DC Comics is laying the groundwork for the return of one of its most influential imprints with the reveal of four new variant covers tied to its upcoming Vertigo relaunch. Announced ahead of the imprint’s February 2026 rollout, these covers are illustrated by the same artists who helped power the success of DC’s best-selling Absolute Universe titles. The move is both strategic and symbolic, signaling a creative throughline between DC’s prestige superhero re-imaginings and Vertigo’s long-standing reputation for daring, genre-defying storytelling.
Vertigo has always occupied a unique space in DC’s publishing history. From its early days redefining what mainstream comics could explore, to its later role as a haven for creator-owned and experimental work, the imprint became synonymous with ambition and artistic risk. As DC prepares to reintroduce Vertigo to a new generation of readers, these variant covers act as a visual handshake between past legacy and present momentum.
The four newly unveiled variants spotlight a roster of artists whose work on the Absolute line has drawn critical acclaim and strong sales. Javier Rodríguez, known for his evocative use of color and mood, brings his distinctive atmospheric style to The Nice House by the Sea #7. Rodríguez’s cover leans into the unsettling, psychological tone readers have come to expect from the series, reinforcing Vertigo’s strength in horror and slow-burn tension while offering an unmistakable artistic signature.
Nick Dragotta, whose dynamic and expressive approach helped define Absolute Batman, turns his attention to Bleeding Hearts #1. Dragotta’s variant cover is expected to emphasize raw emotion and bold visual storytelling, aligning perfectly with Vertigo’s tradition of character-driven narratives that blur the line between genre fiction and intimate drama. For longtime fans of Dragotta’s work, the cover serves as a compelling reason to sample Vertigo’s newest offerings.
Rafa Sandoval adds another layer of gravitas with his variant for End of Life #1. Known for his dramatic compositions and powerful figure work, Sandoval injects a sense of scale and urgency into the title. The cover hints at high-stakes themes and existential weight, reinforcing the idea that Vertigo’s relaunch is not about nostalgia, but about tackling big ideas with modern sensibilities.
Rounding out the lineup is Hayden Sherman, whose experimental and often minimalist style has made Absolute Wonder Woman visually distinctive. Sherman provides a stark, unconventional variant for The Peril of the Brutal Dark #1. The cover’s bold design choices underscore Vertigo’s willingness to challenge visual norms and embrace comics as a flexible, evolving medium. It is perhaps the clearest statement of intent among the four: Vertigo is back to push boundaries, not to follow trends.
The release schedule for these titles begins in early February 2026, with The Nice House by the Sea #7 arriving on February 4. Bleeding Hearts #1 follows on February 11, End of Life #1 on February 18, and The Peril of the Brutal Dark #1 closes out the month on February 25. Together, they form the opening salvo of a broader Vertigo publishing initiative that will continue to expand throughout 2026.
DC has emphasized that the revived Vertigo imprint will once again serve as a home for bold creative voices and creator-owned projects. These are stories unbound by traditional superhero formulas, embracing horror, science fiction, fantasy, crime, and experimental narratives with equal enthusiasm. By pairing these launches with variant covers from the artists behind the Absolute line, DC is clearly inviting its current readership to follow that creative energy into new territory.
For fans, the message is clear: Vertigo’s return is not a retreat into the past, but a reinvention built on the same creative confidence that has fueled DC’s recent successes. With striking artwork, ambitious concepts, and a commitment to risk-taking, the Vertigo relaunch is positioning itself as one of DC’s most exciting initiatives in years.
