I know the doubt in your mind, Bruce. But you are also the son of Thomas and Martha Wayne. It's just you're also something more. 
- — Alfred
Dark Knights of Steel #4 is an issue of the series Dark Knights of Steel (Volume 1) with a cover date of April, 2022. It was published on February 1, 2022.
Synopsis for "Child of the Gods"
Alfred tells Bruce the story of what happened when the Els first came to Earth. At first, Jor-El and Lara hid from the world in a cottage in the forest, but one night they felt tremors in the Earth and realised that a nearby volcano was about to erupt, which would kill thousands of people. They created plans that would allow the people of the Kingdom to survve and passed them on to the Waynes' advisor Alexander Luthor, believing he would inform the King save the people. However, Luthor ignored them, forcing the El's to reveal themselves and save the kingdom on the day of the eruption. Luthor was banished from the kingdom for his arrogance almost dooming them, but he found a magic ring on the mountain that granted him great power. The Els became the Waynes' closest advisors, beloved by the people, although King Jefferson and others like him believed they were the "demons" of Constantine's prophecy.
Jor-El and Martha had a single night together, a mistake which they both instantly regretted and confessed. It almost broke up their marriages, but when Bruce was born Thomas, who could not have children of his own, loved him like his own son and the two families became closer than ever. When they all took Zala to be fostered by the Amazons, they were attacked by Luthor. Thomas was killed instantly and Martha was mortally wounded but Bruce was unharmed and merely knocked unconscious. As she was dying, Martha told Lara that she and Jor-El must rule the kingdom until Bruce was ready to rule and the people were ready to accept a bastard as king. With her final breath she asked Lara to look after Bruce.
Alfred says they need to ride home and prevent war with the Kingdom of Storms at any cost. Bruce asks if he has a plan and Alfred says he does not, but he does have a king.
Appearing in "Child of the Gods"
Featured Characters:
- Bat-Prince (Bruce) (Flashback and main story) (Origin)
- Alfred (Flashback and main story) (Narrator)
Supporting Characters:
- Jor-El (Flashback only)
- Lara (Flashback only)
- Wayne Family
- King Thomas Wayne (First appearance) (Dies in flashback)
- Queen Martha Wayne (First appearance) (Dies in flashback)
Antagonists:
- "Green Man"/The Joker (Alexander Luthor) (First full appearance) (Flashback only) (Origin)
Other Characters:
- King Jefferson Pierce (Flashback only)
- Kal-El (Flashback only)
- Zala Jor-El (Flashback only) (Cameo)
- General Waller (Flashback only) (Cameo)
- John Constantine (Mentioned only)
Locations:
Items:
- Green Kryptonite
- Green Lantern Ring (Flashback only)
Vehicles:
- Kryptonian Rocket (Flashback only)
See Also