DC is leaning into the chaos this April Fools’ Day with the announcement of MAD About DC, a 64-page one-shot that aims to roast the DC Universe from the inside out. Arriving on April 1, 2026, the special issue is guest-edited by Chip Zdarsky, who is taking a break from his serious Dark Knight duties to poke some fun at the pantheon.
Regarding his new role as the “architect of chaos,” Zdarsky offered a characteristically blunt assessment of his career trajectory:
“They say at DC there’s nowhere to go but down after writing Batman, and, yeah, it’s true. It’s very true.”
A Tribute to the Spirit of MAD
The project isn’t just a random parody; it’s a formal embrace of the sharp, fearless satire that made MAD Magazine a cultural institution. DC Editor-in-Chief Marie Javins noted that the creators involved are specifically chosen because of their deep knowledge of the source material they are skewering.
“This project embraces the spirit of MAD Magazine in the best possible way. MAD has a long tradition of sharp, fearless satire, poking fun at everything, including DC, with real wit and craft. When Chip pitched a project that would roast the DC Universe, it was clear he could assemble the right team. These creators know our characters inside and out, which is why they can twist them in ways that feel both surprising and smart. That kind of playful irreverence is what MAD does best.”
What’s Inside the Issue?
The one-shot features a massive roster of legendary creators and modern favorites. Highlights include:
- Sergio Aragonés: Returning with a signature “MAD Look at Comic Book Stores.”
- Jim Zub & Ramon Perez: Reimagining a classic trope with “Guy vs. Spy.”
- Charles Soule & Ryan Browne: Providing a brand-new DC Fold-In.
- The Roast Gallery: Features from an incredible list of talent, including Mark Waid, Gail Simone, Scott Snyder, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Tom Taylor, Matt Fraction, and many more.
MAD About DC hits shelves on April 1, 2026. Fans can choose from several cover options:
- Main Cover: Dan Panosian ($7.99)
- Cardstock Variants: Simon Bisley and Chip Zdarsky ($8.99)
- Foil Variant: Dan Panosian ($10.99)
Whether you are looking for a deep dive into DC lore or just want to see your favorite heroes get the “idiot” treatment they deserve, this one-shot promises to deliver plenty of “questionable choices” from the industry’s top talent.
