DC Studios and DC Comics are deep into a transformational year, laying down the foundation for their reimagined cinematic universe while reinvigorating the comic book arm with bold strategic shifts. From the highly anticipated return of Superman to ambitious new animated ventures and a decade-long roadmap for publishing, here’s the most compelling look at everything happening in the world of DC right now.
DC Studios
Mister Miracle Gets an Animated Series with a Bold Vision
A standout surprise from the Annecy Animation Festival: DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation are officially developing an adult animated series based on Mister Miracle, the Eisner-winning comic by Tom King and Mitch Gerads. King himself is taking the reins as showrunner and executive producer, promising a dark, introspective, and visually stunning adaptation.
The series will focus on Scott Free’s harrowing mental health struggles and surreal escapist themes, much like the original comic. Key characters such as Big Barda and Darkseid will feature prominently. This continues DC’s recent push into more mature animated storytelling, following the critical success of Harley Quinn, Creature Commandos, and My Adventures with Superman.
While a release platform hasn’t been named yet, the announcement suggests HBO Max is the likely home.
“Superman” Final Trailer Lands – July 11 Release Set
James Gunn’s Superman—the linchpin of the DCU’s new Gods & Monsters chapter—dropped its final trailer ahead of its July 11 release, and it’s setting fan expectations sky-high. The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, with a tone that blends hopeful Americana with grounded political intrigue.
What’s different? Gunn promises a character-first approach, stripping away the Snyder-era aesthetic for something more emotionally earnest and cinematic. Gone are the bombastic battles—this Superman wrestles with identity, purpose, and his place in a divided world. The film also reportedly includes a meaningful post-credits scene that sets up future DCU chapters.
In a unique move, Prime members will be able to attend early screenings on July 8 through a Warner Bros.–Amazon partnership, mimicking the early access model Disney has used for select MCU films.
Justice Gang Introduced – New Heroes Join Clark Kent
Alongside Superman’s solo debut, we’re getting a fresh super-team: the Justice Gang. Confirmed characters include:
- Nathan Fillion as a brash, scene-stealing Guy Gardner (Green Lantern)
- Isabela Merced as a fierce and tactical Hawkgirl
- Edi Gathegi as the cerebral and calculating Mister Terrific
- Sean Gunn portrays Maxwell Lord, rumored to be manipulating events from the shadows
This isn’t the Justice League—it’s more like Clark’s “work friends,” as Gunn put it. The dynamic feels more personal and grounded, offering viewers an early taste of a shared universe without jumping directly into world-ending threats.
What’s Next: Batman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl & More
Despite rumors of internal shakeups, DC Studios is keeping its slate intact. Here’s what’s confirmed or in development:
- The Batman Part II (Matt Reeves’ follow-up) has been delayed to 2027, but Gunn calls it “essential to DC’s broader creative ambitions”—existing within the DC Elseworlds banner.
- Wonder Woman 3 is reportedly in early development, although without Patty Jenkins. Expect a major tonal and thematic shift aligned with the Gods & Monsters blueprint.
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (based on Tom King’s graphic novel) is entering pre-production, starring Milly Alcock and embracing a cosmic, melancholic tone far different from anything previously in the DCU.
- Lanterns, a True Detective-style HBO Max series centered on Hal Jordan and John Stewart, is still on track for late 2026.
- Additional titles like Starfire!, My Adventures with Green Lantern, and the all-ages DC Super Powers are also in early stages.
DC Comics
A 10-Year Strategic Plan to Reclaim the Comic Market
DC Comics is undergoing a major restructuring as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s larger publishing vision. A new 10-year roadmap was unveiled that aims to streamline their offerings around core characters—primarily Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman—and reduce dependency on multiverse-heavy arcs and continuity resets.
The plan includes:
- More standalone, accessible graphic novels
- Enhanced digital platform presence via DC Universe Infinite Ultra
- Cross-media coordination with DC Studios’ film/TV output
- Focused re-investment in younger talent and legacy creators
The effort echoes Marvel’s 2010s strategy, though DC is leaning harder into curated imprints and creator-driven titles.
June 2025 Comic Highlights
This month’s comic drop includes fan-favorites and new tentpoles:
- Batman #161 – Continuing the Gotham War fallout
- Superman Unlimited #2 – Expanding the new Metropolis mythology
- Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #1 – A kaiju-powered blockbuster follow-up
- Wonder Woman #22 – Still riding high from Becky Cloonan’s reboot run
- Absolute Superman – A deluxe reissue featuring Grant Morrison’s All-Star epic
- DC Pride 2025 Anthology – Featuring Alan Scott, Batwoman, Dreamer, and Nubia
- Absolute Flash & Absolute Martian Manhunter under the Absolute Universe banner, DC’s answer to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe
Quick Recap
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Animation | Mister Miracle adult animated series greenlit, Tom King showrunning |
| Film | Final Superman trailer; film launches July 11 with Prime early access |
| Justice Gang | New heroes join Clark Kent: Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific |
| Upcoming Films | Batman 2 delayed to 2027, Supergirl, Wonder Woman 3 in development |
| Publishing | DC Comics’ 10-year plan aims for character-first storytelling |
| June Releases | Pride anthology, new Batman/Superman issues, Absolute Universe grows |
DC isn’t just rebooting its cinematic universe—it’s rebuilding its entire storytelling ecosystem from comics to streaming, aiming for long-term creative cohesion. Whether you’re into panel-by-panel storytelling or big-screen spectacle, this summer marks a major turning point for the DC brand.
Harley Quinn Comic Latest News
Harley Quinn remains one of the most unpredictable and engaging characters in DC’s lineup, and 2025 has already proven to be a wild ride for fans of the Clown Princess of Crime. Between controversial one-shots, ambitious crossover projects, and milestone issues, Harley’s comic universe is more active—and more chaotic—than ever.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments, from April Fools antics to inclusive anthology features and major creative team updates.
Big Releases and Special Issues
- Harley Quinn #50 (April 23, 2025): This milestone issue saw Harley team back up with Poison Ivy in a story addressing gentrification and the rise of a new gang called the Gunbuddies. It’s a turning point in the ongoing series, blending humor with grounded Gotham themes.
- Harley Quinn #51 (May 28, 2025): The follow-up issue continues the “Clown vs. Brain vs. Gunbuddies” arc with more of the same chaotic energy, now featuring enhanced AI-driven SmartGotham surveillance drama.
- Harley Quinn Fartacular: Silent Butt Deadly #1 (March 26, 2025): Perhaps the most divisive comic of the year, this gross-out humor special featured scratch-and-sniff panels, over-the-top toilet jokes, and a heavy dose of meta-commentary. Though clearly intended as an April Fools gag, fan reactions ranged from amused chuckles to outright backlash.
Harley in DC Pride 2025
Harley headlines one of the stories in the DC Pride 2025 anthology, released June 4, 2025. The anthology is set in Gotham’s oldest LGBTQ+ tavern and features fan-favorite characters like Alan Scott, Midnighter, and Poison Ivy. Harley and Ivy’s story blends heartfelt moments with offbeat charm, reinforcing their place as one of DC’s most beloved couples.
Upcoming Crossovers and International Releases
- Harley Quinn & Elvira (August 2025): In a major DC/Dynamite crossover, Harley teams up with Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in a six-issue limited series that promises meta-humor, supernatural weirdness, and fourth-wall-breaking madness. Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti are back on board, marking a nostalgic return for longtime Harley fans.
- Wonder Woman & Harley Quinn: The Forbidden Gift: This French-original graphic novel from Urban Comics launches September 6, 2025. The story sees Harley seek refuge on Themyscira after a botched Gotham heist. No English translation is confirmed yet, but international buzz is high.
Creative Team & Direction
The current Harley Quinn run is led by writer Elliot Kalan and artist Mindy Lee, who took over with issue #44 under DC’s “All In” initiative. Their run focuses on Harley navigating a morally gray Gotham as she battles new villains and her own unstable inner voice, often depicted as a separate personality in the panels.
Art styles continue to rotate between main issues and specials, keeping the aesthetic dynamic and well-matched to Harley’s unpredictable tone. From zany cartoonish spreads to gritty noir panels, the visuals remain a standout feature of the current run.
What About the Animated Series?
The Harley Quinn animated series will return for a new season in November 2025, as teased during San Diego Comic-Con. Details remain scarce, but showrunners have hinted that the new episodes will continue to build on Harley and Ivy’s chaotic relationship, while satirizing the larger DC universe with even sharper humor.
Takeaways
- Harley Quinn #50 and #51 highlight major shifts in the main comic series, including new villains and heavier Gotham commentary.
- DC Pride 2025 features Harley and Ivy in a heartfelt LGBTQ+ story set in Gotham’s oldest queer tavern.
- Harley Quinn & Elvira crossover begins in August 2025 with a beloved creative team returning.
- “Fartacular: Silent Butt Deadly” was released March 26, 2025, and remains one of the most controversial comics of the year.
- The animated series returns in November 2025, continuing its meta humor and fan-favorite dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest issue in the main Harley Quinn comic series?
The most recent issue is Harley Quinn #51, released May 28, 2025. It continues the Gunbuddies storyline and ramps up the tension between Harley’s anarchic instincts and a Gotham growing increasingly policed by AI-driven surveillance.
What was the deal with the “Fartacular” issue?
“Harley Quinn Fartacular: Silent Butt Deadly #1” was a humor one-shot meant for April Fools 2025. Featuring “rub-and-sniff” panels and crude jokes, it has divided fans—some found it hilarious, others thought it was over the line. It has become a meme in the community, for better or worse.
Is Harley involved in any Pride events?
Yes! She and Poison Ivy are part of the DC Pride 2025 anthology, with a short story set in an LGBTQ+ Gotham tavern. The issue was released June 4, 2025, and celebrates queer representation across DC’s roster.
Will Harley appear in more crossovers?
Absolutely. Beyond her upcoming team-up with Elvira, Harley remains a top candidate for both DC in-universe crossovers and rumored Marvel/DC one-shots, though the latter remains speculation for now.
What’s next for Harley Quinn comics in 2025?
Fans can expect more major releases, surprise team-ups, and potentially even multiverse twists as DC ramps up Harley’s role in upcoming storylines. Given her mainstream appeal and adaptability, Harley isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
