Panels Book of the Week: DC K.O. #1
Publisher: DC Comics Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Javier Fernández
Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez Letterer: Tom Napolitano Release Date: October 8, 2025
DC kicks off its newest event with DC K.O. #1 and right from page one, it’s clear this one’s swinging for the fences. Snyder builds a world where Earth itself has been turned into a cosmic fight card, a tournament powered by the “Heart of Apokolips,” with every hero and villain forced into the arena.
The writing is solid, leaning on exposition early on, but that’s expected for the first round of a major DC event. There’s a good sense of tension and moral stakes. The idea that the closer our heroes get to the Heart, the more they risk being corrupted by it. It’s a fun premise that feels like a mix of Crisis chaos and Saturday-night prize fight energy.
Where It Shines
While the story sets the stage, it’s Javier Fernández’s art that completely steals the show. His pages are packed with movement, kinetic layouts, and massive spreads that make you feel the weight of this event. Every punch lands. Every scene looks like it belongs on a metal album cover.
The detail and energy he brings to this chaotic battlefield make this first issue worth grabbing even if you’re just here for the visuals. And Alejandro Sánchez’s colors: bold, glowing reds and deep shadows turn the fight into pure spectacle.
Final Bell
DC K.O. #1 is a solid start with a ton of potential. The setup is heavy, but it lays down everything needed for a wild, high-stakes brawl across the DC Universe. It’s fun, ambitious, and above all, gorgeous to look at.
⭐ Verdict: Great art. Good setup. Big-event energy done right.