DC Comics Unveils a Thrilling 2025 Lineup at New York Comic-Con
New York Comic-Con provided the perfect stage for DC Comics to unveil an exciting slate of upcoming projects, promising a blend of fresh narratives and beloved returns. From television spin-offs to kaiju clashes and the resurgence of iconic imprints, DC’s 2025 lineup is poised to captivate fans. Let’s dive into five of the most significant announcements:
1. Peacemaker Takes Flight: A Comic Book Spin-off
The wildly popular HBO Max series, Peacemaker, is set to return for a second season next year. But DC isn’t letting fans wait idly. They’re bridging the gap with Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante/Eagly Double Feature! This five-issue series will delve into the adventures of Christopher Smith’s eccentric companions. Tim Seely (Money Shot) and Mitch Gerads (Mister Miracle) will craft the Vigilante stories, which will find the bumbling antihero navigating the criminal underworld while assuming the worst about Peacemaker and Eagly’s absence. "Vigilante stories will see the goofy antihero tear his way through the criminal community based on the assumption that something bad’s happened to Peacemaker and Eagly when they’re not home," the announcement revealed. Meanwhile, Rex Ogle and Matteo Lolli will take on Eagly’s perspective, revealing a "bromantic" Alaskan trip gone hilariously awry when their flight is hijacked by supervillains. This unique double feature promises a fresh take on the already beloved characters, launching sometime next year.
2. Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2: Round Two
The epic clash of DC’s Justice League against the titans Godzilla and King Kong returns in Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 in 2025. Brian Buccellato and Christian Duce will once again helm this monstrous crossover. This sequel builds on the success of its predecessor, raising the stakes with a plot twist: several iconic DC villains, including Lex Luthor, Cheetah, and Harley Quinn, attempt to weaponize other Titans like Ghidorah and Rodan. The Justice League must once again intervene, leading to spectacular showdowns that promise "Wonder Woman or Batman riding on Mothra" as a memorable highlight. This ambitious crossover event highlights DC’s willingness to venture into unexpected territory, reaffirming the potential for compelling trans-media storytelling.
3. The Absolute Universe Expands: A Multiverse of Re-Imaginings
DC’s ambitious Absolute line, reimagining classic characters, is set to grow significantly in 2025. Following the successful launches of Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman, the second wave will include Absolute Flash by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles, Absolute Green Lantern by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay, and the highly anticipated Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez. Camp described Absolute Martian Manhunter as "the most radical Absolute reinvention so far," setting the stage for a unique psychological horror story centered around FBI agent John Jones. This story focuses on John’s battles with alien consciousnesses that haunt his mind. The narrative explores his descent into madness while offering an alternate perspective on the conflict between the familiar and the unknown. Early art reveals for Absolute Flash depicts a teen Wally West confronting classic Rogues, while Absolute Green Lantern is presented as an ensemble piece starring Jo Mullein, John Stewart, and Hal Jordan. DC confirmed a 2025 crossover event merging the Absolute and prime DC universes, with Scott Snyder teasing a "big, fun event" that "brings a lot of this stuff together." This expansion demonstrates a commitment to innovative storytelling, using familiar narratives as springboards to explore new directions.
4. Hush’s Return: A New Chapter for Batman
The enigmatic villain Hush is set to return in a long-awaited sequel to the beloved Batman: Hush storyline. Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb will reunite for this new arc, beginning in March 2025 with Batman #158. This sequel follows the success of the 2022 re-release with a new epilogue and a recent animated film adaptation. The announcement confirms that Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez’s current Batman run will conclude early next year to make way for Lee and Loeb’s new story. A prelude story in November’s Justice League Unlimited #1 will pave the way for Batman’s next major saga. This return of a beloved villain in a highly anticipated sequel is strategically timed next year, adding significant momentum to the 2025 release calendar.
5. Vertigo’s Resurrection: A Creator-Owned Focus
Following its 2019 retirement, the acclaimed Vertigo imprint makes a triumphant comeback, focusing on creator-owned projects. Unlike DC Black Label, which focused on mature takes on existing characters, the reborn Vertigo will prioritize original narratives. The relaunch will begin with a reprint of James Tynion IV and Álvaro Martinez Bueno’s The Nice House on the Lake, with future installments of its sequel, The Nice House by the Sea, published under the Vertigo banner. Executive editor Chris Conroy promised additional announcements, hinting at "surprises from the archives." The return of Vertigo represents a significant commitment to fostering diverse voices and original storytelling within the DC universe. This revival signals a recognition of Vertigo’s importance to DC’s fanbase and positions them to attract new talent and readers.
Conclusion:
DC’s 2025 lineup marks an ambitious strategy, seamlessly blending established franchises with exciting new ventures. The inclusion of a Peacemaker spin-off taps into the success of its television counterpart, the Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong sequel offers a genre-bending spectacle, and the Absolute line showcases creative reinterpretations of iconic characters. The return of Hush and the revival of Vertigo, with its emphasis on creator-owned works, signal DC’s dedication to exploring diverse storytelling avenues. Combined, these announcements offer a compelling vision of DC’s future, poised to capture both the attention of longtime fans and attract a new generation of readers. The ambitious reach and carefully chosen projects demonstrate a commitment to adapting to change while honoring the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic comic book publishers.
