Elseworlds have been some of the most successful and novel DC endeavors ever, spawning the overwhelmingly popular Absolute universe publishing line, for instance, and Dark Knights of Steel is further proof of the leniency with which DC Elseworlds have. It’s been three years since the original 12-issue series was released, and almost two since its six-issue, Deathstroke and Aquaman-led spin-off, Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter, with the launch of a 12-issue sequel series now imminent.
It’s neat seeing how well some of the most iconic DC characters are woven into the tapestry of Dark Knights of Steel’s high-fantasy mythology, and there are plenty of other characters who have yet to be adapted and could make for phenomenal additions to the lore. That’s why it’s fantastic that the limited series is returning for another, and its narrative is already teasing a handful of characters for the League to meet in battle.
3 Years Later, Dark Knights Of Steel Is Back
The first Dark Knights of Steel series concluded in August 2023 with the formation of the League (Dark Knights of Steel’s Justice League equivalent), assembled after the House of El, House of Wayne, Kingdom of Storms, and Amazonia assisted one another to defeat a common enemy, White Martians, led by Protex (who deceived and later killed Alexander Luthor’s Green Man). It’s a tale of loyalty and betrayal with beautifully crafted plot twists and knives being twisted between characters’ ribs, best described by DC itself:
“The first Dark Knights of Steel saga reshaped a world built on prophecy, power, and fear. The House of El’s arrival from the stars ignited alliances and rivalries across three great kingdoms, pulling monarchs, warriors, and legends into a war none of them truly understood. Only when the dust settled did the truth emerge: Shape-shifting invaders had engineered the conflict from the shadows. United by hard-won trust, the Els, the Amazons, and the Kingdom of Storms formed a league—unaware that a deeper betrayal still waited within their ranks.”
Dark Knights of Steel features great character reimaginings, like Harley Quinn being the court jester of the Castle of El and the lover of Hobb Forest’s Lady of the Forest, Ivy. Plus, Bruce Wayne is quite unique in this iteration, being half-human/half-Kryptonian and the half-brother of Prince Kal-El and Princess Zala Jor-El, the latter of whom is lovers with Queen Diana of Amazonia.
A New Dawn For DC’s High-Fantasy Game Of Thrones-Esque Elseworlds Epic
Thanks to the foreshadowing in Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter’s backup story “Heir to the Sea,” as well as the early reveal of the main cover for Dark Knights of Steel II #1 by artist Yasmine Putri (who is sadly only lending her phenomenal talent to covers for this sequel series, with artist Otto Schmidt penciling interiors), we know that Aquaman will play a massive role in Dark Knights of Steel II.
THE FAN-FAVORITE ELSEWORLDS EPIC CONTINUES! An entire medieval world was forever changed when a spaceship crashlanded from a doomed planet. Monarchs died, kingdoms rose, long-buried treachery came to light… and a League was born. Now an ancient, violent war brews beneath the waves, one that promises untold destruction should it break the surface. If the League hopes to weather it and protect the lands of its realms and beyond, it must first root out the treasonous agents hiding in plain sight amidst its own ranks! Worldwide bestselling writer Tom Taylor (Detective Comics, Nightwing) and acclaimed artist Otto Schmidt (DC vs. Vampires, Green Arrow) welcome you back to the epic high-fantasy world of Dark Knights of Steel, where the darkest days yet still lie ahead!
Dark Knights of Steel II #1 is scheduled to be released on July 15, 2026.
