The previous two rounds of DC K.O. were a bit of a free-for-all, but this one was straightforward. One-on-one, three rounds, with each victory leading to different powers for everyone in the fight. It made the matches more interesting and even. You’ll understand more as you continue on and see how each fight played out.
WARNING! Spoilers for the various fights during DC K.O.
Superman vs Captain Atom
After a hard-fought battle, Superman took a victory over Captain Atom. It wasn’t as if Kal-El won. Captain Atom beat himself because the Heart of Apokalips corrupted him. With that, he made a mistake that combined his and Superman’s powers. Clark used that moment to drain Nathaniel Adam's energy and win.
So far, Superman is the only person to not directly kill their opponent during their fight. Both of his victories against Captain Atom came by him draining energy from something and not being influenced by playing the game like Darkseid.
Superman No. 33 creative team
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Hayden Sherman
- Colors: Alejandro Sánchez
Wonder Woman vs Lobo
A lot of people online have called shenanigans on Wonder Woman winning this because Lobo can’t die. However, Lobo’s arrogance, causing the gods to take his immortality away, makes sense. Otherwise, Lobo would win the entire tournament. While comic book fans would love this, it would be a mistake in the long run.
The question now is whether Lobo remains mortal after the tournament. With Skottie Young and Jorge Corona series debuting in 2026, it could be a twist that makes the run more interesting. Having a killable Lobo means the Main Man will have to rely on skill rather than rushing into fights knowing he can't die.
DC K.O.: Wonder Woman vs. Lobo No. 1 creative team
- Writer: Joëlle Jones
- Artist: Cary Nord, Daniel Bayliss, and Jason Howard
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain and Daniel Bayliss
Hawkman vs Aquaman
Aquaman is the only DC Comics character to win the two-out-of-three rounds without losing. After the upgrade he received (Aquaman No. 8), it couldn’t end any other way. Sure, Hawkman is tough and has centuries of fighting experience, but that isn’t enough to beat a god.
At the end of the battle, Hawkman is lying at Aquaman’s feet, defeated, and Arthur calls himself the Dark Tide. This could mean that the powers are starting to overwhelm Aquaman, and the Justice League veteran seems okay with it. Whether or not this is the Heart of Darkseid influencing him or his new powers remains to be seen.
Aquaman No. 12
- Writer: Jeremy Adams
- Artist: John Timms
- Colors: Rex Lokus
Zatanna vs Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn doesn't stand a chance against Zatanna if the fight starts face-to-face. That’s why Harley won round 1 after taking advantage of Zatanna’s friendship, but lost the next two battles. Although Harley was aware that she shouldn’t and couldn’t win, and made sure Zatanna left her bout stronger and more confident. This will make the next fight Zatanna has more interesting.
All’s I ask is that...ya go show these dorks what our world's strongest magic user can do.
DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna No. 1 creative team
- Writer: Leah Williams
- Artist: Mirka Andolfo
- Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Etrigan the Demon vs Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor began this fight with an internal monologue about dying and wondering if he had a soul. Throughout the three rounds, Lex continues to contemplate everything he’s ever done and if he was wrong. In the end, the leader of the Legion of Doom decides that it doesn’t matter because, if he wins, he becomes a god.
Superman No. 33 creative team
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Hayden Sherman
- Colors: Alejandro Sánchez
Joker vs Red Hood
As much as comic book fans may have wanted it to happen, Red Hood wasn’t moving on to the next round. Jason won the fight, but died right before a device on Joker’s heart brought the Clown Prince of Crime back to life.
Jason Todd lost the fight, but he comes away from this with something better. He has closure. Before he dies, Jason mentions that, while Joker moves on, his enemy knows who really won. Hopefully, this will be the last time we see Red Hood's obsession with killing Joker cost him fights. Otherwise, it may seem kind of pointless.
The Flash (Jay Garrick) vs Green Lantern (Guy Gardner)
The Flash No. 28 creative team
- Writers: Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell
- Artist: Vasco Georgiev
- Colors: Matt Herms
Jay Garrick tried his best to keep this a fight between gentlemen and teammates by making round one a game of checkers. Sadly, Guy Gardner doesn’t know how to play checkers, which leads to frustration and Guy killing Jay. In the next round, Jay wins because (shocking to no one), Guy gets too confident and uses Red Lantern powers, and Jay capitalizes.
In round 3, Guy learns his lesson and uses his Vuldarian powers and form to win the final round. Guy got the idea after Jay told him to respect his elders. So, Guy called upon his elders to win the fight.
Cyborg vs Swamp Thing
Cyborg and Swamp Thing’s fight went as expected. Cyborg won the first round, and Swamp Thing won the second. In the third, Cyborg used one of his armors that has all of his teammates' abilities and weapons. When Swamp Thing saw how dedicated he was, he decided to let Cyborg win on one condition. However, he had to promise to fight Darkseid with every bit of ingenuity, heart, and perseverance that he fought him with. Cyborg promised and blew him away.
Titans No. 30 creative team
- Writer: John Layman
- Artist and Colors: Pete Woods
- Inker: Bruno Abdias
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