WARNING: The next article incorporates spoilers from Dark Knights of Metal #6, on sale now from DC Comics.
Dark Knights of Metal #6 jumps away from the speedy aftermath of Superman’s betrayal of Batman to as a substitute give attention to the brewing battle between the e book’s three kingdoms. This contains Constantine’s mourning of King Jefferson (this world’s equal of Black Lightning), who perished on the hand of Zala Jor-El within the third subject. In his grief he summons Etrigan, however to not communicate to the demon however as a substitute his host, Ra’as al Ghul. Ghul agrees to assist carry again Jefferson’s son, the prince Jacob. However in change, he asks Constantine to disclose the situation of “the Titans.”
This can be a clear reference to the Teen Titans, foreshadowing the looks of this world’s model of the crew. However the subject with that’s that it is going to be this world’s model of the Titans. As an Elseworlds story, Dark Knights of Metal has proven a penchant for remixing and reimagining the varied characters of the DC Universe. Its Inexperienced Lantern is not Hal Jordan, and as a substitute a mix of Lex Luthor and the Joker. Etrigan himself is an efficient instance, bonded to Ra’as al Ghul as a substitute of his common host. Let’s undergo the doubtless candidates for the crew, and determine whom they is likely to be on the planet of Dark Knights of Metal.
Damian Wayne as Robin Is a Purpose for Mendacity Low
“Robin” is an ambiguous character, outlined not by any set of powers however as a substitute their earlier affiliation to Batman. Whereas it would be nothing out-of-the-ordinary for one among them to look as a member of the TItans, there’s just one attainable candidate. This world’s Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Stephanie Brown have all appeared as members of Batman’s coterie. Meaning none of them are off in-hiding with the Titans. However Damian is nowhere to be seen, and, if his origin is identical on this world, is Ra’as al Ghul’s grandson. Because the potential inheritor to the pinnacle of the League of Assassins, Damian’s membership on the crew offers his grandfather a great purpose to be chasing after them.
Beast Boy’s Powers Are Current, however Not Garfield
As seen with the examples of Inexperienced Lantern and Etrigan above, Dark Knights of Metal does plenty of work in the case of distinguishing between a personality’s function and their id. As such, it is necessary when any particular person character to determine if their function and id shall be related. Any character may declare the mantle of “Beast Boy,” or some extra fantasy-inspired model. That is a simple change to make, and helps the crew really feel totally different whereas nonetheless preserving some core similarity. As such it is doubtless a personality with shapeshifting powers will seem, however not go by the normal title of Garfield Logan.
Cyborg Might Be A Magical Automaton
Excluding the pod that introduced Superman and his dad and mom to Earth, Dark Knights of Metal has been bereft of any instance of extremely superior know-how. It is a medieval setting, and as such magic is way extra prone to be the related issue. However this doesn’t suggest the character Cyborg needs to be absent. Loads of characters in comics (together with Tezzeret from BOOM! Studios’ Magic sequence) use magical prostheses, which might permit the character to nonetheless really feel like Cyborg. So whereas Victor Stone would nonetheless seem, his function would change to match the setting round him.
Raven Stays The Identical
When Dark Knights of Metal launched its model of DC’s Trinity, it virtually felt just like the set-up and payoff to a joke. Superman has an entire totally different outfit, and grew up with the loving care of his dad and mom. Batman is much more totally different, a half-Kryptonian extra comfy wielding a sword than a Batarang. And Wonder Woman is… utterly the identical. That is as a result of Wonder Woman is already a personality from a world of swords and sorcery, often extra of a fish out of water within the fashionable world. Raven is identical approach. She’s a half-demon sorceress who channels darkish powers from one other world. No modifications are obligatory.
No Signal of Starfire
At first look, Starfire is just like Raven. Her powers aren’t iconic sufficient to offer to a different particular person (like with Beast Boy), however they’re additionally not simply retooled as magic like Cyborg. There’s not even a necessity to alter a lot about her. Being an alien from one other planet is not out-of-place for Dark Knights of Metal’s setting. However there may be one subject — it’d make Superman much less particular. The alien and his Kryptonian household have an entire prophecy describing how their arrival will carry concerning the finish of the world. Throwing in one other alien customer within the type of Starfire cheapens that, so it is doubtless the character shall be absent, changed by one other member from the Titan’s storied roster.