DC Comics is leaning fully into chaos this spring with the announcement of MAD About DC, a 64-page, MAD Magazine–style parody one-shot set to arrive on April 1, 2026—a release date that feels both suspiciously appropriate and deeply on brand. Despite the timing, DC insists this is not an April Fools’ prank, though the decision to hand the reins to writer Chip Zdarsky as guest editor may still raise a few eyebrows across the DC Multiverse.
Described as a loving roast of DC’s iconic characters, creators, and occasionally baffling creative decisions, MAD About DC aims to revive the spirit of classic MAD Magazine within the framework of modern DC Comics. The result is a self-aware, irreverent celebration that embraces satire not as mockery, but as a badge of honor earned through decades of pop culture dominance.
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- MAD About DC main cover by Dan Panosian
Zdarsky, who has previously written some of DC’s most high-profile stories—most notably Batman—is more than willing to poke fun at his own career trajectory. “They say at DC there’s nowhere to go but down after writing Batman, and, yeah, it’s true,” Zdarsky joked. “It’s very true.” That tongue-in-cheek tone appears to define the entire project, which invites creators to gleefully dismantle the DC Universe with affection, insight, and sharp comedic instincts.
DC Editor-in-Chief Marie Javins emphasized that the one-shot is deeply rooted in the legacy of MAD Magazine, which famously skewered superheroes, politics, entertainment, and itself with equal enthusiasm. “MAD has a long tradition of sharp, fearless satire,” Javins said. “When Chip pitched a project that would roast the DC Universe, it was clear he could assemble the right team. These creators know our characters inside and out, which is why they can twist them in ways that feel both surprising and smart.”
That team is nothing short of massive. MAD About DC features an eye-popping roster of writers and artists spanning multiple generations and creative styles. Among the highlights is Sergio Aragonés’ “A MAD Look at Comic Book Stores,” a fitting contribution from a legendary MAD alumnus. Jim Zub and Ramon Perez team up for “Guy vs. Spy,” while Charles Soule and Ryan Browne deliver a brand-new DC Fold-In, a staple of classic MAD issues.
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- MAD About DC variant cover by Chip Zdarsky
Beyond those anchor pieces, the book is packed with MAD-style parodies taking aim at beloved (and occasionally loathed) DC titles. Contributors include Mark Waid, Gail Simone, Scott Snyder, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Ryan North, Skottie Young, Tom Taylor, Rainbow Rowell, Vita Ayala, Kyle Starks, Matt Fraction, Tini Howard, and dozens more. The sheer scale of the contributor list underscores the project’s ambition: this isn’t a one-note joke, but a full-on comedic anthology designed to hit every corner of the DC Universe.
The issue also boasts an impressive lineup of covers. The main cover comes from Dan Panosian, whose tongue-in-cheek subtitle—“MAD About Gluten Labeling Because It Should Actually Be Clearer or Else What’s the Point”—perfectly captures the project’s absurdist sensibility. Variant covers include cardstock editions by Simon Bisley and Chip Zdarsky, as well as a foil variant by Panosian for collectors who prefer their satire shiny.
Ultimately, MAD About DC positions itself as a rare act of corporate self-parody in an industry often defined by intense fandom and high-stakes storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime MAD Magazine reader, a devoted DC fan, or simply someone who enjoys watching top-tier creators gleefully break the rules, the one-shot promises a comic packed with wit, nostalgia, and unapologetic silliness.
MAD About DC goes on sale April 1, 2026, wherever comics are sold. No whoopee cushions are included—but readers should probably expect a few metaphorical ones.
