Published Feb 19, 2026, 1:18 PM EST
Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Her work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where she covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop.
DC Comics' Absolute Universe continues to grow by promising that long-awaited arrivals of fan-favorite characters will finally manifest on the page.
Per a press release from DC Comics, "DC announced two new series set in the Absolute Universe: Absolute Green Arrow by Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque, launching May 20, and Absolute Catwoman by Che Grayson, Scott Snyder, and Bengal, launching June 10. Both titles continue the imprint’s mission to reimagine iconic DC characters in bold, continuity-free stories from top creators. DC also teased that the first Absolute Universe event miniseries will arrive in Q4 2026, with additional details to be revealed later this year."
The same press release also noted that "DC thanked Direct Market comic book retailers for their support throughout 2025 and unveiled new details about the publisher’s 2026 comic book lineup. DC’s presentation highlighted the next wave of DC Vertigo titles, a new event miniseries coming in the Absolute Universe, major additions to DC Next Level, and a first look at a Gotham City event arriving later this year." DC Comics fans can keep their eyes out for fresh issues such as Lobo #1 and Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 on March 18, with even more titles to follow into Spring and Summer 2026.
Additionally, as shared in DC Comics' official recap, DC’s ComicsPro presentation further revealed the next major Next Level series: Teen Titans, launching this summer from Kyle Higgins and Daniele Di Nicuolo, the acclaimed team behind Power Rangers: Shattered Grid. In Teen Titans, Red Hood uncovers a network of missing powered teens and reluctantly joins forces with a new generation of plugged-in, hyper-capable young heroes to find them and expose the lie dividing their world.
Lastly, DC Comics elaborated on their celebration plans for Batman: The Dark Knight Returns' 40th anniversary. The publishing giant has a slew of anniversary-centric events and promotions planned, with the festivities overlapping with Batman Day 2026 as DC Comics plans to feature Batman: The Dark Knight Returns' 40th anniversary throughout the year.
DC's Absolute Universe Is the Series DC Comics Has Needed For Far Too Long
Image via DC ComicsIt's not to say that DC Comics has been experiencing staleness by any means, but the Absolute Universe has reminded comic book readers that there was a drought of freshness that needed to be invigorated by innovative creatives when reminding audiences just how interesting DC's biggest names could be when challenged by unexpected means. Absolute Universe remasters some of the franchise's most recognized names and transforms them into truly fascinating alternative versions of their original selves.
Absolute Martian Manhunter and Absolute Batman have already rightfully earned critical acclaim, with many deeming each run as a "masterpiece" as brilliant creative teams take daring risks to deliver never-before-told stories to the pages. With Absolute Catwoman and Absolute Green Lantern on the way, it'll be a thrill to see what the publisher's top creators cook up, and what the supplementary miniseries will achieve along the way.
Absolute Green Arrow is set to release on May 20; Absolute Catwoman is set to release on June 10.
Created by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
English (US) · 