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.
