Dark Knights of Steel #2

Dark Knights of Steel #2 continues to explore Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri's medieval DC Universe, with the ending promising a war between kingdoms. The next issue will more than likely kick off the war between the House of El and the Kingdom of Storms, and I look forward to seeing what DC characters join the fray. Read Full Review

Like a rolling storm, Dark Knights of Steel continues to grow in power with every chapter. Tom Taylor's script finds new ways to surprise the reader, putting new spins on classic characters in this fantasy setting and even introducing some new characters into the mix. Read Full Review

This is a fun and emotional world, and Dark Knights of Steel #2 continues a must-have story for all DC fans, and those who love our wonderful Bats and Kryptonians. Readers can have a lot of fun with this world, and I hope it doesn't end with this series. It's action-packed, tragic, romantic, and moving. Each issue's filled with more tension and excitement, and I cannot wait to see what issue #3 has in store! Read Full Review

This beautifully crafted issue features intense battle scenes and sweeping visuals. The attention to detail is eye catching. Especially the emphasis on personal expression and form. These attributes are emotionally engaging and allow the reader a greater understanding of the various character's mindset. I found myself enraptured by the content with each turn of the page. Read Full Review

This is already becoming one of DC's strongest comics. Read Full Review

DC and Marvel seem to be at their best when they allow writing and artistic talents to come up with Elseworld or What If? style stories. The reader doesn't need thousands of back issues, rather just surface knowledge of characters to dive in. Taylor creates a fascinating Supergirl character that will annoy the petty fanbois but excite and inspire everyone else. Can he and Putri keep up this breakneck momentum? Read Full Review

This story is highly worth the time, there is so much more to discover, but a lot of beauty and horror happens in this issue. The characters break out of classic heroic ideals, which is interesting to see. The lettering is placed with such care, each action is high impact. The art does not fail you, from the action scenes to the romance, it's all drawn with heart and emotion. We've started heavy, but one can sense the pain is just beginning. Read Full Review

Also, seeing Amanda Waller as one of the El Knights who is vying for war was great. Bring on issue 3. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel is a delightful series that pushes characters we've known and loved for decades into new roles and thus new perspectives. Our understanding of who they are at their core carries over nicely to a fantasy theme that has new rules, new enemies, and new character dynamics to explore. This is a vibrant retelling of classic DC heroes in a way that makes them new again. Read Full Review

Another character on the House of El side is introduced and comes off cruel in their actions. Taylor is quickly establishing that there's going to be plenty of casualties Game of Thrones style before this is all said and done. Read Full Review

Tom Taylor has another winner on his hands!  Dark Knights of Steel continues from the excellent opener and may even top it. Though some may fight me on it, I think this is Taylor's best Elseworlds story since Injustice. Read Full Review

This book is brutal, violent, and altogether brilliant. If you aren't reading it, you are missing out. Read Full Review

Taylor builds the suspense excellently throughout as what started as a family drama becomes a conflict that threatens to engulf the whole world. We're only two issues in, and it's hard to guess just how bad things can get"for the characters. For us, we're in for a great ride. Read Full Review

DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL #2 continues a fascinating story involving a brand new world that Taylor kicks open with tons of elbow room to grow. Thematic subplots and narrative beats paralleling violence historically, as well as today, shine through adopting human concepts that seem to be within our very foundation of society regardless of technological advancements or lack thereof. Read Full Review

I did not expect to love this series so much, but a killer first issue and a follow up Dark Knights of Steel #2 that's just as good, if not better, I can safely say this is one of the best DC books of 2021. Its fantasy on a grand scale, with your favorite DC heroes reimagined. It's still the characters you know and love but with that slight twist that makes sense for the medieval world. Read Full Review

This has definitely eased a lot of my doubts about the series, despite my own enjoyment of its first outing. There's a level of depth to these characters, and a lot of it is expressed visually rather than verbally " it's the kind of story that makes you want to chart the allegiances of every character in order to theorycraft where the story might head as it progresses. That, to me, marks the sign of a good fantasy. Read Full Review

Dark Knights of Steel #2 is a solid issue that leaves us with a holy shit moment. It leaves us questioning who are the real heroes and if there are any in this story. Taylor has taken the expected heroes versus impossible odds in new setting formula we were expecting and is delivering us another shakeup to the genre he's mastered so well. This is a hell of a series that looks to keep its readers on their toes. Read Full Review

So kudos to Taylor. He has stoked the flames of this house war very quickly. Two issues in and we have major deaths on both sides. The art is sumptuous. And I have some theories to mull over and see if I am right.  If only 'Supergirl' was a better person. Read Full Review

This series definitely go underway in a great way with a lot of background brought into it quickly. This issue delves into a lot more background and expansion but in that natural way that Tom Taylor is able to do through the locations and dialogue so that it's not forced. I really like seeing the way all the sides here are dealing with what happened and how it'll spread out from there, while trying to get a handle on how Kal is really thinking and intending to do here. Putri's artwork is one again fantastic and perfect for this kind of property and they deliver in spades with what we get, making for a fantastic result. I love the look of it, the color design, and the whole execution of the series right now. It can't come out fast enough. Read Full Review

DC Comics' DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL #2 starts setting everything in motion. This creative team hints at some of the doom that's on its way, like an oncoming storm. But we'll have to wait and see what the House of El and the Kingdom of Storms next moves will be. Read Full Review

A stronger first issue moves the story along in some fun and surprising ways. I still worry that the facade is only skin-deep, but excellent storytelling, character use and art should more than make up for that. Read Full Review

Danilo Silva

Dec 07, 2021

A very, very cool issue. I didn't expect nothing from this story, but is actually great. The story arc advances with rhythm, and Kala Jor-El is a fine addition to the story - and her romance with Diana was unnexpected, but really cool. By the way, not just Kala, but Constantine, Lois Lane, Amanda Waller, Taylor's Suicide Squad (he won't let DC forget those characters), all great additions to the story, in very interesting roles. And Yasmine art is beautiful as ever. To finish: let's bring war!

Anakin

Dec 07, 2021

Another top notch issue with great drama and a great introduction of characters. Love how alpha Clark and Zala are. I hope this story isn't going to be as predictable as it's shaping up to be, looks like Bruce is going to be the banished bastard son when the Els find out who he is and he'll end the war with a mega climactic fight against Clark.

Robin

Dec 07, 2021

I have to say this Tom Taylor writes amazing elsewhere stories, I just read the superman annual which was shit and this is amazing , and its written by the same writer. There are some really interesting topics damn, and exited what comes next

Stormwrath

Dec 07, 2021

Excellent book. Excellent writing. Excellent art

BigCliff

Dec 09, 2021

@nd issue continues the strides left in issue 1. Taylor is taking his time with not only setting the stage for this story, but also expanding the world & cast of characters. We introductions to a new son for Jefferson & clark's sister. She's brand new & appears to me more temperamental & "act first, think later" in her actions. Love the teases for other characters like Blu Devil, Flash, Gorilla Grodd, etc. This was a fun issue.

Hex

Dec 28, 2021

It wasn't as strong for me but I still really enjoyed it. I need more Constantine, felt that while Kal's reaction was excessive, it made sense. Especially in the context and time period this story is taking place. People are more brutal here, even the Els. People need to stop saying how, "out of character" this or that feels in a story especially one where the DC characters are in the age of Camelot. Kal is going to be pissed even at someone he views as his brother and it's only going to get worse. I'm here for it. The art is gorgeous, I need to check out more of Putri's work. I'd also like to add to the people who "review" these books and proudly write that they didn't buy the books that YOU, not the writers or DC's agenda are what is wron g with comics. You should be ashamed not that you know what that means. more

OldManComics

Feb 10, 2022

This series is just brutal, no restraint and moving things along. Godamn, what is happening? Fun story and awesome visuals that's what's happening! I would never believe DC superheroes would fit so good in a medieval world xD But I gotta say, I've been swayed.

Avanvolk

Oct 13, 2025

The opening of this issue was incredible. Batman catching an arrow with his hand before it hits Alfred and then cutting off Oliver's hand was one of the most badass things I've seen in a while. Also, that image of Batman jumping down with the lightning flashing behind him was STUNNING. I forgot to mention the art in my review of the first issue, so let me say here: It is gorgeous. Really, really well done. This issue raises the stakes and sets up a war between our two kingdoms. Cool seeing Wonder Woman enter the game too. All in all, great continuation on what was a strong start. Looking forward to more.

daspidaboy

Dec 07, 2021

a pretty solid second issue with interesting character development. This may be Tom Taylor's greatest achievement.

Psycamorean

Jan 03, 2022

Nearly as good as Dark Ages, which I read back-to-back with this. This is super engaging, and here's the thing: High Fantasy is garbage. But I enjoyed this for what it was, even still. Oh, and I wouldn't rely on Merlyn to know how to properly approach LGBT characters in fiction. "Let's not normalize two women kissing because it's too funny and cringe. Because normalization is bad, and I'm definitely not a bigot." These claims of Taylor not knowing what he's doing in this regard is just poor subterfuge for someone to say they don't like gay people without having to be open about it. This is the same as all those GamerGate idiots going around saying, "Well, if you just did diversity *right*" The key is knowing there's no "right way" to the se people. They're just cowards. more

egonnn244

Dec 15, 2021

"Honesty [...] it's the most loyal thing there is" And issue #2 is just as good. We get a nice, dynamic opening, continuing from the ending of the last issue, and the story moves after that with a nice, brisk pace, showing us more of the world created and more familiar faces in new situations. It's still funny though that they are calling Black Lightning - King Jefferson Pierce. It's just doesn't sound very medieval-like. I still can't believe that this is the same guy that writes Son of Kal-El. The quality of writing here and there is just too different. The only thing that could point that this is, in fact, the same Tom Taylor, is his affinity for showing members of the House of El having same-sex kisses. But even then it only ra ises questions. Is Tom Taylor trying to tell us something about himself or is he just trying to score more points? Whatever the case this was a fun issue. I will be definitely checking the next one. more

Gaius

Dec 07, 2021

I've never been Tom Taylor's biggest fan. I've often felt his writing for characters never goes past surface level pop culture stereotypes in some cases (Superman) or just actively bad (Wonder Woman) and unlike most else, I only thought the first issue of this series was decent aside from the shocking twist at the end (which if you're familiar with Taylor's work, you should expect). This continues to be decent for the most part but still feels rather more decompressed than it ought to be. I do have to question how smart this version of Black Lightning though, did he seriously expect no follow or consequences from what he ordered last issue. Putri's art is obviously the standout here. Nothing really more to say on that front. As I 've said, I think anytime Taylor's written Wonder Woman (Injustice, DCeased) he's been pretty consistently terrible; never rising above generic "Warrior Woman who speaks in platitudes" or a foil for the characters he actually cares about (Superman, Batman) . And I'll be honest, this series lives or dies for me based off how he portrays her here. There's not much to go on here, personality wise, as she only has one scene but probably the most noticeable thing here is she makes out with this universe's version of Supergirl. I'll give him points for having Diana actually making out with another woman (something DC has yet to allow in her main book). But I do have to role my eyes that he couldn't have done it with someone from her own mythos rather than making her an appendage to Supergirl. more

SenpaifenixJäger

Dec 07, 2021

I'm glad I didn't buy the first issue or this issue. And I had to resist for the incredible art of Putri. But the story stopped liking me, becoming completely predictable and very amateurish, for my taste. I love medieval stories, knights, wizards and maidens, even fanciful ones, but this was felt again with lots of cameo characters and little development. The intrigue could have been better. And the relationship between the half-brothers shake it in a better way. Amazing the second book and I've lost interest (not a complete disaster, maybe salvageable, but I doubt it), shame about Putri's art, I really would have liked to buy the TP

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BitchWitcher - Dec 8, 2021

Gloating about pirating a comic is quite the look, but you do you.

SenpaifenixJäger - Mar 8, 2022

hahaha!!! you are very funny!!! sure you just look at the covers and throw them in the basket. Do not project my friend, or you are hurt that I do not buy what you like, especially when I have always said that I buy physically and virtually the comics that I like and apart from that we translate them to spread them and increase their consumption. Obviously with the purchase receipt. go cry somewhere else.

SenpaifenixJäger - Mar 8, 2022

I don't even do that with a novel, there is always a sample novel to browse and I am a great devourer of books much more than comics or movies. Friend or you don't know how to buy or you pirate too much.

Crimson Knight

Dec 07, 2021

Okay.

Merlyn

Dec 07, 2021

It is clear to me, clear as day, that Tom Taylor hates Batman from the bottom of his heart, given how many times he has characters scorn him. Yes, he does "cool" things with him here and there, but that's just for the fanbase because he is the type of writer who knows his skills are limited and relies a lot on pleasing the fanbase, it's his modus operandi, hence also the "Jon is bi thing". I didn't like how Superman acted here either, he's way too douchy. Yes, he's in pain and yes, this is an elsewhere story but I still felt that some lines, particularly towards Bruce were totally uncalled for. And I have to say, I burst in laughter at the Wonder Woman and Zala kiss page. Taylor really doesn't know how to present a LGBT story, does he? He just slaps a page where two men/women kiss and waits for the applause, "hey, look at me, I'm so very progressive, aren't I the best?" But at least he pandered to his fanbase, that's what matters after all, isn't it? I also cringed at Harley pretty hard, I know Taylor likes her and in Injustice he wrote her pretty decently, but here it was just cringy. All in all, it turns out one good issue was all Taylor could do before he went back to his old, cringy and stupid ways. more

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SenpaifenixJäger - Dec 7, 2021

Leave your higher moral tendency, the bad thing is that your ideas revolve around this and go to fanfiction to copy ideas. He wasn't such a bad writer, but this year I don't know what's wrong with this man. There are supposed rumors that part of the government and some companies financially support this type of thing and given the crisis, many are going this way, regardless of whether sales are lost.

SenpaifenixJäger - Dec 7, 2021

He has the idea that having two people of the same sex kissing is an excuse for bad writing. And then the cameos that he makes without much sense to try to generate emotion, when there is nothing to excite there, damn somehow it was logical that Lois or WW had a protagonist. The cool thing would be for her to head to the new lake. But I think it's too much to ask.

Merlyn - Dec 7, 2021

I mean, governments love dividing people, it helps with the whole "divide and conquer" strategy, you need to demonize some people if you're going to pose as the good guys, that's how politics play out. And companies do love this nonsense because they've been infiltrated by woke idiots. But I seriously can't fault any of those for Taylor's stupidities, this is all him.

Merlyn - Dec 7, 2021

I've been watching the guy slowly losing it ever since he started writing X-23 and X-Men Red, those were the first signals that the Tom Taylor who wrote Injustice is slowly changing his writing interests. It got worse with the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, the with his Suicide Squad, then Injustice Year Zero and so on. At some point I realized he isn't interested anymore in good stories, just in propaganda.

Merlyn - Dec 7, 2021

And his twitter is just a nightmare, I saw him retweeting marxist pages and conspiracy theories, dude has lost the plot big time.

Onomatopoeia - Dec 8, 2021

I get the sense that you're just hate-reading comics these days.

Merlyn - Dec 8, 2021

Well, I rated the first one pretty high so your sense is wrong.

Merlyn - Dec 8, 2021

But it's okay, you think we're " lonely straight white guys" and you think that doesn't sound racist or anything so I'm not very offended by what you think if that's your mindset.

SenpaifenixJäger - Dec 8, 2021

Oh! And you will see how Taylor and her union cries when someone publishes something that she does not like or someone tells her that her work is bad. The man seems millennial at 40, which is ridiculous that he is as sensitive as an extremist of Islam. He, too, blocks all those who ask him why he set up a situation.

Merlyn - Dec 8, 2021

He just got exclusive for DC, unfortunately.

Merlyn - Dec 12, 2021

I also loved Injustice, hated DCeased, liked the first issue here but with the second I'm already not liking where this is going. I don't like the constant shade throwing at Bruce, he does it all the time. As for Supes, he totally was a douche to Bruce without any reason whatsoever other than to create tension between them. I don't like how he's treating a lot of characters here. I hope next issues will be better.

Raging Rainbow

Dec 10, 2021

It looks like war is coming as we see the immediate fallout from the death of Jor-El at the hands of Green Arrow. Two kingdoms will suffer a death in the family by the end of this issue. This issue caused my interest in the story to wane a little bit, but we'll see if that continues to be case or if Tom can rally. https://youtu.be/9u80XN6O9pc

DiegoLDUganda

Dec 07, 2021

I loved this worldbuilding. Perhaps, the book lost me with the batcentrism and the storytelling making Bruce the poor bastard who will probably reign and develop his powers and everyone gonna love him and blablabla. Maybe the next time Taylor should say this is another batbook and not the crap of "Nono guys, is DC Universe book, I swear, batman is only in the tittle because sales"