DC Comics has announced a comic book series called DC KO, and it’s pretty straightforward. Readers will get a tournament-style series that will put the best, most powerful, and popular characters in their universe against each other. You’ll see the greats like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and the lesser-knowns like Jay Garrick, Star Sapphire, and Conner Hawke.
While some of the winners in these fights seem like easy picks, you can guarantee they all won’t be. You’re likely going to get upsets due to various factors like popularity and shock value. That’s the beauty of this. You won’t know what’s coming until it does. Even then, Scott Snyder said that there will be surprise appearances throughout.
DC KO is scheduled to be released on October 8, 2025. It will be written by Scott Snyder with art by Javier Fernandez.
Comic books connected to DC KO
- Justice League: The Omega Act No. 1
- Titans No. 28
- Superman No. 31
- The Flash No. 26
- Justice League Unlimited No. 12
So, let’s get to the first round and pick who we think will be the winners of round one before the series debuts.
Superman vs. Giganta
Yes, there will be upsets in DC KO, but this won’t be one of them. Beyond Superman being the strongest hero in DC Comics, it’s about the next round. He’ll have to fight the victor of the next section. That anticipation will lead to people grabbing the next issue.
Predicted Winner: Superman
Captain Atom vs. Power Girl
This one is tough. On one hand, Captain Atom is powerful and skilled enough to beat Superman. However, there’s an emotional storyline to Power Girl having to fight Kal-El.
Predicted Winner: Power Girl
Guy Gardner vs. Firestorm
Guy Gardner is a jerk, but he can’t be taken lightly. As powerful as Firestorm is, he’s not a match for Guy. He’s a Green Lantern who’s fought people like Lobo and survived. Plus, it's a more interesting battle for whoever wins in the next round.
Predicted Winner: Guy Gardner
Jay Garrick vs. Cheetah
Jay Garrick is one of the fastest people in any comic book universe and has decades of experience. Sadly, that won’t matter. Cheetah is meaner and willing to do things Jay won’t do to win a fight. While it will be a tight race (no pun intended), we see Cheetah coming out of this one as the victor.
Predicted Winner: Cheetah
Aquaman vs. King Shark
Even before Aquaman became god-like, King Shark didn’t stand a chance. Aquaman isn’t going to lose to Nanaue. It’s that simple. There's one winner here and it's not King Shark.
Predicted Winner: Aquaman
Conner Hawke vs. Hawkman
Hawkman will lose, and it’s going to be funny. Anyone who knows this character also knows that he tends to let his anger and arrogance get the best of him, and Conner will take advantage of that. I also don’t think Hawkman is quick enough to land a major hit on Conner.
Predicted Winner: Conner Hawke
Lex Luthor vs. Black Lightning
As much as I’m rooting for Black Lightning, Lex Luthor will win, especially if he has his supersuit. It’s built to stand the might of Superman, so it's doubtful Jefferson has enough juice to take him out. Nevertheless, I hope I’m wrong.
Predicted Winner: Lex Luthor
The Demon vs. Supergirl
This is another tough one. But like Superman in his fight, there’s more excitement in Supergirl vs Lex down the line than having the Man of Steel's archenemy fighting the Demon. And with Etrigan having magic (an advantage over Kryptonians), it will make Kara’s win more impressive.
Predicted Winner: Supergirl
Wonder Woman vs. Starro/Jarro
Wonder Woman is a woman of peace, but she is willing to make war. It wouldn’t be shocking if this were a quick match with Starro being destroyed. There can only be one winner here and it's easily Wonder Woman.
Predicted Winner: Wonder Woman
Lobo vs. Plastic Man
Plastic Man can surprise people in battles. But there will be none of that in this fight. Lobo is going to treat Patrick "Eel" O'Brian like a rubber band.
Predicted Winner: Lobo
Swamp Thing vs. Vixen
I’m going with an upset here. Swamp Thing’s abilities to control the Green are superior, but the venue may leave him limited. Meanwhile, Vixen will have the entire animal kingdom at her disposal. Even the Green can’t hold down an elephant.
Predicted Winner: Vixen
Cyborg vs. Batwoman
Cyborg has the advanced technology and experience over Batwoman. Kate Kane is the better fighter and soldier, but that might not be enough to stop Cyborg’s arsenal of weapons here. We'll have to wait and see but, for now, we're going with Cyborg.
Predicted Winner: Cyborg
Batman vs. Star Sapphire
Batman wins because he’s Batman. Star Sapphire is vastly more powerful than the Dark Knight, but Bruce Wayne knows how to handle people wielding power rings. Look for a Sonic Batarang to be used to break her concentration.
Regardless of how exactly this goes down, Batman is winning this one. Yeah, because he's Batman!
Predicted Winner: Batman
Red Hood vs. Damian Wayne
Red Hood can and should beat Damian Wayne. But what’s more interesting? Red Hood fighting Batman down the line, or Damian fighting his father? Plus, Damian knows how emotional Jason is and will use that to his advantage. However, I’m rooting for Jason Todd.
Predicted Winner: Damian Wayne
Zatanna vs. Big Barda
This was the most difficult winner to pick. Zatanna can defeat people with a few words, but Big Barda is a god. Due to my pick in the next bracket, I’m going with Barda.
Predicted Winner: Big Barda
Harley Quinn vs. Metamorpho
Harley Quinn will have no business beating Metamorpho, and that’s why she'll win. Scott Snyder is going to remind readers that Harley isn’t just a goof. She’s a skilled fighter who’s shown signs of brilliance in battle. She’s also smart enough not to give her Metamorpho anything that can be used against her. Even if she does, there will be a trick up her sleeve.
Predicted Winner: Harley Quinn
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow’s social media sites, Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more DC comic book, TV, and movie news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.