“The Green Man”
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Yasmine Putri
Color Artist: Arif Prianto
Letterer: Wes Abbot
Review by Sharna Jahangir
Warning: there are minor spoilers in this review
We love a cover by Dan Mora. Each time he draws Bats and Supes, our eyes are blessed with his talents. The main cover for Dark Knights of Steel #10 is certainly another treat for the eyes, in fact, all the covers and variants for this series have been stunning.
We’re now coming closer to the finish line of this 12-issue saga. As a quick reminder, issue #9 presented readers with the reason so much violence, confusion, and hostility were occurring between old friends, brothers, partners, and family: doppelgängers. The story gives a few emotional moments as everyone comes to terms with the damage that has been done, along with processing all the past interactions where Kal-El, Zara-El, and others have acted exceptionally out of character.
The art is alluring as usual, and one can really read the processing of emotional turmoil in each of the character’s faces, as they try to forgive their loved ones for wrong-doings, that they actually never caused by their doppelgängers.
Fantasy That’s So Real
As for the script? Well, this is by Tom Taylor after all. There’s intense pain tied into this issue, as we hear the backstory of Alfred’s shocking reveal as well. The depiction of alien prejudice can easily be related to racial and religion-related prejudices in our reality. Just because a prophecy/prophet/religion says a group of people is bad, or a group of “others” is bad, that doesn’t mean it’s true, or that a group of people is bad. This is for sure thought-provoking, and as these issues come out once every few months, they definitely tell more than a linear superhero story. Taylor tries to weave messages into his comics and they generally come out so smoothly and beautifully.
The narrative and emotions are very well written. I love the women in this series, Diana and Ivy are represented so softly yet powerfully. However, I feel the more answers we receive, the more questions come about, and once again we’re left with a great cliffhanger.
Images That Capture The Heart
I love that Yasmine Putri got to shine with this series. The faces of every character in this issue are really dynamic, as each of them is going through realization, and many of them are experiencing loss as well. In the midst of those expressions is also confusion. Many of these moments feature Constantine.
The settings complement the themes of the story, as we’re introduced with cover art that includes dragons. There are some epic battles beautifully depicted in this saga and this issue presents power so perfectly. Each time a character enters the scene, there’s a change in atmosphere. Ivy’s introduction is a perfect example.
I must also add, there’s something so comforting about seeing the DC Trinity together in one panel, no matter what universe we’re in.
Arif Prianto is an exceptional colorist that brings every page to life with his talent and vision. When there is destruction in the story, Prianto never ceases to bring in tones that aid in the anguish that Putri designs.
Conclusion
Dark Knights of Steel #10 is a great issue filled with emotional moments. We only have two more chapters to go, yet there’s so much left to be answered. If you’ve been following this series, then yes absolutely pick up issue #10, and not just because all the covers are gorgeous. We’re so close to the finish line now, I’m excited for the full series to be released in one book. Overall, this was a captivating issue created by a dream team.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
