DC Comics arrived at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 with a clear message: the publisher is investing heavily in its core characters while giving long-neglected fan favorites their time in the spotlight. During the DC Next Level panel, DC unveiled a wave of new ongoing series, creative teams, and surprises that expand every corner of the DC Universe, from supernatural horror and westerns to Milestone heroes and multiversal Batmen.
Etrigan Returns in The Demon
One of the convention’s biggest announcements was the return of Etrigan in a brand-new ongoing The Demon series from acclaimed creator James Harren, who will both write and illustrate the title. Known for his dynamic storytelling and atmospheric artwork, Harren promises a darker, horror-driven take on one of DC’s oldest supernatural heroes.
The new series launches in October 2026 and is expected to blend medieval mythology, occult horror, and explosive action into what may become one of DC’s standout books of the year.
Vixen Finally Gets Her Own Ongoing Series
After decades as a Justice League mainstay, Mari McCabe is finally receiving her first ongoing solo title.
Writer Evan Narcisse joins artist Atagun İlhan to explore Vixen’s dual life as an international humanitarian and one of the DC Universe’s most powerful heroes. The series will delve deeper into the mysteries of the mystical Tantu Totem, expanding Vixen’s mythology while firmly establishing her as one of DC’s premier solo stars.
The book also debuts in October 2026.
Static Charges Back
Another fan favorite making a triumphant return is Static.
Writer Vita Ayala reunites with artist Nikolas Draper-Ivey for a brand-new ongoing series starring Virgil Hawkins. Following the success of the Milestone revival, DC is positioning Static as a permanent fixture of its publishing line, balancing superhero action with the social commentary that has defined the character since his debut.
For many fans, this was among the weekend’s most welcome announcements.
Jonah Hex Rides Again
The Wild West returns to DC with a new Jonah Hex ongoing series written and illustrated by Michael Walsh.
Known for his gritty storytelling, Walsh appears to be embracing the darker, brutal side of the legendary bounty hunter, promising tales that combine classic western themes with supernatural elements and moral ambiguity.
It’s the first major ongoing Hex series in years and demonstrates DC’s renewed interest in genres beyond traditional superheroes.
Batman Meets Absolute Batman
Perhaps the biggest surprise came when DC teased a crossover between the main DC Universe’s Batman and the wildly popular Absolute Batman.
While few story details were revealed, the announcement further cements the Absolute Universe as a major pillar of DC’s publishing strategy. Fans can expect a clash between two very different interpretations of the Dark Knight, with ramifications likely extending across both universes.
Building the DC Next Level Initiative
The Comic-Con announcements continue DC’s larger Next Level publishing initiative, which has already introduced or expanded books featuring Firestorm, Zatanna, Doom Patrol, Teen Titans, and Deadman. Together, the line represents one of DC’s broadest publishing expansions in recent years, bringing renewed focus to legacy heroes while giving creators room to redefine classic characters for a new generation.
A Strong Showing for DC
While Marvel’s Hall H presentation generated headlines on the film side, DC’s Comic-Con presence demonstrated that the publisher remains deeply committed to growing its comic book line. By pairing high-profile creators with beloved characters and expanding initiatives like the Absolute Universe and DC Next Level, the publisher left San Diego with considerable momentum heading into the fall publishing season.
With The Demon, Vixen, Static, Jonah Hex, and the mystery surrounding Batman vs. Absolute Batman, DC appears determined to give readers a diverse lineup that spans superheroes, horror, westerns, fantasy, and multiversal storytelling.
For comic readers, October can’t come soon enough.
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