DC Comics is closing out the year with a major surge in demand across several flagship titles, prompting the publisher to announce a fresh wave of reprints headed to comic shops beginning January 2026. According to information shared with retailers recently, multiple high-profile issues—spanning both the blockbuster Absolute Batman line and the rapidly escalating DC K.O. crossover—have sold out yet again at the distributor level.
Leading the charge is Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1, which returns for a second printing after continued, widespread interest. The oversized annual has been a standout release since launch, driven in large part by its 30-page lead story written and illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson. Additional contributions from James Harren and Meredith McClaren have further cemented the issue as a showcase of top-tier artistic talent. Retailers will have several formats available: the standard self-cover priced at $5.99 using the original Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer artwork—this time updated with a recolored logo—an open-to-order foil edition at $8.99, a brand-new cardstock variant also by Johnson for $5.99, and a premium foil version of the new illustration for $8.99.
Also returning to shelves in a significant way is Absolute Batman #1, the explosive debut issue from writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta that ignited the current line’s momentum. The title will hit a remarkable milestone in January with its 10th printing—an achievement seldom seen even among top-performing modern comics. This printing includes a $4.99 self-cover featuring Dragotta and Frank Martin’s original artwork with refreshed logo colors, alongside a new cardstock variant by fan-favorite artist InHyuk Lee for $5.99 and a foil edition of Lee’s variant at $7.99.
Beyond Gotham, the energy surrounding DC’s 2026 publishing slate is further amplified by strong performance from the DC K.O. event. Four essential tie-in issues—DC K.O.: Knightfight #1, Justice League Unlimited #12, Superman #31, and The Flash #26—have all sold out and will return in second printings on February 4. Each will retain its original Dan Mora cover, updated with a recolored logo to distinguish them from the first editions. Pricing is set at $3.99 for Knightfight #1, Justice League Unlimited #12, and The Flash #26, while Superman #31 will be offered at $4.99.
These rapid sellouts and accelerating print counts make one thing clear: readers are deeply invested in both Absolute Batman and DC K.O., and DC Comics is wasting no time ensuring fans and retailers have more opportunities to jump aboard. With new printings arriving early in the new year, the momentum behind these stories shows no signs of slowing.
