The DC: Next Level initiative is hitting its stride this spring, and the latest additions might be the most intriguing yet. This May and June, the line expands beyond its initial wave to include two heavy hitters: Barbara Gordon: Breakout and The Deadman. While the March launches of Batwoman, Lobo, and Deathstroke set a high bar, these new titles suggest that DC is willing to take genuine risks with character status quos.
Seeing Mariko Tamaki and Amancay Nahuelpan reunite for a Gotham thriller feels like a win for fans who want a grittier, more grounded look at the Bat-family.
What is the story behind Barbara Gordon: Breakout?
One of the boldest choices in Barbara Gordon: Breakout is the decision to strip the protagonist of her usual resources. Instead of relying on the high-tech surveillance of Oracle or the tactical gear of Batgirl, Barbara is forced to survive using only her intellect.
Barbara Gordon: Breakout #1 variant covers by David Nakayama, and Yanick Paquette
Barbara Gordon: Breakout #1 variant covers by Amancay Nahuelpan, and Jorge Corona
The premise places her in a Supermax prison operated by Vandal Savage, who has effectively outlawed vigilantes in Gotham City. This “framed and hunted” narrative feels like a fresh way to test Barbara’s limits. With Karl Kerschl handling the main covers, the visual aesthetic for this May 13 launch looks sharp, offering a “Next Level” perspective on a character who is often defined by the people she assists rather than her own solo survival instincts.
The Deadman #1 main cover by Martín Morazzo and Chris O’Halloran
Who is the creative team for The Deadman?
If you are a fan of surreal, psychological horror, the announcement of The Deadman is likely the highlight of the DC: Next Level expansion. Launching June 3, this six-issue miniseries brings together W. Maxwell Prince and Martín Morazzo, the acclaimed duo behind Ice Cream Man. They are moving from the haunting corridors of the Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum series into the spiritual chaos following the events of DC K.O.
In this version of the DC Universe, the balance of life and death is broken, leaving Boston Brand as the only entity capable of navigating a “ghostly derangement.” Martín Morazzo and colorist Chris O’Halloran are perfect for this kind of paranormal weirdness, and we can expect the visual storytelling to be as mind-bending as the script.
The Deadman #2 main cover by Martín Morazzo and Chris O’Halloran
How does this fit into the DC: All In era?
These titles are part of a massive creative surge for the publisher. As DC: All In enters its second act, the DC: Next Level line is serving as a playground for creator-driven stories. The roster of talent involved in upcoming 2026 books is staggering, featuring names like Jeff Lemire, Greg Rucka, and Skottie Young.
These books seek to offer a perfect entry point for new readers or those who have felt overwhelmed by the main DCU.
Whether it is the gritty prison break of a tech-less hero or the metaphysical possession of a circus performer, the variety here proves that the “Next Level” branding is more than just a marketing gimmick.
