DC K.O. #1 Is a Near Perfect Blockbuster Star For Superman’s Bloody Crossover (Review)

by

Ever since DC launched its Absolute Universe, fans have wanted a major crossover with the main DC timeline, and it’s finally happening! The story kicks off in *DC K.O.* #1 with a wild setup: Darkseid is on the loose, time travel is involved, and heroes are battling for survival in a deadly tournament. But beyond the action, the comic explores what it truly means to be a hero and how DC’s biggest icons respond when pushed to their limits – all delivered with the excitement of a summer blockbuster.

Though it starts like a standard comic book event, *DC K.O.* quickly feels much bigger thanks to clever connections to the larger DC Universe. The 40-page issue spends the first half establishing the story, but it does so in a way that keeps you hooked as all the pieces are carefully set up.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

PROS CONS
The Big Swings All Land A Ton of Setup Before It Gets Going
Epic Fights with Superhero Heart Only a Glimpse of Absolute Heroes

DC K.O. Is The Absolute Universe Collision We’ve Been Waiting For

Okay, it takes a little while for all the plot threads to come together, but it quickly becomes obvious we’re getting the epic Absolute Universe crossover we were hoping for, with Darkseid front and center. He definitely steals the show with his invasion and the way he starts corrupting everything. But what’s *really* exciting is how Snyder sets things up for the future – it’s not just teasing what’s coming, it feels like he’s promising some seriously satisfying payoffs down the line. As a fan, that’s what I love to see!

To keep you hooked until the exciting conclusion, the author skillfully draws you into the unpredictable events of the competition. He quickly builds suspense and a sense of importance from the beginning, making you care about the overall story. As the tournament progresses, it’s immediately clear that characters will face deadly consequences, and the number of deaths quickly rises, creating a constant sense of danger.

DC KO Is Secretly A Superman Story More Than Anything Else

Beyond the many heroes and villains, this story feels fundamentally about Superman, especially in the first issue. The narrative largely focuses on his perspective, or Batman’s—who often discusses Superman directly. The conflict centers around Superman’s inherent need to protect people versus the harsh realities of this large-scale event, which will force him to change his approach, potentially even suppressing his protective instincts, in order to survive.

DC KO Looks Incredible

Beyond the strong writing, *DC K.O.* is a visual treat. Artists Javi Fernandez, Xermanico, Alejandro Sanchez, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou deliver stunning artwork, colors, and lettering. The opening Darkseid sequence is a highlight, demonstrating their skill at bringing Omega Beams to life. The creative panel layouts are particularly impressive – one page features a single figure spanning four panels, each showing a different city and army opposing them, all layered with details of the resulting destruction. It’s a truly striking and unique visual experience.

The fight scenes really come alive with dynamic page designs and a relentless pace, as characters are constantly getting knocked out. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists, and each reveal feels significant – especially a major character’s return that dramatically shifts the stakes for upcoming battles. Add in the powerful Absolute characters, and this is a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an epic series. Honestly, I can’t wait for the next issue of *DC K.O.*!

This comic book was published by DC Comics. Scott Snyder wrote it, with artwork by Javi Fernandez and Xermanico. Alejandro Sanchez provided the coloring, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou handled the lettering.

DC K.O. #1 is in comic stores now.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/7-deadliest-batman-villains-that-could-change-the-dcu/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-08 15:10