SDCC ’25: DC Comics loads up as it begins the 10 year build towards a century in publication

It’s set to be a loaded decade for DC Comics, which is heading towards its 100 year anniversary, and SDCC 2025 kicks it off.

From the newsstand to the comics shop

We talk about comic book milestones all the time here on BG, but that talk is usually in reference to single books hitting lofty numbers on individual runs. This time though, it’s a whole publishing house that’s getting the anniversary treatment, as DC Comics rockets towards its 100th anniversary, though there is a caveat.

One of the biggest comic book publishers in the world, DC officially turns 100 in 2035, not 2025. So why are we talking about it now? Well, the short answer is that DC Comics has a whole lot planned between now and then, for what’ll be ten years of festivities.

Each year between now and ’35 will focus on a different decade out of the publisher’s history, and so this year represents the very beginning of that initiative, starting with San Diego Comic Con. It’s there that DC will have what sounds like a deep presence, headlined by the booth on the show floor. The company says that space will sport a “new, yet familiar, look”, and will harken back to the first decade of DC, 1935-1945.

DC goes on to say that the booth will play off of that time period, with a nod of nostalgia that comes complete with an old-style newsstand. Fans will be even able to take home a complimentary “1940s-style Daily Planet newspaper, complete with classic DC Comics ads, pulled direct from DC’s comic book archives, that once promoted the heroes and adventures of their time”. Perry White doesn’t just run ads though, and so the newspaper will also serve up some sneak peeks at a few of DC’s upcoming titles, along with the panel schedule, and some of the events offered at the Con.

But wait, because that’s not all the fun there will be at the DC booth. Guide Dogs of America will be on hand with their “Tender Loving Canines” program which, according to DC, will see a “legion of caped canines” arrive at the booth. Fans will also be able to grab “limited edition SDCC convention exclusives” by way of a collaboration between DC and DC Worlds Collide, Progressive, Milk-Bone, and Fortnite. And that’s not even mentioning all the stuff with McFarlane Toys, Funko, and more.

Ready for the full guide? Well, you might want to grab a beverage or something, because it’s quite a read. Scroll down to check it all out.

DC Comics Publishing Exclusives

On sale in the DC Booth will be a wide variety of comic books, graphic novels, and new merchandise from DC. While supplies last, DC will be selling limited printings of special edition foil covers for Absolute Batman #1, Absolute Superman #1 and Absolute Wonder Woman #1, all with new covers by Jae Lee, a “Bat Symbol” foil variant of Batman #158, a “S-Shield” Supergirl #1 foil variant cover, a Stanley “Artgerm” Lau foil variant cover on New History of the DC Universe #1, a Superman Unlimited #1“SUPERMAN x FORTNITE” foil variant cover by Jim Lee, a Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #1“Titan Sized Special Edition” foil variant by Kevin Maguire, and more. DC will also be offering exclusive editions of Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo, Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton,and Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon, all with dust jackets by Jim Lee, art prints ofBatman #158 H2SH Cover by Jim Lee (11” x 17” Art Board Facsimile), Batman #163 H2SH Tryptic Covers by Jim Lee (11” x 17” Art Board Facsimile Set), and New History of the DC Universe Cover by Scott Koblish (18” x 24” Poster).

DC Comics press release

DC Shop Merchandise Exclusives

At the DC Booth, Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Shop will offer a range of exclusive must-have items for DC Super Hero fans and Super-Villain enthusiasts while supplies last. This includes a special “Legends Forever” hoodie designed to honor the DC Trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. There will also be a t-shirt, pin, and hat with the new Batman comic book logo (debuting on Batman #1 in September), a 24k Gold-plated over 925 sterling silver S-Shield gold necklace, Krypto the Super-Dog hoodie, and assorted pet goods based on Superman, a Supergirl t-shirt, and more.

Also available at the DC Booth is official merchandise for Peacemaker Season Two. Highlights include an “Eat Peace” t-shirt and baseball cap, inspired by HBO Max’s Peacemaker.

DC Comics press release

For fans not at the show, DC Shop honors the past and embraces the now with an online collection featuring “First Edition” Golden Age tees of the DC Trinity and their current “Absolute” versions with art by Jim Lee. Fans will also find new Supergirl, Lobo, and Peacemaker Season Two merchandise as part of the online collection.

DC Comics press release

DC Worlds Collide: Assemble Your Dream Team of Heroes and Villains

Warner Bros. Games and DC invite fans to experience DC Worlds Collide, the highly anticipated mobile RPG, at the DC Booth. Players will step into a richly animated DC Universe where they can:

• Recruit and battle with over 70 iconic characters including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Harley Quinn, and Lex Luthor.
• Form strategic alliances between Super Heroes and Super-Villains to take down the nefarious Crime Syndicate.
• Utilize RPG tactics and character synergies based on class and traits to dominate in campaign mode and side quests.
• Upgrade gear and abilities to unlock each character’s full combat potential.

Attendees who demo the game will receive two limited-edition 11” x 17” posters and can snap photos in front of a massive 20-foot lightbox showcasing the game’s cinematic key art.

DC Comics press release

Fortnite x DC: A First-Ever Comic-Con Crossover

In a historic first, Epic Games joins DC at Comic-Con International: San Diego to celebrate the Fortnite x DC collaboration.

Fans can play Fortnite’s Blitz Royale mode at the DC gaming station in the DC Booth and unlock a limited-edition poster featuring exclusive artwork by legendary DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee. The poster showcases Superman alongside a new generation of heroes introduced in the Fortnite universe. DC will also be hosting a livestream for the activation on DC’s Twitch and YouTube channels from the DC Booth on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoon from 1pm-4pm PST.

This marks the first time Fortnite has been playable at the DC Booth (#4544), offering fans a unique opportunity to experience the crossover in person.

DC Comics press release

Progressive Presents: Step Into Comic Book Lore

DC and Progressive Insurance are giving fans the chance to become part of comic book legend. At the DC Booth, visitors can:

• Pose inside a life-size recreation of the iconic Action Comics #1 cover, featuring Superman’s first appearance.
• Receive a special edition reprint of Action Comics #1 with a custom variant cover starring Progressive’s beloved icons, Flo and Jamie, in a heroic twist on the classic image.

This interactive photo activation blends nostalgia with humor, offering a one-of-a-kind souvenir for fans and collectors alike. Presented by Progressive, the activation also shines a spotlight on Progressive’s in-app safety feature, Accident Response—a real-world superhero solution that is there when you need it most.

DC Comics press release

Milk-Bone® and DC Unleash a Super-Powered Friendship

In a heartwarming collaboration, Milk-Bone® and DC present Superman: A Friendship Unleashed, a 12-page original comic celebrating the bond between Superman and his loyal canine companion, Krypto the Super Dog.

• Written by acclaimed DC writer Ivan Cohen and illustrated by fan-favorite artist Travis Mercer, the comic explores themes of loyalty, courage, and companionship.
• The comic will be available exclusively at Comic-Con 2025 as a “virgin” convention exclusive—featuring no logos or text on the cover for a clean, collectible look.
• Fans who purchase the limited-edition Milk Bone x SUPERMAN box at the DC Booth will receive a free copy of the comic while supplies last.
• The booth will also feature a 20-foot lightbox display of Mercer’s stunning cover art, perfect for photo ops.

DC Comics press release

DC’s engaging panels and screenings will offer exclusive insights into the world of comics, animation, live action, and more, and offer fans a glimpse into the future of their favorite DC Super Heroes. Renowned writers, artists, and industry experts will take the stage to discuss upcoming projects, share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and answer fan questions.

Fans can also immerse themselves in the DC Universe and discover what lies ahead for their beloved DC characters during panels featuring Joshua Williamson (Superman), Scott Snyder (Absolute Batman), Nick Dragotta (Absolute Batman), Mark Waid (Action Comics), Tom King (Wonder Woman), Jeremy Adams (Green Lantern), Nicole Maines (Secret Six), and more.

Whether attendees are curious about the next major DC story arcs or seeking insider knowledge about hit TV shows and more, DC’s panels and partner panels will be an essential destination for SDCC attendees.

DC Comics press release

• 11:30AM – 12:30PM. DC ALL IN: WHAT’S NEXT. (DC Comics Panel)
  • Join Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Mark Waid, and other top DC storytellers in a can’t-miss panel that dives deeper into DC’s core and Absolute comic books for 2025, and beyond! Panelists include Jeff Lemire, Hayden Sherman, Deniz Camp, Jeremy Adams, and more. Moderated by DC Executive Editor Chris Conroy and DC Group Editor Paul Kaminski. Room: 6DE
• 3:30–4:30 PM. Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios (Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires). (Warner Bros. Animation Panel)
  • A look at the highly anticipated animated movie “Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios” (“Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires”). Join members of the cast and the creative team as they share footage and provide an inside look at how they are bringing the world of Batman into the captivating history and culture of Mesoamerica.
  • “Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios” (“Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires”) is an original animated feature-length film that places the iconic DC Super Hero against the backdrop of the captivating history of Mexico and immerses fans around the world in the exciting culture of Mesoamerica. In the time of the Aztec Empire, Yohualli Coatl — a young Aztec boy — experiences tragedy when his father and village leader, Toltecatzin, is murdered by Spanish Conquistadors. Yohualli escapes to Tenochtitlan to warn King Moctezuma and his high priest, Yoka, of the imminent danger. Using the bat god Tzinacan’s temple as a lair, Yohualli trains with his mentor and assistant, Acatzin, developing equipment and weaponry to confront the Spaniard invasion, protect Moctezuma’s temple, and avenge his father’s death. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Anima and Chatrone, Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios is a Particular Crowd filmbased on characters from DC. Room: 6BCF

• 11:15AM – 12:15PM. DC COMICS: METROPOLIS AND BEYOND. (DC Comics Panel)
  • Join a legion of celebrated DC comic book creators for this fun panel as they discuss Superman, DC’s comics, and more. Moderated by DC Group Editor Paul Kaminski. Panelists include Joshua Williamson (Superman), Dan Jurgens (Superman Treasury 2025: Hero for All), Mark Waid (Action Comics), Dan Slott (Superman Unlimited), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Adventures of Superman: Book of El), Nicole Maines (Secret Six), and more. Room: 6DE
• 12:30PM – 1:30PM. DC COMICS: GOTHAM CITY. (DC Comics Panel)
  • Walk the dark and gritty streets of the DC Universe with top DC comic book creators for news and surprises involving Batman and the other protectors of Gotham City. Panelists include Matt Fraction (Batman), Scott Snyder (Absolute Batman), Dick Dragotta (Absolute Batman), Kyle Higgins (Immortal Legend Batman), Daniel Warren Johnson (Absolute Batman 2025 Annual), and more. Moderated by DC Group Editor Rob Levin. Room: 6DE
• 3:30PM-4:30PM. PEACEMAKER SNEAK PEEK & PANEL. (HBO Max and DC Studios Panel)
  • Panelists will include James Gunn (co-head of DC Studios, executive producer, writer, director), John Cena (Peacemaker, executive producer), Danielle Brooks (Adebayo), Jennifer Holland (Harcourt), Freddie Stroma (Vigilante), Steve Agee (Economos), Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), Sol Rodriguez (Sasha Bordeaux) and Tim Meadows (Langston Fleury). The highly anticipated global trailer for season two of the series will be released during the panel, which will be moderated by Josh Horowitz, host of MTV and the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. Room: Hall H
• 5:15PM – 6:15PM. JIM LEE & FRIENDS. (DC Panel)
  • Jim Lee (DC President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer) is on hand to bring out a few of his friends for discussions and reveals that will have everyone talking long after the Con is over! You won’t want to miss this. Moderated by Jim Lee. Room: 6BCF

Meet and greet the exceptional talent behind DC’s extraordinary comics, animation, films, and more, all weekend long! SDCC attendees will have the opportunity to get their comics signed and connect with the writers, artists, voice actors, actors, writers, and directors who bring these iconic characters to life. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the DC talent signings are an exclusive chance to connect with the creative minds shaping the future of the DC Universe.

Stop by the DC Booth while at SDCC for a complete list of signings and appearances, including DC President, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee, Bilquis Evely (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow),Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow), Joshua Williamson (Superman), Scott Snyder (Absolute Batman), Nick Dragotta (Absolute Batman), Mark Waid (Action Comics), and more! Some signings will require wristbands. Details, and the full schedule of DC Booth signings will be revealed via dc.com and @DCOfficial ahead of the show.

DC Comics press release

Beginning Thursday, July 25, fans can visit the DC Booth (#4544) on the convention center floor at Comic-Con, meet some real-life caped canines from Guide Dogs of America, and more.

From 1pm-2pm on Thursday to Sunday, the DC Community team will be on-site to meet fans. In celebration of the DC Official Discord Server’s one-year anniversary, the DC Community team will be holding another free poster giveaway in the DC Booth! All booth visitors who show proof of their DC Discord server membership will receive a SDCC-exclusive poster of Hayden Sherman’s Absolute Wonder Woman #11 variant cover, DC GO! pins, and a custom DC High Volume comic book, while supplies last.

At 6pm from Thursday to Saturday, DC once again invites fans to play THE JOKER IS WILD, hosted by Tim Sheridan. Fans will get a chance to play a decidedly different DC spin on the classic slot-machine trivia game while at SDCC! This year we welcome special guest “Professor” Mark Waid (“The New History of the DC Universe”) to assist contestants who need extra help! Can you conjure up three Jokers and answer the question correctly? Swing by the DC Booth (#4544) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 6pm to test your DC knowledge, press your luck, and win a fabulous prize!

On Sunday from 11:00am-1:00pm, Guide Dogs of America will be in the DC Booth with a legion of caped canines from their “Tender Loving Canines” program for a meet-and-greet. Visit the DC Booth to meet several guide and service dogs, plus an adorable puppy-in-training. Enjoy lives demonstrations, interact with these four-legged champions, and discover how Guide Dogs of America’s expert trainers and puppy raisers help these canines become live-changing companions who bring independence, confidence, and connection to those who need it most.

Immerse yourself in the rich world of DC through interactive experiences that transport fans straight into the heart of the action. More details on DC’s activations in Booth #4544 will be revealed in the coming weeks.

DC Comics press release

DC’s presence at SDCC 2025 outside of the new DC Booth will underscore the publisher’s commitment to delivering thrilling storytelling experiences across multiple platforms, including comics, movies, TV shows, video games, and more. As DC continues to expand its universe and captivate audiences worldwide, SDCC provides the perfect stage to highlight the next chapter in their remarkable journey.

McFarlane Toys is set to release a Batman-Superman Fusion Digital Collectible at this year’s Comic-Con. To celebrate the launch, McFarlane will introduce twelve exclusive 1-of-1 Physical Batman Variants—each uniquely hand-painted. Every figure features a distinctive metallic colorway, a cap personallysigned by Todd McFarlane, and comes in custom packaging sealed with a silver foil sticker andindividually hand-numbered for authenticity. In a fusion of digital and physical experiences, fans who purchase any Batman-Superman Fusion digital collectible using a credit card will be automatically entered to win one of 12 Legendary digital variants. Each winner will then be contacted to receive the exclusive 1-of-1 physical Batman figure shipped directly to their home—completely free of charge. A selection of these ultra-rare figures will be on display at Booth #1915 during Comic-Con.

Funko (Booth #5341) and Mondo (Booth #5045) will also offer must-have DC exclusives at SDCC. Among their offerings are a POP! Heroes: Kingdom Come Batman collectible figure, the original Batman and Robin Funko Pop! vinyl figures (POP! Heroes: Batman 2010 and POP! Heroes: Robin 2010) as “Blueprint” and “Greenprint” variants celebrating 15 years of the original Funko versions of the characters, and Knightfall’s vigilante Azrael as a SDCC exclusive. More DC exclusives for Mondo will be revealed before SDCC kicks off on July 24. Fans can visit Funko and Mondo online to learn more.

Join DC at Comic-Con in Booth #4544…and beyond! SDCC is where DC Super Heroes are made, imaginations soar, and fans become part of the story.

DC Comics press release