At ComicsPro in Glendale, California, DC thanked Direct Market retailers for their support throughout 2025 and outlined an ambitious publishing roadmap for summer and fall 2026. The presentation included updates on DC Vertigo’s return, new Absolute Universe titles, major additions to DC Next Level, and a preview of a Gotham City event set for Q3.
DC Vertigo Continues Its Return
After launching Bleeding Hearts, End of Life, and the ongoing The Nice House by the Sea, with The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery arriving February 25, DC shared details about the next wave of Vertigo titles.
This summer brings 100 Bullets: The US of ANGER and Fanatic. Fall follows with Necretatious and Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy. The winter slate rounds out the imprint’s first full year back with The Crying Doll and A Walking Shadow.
Absolute Universe Grows with Green Arrow and Catwoman
DC announced two new series set within the Absolute Universe.
Absolute Green Arrow by Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque launches May 20. Full preview here.
Absolute Catwoman by Che Grayson, Scott Snyder, and Bengal arrives June 10. Full preview here.
Both series continue the line’s approach of reimagining core DC characters in standalone stories crafted by high-profile creators.
DC also confirmed that the first Absolute Universe event miniseries is scheduled for Q4 2026. Additional details will be revealed later this year.
DC Next Level Expands with Teen Titans and More
Retailers were shown a new DC Next Level trailer outlining upcoming launches.
Lobo #1, Batwoman #1, and Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 debut on March 18.
The Fury of Firestorm #1 follows April 8, with Zatanna #1 arriving April 29. More info on those here.
Newly announced titles include Barbara Gordon: Breakout by Mariko Tamaki and Amancay Nahuelpan in May, and The Deadman by W. Maxwell Prince and Martín Morazzo in June.
DC also previewed additional Next Level projects ahead of formal solicitation, including Legion of Super-Heroes, Doom Patrol, Jonah Hex, The Demon, and Batman: Shadow of the Bat. Creative teams and launch dates will be announced soon.
The next major addition to the line is Teen Titans from Kyle Higgins and Daniele Di Nicuolo, launching this summer. In the new series, Red Hood uncovers a network of missing powered teens and joins forces with a new generation of highly capable young heroes to uncover the truth behind a world divided.
Gotham Faces “Bad Seeds” in Q3
DC closed its publishing announcements with a preview of “Bad Seeds,” a Gotham City event arriving in Q3 2026.
Police commissioner Vandal Savage has declared war on the Bat-Family and deployed a private paramilitary force across Gotham. Meanwhile, Mayor Pamela Isley prepares a desperate move that could transform the city into a hostile landscape of primeval plant life.
The event unfolds across a single long night in Gotham, placing its heroes under siege while the city teeters on ecological collapse. More information will be shared in the coming months.
40 Years of The Dark Knight Returns
DC also reminded retailers that 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. More info on the yearlong publishing initiative here.
For updates on DC’s publishing plans, visit dc.com or explore titles through the DC Universe Infinite digital subscription platform.
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