DC K.O. #4
Scheduled to arrive in stores: February 11, 2026
Cover date: April 2026
“Chapter Four: Trial by Absolute”
Writer: Scott Snyder and Joshual Williamson
Artist: Javi Fernandez and Xermanico
Cover: Javi Fernandez and Alejandro Sanchez
Variant Covers: Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer; Rafael Albuquerque and Marcelo Maiolo; Mike Del Mundo; Jeff Spokes; Ben Oliver; Dan Mora; Aaron Bartling; and Guillem March
Reviewed by: Tony Parker
And so, the remaining champions (Superman, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor and The Joker) fight the “Imposters” from Absolute Earth (Absolute Superman, Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman and “Booster Gold” (DARKSEID), who have been corrupted by the Heart of Apokolips. We don’t know, but they fight for DARKSEID now.
Superman, Wonder Woman and Lex all struggle, but Joker chooses to switch sides, having had his fun, relinquishing his chances to win the tournament. He’s turned into a parademon and DARKSEID’s fourth horseman, of sorts. DARKSEID reveals himself to the remaining three, and sicks his champions on them, saying this is what they were born for.
Our heroes struggle, Wonder Woman losing to her Absolute copy, Superman losing to his Absolute copy, Lex getting robbed by Joker, who helps Absolute Batman ram his now Kryptonite infused horns into Superman’s back.
Suddenly, it happens… Of course…
Batman returns, having faced the Heart’s challenges during Knightfight. He eliminates Joker and helps Superman up, then takes on Absolute Batman. The fights are intense, impossible… Until Superman realises who he must actually fight. With the strongest punch he has ever mustered, he takes out “Booster Gold” and frees the Absolute Heroes from his control. They say they’ll join the fight, but Lex points that it matters not…
DARKSEID is free.
The heroes charge, they give it one last shot, it’s what you do. They all fall but Superman and Lex.
And just when it looks like Superman might do it…
Lex eliminates him.
Lex is the King Omega.
But… Does it matter?
Saturn Girl, in a different part of time, sees that there is no hope. DARKSEID will always win.
Unless…
TO BE CONCLUDED…
Story – 4: I will admit I wish that it ended with Superman winning, but that’s my only real gripe. This was a fun penultimate battle with the ending still unclear. Whatever happens, it will change everything. Perhaps this is the moment Lex Luthor becomes a hero. Or perhaps there’s one last twist. Really enjoyed Batman’s role here too.
Art – 4: Good as ever, especially with Darkseid.
Cover Art – 2: Tired of these.
Variant Cover Art – 1: Kinda trashy.
Variant Cover Art – 4: Very cool.
Variant Cover Art – 5: Awesome shadows!
Variant Cover Art – 4: Love the poses!
Variant Cover Art – 2: Eh, nothing we haven’t seen before.
Variant Cover Art – 1: I hate these fake bracket ones, they were lies.
Variant Cover Art – 1: I hate AEW.
Variant Cover Art – 4: Pretty cool.
Variant Cover Art – 1: Not feeling it.
Variant Cover Art – 5: Great stuff.
Check out the Mild Mannered Reviews contents page.
