DC’s next crossover event is a superhero death tournament story called DC K.O.
DC K.O. features the return of Darkseid to the forefront of the DC Universe. He is now growing in strength at an alarming rate due to a mysterious new Omega power. The solution? DC’s greatest heroes must enter a tournament death match that pits them against each other to be crowned King Omega, giving one of them enough power to stop Darkseid.
Darkseid has dropped out of the spotlight since DC All-In Special #1. But we’ve seen teases of him reclaiming control, including having his own possessed Legion of Superheroes. What is his new plan for absolute domination?
Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder will handle the scripting for this slugfest event. Artist Javi Fernández joins Snyder to illustrate the epic throw downs. Meanwhile, Superman writer Joshua Williamson will coordinate the tie-ins issues that will affect the greater DC universe.
Despite a ton of heroes entering the fray, this is essentially a story focused on Superman. Williamson and Snyder talk about how much the Man of Steel drives the story.
“Metal was a Batman story, Death Metal was a Wonder Woman story—and DC K.O. is a Superman story.
Synder expands of what potential threats Superman will face in the story.
“I wanted to tell a story about Superman looking into his own heart of darkness. It’s a very personal story wrapped in nine layers of candy exploding in your face.”
‘DC K.O.’ Tie-ins and Variant Covers
Like all event comics nowadays, DC K.O. will feature a multitude of variant covers and tie-ins issues.
The first issue features a main cover by Fernández. DC K.O. #1 variant covers include artists Jim Lee, Daniel Warren Johnson, Frank Cho, Scott Koblish, Jae Lee, and Mike Del Mundo, plus specialty variant covers by Ben Oliver (Face-off variant), NOOBOVICH (1:25 ratio variant), Dan Mora (Bracket variant; AEW Cameo variant), Mark Spears (Darkseid variant), and a foil variant by main cover artist Fernández. However, DC only provided the variant covers for Warren Johnson and Oliver at this moment.
For tie-in issues, DC K.O. will be felt throughout all sorts of ongoing and limited series titles. Justice League: Omega Act #1 will be the opening prologue issue for the event. It’ll deal with a plot line from Superman. Darkseid’s possessed Legion are chasing the Time Trapper. But only the Justice League can help the Trapper. Joshua Williamson and Yasmine Putri are the creative team for Omega Act.
In Titans #28, Superman #31, The Flash #26, and Justice League Unlimited #12 will feature the various heroes on their personal side-quests to stop Darkseid. Will they succeed? Who will be the victor in this match-up?
DC K.O. #1 is available from participating retailers on October 8, 2025.
Source: DC.com
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