DC Comics has revealed a new wave of titles for its 'Next Level' initiative, set to launch in 2027, building on the program's success from the past year. The publisher made the announcements at Comic-Con, highlighting a diverse range of new series and creative teams.
Central to the reveals is a new Batman series titled Shadow of the Bat, penned by Deniz Camp and illustrated by Javier Rodríguez. Camp, known for his Eisner-winning work on Absolute Martian Manhunter and his recent The Ultimates run, stated that the series will explore the failure of Gotham's institutions and offer a contemporary reimagining of the Batman mythos.
Batman will also be featured in a star-studded one-shot special planned for Batman Day in September. Titled Batman of Two Worlds, this special will present two interconnected stories. One will focus on the classic Batman, crafted by writer Matt Fraction and artist Javi Fernández. The second tale will explore Absolute Batman through the lens of writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Derington. Fraction described the special as an opportunity to examine the moral, ethical, and political structures surrounding Batman by placing two distinct interpretations side-by-side.
Beyond Batman, creator Michael Walsh, known for Exquisite Corpses, is writing and drawing a new six-issue series, Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death. The series is set at the end of the Wild West and introduces an ancient evil that a weary bounty hunter, Jonah Hex, must confront. The narrative teases a story of redemption for Hex as he encounters otherworldly entities and a child with mysterious abilities.
James Harren, the artist behind Ultramega, is taking on a new interpretation of The Demon. This series will follow Jason Blood, who can see and combat demonic entities feasting on humanity. However, Blood is a diminished figure, haunted by a wizard's memory and a demanding entity bound to his soul, questioning whether he can effectively protect the world while battling the demon within.
The 'Next Level' initiative will also introduce a new Static series by writer Cody Ziglar and artist Diego Olortegui, and a new Vixen series from writer Stephanie Williams and artist Khary Randolph. These additions further diversify the publisher's offerings within the expanded initiative.