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Dark Knights of Steel (Single Issues)
Dark Knights of Steel (2021-) #1
An entire medieval world will be forever changed when a spaceship crash-lands from a doomed planet. Monarchs will die, kingdoms will rise, and what seemed the end of the world for many…was only the beginning! An epic high-fantasy story set in a DC Universe where nothing is what it seems… From worldwide bestselling writer Tom Taylor (DCeased, Superman: Son of Kal-El) and acclaimed artist Yasmine Putri comes a generational tale of good and evil within a brand-new DCU!
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2022
16 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Tom Taylor
1,299 books1,037 followersOnce a professional juggler and fire eater, Tom Taylor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling, multi-award-winning comic book writer, playwright and screenwriter.
Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.
He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.
He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.
Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.
He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.
He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 6, 2021
Tom Taylor specialises in DC alternate worlds. First there was the fighting game-inspired Injustice, then zombie apocalypse DCeased, and now his latest one is a Game of Thrones-y flavoured story: Dark Knights of Steel. A young prince Superman rules the land with his parents and the help of bastard enforcer, the Bat-prince. But, in a rival kingdom, King Jefferson plots to take the throne of El and magical assassins have been dispatched…
Dark Knights of Steel #1 is an ok start to what used to be called an Elseworlds story. Taylor sets the tone with the opening scene where the familiar Superman origin plays out - but with a twist. There’s a lot of little twists to household names throughout this comic and it’s cute to see who’s been reimagined as what.
Batman however, despite being a teenager, still has Robins - ie. children - working for him which just seems weirder than usual because of how young Bruce is in this story. Also everyone is oddly protective of Kal-El despite Superman being stronger than all of them and needing the least protection out of them all!
The arrest of Banshee (Black Canary) and the scolding of Bat-prince by King Jor-El were very meh scenes, but I liked some of the reveals - who Batman really is, which is a fun take for the character, and the new roles Green Arrow/Green Lantern have been cast in. It’s a tantalising cliffhanger for sure.
Yasmine Putri’s art is quite good. The opening scene stood out for me and she manages the action scenes very effectively. The character designs are less impressive - most are barely changed from what they normally wear, just less tech-y. They look exactly as you think medieval versions of these characters would look like.
What this first issue doesn’t do that well is establish the central conflict of the story - who are we meant to be rooting for? Probably Superman/Batman’s side - but why? And why do the other factions want them dead? Are they simply generic bad guys or do they have good reasons? It’s not a huge problem as Taylor has 11 more issues to set this out and develop it, and there is a lot of other stuff in this comic that is done well besides this.
Tom Taylor does for DC what Neil Gaiman did for Marvel with 1602 - an amusing, if not that entertaining or imaginative, novel ye olden times setting for familiar characters. Dark Knights of Steel #1 is a decent start to what will probably turn out to be a decent series.
Dark Knights of Steel #1 is an ok start to what used to be called an Elseworlds story. Taylor sets the tone with the opening scene where the familiar Superman origin plays out - but with a twist. There’s a lot of little twists to household names throughout this comic and it’s cute to see who’s been reimagined as what.
Batman however, despite being a teenager, still has Robins - ie. children - working for him which just seems weirder than usual because of how young Bruce is in this story. Also everyone is oddly protective of Kal-El despite Superman being stronger than all of them and needing the least protection out of them all!
The arrest of Banshee (Black Canary) and the scolding of Bat-prince by King Jor-El were very meh scenes, but I liked some of the reveals - who Batman really is, which is a fun take for the character, and the new roles Green Arrow/Green Lantern have been cast in. It’s a tantalising cliffhanger for sure.
Yasmine Putri’s art is quite good. The opening scene stood out for me and she manages the action scenes very effectively. The character designs are less impressive - most are barely changed from what they normally wear, just less tech-y. They look exactly as you think medieval versions of these characters would look like.
What this first issue doesn’t do that well is establish the central conflict of the story - who are we meant to be rooting for? Probably Superman/Batman’s side - but why? And why do the other factions want them dead? Are they simply generic bad guys or do they have good reasons? It’s not a huge problem as Taylor has 11 more issues to set this out and develop it, and there is a lot of other stuff in this comic that is done well besides this.
Tom Taylor does for DC what Neil Gaiman did for Marvel with 1602 - an amusing, if not that entertaining or imaginative, novel ye olden times setting for familiar characters. Dark Knights of Steel #1 is a decent start to what will probably turn out to be a decent series.
November 2, 2021
dc goes arthurian and tbh i'm so here for it.
October 2, 2022
Imagine that Superman landed in Medieval times and that his parents lived and became a king and a queen, and imagine that Bruce Wayne is a knight in their realm, and Harley Quinn is their jester, and Dinah is a banshee, and imagine that Jefferson Pierce is a neighboring king, feuding with the Els, and Constantine is his prophet.
That’s what Tom Taylor did, and it is AMAZING!!! Other DC characters appear, and the revelation at the end is great, and the action, right up to the last page. How has this not been done before? I don’t care; it’s being done now, and it needs to be turned into a movie.
Memorable lines:
Kal-El: I’m not a god.
Alfred: You can shoot fire from your face, my lord.
Bruce: An alarming amount of your attempts at diplomacy end with someone comatose.
Kal to Bruce: Sure. Stoicism is a well-known treatment for brain injury.
Harley to Bruce: Do you know you have an unconscious woman on the back of your horse? If you’re trying to make a centaur, that’s not really how it works.
Also Harley to Bruce: You’re so dark and brooding. But with little ears.
That’s what Tom Taylor did, and it is AMAZING!!! Other DC characters appear, and the revelation at the end is great, and the action, right up to the last page. How has this not been done before? I don’t care; it’s being done now, and it needs to be turned into a movie.
Memorable lines:
Kal-El: I’m not a god.
Alfred: You can shoot fire from your face, my lord.
Bruce: An alarming amount of your attempts at diplomacy end with someone comatose.
Kal to Bruce: Sure. Stoicism is a well-known treatment for brain injury.
Harley to Bruce: Do you know you have an unconscious woman on the back of your horse? If you’re trying to make a centaur, that’s not really how it works.
Also Harley to Bruce: You’re so dark and brooding. But with little ears.
November 25, 2021
Taylor is at Brian K Vaughn level with his pacing, and it makes me wonder why I would read anything by Taylor in singles vs the trades. The one month wait is way toooooo long
Only issue is that I kinda love having Clark / Superman being part of a regular family vs nobility, but I trust Taylor
Only issue is that I kinda love having Clark / Superman being part of a regular family vs nobility, but I trust Taylor
December 1, 2021
Nepamätám si, kedy naposledy ma prvý zošit s Batmanom bavil a zaujal natolko, aby som sa neskutočne tešila na ďalší. Vlastne celkovo vec od DC ktorá by mala podobný efekt. Totálne to prekonalo moje očakávania a dúfam, že to na kvalite neklesne a príbeh sa nebude uberať očakávateľným/nudným smerom. 10/5
July 4, 2023
making superheroes medieval was such a sexy decision
April 22, 2023
| "An alarming amount of your attempts at diplomacy end with someone comatose."
This was written specifically for me the target audience was literally me they tore apart my cranium and found what I wanted. Kings and Queens and Knights and DC heroes all in medieval times I literally ghostwrote this.
This was written specifically for me the target audience was literally me they tore apart my cranium and found what I wanted. Kings and Queens and Knights and DC heroes all in medieval times I literally ghostwrote this.
June 28, 2022
Цікаво на рівні ідеї переносу героїв DC в умовне (прям дуже умовне) середньовіччя, але зображення середньовіччя в стилі високого ельфійського фентезі з модерновими шатами та броні, яка б складністю та вишуканістю присоромила грінвічську школу - мені не дуже зайшло.
December 29, 2021
A great first issue. Stunning art and a solid story with a great cliffhanger. A 4 out of 5.
April 10, 2023
This might be one of the most interesting concepts I've seen in a while, and although I don't read a ton of these other worlds series colour me intrigued. There's a lot of really good dynamic introduction early on, and seeing some of the relationships (Jason! My guy!) hits in a really great way. This could go so wrong, and I've got an eye on it, but right now I'm enjoying the heck out of it and love what's being set up.
November 6, 2021
They nerfed batman so bad...literally put him in the mid evil times
Zero technology
Plot armor still works fine
Apparently he has dark magic, can't wait for that (sarcasm)
Can Superman get any op
Zero technology
Plot armor still works fine
Apparently he has dark magic, can't wait for that (sarcasm)
Can Superman get any op
December 31, 2021
not me calling to reserve issue 2 when it gets restocked next week
November 4, 2021
Tom Taylor entregando tudo como sempre!
November 4, 2021
This reads like a fanfiction (and I mean that in the best possible way).
The first issue got me hooked, if the second can keep up, this could be one of my favorite alternate universes so far.
The first issue got me hooked, if the second can keep up, this could be one of my favorite alternate universes so far.
January 7, 2022
So I wasn't sold on this originally - but someone pointed out that Jason Todd had a bit part in this, and then I fell in love, and now I'm subscribed to this maxi-series.
I really love the concept: Kal-El wasn't born before he had to evacuate Krypton - so his parents jumped into the tiny ship, which lands on Earth right before Kal-El is born. Except this Earth is medieval - and full of magic. It casts John Constantine as a boy who speaks in tongues and prophesies what will happen, Kal-El as a prince and Bruce Wayne as his half-brother - a bastard born of Jor-El's and Martha Wayne's affair.
The kingdom knows and after the elder Wayne's pass, it's Jor-El and his wife who rule in their place, not their only heir who the Kingdom looks down upon for his mother's indiscretion. It's contentions: Kal-El, and even Jor-El, think it doesn't matter at all, and neither does Kal-El's mother. All three clearly care deeply for Bruce despite the affair, but it goes a long way to explain the Dark Knight feel of his personality in this timeline.
Magic is outlawed and when Bruce chases down a Banshee, Kal-El, who was told not to go, follows. They bring her in, but then there's a subplot with King Jefferson and Constantine's prophecies, and a plot to take down Jor-El.
It's an interesting mashup. But I've read the next issue, at least, and Jason doesn't show up again. None of the Robins do, so I'm hoping for more of them later on, especially Jason.
I really love the concept: Kal-El wasn't born before he had to evacuate Krypton - so his parents jumped into the tiny ship, which lands on Earth right before Kal-El is born. Except this Earth is medieval - and full of magic. It casts John Constantine as a boy who speaks in tongues and prophesies what will happen, Kal-El as a prince and Bruce Wayne as his half-brother - a bastard born of Jor-El's and Martha Wayne's affair.
The kingdom knows and after the elder Wayne's pass, it's Jor-El and his wife who rule in their place, not their only heir who the Kingdom looks down upon for his mother's indiscretion. It's contentions: Kal-El, and even Jor-El, think it doesn't matter at all, and neither does Kal-El's mother. All three clearly care deeply for Bruce despite the affair, but it goes a long way to explain the Dark Knight feel of his personality in this timeline.
Magic is outlawed and when Bruce chases down a Banshee, Kal-El, who was told not to go, follows. They bring her in, but then there's a subplot with King Jefferson and Constantine's prophecies, and a plot to take down Jor-El.
It's an interesting mashup. But I've read the next issue, at least, and Jason doesn't show up again. None of the Robins do, so I'm hoping for more of them later on, especially Jason.
June 25, 2024
A middle-age or Arthurian-inspired retelling of the super hero mythology is such an intriguing idea, and it has really good art for a graphic novel.
However, the story is a little lackluster and has the feel of, I dunno, a bit weak in terms of the writing. I suppose it’s a bit mediocre. Additionally, some of the dialogue makes you cringe and seems like fan fiction.
Given that it only deserves two stars, I was a little hesitant to give it three, but John Constantine appears in it, and I can't wait to learn more about him in this series!
However, the story is a little lackluster and has the feel of, I dunno, a bit weak in terms of the writing. I suppose it’s a bit mediocre. Additionally, some of the dialogue makes you cringe and seems like fan fiction.
Given that it only deserves two stars, I was a little hesitant to give it three, but John Constantine appears in it, and I can't wait to learn more about him in this series!
August 27, 2023
there’s never been a better comic series imo. but i haven’t read a bunch so maybe i’ve got some work to do to back up my theory🤭
regardless, if u want to get into comics, this is the one and only series i will force u to read. like you have to read this. even non comic people should read this, MOST ESPECIALLY if you are familiar with the DCU
also it makes my supercorp heart so happy. iykyk!
regardless, if u want to get into comics, this is the one and only series i will force u to read. like you have to read this. even non comic people should read this, MOST ESPECIALLY if you are familiar with the DCU
also it makes my supercorp heart so happy. iykyk!
July 18, 2024
Medieval DC characters is such a cool idea.
second read: i'm glad i forgot most of what happened because i was pleasantly surprised and convinced to keep reading
third reread: prophecy meanings are so double meaning and not always what you think they really mean
second read: i'm glad i forgot most of what happened because i was pleasantly surprised and convinced to keep reading
third reread: prophecy meanings are so double meaning and not always what you think they really mean
November 9, 2021
Justice League + Game of Throne= Awesomeness
April 14, 2022
Since I was pleasantly surprised by the DC vs. Vampires (2021-) #1 AU series, I thought, why not try this Medieval AU series too? And that was definitely the right choice, because this was fun.
I'm not even sure how to start this review to be honest. I know little of Superman comics, having never read them, but I've seen a film and episodes of an old tv series, so I kinda know the basics.
By now I'm more familiar with the batfamily, and seeing all the Robins (incl. Stephanie) was a lot of fun.
This issue was fast-paced and a great introduction to this series. The characters fit the roles they are cast in, at least as far as I can tell from just one issue. There were some funny moments too, and the art was really good. I do not mind everyone being pretty boys.
Bruce and Superman seem a lot younger here, especially in comparison to the Robins, but age seems to fluctuate in the DC universe anyway, so I don't mind. I'm really looking forward to see what this series is going to do.
I'm not even sure how to start this review to be honest. I know little of Superman comics, having never read them, but I've seen a film and episodes of an old tv series, so I kinda know the basics.
By now I'm more familiar with the batfamily, and seeing all the Robins (incl. Stephanie) was a lot of fun.
This issue was fast-paced and a great introduction to this series. The characters fit the roles they are cast in, at least as far as I can tell from just one issue. There were some funny moments too, and the art was really good. I do not mind everyone being pretty boys.
Bruce and Superman seem a lot younger here, especially in comparison to the Robins, but age seems to fluctuate in the DC universe anyway, so I don't mind. I'm really looking forward to see what this series is going to do.
November 14, 2021
Ya no es tan novedoso sacarse una historia alternativa que traslade al Universo superheroico de turno actual a otros espacios temporales (pregunten a Marvel y su 1602), menos acudir a la Edad Media (esas armaduras y espadones siempre eficaces). Pero sin duda Tom Taylor se ha ganado el voto de confianza, así que habrá que ver hacia donde se dirige este Dark Knights of Steel, donde la enésima llegada de Kal-El a la Tierra escapando de la extinción de Krypton vuelve a cambiar el mundo pero de una forma más radical de lo esperado. Desde este planteamiento y ciertas re contextualizaciones de personajes, es imposible no sentir en este primer número una sensación de ejercicio de "fan fiction" (pero de KALITÉ) que ya nos habría gustado a much@s haber firmado.
September 23, 2022
Wow - extreme highs and lows on this one. Bad then good.
The bad: A promising concept unfortunately falls flat on its face as the medieval fantasy veneer readily peels back to reveal an all too woke modern perspective beneath. There were so many tantalising possibilities, but this was pretty shallow. The villain arch has the promise of adequacy. Injustice was far better.
The good: Putri’s art is top shelf. Wow. Worth the purchase price just for the gorgeous masterful visuals. I will probably get the rest of the series for this reason alone.
Story and script - 1 star.
Visuals - 4.5 stars.
The bad: A promising concept unfortunately falls flat on its face as the medieval fantasy veneer readily peels back to reveal an all too woke modern perspective beneath. There were so many tantalising possibilities, but this was pretty shallow. The villain arch has the promise of adequacy. Injustice was far better.
The good: Putri’s art is top shelf. Wow. Worth the purchase price just for the gorgeous masterful visuals. I will probably get the rest of the series for this reason alone.
Story and script - 1 star.
Visuals - 4.5 stars.
November 15, 2021
Essentially this is an Elseworlds story where the DC characters are stuck in a Game of Thrones style dramatic fight for control of Jor-El's kingdom or something.
Quick thoughts on the first issue:
Love the role Dinah is in and really need to see more of her.
Can't wait to see what they do with Ollie.
I would pay good money for someone to call John "That Constantine Boy" to his face.
Nice to see Jor-El alive - oh, wait.
The art is cool. Really need to see Diana in this.
Bruce saying "No" is my new reaction image to everything.
Quick thoughts on the first issue:
Love the role Dinah is in and really need to see more of her.
Can't wait to see what they do with Ollie.
I would pay good money for someone to call John "That Constantine Boy" to his face.
Nice to see Jor-El alive - oh, wait.
The art is cool. Really need to see Diana in this.
Bruce saying "No" is my new reaction image to everything.
November 4, 2021
Even though I gave this 4 stars I’m actually a little unsure on how I feel about this. At first I was really diggin it. Character designs were cool. I was a big fan of Batman as a knight. Then you learn Bruce serves Kal El, which really didn’t bug me until Bruce started showing his undying loyalty to him. It just didn’t feel right. The twist towards the end is what truly messed me up though. I’ll have to read through the issue again and let it sit with me awhile.
November 5, 2021
Ok, va. Es más un 2.5/5.
Sí está interesante el retelling de los personajes, como Black Canary, pero de algunos no me convencen demasiado. ¿De verdad los El se volverían unos reyes autoritarios por miedo?
¿Y Bruce siendo medio hermano de Clark? Vaaaaaamos. Aquí yo sólo estoy esperando la relectura de Lois Lane.
Sí está interesante el retelling de los personajes, como Black Canary, pero de algunos no me convencen demasiado. ¿De verdad los El se volverían unos reyes autoritarios por miedo?
¿Y Bruce siendo medio hermano de Clark? Vaaaaaamos. Aquí yo sólo estoy esperando la relectura de Lois Lane.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 5, 2021Combining two of my all time favourite things: sword/magic fantasy and dcu. The concept is GOD TIER and I am utterly OBSESSED. Obsessed to the degree that I'm willing to overlook this book's no.1 sin of unnecessarily characterising [redacted] as someone who would be unfaithful :/
Note 2: Yasmin Putri's art!!!! Magnifique.
Note 2: Yasmin Putri's art!!!! Magnifique.
November 17, 2021
Tom Taylor raises the bar yet again! A fantasy DC world was an easy sell. But man did he bring the heat with this one. And much like with his Injustice comic series he knows how to twist the knife to get you invested and ready to come back for more. I’m in for as long as he wants to write the series.
September 5, 2022
Traço incrível, a estória também é muito boa. Pensei que finalmente Bruce e Clark viveriam um romance, mas já no fim desse issue meterem que os dois são meio irmão um do outro, aí é de fudê, né dc.
Gostei muito de todos os robins trabalhando juntos e da harley ali no meio. Expectativas boas pro desenvolver da comic.
Gostei muito de todos os robins trabalhando juntos e da harley ali no meio. Expectativas boas pro desenvolver da comic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 25, 2022Taylor builds another franchise as solid as castle walls!
Another Taylor series is off to a great start. Taylor's ability to take a known universe and flip it on its ear is unparalleled. Yet in doing so it is not only exciting, but compelling to read. The first book ends and forces you into the second with an urgency that only Taylor can create.
Another Taylor series is off to a great start. Taylor's ability to take a known universe and flip it on its ear is unparalleled. Yet in doing so it is not only exciting, but compelling to read. The first book ends and forces you into the second with an urgency that only Taylor can create.
August 27, 2024
Did not care for this. If you're going to do medieval, do medieval. Here, everyone talks in modern comic speech, using concepts that are anachronistic. It's all too cutesy as well. Though the art is great for the most part, sometimes it is very hard to keep track of which character is speaking as some characters aren't very distinct, this combined with the fact that the writing is rather muddled.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews