Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1 Review
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Riccardo Federici
Colorist: Arif Prianto
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Cover Artist: Reiko Murakami
Editors: Matthew Levine, Andrea Shea & Andrew Marino
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $5.99 US
Release Date: July 22, 2026
It was a historic gathering: a celebration of their friendship, symbolizing the union of their three nations. But as the Queens and their contingents gathered, a threat arose from the deep that threatened to ravage the Island Kingdom of Amazonia. Then he appeared. And he would give his all to protect these rulers who sought to live in peace in their lands above the waves.
Who is Arthur Curry? And how did he become Aquaman? Let’s grab our tridents, leap into Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1, and see!
Story
Jonathan and Martha fight under General Grant’s command. After yet another bloodbath, the Waynes order the company to the coastal city of Leguin. The port is key to maintaining international trade and defending their realm. Yet the tides of blood and broken bodies washing ashore warn that another war may threaten their country.
In Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1, warfare is the only life Jonathan and Martha have ever known. As warriors, they fight by each other’s side. They excel on the battlefield. Yet they can’t help feeling that each victory leaves their country poorer than before.
Tom Taylor’s story focuses on the human costs of war. It also shows how discrimination and intolerance can tear communities apart. But in Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1, Jonathan and Martha get a chance to start again. Yet it is not the life of honor that their country upholds.
Art
Jonathan and Martha fight in plate armor against opponents clad in cloth and leather. Yet their lack of helmets makes them vulnerable. When a foe clubs a fellow knight with the butt of his axe, Jonathan stays the man's hand and bangs his head into the opponent's face. After meeting with General Grant in his tent, Jonathan and Martha sit side by side in the forest. Their linen shirts link them, while Martha's laces echo her braided hair. Amanda Waller smiles when meeting the Cleavers of Rothfus. But when Jonathan frowns, Martha gazes upon her friend with concern.
Arif Prianto bestows a lush, painted appearance on Riccardo Federici’s art in Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1. While surrounded by greenery, soldiers fight and die beneath barren brown tree limbs. The bluish green evening after the battle links the Wayne contingent and the soldiers in the troubled undersea domain. As they look down from the wall surrounding Leguin, clad in gleaming silver, Jonathan and Martha observe a clash between soldiers wearing plate armor, leather, and cloth. The undersea emperor's red eyes and the strands of red kelp adorning his armor precede the spots of red splashing against the combatants' legs. Jim Gordon's red hair counts him among the casualties of war, while red will color a defining incident in Jonathan and Martha's future.
Close-set italicized, uppercase black letters fill beige boxes as Jonathan guides readers through his past. Black uppercase letters in white balloons grow bold with inflection and shrink for lowered voices. Raised voices enlarge words on the battlefield and turn balloons into spiky weapons. Despite all the battles and the soldiers who lay down their lives for their kingdoms, Wes Abbott’s infrequent sound effects usually emphasize the violence that doesn’t lead to death. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.
Final Thoughts
First, they were heroes. But when they followed their hearts, Jonathan and Martha became criminals. Yet by following their consciences, the knights found the happiness that had eluded them. And in time, their dedication to their cause helped them become leaders among their people and strengthen their kingdom. Still, Jonathan and Martha’s path to a better future begins with an act of faith and compassion in Dark Knights of Steel II: Heir to the Sea #1.
Rating 9.5/10
To look inside see my preview of Dark Knights of Steel II:Heir to the Sea #1.
For how the series begins, see my preview of Dark Knights of Steel II #1.
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