DC K.O. (Local Comic Shop Day 2025 Ashcan Edition) #1 - DC Comics

DC K.O. (LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY 2025 ASHCAN EDITION) No. 1, November 2025

Unashamedly acting as a promotional gimmick for “DC Comics” major comic book event “DC K.O.”, this five-page pamphlet probably utterly bemused those readers who knew absolutely nothing about Darkseid somehow destroying the future. For rather than providing them with any sort of explanation as to how “a universe-shaking five-level gladiatorial arena” has shockingly emerged on Earth, Scott Snyder simply throws his audience straight into Superman’s preparation for his opening bout, before suddenly dragging them back to a time when the Man of Steel was still oblivious to the sense-shattering machinations of Apokolips’ absolute ruler.

Indeed, the vast majority of this “exclusive Ashcan special edition” focuses upon Clark Kent, Diana of Themyscira, Lois Lane and Bruce Wayne all sitting around a boardgame harmlessly ribbing one another as the dice rolls flow. So idyllic a moment is genuinely heart-warming, as it’s nice to see the Burbank-based publisher’s Trinity enjoying one another’s company. But a fair few bibliophiles would surely have preferred some sort of account as to how Darkseid acquired “his ever-growing Omega powers”, or an explanation as to just why so many of the “greatest superheroes in the universe” are willing to “enter the arena in a thunderous tournament where the stakes are sky-high.”

Of course, the main aim of this publication is to generate curiosity in the actual mini-series, and as a teaser this title performs that role rather well. Of particular interest has to be the American author having Superman choose to ‘up’ his power levels even more than normal by wearing some “knuckles with miniature suns raging inside” – something which strongly suggests that the ‘Boy Scout’ is taking absolutely no chances during the imminent tournament.

Quite possibly less satisfactory though are some of Javi Fernandez’s layouts, which debatably make it hard to ascertain just who is who inside Lane’ apartment. Clark is pretty recognisable. However, Diana’s dark hair so closely resembles that of the award-winning journalist for the Daily Planet, that when Lois does emerge from the kitchen as a brown-haired, rather homely-looking lady, it’ll probably take a few onlookers a moment or two to realise just who she is. In addition, Bruce Wayne simply melts into the background due to a complete lack of facial detail, and disappointingly doesn’t even make an impact once inside the Bat-Wing racing to confront Darkseid.

Writer: Scott Snyder, Artist: Javi Fernandez, and Colorist: Alejandro Sanchez