

Merlyn - Nov 3, 2021

This here is an Elseworlds story where Clark still acts like Superman, his parents are a little bit sketchy indeed but there's nothing deliberately ideological about this. If anything, I think by the end the prophecy will turn out to be shit, I don't think Taylor will go the Injustice route again, that would be quite boring.

Onomatopoeia - Nov 3, 2021

Completely disagree with your take on Jon Kent. However, I do agree the "prophecy" will turn out to be lackluster. Which is a shame, I think this story has a ton of potential.

Merlyn - Nov 3, 2021

Why do you disagree, though? Do you remember any sign before this of Jon swinging that way?

egonnn244 - Nov 5, 2021

Nothing beats the cover for issue #7 of Son of Kal-El. That one just hurts.

Psycamorean

Nov 07, 2021

This was good, but a little slow for my tastes. I also... don't like high fantasy, so this series had a lot going against it for me personally. Tom Taylor manages to make it good though.

ClarkParker

Dec 01, 2021

Good, but looking for more in future issues.

SenpaifenixJäger

Nov 02, 2021

It is a delight to see the art of Yasmine Putri, simply for this reason I could acquire it at TP. As for the story, not bad, but I didn't feel so trapped. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt for now.

Tempra16v2.0Turbo

Nov 02, 2021

É a primeira edição e eu posso estar sendo injusto com o que esta por vir. Me parece meio preguiçoso. Os pais do Superman estarem aqui e Jor El ser pai do Bruce é algo realmente novo e animador. No mais é "oh, robins são robins", deixe eu adivinhar, Dick é o primeiro, Jason o segundo e por ai vai... Mal posso esperar para ver Ollie e Dinah, só que agora na idade media. Você tem todo o universo para brincar e só brinca com uma coisa, o resto me parece igual.

Merlyn

Nov 02, 2021

I really don't get the people who feel the need to attack others preemptively just because they simp for some writers but oh well, crazies everywhere these days, right? The art from Putri is great and the premise for the story is interesting enough. Was it perfect? No, there are still some lines from Taylor that make me cringe all over, where his ideological obsessions still come through, but I liked so far what he did with the characters at play so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. Much, much better than Dark Ages at Marvel, that's for sure.

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SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

I love knightly adventures, I think my expectations were higher. Obviously not the ring of the Nibeluntos or the Mio Cid, but it can still have potential. And I agree that a writer is not indicative that a book or comic will be good or bad. So far I find out that Taylor is in charge. I think these kinds of comics suit him much better.

SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

However, I think we are in front of a some (not all) fans terrified of being judged (that's why they judge) and they get angry because that's what they read between the lines when someone says that I don't like it or that I do like it and they don't. We're facing weak and sensitive generations (and I've every right to say it, I'm a millennial, the susceptible, intolerant generation of 720 sexes) witch think if they throw a gigantic tantrum they'll change the world.

Merlyn - Nov 2, 2021

They are indeed weak and sensitive. That's something I can accept, though. What I can't accept is that even though they're weak they try to impose to others what they should like, say or see. That's something I can't accept. And I don't particularly care about their screeching tantrums. I know they all have this absurd notion that only they know what's best for this world, that's super ridiculous. Problem is, they're getting too much attention because they're very vocal. We need to change that.

Merlyn - Nov 2, 2021

The story is ok so far. I'm very skeptical about it because I have a lot of experience with Taylor but for a first issue I liked it.

Mingthemerciless - Nov 2, 2021

What's this new thing with the progs and their "I wanted to review this early because I'm triggered by people that dont agree with me"?

Mingthemerciless - Nov 2, 2021

Normally I'd enjoy this kind of elseeorlds story but I just dont trust Taylor to avoid stinking it up with some activist crap.

SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

My friend @Merlyn that is their weakness, they are so enraged with the world that they vomit out of their mouths as is diversity and inclusion are not well seen when it does not go according to their poor mentality. That is the worst weakness, they are easily indoctrinated, they live in an unreal world.

SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

I'll give this a chace, and if it fails I'll just put it aside, but I think Taylor can do well here. It's what he's preaching, right? ecology, regress in all aspects technologically, culturally and evolutionarily. That's it, now he should focus on fantasy, if he do a decent job, I will buy the TP in the future, but if this becomes a communist aberration, I will not waste my time or money.

SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

Hahaha @Mingthemerciless I didn't even read the comment, but whoever he or she was, let's just leave him on his island of intolerance and take advantage of it. Everyone feels dictator in this days.

Merlyn - Nov 2, 2021

But Taylor hates tradition and we got a hint of that when Clark screamed at Bruce that traditions are "backwards and idiotic". Anyway, I'll give it a chance, too. I'm curious who the Green Man is. Logically, it should be Hal, it would make sense for him and Arrow to team up since they're best buddies in the DCU too. But I don't know if Taylor can muster the guts to not place somebody else in his place and the fact they didn't show him makes me doubt it's Hal. DC hates him anyway these days.

Merlyn - Nov 2, 2021

I don't have a problem that they put great value in diversity and inclusion. I have a problem with the fact that they can't accept that not of all us view the world through those lenses. Diversity and inclusion are good and all but when they replace merit and talent and when you "include" people that actually want to exclude others and subvert society I'm going to take a step back and say "yeah, this won't work for me".

SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

Neither do I, but I think my attempt to express it in English sucked. Exactly those who most preach inclusion and diversity are the most closed on the subject. They do not accept diversity of thought. You are with them or against them. Whatever with them.

SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

Being sarcastic, like Taylor in the other series, he wouldn't make someone bisexual (he'd marry Clark to Princess Dick) and then cut down a lot of little trees to make paper and distribute his eco campaign. It doesn't matter that they are killing villagers. And if all else fails, he can always search the fanfiction. Ready. Or do a decent job, he has a great help from Putri. I really want to buy this TP only for the art, but I'm not going to endorse any more DC bullshit. By the way did you hear?

SenpaifenixJäger - Nov 2, 2021

The Red Ronin funko was pre-sold the same day. Damn, I wanted one. And you've seen the RH samurai, I stayed in panties for one of those. But it will be worth it when I get my hands.

Merlyn - Nov 2, 2021

Yeah, diversity of thought really is too much for the diversity crowd, they need to control thought or at least speech so that's a no-no for them. I'm not a huge fan of the Red Ronin thing. I think I'm just too attached to the Red Hood version, I don't know. I love a lot of Japanese stuff but I'm not sure Jason would mix up that well in that setup. I know Dexter Soy drew all this Ronin stuff and I would probably like to see a one-shot with this concept at least for his sake.

egonnn244

Nov 05, 2021

"If you're trying to make a centaur, that's really not how it works" Now, that was awesome! That's the guy who wrote DCeased! The story is a fun, medieval spin on familiar characters; Batman is a witcher, Black Lightning is a king ruling with magic and Harley Quinn is a court jester and so on. The art is gorgeous and eye-popping (get it?) and there is not a single instance of heavy-handed politics to be found inside the issue. One real gripe I might have is that I wouldn't mind if some of the dialogue was a bit more medieval-ish in some parts. Without words like comatose or spaceman that feel very modern. While on the subject of words, are we really sure this is the same guy that writes Son of Kal-El? I'm having very strong doubts about it. Because this one right here feels like an actual and successful (for now) attempt to tell a story, while the other one feels like a manifest of writer's very simplified views on the world and contemporary politics dressed in superhero attire. There must be some sort of switcheroo or something being involved here. Martians, maybe? The issue also reminded me of how much I miss the good ol' Mr. Pennyworth in the ongoing Batman books. Fingers crossed that Damian will bring him to Lazarus Island. more

Hardy

Oct 15, 2022

Maybe Tom Taylor can stop writing this kind of,dramatic fanfic.The only good thing about this comic is Yasmine Putri's drawings.

fearUhavemeisenough

Nov 02, 2021

The art is incredible.

Simon DelMonte

May 10, 2022

Really kind of bland, and hits the sort of notes we used to see all the time in Elseworlds, and maybe has 15 pages of story. I really don't get all the raves.

Maud Benjamin

Nov 03, 2021

Feel like I'm reading Tom Taylor's fanfiction.

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Dave - Nov 4, 2021

He’s a fan and it is fiction. Aren’t most comics fan fiction

TT

Nov 04, 2021

amazing art, ridiculous story

Silver Rocket

Nov 04, 2021

Tom Taylor is overrated.

Leylin

Nov 02, 2021

ughhhhh fanservicee with the batman kriptonian

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Batman Jones - Nov 3, 2021

'I didn't like it all that much so I gave it the lowest possible score, look at me!!!'