At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, DC launched a major celebration marking 100 years of publishing the World’s Greatest Super Heroes, kicking off a decade-long tribute to the company’s legacy. The focus this year was on the Golden Age of Comics, spotlighting the years 1935–1945, but the DC Booth delivered much more than a walk down memory lane.
Fans were treated to free copies of a retro-style Daily Planet newspaper, filled with classic ads from DC’s archives. It doubled as a keepsake and autograph book, with big-name creators like Jim Lee, Tom King, Matt Fraction, Scott Snyder, Jeph Loeb, Mark Waid, and others signing posters, comics, and the newspaper itself. Conversations at the booth buzzed with enthusiasm around the current Superman movie and the return of Peacemaker. The creative team behind Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow also received a warm welcome from fans excited for the upcoming Supergirl film.
The booth featured cross-promotions with Fortnite, Progressive, Milk-Bone®, and DC Worlds Collide, with SDCC-exclusive merch and activities. Fortnite players got to livestream gameplay daily, including matches against creators like Jeremy Adams and Nicole Maines. At the Jim Lee & Friends panel, a surprise appearance by DC Studios co-head James Gunn brought big announcements: Superman returns to Fortnite in a new event, Super Showdown, launching August 2, and Peacemaker will be available as a playable character in the next season.
DC’s Global Consumer Products and DC Shop rolled out exclusive merchandise, including variant covers and apparel. Items featuring Krypto from the Superman film sold out quickly, with fans already asking for Supergirl-themed products ahead of her solo movie. New Peacemaker gear also debuted at HBO Max’s Peacefest, where John Cena and James Gunn surprised fans by tossing “Eat Peace, Motherf*ckers” hats from the Hard Rock Hotel balcony.
On Sunday, the DC Booth hosted a special appearance from Guide Dogs of America’s “Tender Loving Canines” program. Trainers demonstrated how the dogs support people through behavioral cues, and fans had the chance to meet the caped canines in person—a perfect pairing with the popular Krypto merchandise.
DC also revealed more about its upcoming DC K.O. crossover event, with creators Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder unveiling several characters on the 32-fighter bracket. Fan favorites like Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Swamp Thing, and Lobo made the cut, with fans speculating whether Superman’s sun-powered fists would help him survive the tournament. The event launches in October, with tie-ins like Knightfight by Williamson and Dan Mora, and Absolute Green Arrow, arriving in early 2026 from Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque.
Anticipation also grew for Batman: High Volume, the immersive podcast series that returns soon with its “Dark Victory” storyline. DC previewed the next arc during the Gotham City panel, complete with a trailer and a special promo comic to set the mood.
Eisner Awards and accolades capped the weekend. Bilquis Evely took home both an Inkpot and an Eisner for Best Penciler. Other wins included Zatanna: Bring Down the House (Best Limited Series), Absolute Wonder Woman (Best New Series), and the short story “Spaces” from DC Pride 2024 (Best Short Story).
Finally, Matt Fraction gave fans a first look at his upcoming Batman run, debuting September 3, with new art by Jorge Jiménez shown during both the Jim Lee & Friends and Gotham City panels. For more from Faction, don’t miss our interview!
Check out the Immortal Legend: Batman art by Dan Mora below!
You must be logged in to post a comment.