Dark Knights of Steel #1

Writer: Tom Taylor Artist: Yasmine Putri Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: November 3, 2021 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 23 User Reviews: 90
9.1Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

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!

  • 10
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 10
    The Super Powered Fancast - Timala Elliott Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 10
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 10
    But Why Tho? - Collier "CJ" Jennings Jan 1, 1970

    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

  • 10
    Dark Knight News - Sharna Jahangir Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Sharna Jahangir Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 10
    BGCP - Michael Lennox Nov 3, 2021

    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

  • 10
    ComicBook.com - Christian Hoffer Nov 3, 2021

    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

  • 9.6
    Comic Watch - Bethany W Pope Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 9.6
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Nov 10, 2021

    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

  • 9.5
    The Comicbook Dispatch - Dispatchdcu Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 9.5
    AIPT - Daniel Berlin Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 9.5
    SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen Nov 6, 2021

    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

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 9.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Nov 3, 2021

    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

  • 8.8
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Zac Owens Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Gregory Ellner Nov 4, 2021

    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

  • 8.5
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Nov 9, 2021

    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

  • 8.2
    GWW - Emmetdavis7 Nov 1, 2021

    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

  • 7.5
    Batman-News - Matina Newsom Nov 2, 2021

    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

  • 7.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Nov 6, 2021

    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

  • 7.0
    Major Spoilers - Jonathan Cadotte Nov 6, 2021

    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

  • 10
    deen Nov 6, 2021

    Just a straight up banger.

  • 10
    TheObserver Nov 4, 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.


  • 10
    YuurSenpai Nov 3, 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.

  • 10
    Ryan P Nov 2, 2021

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

  • 10
    Danilo Silva Nov 2, 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.

  • 10
    UncannyHavok Nov 2, 2021

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

  • 10
    Anakin Nov 2, 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.

  • 10
    tcobandag Nov 2, 2021

    Just WOW

  • 9.5
    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

  • 9.5
    Geov Nov 3, 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

  • 9.5
    Lal Nov 3, 2021

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

  • 9.5
    Robin Nov 2, 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?

  • 9.5
    Hex Nov 2, 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 more

  • 9.0
    charliekelly Nov 6, 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.

  • 9.0
    Batman Jones Nov 3, 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.

  • 9.0
    allenquanobi Nov 2, 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 more

  • 9.0
    daspidaboy Nov 2, 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.

  • 9.0
    BigCliff Nov 2, 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 more

  • 9.0
    DiegoLDUganda Nov 2, 2021

    Interesting concept

  • 8.5
    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.

  • 8.5
    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!

  • 8.5
    retcon_D Dec 4, 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.

  • 8.5
    WhistleBlower Nov 2, 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.

  • 8.5
    Mout Nov 2, 2021

    fucking amazing

  • 8.0
    ClarkParker Dec 1, 2021

    Good, but looking for more in future issues.

  • 8.0
    Amazing Psycamorean Nov 7, 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.

  • 8.0
    Onomatopoeia Nov 2, 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.

    + LikeComments (7)
  • 7.5
    egonnn244 Nov 5, 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 more

  • 7.5
    Merlyn Nov 2, 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.

    + LikeComments (15)
  • 7.5
    Tempra16v2.0Turbo Nov 2, 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.

  • 7.5
    SenpaifenixJäger Nov 2, 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.

  • 7.0
    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.

  • 6.5
    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.

  • 6.5
    fearUhavemeisenough Nov 2, 2021

    The art is incredible.

  • 6.0
    Silver Rocket Nov 4, 2021

    Tom Taylor is overrated.

  • 6.0
    TT Nov 4, 2021

    amazing art, ridiculous story

  • 6.0
    Maud Benjamin Nov 3, 2021

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

    + LikeComments (1)
  • 1.0
    Leylin Nov 2, 2021

    ughhhhh fanservicee with the batman kriptonian

    + LikeComments (1)
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