The new animated series, Absolute Batman, announced by DC Studios, shows they understand how valuable it is to adapt popular stories from different versions of the DC Universe, instead of just sticking to the usual superhero tales. Since some of DC’s most creative ideas happen outside the main story, fans are eager to see what other unique projects the studio will develop.
In addition to the new Absolute Batman animated show, DC Studios revealed Joker: Laugh Riot, a series exploring what happens when the Joker loses his arch-enemy, Batman, and seeks revenge on his killer. And speaking of alternate universes, one comic book series really stands out as deserving its own adaptation – Tom Taylor’s Dark Knights of Steel. It’s DC’s version of an epic fantasy like Game of Thrones, filled with knights and political intrigue.
Imagine the DC Universe reimagined as a classic medieval fantasy world – think powerful kingdoms, dragons, political scheming, and iconic heroes fighting with swords and superpowers. This creates one of DC’s most ambitious alternate universes yet. Given the huge popularity of shows like House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, an animated series based on Dark Knights of Steel seems like a perfect fit, particularly with a brand-new sequel series already in development.
DC Comics Has Its Own Game of Thrones Series: Dark Knights of Steel
Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri created Dark Knights of Steel, a 12-issue comic series that ran from 2021 to 2023. It’s a fantasy epic set in a medieval world where the El family rules a kingdom on Earth, established after they escaped Krypton. The series reimagines classic DC heroes as knights in a realm of warring kingdoms – like Amazonia and the Kingdom of Storms – and presents their powers as forms of medieval magic. Dark Knights of Steel offers a fresh, exciting take on familiar characters and settings for DC fans.
This story reimagines familiar heroes. Batman remains Bruce Wayne, but he grew up alongside Superman (Kal-El) after being orphaned and raised by Superman’s parents, who became the kingdom’s rulers. Wonder Woman is still a powerful Amazonian warrior, while Harley Quinn serves as the royal jester, and Amanda Waller leads the intelligence agency for the Kingdom of El. Author Tom Taylor expertly reworks the backstories and connections between all these characters in surprising and compelling ways – offering twists as impactful as the reveal of Jon Snow’s lineage in Game of Thrones.
The world of Dark Knights of Steel has grown since the initial twelve-issue story. A follow-up series, Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter, delved into the frozen northern regions, focusing on Deathstroke and drawing inspiration from Norse Viking culture.
The second installment of Tom Taylor and Otto Schmidt’s Dark Knights of Steel II recently began in July. This new story picks up after the events and alliances made during the first series’ war. It features an exciting reimagining of Aquaman’s origins, hints at major oceanic dangers, and demonstrates that this medieval fantasy take on the DC Universe has plenty of potential for future stories – and could even make a great animated show.
Absolute Batman Is Cool, But A Medieval DC Universe Deserves An Adaptation Too
I definitely think the new Absolute Batman animated series is a great idea. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s take on Batman was a huge hit for DC Comics, so it’s really encouraging that they’re also working on the show – it suggests it will be a faithful adaptation.
However, Dark Knights of Steel really stands out because it presents an entirely new take on the whole DC Universe, not just one hero’s story or city. I’m hoping the potential success of Absolute Batman will lead to more shows exploring this shared universe too.
Taylor’s Dark Knights of Steel is a sprawling fantasy story set in an alternate DC Universe, filled with huge battles, changing loyalties, dramatic betrayals, love stories, mythical creatures, and magic. Given the current popularity of large-scale fantasy on TV, it seems like a perfect fit for a future adaptation by DC Studios.
2026-07-23 05:28