DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL SPECIAL: HEIR TO THE SEA #1 (DC COMICS)
Inside the Wayne army, Jonathan and Martha Kent are proud soldiers.
During a mission, they discover a very special little boy. Some might think they know who it’s in reference to. They are very mistaken.
The boy in question can breathe underwater.
DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL SPECIAL: HEIR TO THE SEA #1 by Tom Taylor, Riccardo Federici,Arif Prianto& Wes Abbott (DC Comics) repackages the story of Arthur Curry witnessed in the “Allwinter series” of 2024.
It’s been a few years, so lets take a quick look at the past of a major player in the current Dark Knights return.
DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: HEIR TO THE SEA #1 by Tom Taylor, Riccardo Federici, Arif Prianto & Wes Abbott (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Taylor pens a unique look at the future King of the Sea with this tale. Planting Jonathan and Martha Kent as his surrogate parents lends itself to the mythos of this medieval series. Aligning themselves with Amanda Waller and Jim Gordon gives their battles some fresh voices to balance their uncertainty off of. This leads to a more complex situation as Emperor Manta makes his play.
Once the action takes hold, the writing shows how the Kents must make a difficult choice. It leads them into trying to find some normalcy in the chaos of serving the Wayne army. Fleeting glimpses of Happiness give way to a special child’s discovery of powers. This leads into more problems as this warrants unwanted attention.
Readers watch as the danger comes to their doorstep in the form of King Shark. Action takes over with a ruthless flair. This moves to an uneasy choice. Taylor forces the Kents hand in preparing the child for battle. Their dialogue is honest and sincere while Arthur tips his hand at the future forthcoming. It moves events to a predictable and satisfying finish. A new hero is born with a destiny waiting.
MORE FROM TOM TAYLOR!
Federici & Prianto give this story a stoic look while opening the proverbial Pandora’s box. The art makes a statement early with a bold first page. Jonathan and Martha’s initial fight is brutal and unforgiving. It reflects the nature of survival in this landscape. Grant’s directions capture the forceful aura of combat while moving the Kents into battle. Once here, their opposition makes their grand entrance. Manta’s full page image is chilling and commanding of the spotlight.
It ushers in the next wave of brutality. The coloring scheme makes these panels pop. Orvax’s damaging blow is gifted a full page look. It spins events out of stability into a crashing point. This sequence unlocks the greater mystery at hand with young Arthur. The Kent’s expressions mirror the confusion of the boy’s survival. This lends itself to more calm panels until the action comes to the front door of the Kents.
King Shark’s assault is vicious in every fashion. Readers watch as his attacks become near fatal. Arthur’s response is completely shocking as he adapts to this lifestyle. The half page panel shows his anger unleashed. Once the fallout commences, the Kents have a more honest grasp of the situation at hand. The images feel more familiar in how they approach a super-powered child. This moves events to close with detailed work. The closing panel opens the door for what’s next, leaving the memories behind.
FINAL GRADE: 8.7
Arthur Curry’s origin in the medieval times of Dark Knights doesn’t disappoint. Taylor pens a tale of finding oneself through trials and tribulation. Federici & Prianto unveil phenomenal art as they take readers on this journey. A solid introduction into the future warrior’s past.
Let me know your thoughts on DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: HEIR TO THE SEA #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
