Connect with us
'Dark Knights of Steel' #8 offers up a major surprise death
DC

Comic Books

‘Dark Knights of Steel’ #8 offers up a major surprise death

All-out war marches closer to beginning in ‘Dark Knights of Steel’ #8.

It has been nearly four months since Dark Knights of Steel #7, but the ongoing story we’ve been dying to see progress returns with Dark Knights of Steel #8 today. We did get a cool prequel in September, but it’s time to see these medieval/fantasy takes on the DC Comics heroes go to war!

As the cover suggests, Wonder Woman and Supergirl are the leading players in this issue, mostly focused on the literal march of armies to war. Opening the issue is a reminder the war is due to meddling by a secret manipulator. There is good cause for anger and maybe even war, but there’s a reason why peace is ending now.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

As the story plays out, readers are given a chance to see familiar faces and how they fit within the armies and structure of the story. Deadshot is just one who pops up, and Black Canary also gets a good scene with Green Arrow. Meanwhile, Constantine continues to show he’s pro-war, Harley Quinn’s relationship with Poison Ivy leads to a major conflict, and Amanda Waller shows she’s as in control as ever in the El army.

Fans of fantasy will love how Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri use familiar elements to create conflict in this issue. For instance, a bit of magic puts Supergirl down for the count, and you can’t beat seeing Wonder Woman ride a pegasus.

DC Preview: Dark Knights of Steel #8

Good aim.
Credit: DC Comics

The Elseworlds element is alive and well in this issue. Expect a major character to die, and with only four issues left, all-out war is inevitable. If you were to slap a theme on this issue, it’s that not everyone wants to fight, or at least they say they don’t. It’s still unclear who is being manipulated and when, but when a character as powerful as Superman is taken over enacting war crimes, it’s easy to see a war is inevitable. This series is largely exciting because it can take big swings that normal, in-continuity superhero stories simply can’t.

Putri’s art is as good as ever, with a cool use of heat vision in one scene from a unique angle. Details on every vine controlled by Poison Ivy are well done in another scene, and character acting is always refined and well done. Once again, color artist Arif Prianto does an exceptional job with shadows, especially with the shadows in the forest scene. The way the branches cast shadows creates a realistic atmosphere.

Taking a step back and looking at the events transpiring in this issue, one can see the plot moves forward slowly, especially after the months long wait. There’s been a few issues now where the series seems to be biding its time to set up the war and this issue is part of that. While cool, the entire scene with Poison Ivy is more of a distraction than a plot-progressing scene. That said, much of the enjoyment in this series is seeing the medieval twist on characters and letting them do their thing, which that scene was all about.

Dark Knights of Steel #8 continues to move the plot along as war seems inevitable. While much of this issue is focused on an army literally marching to war, it’s still good for a shocking death and some fun character moments with a fantasy twist.

'Dark Knights of Steel' #8 offers up a major surprise death
‘Dark Knights of Steel’ #8 offers up a major surprise death
Dark Knights of Steel #8
Dark Knights of Steel #8 continues to move the plot along as war seems inevitable. While much of this issue is focused on an army literally marching to war, it's still good for a shocking death and some fun character moments with a fantasy twist.
Reader Rating1 Vote
9.2
Always good for a big shocking moment
Gets us to the start of the war...there's no holding it back now!
Art is expert in facial expressions and lighting
Poison Ivy's scene is more a distraction than a purposeful moment for the plot
Plot progression is slow as war crawls ever closer to starting
8
Good
Buy Now

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' coming August 2024 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' coming August 2024

‘Universal Monsters: Frankenstein’ coming August 2024

Comic Books

James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson break down time traveling heist story 'The Omega Eleven' James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson break down time traveling heist story 'The Omega Eleven'

James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson break down time traveling heist story ‘The Omega Eleven’

Comic Books

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Connect
Newsletter Signup