DC's Next Massive Event Sounds Like Mortal Kombat Meets Thunderdome

DC Comics is set to K.O. its entire roster of heroes when they crown the ominous King Omega.

Per a press release from DC Comics, a new five-issue limited series from critically-acclaimed writer Scott Snyder and illustrated by all-star artist Javi Fernández, DC K.O., is set to serve as the focal point for a new comic book event of the same name being crafted by co-architects Snyder and Joshua Williamson. The main DC K.O. series itself is slated to be published throughout the early months of 2026, yet a whole host of upcoming titles will serve as preludes and tie-ins to the overarching DC K.O. event. Readers can get a glimpse at these titles below, which include the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Exclusive Ashcan Special Edition preview of DC K.O. #1, as well as the main and variant covers for DC K.O. #1, Justice League: The Omega Act #1, Titans #28, Superman #31, and the main covers for The Flash #26 and Justice League Unlimited #12.

Per the official solicit text for DC K.O., "This fall, the gloves come off as the greatest superheroes in the universe enter the arena in a thunderous tournament where the stakes are sky-high, and the cost of victory may be too steep to bear. Starting in October, this publishing event puts heroes to the ultimate test of strength, loyalty, and knock-down, drag-out brawls. Which 36 fighters will enter the tournament of champions? Who will rise through the brackets and rival Darkseid against his ever-growing Omega powers? And what sinister secret lies at the absolute heart of Apokolips? Get ready for the most fun you’ll have all year (at a death tournament)!"

DC K.O. co-architect and writer Scott Snyder described the series and event as "a knock-down, drag-out fight between all your favorite DC Super Heroes in a cosmic tournament to save the universe from Darkseid." Snyder went on to explain that "Darkseid has evolved into something bigger and stronger than ever... There’s no future for the DC Universe because of what he’s done—the heroes’ only shot is to stop him in the present​​​​​​​... You have to be merciless to win​​​​​​​, and when you’re out, you’re out."

DC K.O. might be the next big thing for the primary DC Universe, but it isn't the only fan-favorite DC Comics landscape currently staring down a major shakeup later this year. On July 16, DC Comics gave readers a glimpse into the future of the Absolute Universe line of titles, which not only includes numerous landmark issues across the likes of Absolute Batman, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Wonder Woman, but also the beginning of Absolute Evil, too. A new one-shot written by Al Ewing and illustrated by artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Nesi, Absolute Evil will chart the rise of the Absolute Universe's most prominent supervillains as they come together as a united front for the very first time. Absolute Evil #1 is currently slated to go on sale on October 1.

Source: DC Comics