Mild Mannered Reviews – Dark Knights of Steel #5

Dark Knights of Steel #5

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Dark Knights of Steel #5


Scheduled to arrive in stores: March 1, 2021
Cover date: May 2022

“Lost Souls”

Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Yasmine Putri
Cover: Dan Mora
Variant Covers: Joshua Middleton, Ejikure

Reviewed by: Craig Boehmer



Zala and Kal meet at their father’s coffin. Zala confides that she had to do something to avenge their father and Kal vows that justice will be meted out. Harley meets Ivy in the forest and the two agree that Ivy will not let any army pass through. They are soon interrupted by an angry Diana. Ivy and Diana fight to a stalemate before they talk. Diana reveals that she is looking for Zala because she trusts her. Zala arrives and the two discuss the current events. Bruce and Alfred return to the kingdom, Alfred entrusts Bruce with the kryptonite. Bruce tells Kal their shared heritage, Kal then tries to murder Bruce with the kryptonite only for Bruce to be rescued by the Kents.

1Story – 1: This is a harsh score. But the book deserves it. The interaction between Ivy, Harley, and Diana is well done. It makes sense that the Els would use this forest and Ivy as a barrier to invasion. And Ivy is great, her confrontation with Diana is awesome, two titans, neither giving an inch. But let’s address the cliché in the room. Kal-El is now a bad guy. He takes the kryptonite and tries to kill his half-brother Bruce with it, before asserting that the world is his. Then to make matters ever worse… who rescues Bruce from this farcical version of Kal… Ma and Pa Kent. Of course, let’s completely replace Superman with Batman in this story. If this all happened in isolation, it wouldn’t be too bad. But come on DC, we’ve seen this play out so many times in recent years. Let Superman be good!


5Art – 5: This book continues to be one of the most beautifully drawn and colored books on the shelves. Its colors are vibrant and rich. And Putri is fantastic at merging the DC universe with this mystical world.


4Cover Art – 4: Mora puts in a valiant effort trying to balance his own style while maintaining the basic style and pattern of Putri’s past covers. Wonder Woman in the front looks fierce and formidable, we have not gotten enough warrior Diana in this series. Ivy looks great, she is imposing and powerful, which really matches her role in the story.


5Variant Cover Art #1 – 5: Dinah, I am assuming it’s Dinah, looks amazing in the lower center. With an arrow nocked, and steely determination in her eyes, she is ready for battle. Ollie and background Dinah are both well drawn, and the whole is an awesome cover.


3Variant Cover Art #2 – 3: The art is fine. It doesn’t excite me though.


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