Just as the dust begins to settle on DC K.O., DC Comics is already revving the engine for their next major phase. Coming in March 2026, the publisher will launch DC: NEXT LEVEL, the official second act of the massive DC ALL IN initiative. Spearheaded by architects Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, this new wave is designed to inject high-octane energy into the main continuity while offering fresh jumping-on points for new readers.
The Vision: Super-Charging the Main Line
Following the success of the DC ALL IN SPECIAL and the launch of the Absolute Universe, the goal now is to bring that same “event-level” excitement to solo character titles.
Scott Snyder explained the momentum behind the shift:
“Josh and I are excited to enter the second phase of DC ALL IN with NEXT LEVEL. From the launch of the DC ALL IN SPECIAL, to the introduction of an Absolute universe, and into the DC K.O. event that we’re right in the middle of now, we’re determined to build on all of the fan enthusiasm, and the retail support and story momentum, by continuing to take big swings in 2026.”
Joshua Williamson noted that this initiative is about elevating the core DC experience:
“I’m incredibly excited to be involved in this new initiative designed to super-charge DC’s main line. Much like how the Absolute Universe provided a new burst of creative energy with a series of unexpected new series, DC: NEXT LEVEL aims to deliver similar excitement.”
Accessible, Yet Connected
A major concern for fans is always continuity. Will these books require a wiki to understand? According to leadership, the answer is no. These are designed as clean entry points that still matter to the wider universe.
“These books are set in continuity,” Williamson explained. “While the series will be independent reads and not heavily tied to other books, they will exist alongside DC’s ongoing comic book series like Superman, Batman, Justice League Unlimited, and more.”
“The DC: NEXT LEVEL books are very new-reader friendly and will roll out over time,” added Snyder. “Like the Absolute line, this is an initiative that welcomes new readers that are looking for a jumping-on spot for DC’s main line of comic books.”
The March 2026 Lineup
Three heavy hitters are leading the charge this March. As Williamson describes them:
“In March, the first month of DC: NEXT LEVEL, new series starring Lobo, Deathstroke, and Batwoman are three new books that stay true to the characters as they’ve appeared in DC ALL IN and DC K.O., but the creative teams will take them into new, badass stories that explore different genres that any fan can dive into.”
LOBO
- Creative Team: Skottie Young (Writer) & Jorge Corona (Art)
- Release Date: March 4, 2026
- The Lowdown: The Main Man is back on a bike that breaks the sound barrier. It’s described as a “guts-soaked path” from the end of DC K.O. to the end of the universe. Expect mayhem, special guests, and as the solicit says, “tasty, tasty continuity.”
BATWOMAN
- Creative Team: Greg Rucka (Writer) & DaNi (Art)
- Release Date: March 11, 2026
- The Lowdown: Greg Rucka returns to Kate Kane! Kate has lived in the shadow of prophecy since she was a child. Dealing with a religion devoted to the end of all things, Batwoman must figure out how to fight the devil when the devil is real.
DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR
- Creative Team: Tony Fleecs (Writer) & Carmine Di Giandomenico (Art)
- Release Date: March 18, 2026
- The Lowdown: Slade Wilson is being taken apart piece by piece by an enemy from his past. To survive, he is evolving into his “purest form”—a terminator out for revenge.
What’s Next?
This is just the tip of the iceberg. DC teased a massive roster of talent joining the NEXT LEVEL initiative later in 2026, including Jeff Lemire, Mariko Tamaki, Kyle Higgins, and many more, tackling characters from Zatanna to the Teen Titans.
“We can’t wait for you to see what’s coming,” Snyder added. “And this is just the beginning.”
“This is just the second phase of what we’ve planned for DC ALL IN,” Williamson concluded. “There’s a legion of stories still to be told.”
Stay tuned for more information regarding DC’s Next Level initiative.
