It’s a new year, and that means comic book companies are in the middle of something major or that new storylines are on their way. For example, we are still in the middle of DC K.O., and the finale of that will send shockwaves throughout the entire universe. Maybe even the multiverse.
So, with that in mind, let’s look at the must-read projects that DC Comics has coming in 2026.
Superman
In issue No. 28 of Joshua Williams’ Superman, fan favorite character Superboy-Prime returned to help Kal-El fight Darkseid’s Legion. After DC K.O. ends, the Man of Steel goes missing and Prime takes his place. That means the fourth-wall breaking, sometimes O.P. hero will be something you don’t want to miss.
With DC’s greatest hero missing, the Super Family (Lois included) will be searching the universe for their loved one. This will lead to incredible adventures. Among them could be a run-in with Zod, who may still be searching for his lost abilities.
Absolute Catwoman
People have been waiting to see more of Absolute Catwoman long before she debuted as an adult in Absolute Batman No. 12. If everyone else in this universe is different, then what would Selina be like? Well, she’s still a thief, but she’s also a gun-wielding one, and Bruce went on jobs with her.
This year, Che Grayson will tackle Absolute Catwoman’s story. With their background in horror, we can expect something cool and terrifying. There may even be a new hero or villain in her series.
Absolute Superman
In the Instagram picture above, you can see the preview artist Juan Ferreyra posted of the upcoming issue of Absolute Superman. The biggest takeaway from this is that Superman seems to be more confident and determined to keep people safe. However, he’s still learning human culture on top of how to be a hero. One is tough enough, but two could be overwhelming.
Writer Jason Aaron has written Absolute Superman differently from Scott Snyder (Absolute Batman) and Kelly Thompson (Absolute Wonder Woman). He’s been building him up as someone who didn’t have the lifestyle or parents that led him to become a hero. Bruce has his mother, and Diana has Circe. Kal-El’s parents died, and he was sent through space with nothing but his AI cape to talk to. And when he came to Earth, he was taken away from the Kents before he could learn their lessons. This has led to Superman making a lot of mistakes.
Despite his amazing victory over Ra’s al Ghul, the Man of Steel has more to learn and will get a crash course in 2026. Among the encounters that will be learning experiences will likely be his upcoming encounter with Absolute Hawkman.
DC K.O.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, the DC K.O. event is still going on. No one knows how it will end or what will happen to lead to Superman's disappearance. The easy guess is that the Man of Steel will win, but after Batman was taken out in the first issue, it may not be smart to bet on the predictable outcome.
Batman
Only four issues into their run, and Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s Batman was one of the best comic books of 2025. The two of them have created a new villain with more control over the criminal underworld than ever, and he's devious.
The best part could be that we’re seeing more of Bruce Wayne’s life outside of the cape and cowl. It will help remind readers that it isn’t just The Dark Knight that makes the character legendary. Bruce is just as important.
Spider-Man/Superman
The next team-up from Marvel and DC Comics stars two of the most iconic comic book characters of all time. Last year, Deadpool/Batman and Batman/Deadpool featured stories with various heroes joining forces, and both DC Infinite and Marvel Unlimited published exclusive team-ups. Since everything they’ve combined has been fun, why wouldn’t you want to read Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man teaming up with the Man of Steel?
Nightwing
In previous articles, I’ve mentioned that writer Dan Watters and artist Dexter Soy have brought darkness into the life of Dick Grayson, and that will carry over into 2026. Eventually, Nightwing will come out of it, but at what cost? Will this new Fifth Dimensional being, the Zanni, ruin a part of Dick’s life that could affect his personal life and how he approaches being a hero?
Aquaman
What did Arthur Curry mean when he said, “I am the Dark Tide,” at the end of Aquaman No. 12? Was this the influence of the Heart of Darkseid, or are his godly powers starting to turn him evil? And, what’s going on with his daughter? Is she a villain or just misguided? Thankfully, Jeremy Adams will give readers satisfying answers.