DC K.O. #3 REVIEW
Summary: Snyder exceeds expectations by understanding the art of the unexpected.
5
A rollercoaster of excitement!
Tag Team Brawl
The next stage of combatants is given a chance to bring someone back to help them in a duo match against others to the death. In DC K.O. #3, the choices they make will decide who will come out on top. As they must choose wisely, their reasons for bringing forth a fallen hero or something else play a big part in who moves forward to the next round. A never-before-seen version of Superman makes its debut and turns the lights all the way up. Meanwhile, Joker pulls a trump card Zatanna does not see coming. As for Lex Luther, he’s full of surprises that are very questionable to win.
Continuing to write quality storytelling, Scott Snyder’s (Batman: Lost) progression in DC K.O. #3 resembles a side-scrolling video game that can be viewed from different angles. As it’s important to keep readers intrigued as to what is happening in this big event, Snyder exceeds expectations by understanding the art of the unexpected. With the comic book in its third issue and great dialogue, the story’s progression feels organic. The wave of emotions transpires like a harmonic soliloquy, guiding the reader on a rollercoaster of excitement. By comparison, Joshua Williamson’s (Chew) interludes add value to the narrative. Williamson develops a callback for later usage when the moment arrives. The inclusion of these moments advances the overall connection between the then and the present. Allowing readers to comprehend everything happening without failing to see the connection in a structured pattern. By utilizing these two moments back-to-back, the comic book heightens an anticipation for another surprise to unfold.
Alluding to surprises, Javi Fernández (Green Arrow) provides non-stop great illustrations for DC K.O. #3. Compacted in a small working space for detail and composition, Fernández shows that he’s not scared to display his illustrative talents. Within this issue, Fernández is tasked with providing a significant amount of artwork for this part of the story, and he nailed it. From start to finish, it’s a wild fight, and the choices the characters make are shown through the imagination Fernández brings to the comic book. Simultaneously, Xermánico’s (Justice League: Endless Winter) contribution as the interlude artist inherently improves the impact of the progression of the event. By jumping back to an earlier point where threats to any city seem calm, readers are given a break to grasp the nuances of downtime among heroes. It shows a sense of humility rather than heroism. It helps understand that, at the end of the day they’re people too.
Once again, Alejandro Sánchez (Batman: Off-World) does a riveting job with the coloring work within DC K.O. #3. Every panel exercises an exhibition of hope, despair, and a thrill, uninterrupted by the delivery of Sánchez’s dedication to the art of coloring.
The lettering, on the other hand, by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Birds of Prey), proceeds to make the overall quality of the DC K.O. #3 fantastic to read.
Given another task to handle other than the interior of the comic book, Javier Fernández and Alejandro Sánchez combine their talents to create a cover that homes in on the madness of this tournament for the Heart of Apokolips.
As a standing point, DC K.O. #3 is without a doubt a great comic book to read. As this is a big event happening in DC right now, it’s important to note that the outcome that happens in this comic book will shape the remainder of the series. For those who find an interest in this story or have been following along since issue number one, you can pick this up at your local comic book store or online, where copies are sold. Tag Team matches are fun, but this match is for keeps.
Comic Detail
Writers: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson
Artists: Javier Fernández, Xermánico
Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Artists: Javier Fernández, Xermánico
Editor: Paul Kaminski
Publisher: DC Comics
Date of Release: January 14, 2026
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics & manga. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he is a seasoned gamer with an appreciation of quality storytelling. As he is always on the hunt for rare collectibles, he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandoms. Follow along for new discoveries and changes in the world of entertainment.
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