DC K.O. #4 is set to be a major turning point comic book for DC Comics. This will be the first time that the highly popular Absolute Universe Trinity will meet the DC Universe. Not only are the two universes meeting for the first time but they are going to be clashing. That is thanks to what appears to be the Absolute Universe Trinity being controlled by Darkseid to kill the remaining fighters in the King Omega Tournament. How will it all go down? Let’s find out with DC K.O. #4.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Scott Snyder (Main Story); Joshua Williamson (Interlude)
Artist: Javi Fernandez (Main Story); Xermanico (Interlude)
Colorist: Alejandro Sanchez
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
DC K.O. #4 SOLICITATION
“THE FINAL FOUR ARE PUT TO THE ABSOLUTE TEST! Three mysterious new Omega-charged fighters have entered the tournament… and this trinity of the Absolute will change the face of the DCU forever! It’s all down to how far the final four are willing to go to win in the penultimate chapter of DC K.O.! Plus: Booster’s true allegiance revealed, Darkseid’s return foretold, and a bonkers last page that will bring the battle to the next level!” – DC Comics
REVIEW
DC K.O. #4 certainly delivers the intensity that has come to be expected from the King Omega Tournament. When you can keep up with everything going on the event feels like the multiverse ending event it has become known to be. That is a tone that carried throughout this penultimate issue.
DCU Trinity vs Absolute Universe Trinity
The first showdown between the DC Universe and Absolute Universe does exactly what it needed to do. That is making sure it was as impactful as possible. The Absolute Universe’s Trinity being corrupted by Darkseid helped elevate things.
What particularly worked was how Scott Snyder wrote all the characters involved. With the Absolute Universe’s Trinity, Snyder approached it by emphasizing the most aggressive sides of the trio. At the same time, we get moments where Darkseid is speaking through Absolute Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman to remind you they are being controlled. This works to remind the reader that the Absolute Universe was crafted in Darkseid’s image.
Then on the heroes side we see how the King Omega Tournament has really impacted all involved. They have to fight in a much more aggressive fashion than they would normally. Especially against younger Elseworld versions of themselves they couldn’t risk holding back.
This doesn’t get in the way of the big moment when we see the two Trinities uniting to hit. It was a no doubt cool moment to have. You get the feeling things are turning around because of it. Which leads to a false sense of security because these moments normally lead to the heroes winning.
Trinity Flashback Annoying, Not Additive
Staying on the Trinity side of things, the one thing that continued to not work in this story is the flashback narrative. The way it plays into the story just feels like it was an idea that Snyder and Williamson really wanted in here as a sub-plot. It unfortunately comes off as forced.
It also works to negatively spotlight the fact Batman just appears. Yes, he was busy with DC K.O.: Knightfight but it is never good to make it feel like you have to read more than the main series to get the full story of an event. It also makes it seem like DC Comics was so against having Batman compete in a tournament for the death that he could not participate. Giving off the feeling that there was that editorial rule in place makes Batman’s role feel even more forced.
Joker & Lex Luthor Live Up to Their Villain Status
Snyder does a great job at making sure both Joker and Lex Luthor never try to be protagonists or heroes. Both are villains to their cores. That is seen with everything they do from their dialogue to decisions they make.
It is most obviously seen with Joker switching sides to be one of Darkseid’s Four Horseman along with the Absolute Universe Trinity. Joker’s reasoning that he accomplish all he wanted by killing Batman at the start is perfectly in line with his character. This was never about winning for the Joker. It was just to have fun after he got what he wanted, which we saw in his fights against Red Hood and Zatanna.
With Lex Luthor we see his opportunist side really emphasized. He knew immediately if he was to get closer to get the King Omega title he would have to work with the Trinity. That was his only hope for survival. But then as soon as he sees the chance to be the one to claim victory he takes it as he goes for the kill shot on Superman. It was a move that was not shocking. It was fitting for his character with what’s at stake.
Darkseid Always Has a Plan
From the moment DC K.O. started we were shown that Darkseid has had a plan for everything happening in this event. He has become a transcendent being. The final few pages of DC K.O. #4 help to further inform where Darkseid is at this point.
Not only that but how he views the Absolute Universe and the heroes there. Snyder uses this as an opportunity to drive home what has made the Absolute Universe heroes with ongoings are unique. They are able to resist the Darkseid cells and have a free will majority of Absolute Universe don’t.
This appears to be a key plot point as it establishes that while Darkseid’s power is almost absolute it is not complete control. That provided a hint at what Absolute Saturn Girl seeing a light from looking into Darkseid’s mind stand out. Yes, Darkseid’s power is overwhelming but there is something out there that can balance him out. What or who that is gives this issue a strong ending to hook the reader with.
FINAL THOUGHTS
DC K.O. #4 does its job at delivering an effective penultimate chapter. The first clash between the DC Universe and Absolute Universe not only carries but delivers on the potential of this happening. It all drove home the importance of the King Omega Tournament and why Darkseid is the endgame level threat of the multiverse. The ending hooks you to want to find out what will happen by the end of this event.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10
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