Dark Knights of Steel has proven to be one of DC’s most successful Elseworlds projects in recent memory. Written by Injustice: Gods Among Us’ Tom Taylor, the original series presented an alternate DC Universe where heroes like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman are reimagined for a medieval fantasy setting. Now DC is giving readers their first real look at the sequel, Dark Knights of Steel II.
Dark Knights of Steel II is a 12-issue limited series written by Taylor and illustrated by Otto Schmidt. Check out the slideshow gallery below for a look at covers and interior art for the series:
Dark Knights of Steel II Preview Gallery
The Dark Knights of Steel universe applies a Game of Thrones-style makeover to the traditional DCU. In this world, the major powers include the House of El, the House of Wayne, the Kingdom of Storms, and Amazonia. In the original series, these kingdoms were manipulated into war by alien shape-shifters, but they’ve since formed an alliance together. However, that alliance will be sorely tested in this new series.
“I was raised on comic books and fantasy novels,” said Taylor in a statement. “From as early as I can remember, my mind has been filled with universes of great heroes standing against corrupting evil and injustice. From the Discworld to the DCU, I have been thrilled by the epics and heroism of J.R.R. Tolkien and Mark Waid, by the humor and heart of Gail Simone, Joe Kelly, and Terry Pratchett, by the jaw-dropping character arcs of Garth Ennis and Robin Hobb.”
“So I am beyond excited to return to our fusion of fantasy and superheroes with Otto Schmidt, Arif Prianto, Wes Abbott, Matthew Levine, and Andrea Shea,” continued Taylor. “Dark Knights of Steel II is a twisted tale of power and betrayal, of war and love, of heroes fighting would-be tyrants, and of good people coming together to stand against evil, expansionist empires.”
“Forging two of my favorite things together with heat vision and an anvil is my absolute happy place,” said Taylor. “I’m sorry in advance for all the terrible things that happen.”
Dark Knights of Steel II #1 will be released on July 15, 2026. The following week, DC will also release Dark Knights of Steel II Special: Heir to the Sea #1, which collects the Aquaman origin story that was originally serialized in Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter. You can preorder both books at your local comic shop.
In other comic book news, Marvel is revisiting a controversial era in The Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and the upcoming Avengers: Armageddon #1 will include an exclusive Magic: The Gathering card.
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.
