“Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1”
Writers: Jay Kristoff, Tom Taylor
Artists: Tirso, Riccardo Federici
Color Artists: Arif Prianto
Letterers: Wes Abbott
Review by Adam Ray
The high fantasy aesthetic and the gritty politics and violence of Game of Thrones is back in Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1. The original 12 issue mini series gave us a great deal of magic and mystery. The ending came naturally but also left us wanting more. These new side stories presented in this deliciously illustrated issue give us new adventures and even more!
The Deathstroke: Chapter One
We get an amazing and accurate reimagining of one of my favorite antagonists in this first story. The idea of the master assassin and paragon of physical combat is easy to apply to the Nordic, high fantasy world in Dark Knights of Steel. We see how he interacts with fantasy re-imaginings of DC’s worst, and a truly epic quest at every turn. It’s the raucous fantasy epic that this reviewer deeply loves.
The entire story is set to very minimalist, simple artwork. We get them almost in pure pencils, but there’s such texture and depth to it that it just sucks you in. It’s got art that makes it feel like an illustration in a storybook or a retelling of myths and legends. The only drip of color comes right at the end, when a certain character appears. One very closely tied to Slade and one that ought to bring real color to his life.
This story starts off a fantastical journey very well, and I for one am eager to read on.
Heir to the Sea: Chapter One
This second story does a much better job at trying to fit with what’s come before. We get to see the noble house of Kent at their finest, and really feel like tension is mounting up to something. At the same time, we get a good look at things to come with an antagonist redesigned to be striking in this high fantasy reimagining of the DC Universe.
The artwork does wonders at using color to bring us to a place of immersion of being in a battle, or a camp, or beneath the ocean. The style feels so very storybook and reminiscent of the artwork of Colleen Doran.
The issue ends begging a great many questions about the wellbeing and whereabouts of many characters. That alone is enticing enough, but the promise of it being set to such gorgeous visuals gives me immense excitement about what is coming.
Conclusion
Both stories in Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1 do absolute wonders at expanding the world, reinvigorating the story, stunning us with stellar artwork, and piquing the interest of eager readers such as myself. Be sure to look out for more Dark Knights of Steel returning to comic book shelves for the first time in too long.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment