A Return to the Kingdom of Elseworlds: Reviewing Dark Knights of Steel II #1

The "Elseworlds" imprint has long served as DC Comics’ creative playground, a space where the rigid continuity of the mainstream universe is stripped away to reveal the raw archetypes of its most iconic heroes. From the Victorian-era gaslight mysteries of Gotham by Gaslight to the grim, totalitarian regime of Superman: Red Son, these stories thrive on the "what if" factor. Among these, few recent entries have captured the imagination of readers quite like the high-fantasy reimagining of Dark Knights of Steel.

Now, writer Tom Taylor returns to this sword-and-sorcery realm, joined by artist Otto Schmidt for the highly anticipated sequel, Dark Knights of Steel II #1. This debut issue marks a triumphant return to a world where Kryptonian heritage meets medieval intrigue, promising a narrative that blends political machinations with the grand scope of epic fantasy.

Main Facts: The Resurgence of the Kingdom

Dark Knights of Steel II #1 acts as both a continuation of the previous 12-issue saga and a fresh starting point for a new chapter in this alternate history. The premise remains rooted in a world where the House of El and the Kingdom of Amazonia have forged a fragile alliance. The central focus of this opening chapter is the anticipated union of Princess Zala-El and Queen Diana, a marriage intended to solidify the peace between their respective realms.

However, the peace is shattered almost immediately. A massive leviathan—a kraken of mythic proportions—launches a devastating assault, serving as the introduction for a new, imposing presence: the Arthurian legend of this world, Aquaman. While the creature is eventually subdued, the aftermath leaves Zala-El in a critical, mysterious state. Most alarmingly, she is seen bleeding—a biological anomaly for a Kryptonian, which serves as the primary hook for the series’ central mystery.

The issue establishes a high-stakes environment where every character, from Bruce Wayne to the enigmatic Talia al Ghul, is positioned as a pawn in a larger game of power, legacy, and survival.

Chronology: Navigating the New Arc

To understand the gravity of the events in Dark Knights of Steel II #1, one must look at the narrative structure established by Taylor. The issue is divided into several distinct threads, each designed to expand the world-building:

The Flashback: The issue opens with a grim look at the past, providing context for the threats that linger in the shadows. It serves as a reminder that this world is unforgiving, and the cost of power is often paid in blood.
The Kraken Attack: The primary action sequence of the issue occurs when a sea beast attacks the royal wedding procession. This serves as the catalyst for the arrival of the Kingdom of Atlantis, shifting the geopolitical landscape of the series.
The Mystery of Zala-El: Following the attack, the focus shifts to the medical mystery of Zala’s condition. Her injury introduces a level of physical vulnerability that is rarely explored in Kryptonian lore, suggesting that the "magic" of this world may have deeper, more sinister properties.
The Wanderings of Bruce and Talia: Interspersed throughout are scenes of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul traveling the countryside. These quieter moments offer character development and tease the internal struggles of the man who, in this reality, occupies a vastly different role than the Batman we know.
The Prophecies of Barbara: A young Barbara Gordon experiences visions of impending doom, acting as the narrative tether to the supernatural forces that threaten to dismantle the kingdom.

Supporting Data: Artistic and Narrative Evolution

The transition from original artist Yasmine Putri to Otto Schmidt is the most significant structural change in the series. Putri’s work on the original miniseries was celebrated for its painterly, ethereal quality, which perfectly suited the fantasy aesthetic.

Schmidt, however, brings a more kinetic, "cartoonier" style to the table. While some purists may have been concerned about this shift, the result is surprisingly effective. Schmidt’s ability to render dynamic action sequences, particularly the kraken battle, creates a sense of scale that feels distinct from the first series. His character designs retain the classic DC silhouettes while seamlessly integrating them into the medieval wardrobe, proving that the aesthetic of the series is robust enough to accommodate different artistic voices.

Furthermore, Tom Taylor’s script remains as sharp as ever. His strength lies in his ability to juggle a massive cast of characters while ensuring that each feels grounded in their motivations. Despite the dense amount of plot points, Taylor utilizes a recap page at the start of the issue, which is an essential inclusion for readers who may have been away from the series since the conclusion of the first twelve-issue run.

Official Responses and Creative Context

While official statements from DC editorial have been sparse, the creative team has emphasized that Dark Knights of Steel II is designed to be an expansion of the "Elseworlds" ethos rather than a simple retread. Tom Taylor has frequently noted in interviews that he views this series as an opportunity to explore the "Humanity of the Gods." By placing these characters in a pre-industrial, fantasy setting, Taylor strips away the technological crutches of modern heroes, forcing them to rely on their morality and interpersonal relationships.

The editorial decision to bring on Otto Schmidt suggests a desire to maintain the momentum of the series while allowing for a more fluid, expressive art style that can handle the increased stakes of the sequel. Early reader feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the political intrigue that mirrors high-fantasy staples like Game of Thrones.

Implications: A World at a Crossroads

The success of Dark Knights of Steel II #1 has profound implications for the future of DC’s alternate-reality publishing. If this series continues to perform well, it suggests a continued appetite for long-form, serialized fantasy epics within the DC brand.

However, the issue is not without its risks. The sheer number of plot threads—ranging from the mystery of the Kryptonian illness to the emergence of the Kingdom of Atlantis and the visions of Barbara Gordon—creates a "density problem." There is a legitimate concern that the narrative may become overstuffed, leaving little room for the character-driven beats that made the first series so memorable.

Additionally, the tone of the book remains consistently dark. For sensitive readers, the opening sequence (which involves harm to an animal) serves as a stark warning: this is not a traditional superhero story. It is a world of consequence, and no character—nor their companions—is safe from the narrative’s grim reality.

Looking Ahead

Dark Knights of Steel II #1 is a masterclass in establishing stakes. While it may feel daunting to new readers, it rewards the patient, long-term fan with a world that feels both familiar and dangerously new. The questions posed—who is orchestrating the attacks? What is the source of Zala’s illness? How will Atlantis change the balance of power?—provide more than enough momentum to carry the series through its next installments.

For those who appreciated the first journey into this Fantasyland, the sequel is not just a return; it is an escalation. Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt have set the stage for an epic that, if it manages to balance its sprawling cast and complex plot, could cement Dark Knights of Steel as one of the definitive DC stories of the decade. The game of thrones has begun, and in this version of the DC Universe, the crown is heavy, and the blood is real.