DC Comics has revealed more details on its Next Level initiative, which was first announced at New York Comic Con in October 2025 (see “DC Plans Next Level”). Like the All In and Absolute initiatives, Next Level will be helmed by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson. The new wave of titles will focus on lesser known characters and are designed to be accessible to new readers while still staying in the main DC continuity.
The first three series will launch in March.
Lobo, by Skottie Young and Jorge Corona, brings back the motorcycle-riding antihero for a new round of adventures. The first issue will be published on March 4, 2026, with a main cover by Corona, open-to-order variants by Lee Bermejo, KyuYong Eom, and Corona, and a 1:25 variant by Juan Ferreyra. Bermejo’s cover will also be offered as an open-to-order foil variant.
Batwoman, by Greg Rucka and DaNi, delves into Kate Kane’s history and redefines her mission. The first issue will be released on March 11, 2026, with a main cover by DaNi and variants by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, Stjepan Šejić, and Jorge Corona, and a 1:25 variant by Joshua “Sway” Swaby. Lau’s cover will be offered as both foil and regular cardstock variants.
Deathstroke: The Terminator, by Tony Fleecs and Carmine Di Giandomenico, turns the tables on superhuman killer-for-hire Slade Wilson when he becomes not only the hunter but the prey. The first issue will be released on March 18, 2026, with a main cover by Di Giandomenico, variants by Dan Panosian, KyuYong Eom, and Jorge Corona, and a 1:25 variant by Fleecs. Panosian’s cover will be available in both regular and foil formats.
“These books are set in continuity,” Williamson said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “While the series will be independent reads and not heavily tied to other books, they will exist alongside DC’s ongoing comic book series like Superman, Batman, Justice League Unlimited, and more.”
“This line will launch similar to DC’s Absolute line of comics,” said Snyder. “The DC: Next Level books are very new-reader friendly and will roll out over time. Like the Absolute line, this is an initiative that welcomes new readers that are looking for a jumping-on spot for DC’s main line of comic books.”
“In March, the first month of DC: Next Level, new series starring Lobo, Deathstroke, and Batwoman are three new books that stay true to the characters as they’ve appeared in DC All In and DC K.O., but the creative teams will take them into new, badass stories that explore different genres that any fan can dive into,” said Williamson.
Click Gallery below for covers!
Source: ICV2
