Tom Taylor’s medieval fantasy Elseworld saga has reached a tipping point, as the war that’s been brewing for several issues has finally passed the point of no return. The combined power of the Kingdom of Storms and the Amazons clash steel with the armies of House El in DC’s Dark Knights of Steel #9. Yasmine Putri and Arif Prianto’s scintillating artwork and Wes Abbott’s stoic lettering transcend the chaos of the battle, and Taylor finally brings all the branching narratives together for a shocking reveal.
Dark Knights of Steel #9 opens in Themyscira as Cassandra Cain frees Prince Kal-El from the Amazons and tells him to hurry home to end this senseless bloodbath. But it is already too late. As he arrives at the battlefield, he sees his mother, who pummels him into the ground. Diana, now the leader of the Amazons, attacks the confused Kryptonian, declaring war. Just when all hope seems lost, Batman arrives just in the nick of time and commands everyone to stop the madness.
Dark Knights of Steel #9 is a melting pot of emotions inflamed by the chaotic onset of the war. With the narratives finally joining together, the limited page count tries its best to fit in every piece of the puzzle as best as it can. But the various elements make the storytelling feel chaotic, which works in the context of the issue but can be confusing at times. Taylor doesn’t let any one character hog the limelight. He masterfully balances the numerous characters as they struggle to cope with the horrors of the battle.
Even in utter turmoil, Yasmine Putri’s detailed illustrations remain a constant source of pleasure. The battered armor and swirling air filled with smoke and fire create a reckless atmosphere, amplified by Prianto’s colors. The reader can practically feel the rumble on the ground as soldiers dash toward their enemies on their horses or when Gods fall from the sky. With the central characters being monarchs and other bigwigs, the artwork wraps them in elegant dresses and flowing capes from top to bottom, setting them apart from the dirt and grime of the battlefield. There is a frenetic energy flowing through the panels that keeps the characters and the audience on their toes. From Batman jumping off a dragon to Diana’s rage-filled eyes, the combined might of Putri and Prianto makes the issue a visual spectacle.
The climax is explosive, but the storytelling is muddy at best. Dark Knights of Steel #9 jumps from one narrative to another to create a seamless account of the battle from various angles and perspectives. The result is random shifts in focus between characters that feel rushed. Taylor mostly plays to his strengths, using a fast pace and a range of emotions to sway the readers’ hearts while keeping the book shrouded in mystery. Despite its imperfections, this issue’s ending pushes the series in thrilling new directions that are sure to appeal to fans.
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