DC Comics Unveils 2026 Publishing Roadmap: Vertigo, Absolute Universe, and Next Level Initiatives
Burbank, Calif. – February 19, 2026 – DC Comics today presented its ambitious publishing plans for summer and fall 2026 at the ComicsPro International comic book retailer conference in Glendale, California. The presentation detailed the continued rollout of the DC Vertigo imprint, expansions within the Absolute Universe, additions to the DC Next Level initiative, and a first glance at a major Gotham City event titled “Lousy SEEDS.”
DC Vertigo Continues Expansion
Following the successful launch of titles like Bleeding Hearts, End of Life, and The Nice House by the Sea, with The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery launching on February 25, DC Vertigo will continue its 2026 rollout. The imprint will publish 100 Bullets: The US of ANGER and Fanatic this summer, followed by Necretatious and Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy in the fall. Winter 2026 will bring The Crying Doll and A Walking Shadow, completing the imprint’s first full year since its return.
Absolute Universe Gains New Titles
DC announced two new series set within the Absolute Universe: Absolute Green Arrow, by Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque, launching May 20, and Absolute Catwoman, by Che Grayson, Scott Snyder, and Bengal, launching June 10. These titles will continue the imprint’s focus on reimagining iconic DC characters with bold, continuity-free stories.
An Absolute Universe event miniseries is too planned for Q4 2026, with further details to be announced later this year.
DC Next Level: New Series and Ongoing Titles
DC highlighted the DC Next Level initiative, with several titles launching in the coming months. Lobo #1, Batwoman #1, and Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 will debut on March 18, followed by The Fury of Firestorm #1 on April 8 and Zatanna #1 on April 29.
New additions to the Next Level lineup include Barbara Gordon: Breakout, by Mariko Tamaki and Amancay Nahuelpan, launching in May, and The Deadman, by W. Maxwell Prince and Martín Morazzo, launching in June.
Additional Next Level titles currently in development include Legion of Super-Heroes, Doom Patrol, Jonah Hex, The Demon, and Batman: Shadow of the Bat. Creative teams and launch dates for these titles will be announced soon.
Teen Titans Relaunch
A new Teen Titans series, from Kyle Higgins and Daniele Di Nicuolo (the team behind Power Rangers: Shattered Grid), will launch this summer. The series will follow Red Hood as he investigates a network of missing powered teens and teams up with a new generation of young heroes to uncover a conspiracy.
Gotham City Event: “BAD SEEDS”
DC also previewed “BAD SEEDS,” a major event set in Gotham City arriving in Q3 2026. The event will see Gotham City Police Commissioner Vandal Savage declare war on the Bat-Family, flooding the streets with a private, paramilitary police force. Meanwhile, Gotham’s new mayor, Pamela Isley, faces political and arcane challenges, leading to a power play that threatens to devastate the city, transforming it into a primeval world of hostile plant life.
Celebrating 40 Years of *The Dark Knight Returns*
DC concluded its presentation by announcing plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley’s landmark series, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, throughout 2026. Details of the anniversary program will be released in the coming months.