When DC Comics published DC All In Special #1 a year or so ago, no one expected it would feature Darkseid’s death. But something that seismic always has consequences. Followers of Darkseid have arrived on Earth, transforming it into hellish landscapes with the intention of resurrecting their leader. The only thing that can stop them is the DC Universe’s heroes competing in a deadly tournament to be crowned the new Omega King.
The knockout tournament is told in the appropriately named DC K.O. comic book event. Expect plenty of heroes, even more danger, in a story that will have huge ramifications for the DC Universe.
Make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action with our DC K.O. reading order. It has all the details you need to follow your favourite heroes throughout the tournament and features background reading, creative teams, release dates, and heaps more.
Let’s get ready to rumble!
Which characters are involved in DC K.O.?
Wondering if your favourite characters will be featured in DC K.O.? DC Comics shared the tournament participants in a variant cover by Dan Mora, as seen above.
Listing left to right, the heroes and villains involved include:
Top row: Power Girl, Superman, Lex Luthor, Supergirl, Black Lightning, Guy Gardner, Giganta, and Captain Atom.
Second row: Damian Wayne, Batman, Red Hood, Batwoman, Jay Garrick, Cheetah, Cyborg, and Big Barda.
Third row: Plastic Man, Aquaman, Harley Quinn, Lobo, Conner Hawke, Star Sapphire, Vixen, and Zatanna.
Bottom row: Metamorpho, Wonder Woman, Swamp Thing, Firestorm, King Shark, Hawkman, The Demon, and Starro.
It’s also likely that DC Comics will feature other characters in this event as well – either in a supporting role or a surprise inclusion. Who are they? You’ll have to read to find out.
Are the tie-ins essential?
Big comic book events like DC K.O. often draw other comics on the publishing slate into their orbit. Here, they’ll tie into the happenings of the main story, often telling events from a different perspective or off-page. But are they essential?
It’s totally up to you if you want to read them. The rule of thumb with company-wide comic book events is that you’ll be able to enjoy them by reading the main story alone. The tie-ins are supplemental, expanding your reading experience in a way that suits you. For example, if you want to know more about what’s happening with Superman, then you might want to check out the Superman issues that tie into the story.
Background reading
DC K.O. is a culmination of the wider meta-narrative DC Comics has been telling since October, 2024 as part of DC All In. As a result, there’s plenty of comics to catch-up on if you want to do some background reading prior to jumping into the comic book event.
DC All In Special #1
Written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson. Art by Wes Craig and Daniel Sampere.
DC All In Special #1 kicks off DC Comics’ meta-narrative. One half of this one-shot shows Darkseid’s death that creates ramifications going forwards. The other half introduces the Absolute Universe, an alternate universe that reimagines the DC Comics’ characters in fresh and exciting ways.
The one-shot also kicks off the All In publishing initiative, which has informed much of DC Comics’ publishing slate in the main universe for the last year.
Superman (2023 series) #19-20
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Dan Mora.
This pair of issues introduces introduces a new Time Trapper, who plays a larger role later on the road to DC K.O. It’s not someone you’d expect.
Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #1-5, 10-11
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Dan Mora.
Spinning out of the events of DC All In Special #1, Justice League Unlimited is the flagship title the All In era. This continues the meta-narrative, while also acting as a trunk for other comic series to branch off from.
Note: Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #10-11 are set after the We Are Yesterday crossover, mentioned below.
We Are Yesterday
Written by Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell. Art by Clayton Henry, Travis Moore, Dan Mora, and Pop Mahn.
We Are Yesterday is a crossover between Justice League Unlimited and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest. The story told drives plot-points from the former series forward and acts as a stepping stone in the larger All In meta-narrative. Check out the We Are Yesterday reading order to find out how to read it.
Justice League: Dark Tomorrow Special #1
Mark Waid and Marc Guggenheim. Art by Cian Tormey.
Justice League: Dark Tomorrow Special #1 follows up on plot-points spinning out of We Are Yesterday.
Superman (2023 series) #28-30
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Dan Mora.
This trio of Superman issues tells the Legion of Darkseid story, which builds up to DC K.O.
Titans (2023 series) #27 (Tie-in)
Written by John Layman. Art by Max Raynor.
Events of this issue continue into Justice League: The Omega Act #1.
DC K.O. reading order
Find out how to read DC K.O. with the below reading order. It features all the comics involved, annotations, creative teams, and release dates to help you enjoy this comic book event.
Justice League: The Omega Act #1 (Prelude)
Written Joshua Williamson. Art by Yasmine Putri.
Available 1st October
DC K.O. #1 (of 5)
Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Javi Fernández.
Available 8th October
Titans (2023 series) #28 (Tie-in)
Written by John Layman. Art by Pete Woods.
Available 15th October
Superman (2023 series) #31 (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Eddy Barrows.
Available 22nd October
The Flash (2023 series) #26 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell. Art by Vasco Georgiev.
Available 22nd October
Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #12 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 22nd October
DC K.O. Knightfight #1 (of 4) (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Dan Mora.
Available November 5th
Aquaman (2025 series) #11 (Tie-in)
Written by Jeremy Adams. Art by John Timms.
Available 12th November
Titans (2023 series) #29 (Tie-in)
Written by John Layman. Art by Pete Woods.
Available 19th November
Justice League Red #4 (Tie-in)
Written by Saladin Ahmed. Art by Clayton Henry.
Available 19th November
DC K.O. #2 (of 5)
Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Javi Fernández.
Available 26th November
Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #13 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 26th November
Superman (2023 series) #32 (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Eddy Barrows.
Available 26th November
The Flash (2023 series) #27 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell. Art by Vasco Georgiev.
Available 26th November
DC K.O. Knightfight #2 (of 4) (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 3rd December
DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Sean Izaakse.
Available 3rd December
Aquaman (2025 series) #12 (Tie-in)
Written by Jeremy Adams. Art by John Timms.
Available 10th December
DC K.O.: Wonder Woman vs. Lobo #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Joëlle Jones. Art by Jason Howard.
Available 10th December
Titans (2023 series) #30 (Tie-in)
Written by John Layman. Art by Pete Woods.
Available 17th December
DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Leah Williams. Art by Mirka Andolfo.
Available 17th December
The Flash (2023 series) #28 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell. Art by Vasco Georgiev.
Available 24th December
Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #14 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 24th December
Superman (2023 series) #33 (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Hayden Sherman.
Available 24th December
DC K.O.: Red Hood VS. The Joker #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson. Art by Dustin Nguyen.
Available 24th December
DC K.O. Knightfight #3 (of 4) (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 7th January
DC K.O. #3 (of 5)
Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Javi Fernández.
Available 14th January
Aquaman (2025 series) #13 (Tie-in)
Written by Jeremy Adams. Art by John Timms.
Available 14th January
Titans (2023 series) #31 (Tie-in)
Written by John Layman. Art by Pete Woods.
Available 21st January
DC K.O.: Green Lantern Galactic Slam #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Jeremy Adams. Art by Cian Tormey.
Available 21st January
Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #15 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 28th January
The Flash (2023 series) #29 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell. Art by Vasco Georgiev.
Available 28th January
DC K.O.: The Kids Are All Fight Special #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Jeremy Adams. Art by Travis Mercer.
Available 28th January
Superman (2023 series) #34 (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Addy Barrows and Eber Ferreira.
Available 28th January
DC K.O.: Boss Battle #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Jeremy Adams. Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ronan Cliquet, and others.
Available 4th February
Note: As announced at New York Comic-Con 2025, DC K.O.: Boss Battle #1 brings in characters from various properties into DC K.O. This includes Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat), Homelander (The Boys), Vampirella, Red Sonja, Annabelle (The Conjuring), and Samantha the Bear (Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees).
DC K.O. Knightfight #4 (of 4) (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 4th February
DC K.O. #4 (of 5)
Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Javi Fernández.
Available 11th February
Titans (2023 series) #32 (Tie-in)
Written by John Layman. Art by Pete Woods.
Available 18th February
Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #16 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Dan Mora.
Available 25th February
The Flash (2023 series) #30 (Tie-in)
Written by Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell. Art by Vasco Georgiev.
Available 25th February
Note: The Flash (2023 series) #30 picks up the threads of Challengers of the Unknown (2024 series) #5, which was written by Christopher Cantwell.
Superman (2023 series) #35 (Tie-in)
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Addy Barrows and Eber Ferreira.
Available 25th February
DC K.O. #5 (of 5)
Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Javi Fernández.
Available 5th March
Buy DC K.O. on…
After DC K.O.
What should you read after the conclusion of DC K.O.? Some comics will pick up threads from the conclusion of this comic book event and run with them. It’s also worth noting that DC K.O. is not the end of the All In meta-story, simply the conclusion of Act 1.
Here are a few suggestions:
DC Next Level
DC K.O. will create an environment where DC Comics will publish several new comics under the “DC Next Level” banner. These in-continuity comics will be creator-driven and use under-utilised characters like Firestorm, Lobo, Zatana, Barbara Gordon, and other.
Check out our DC Next Level guide to find out more.
Reign of the Superboys
After Superman’s death back in the 1990s, four other Supermen rose up to replace him. After DC K.O., Superman has gone missing, and four Superboys will rise up to fill the void.
Reign of the Superboys is not strictly a crossover event. Instead, it’s more parallel stories that are thematically/conceptually connected and running through the Superman family titles.
It runs through the following comics:
- Action Comics #1096-1099 (Superman is replaced by his younger self)
- Supergirl (2025 series) #11-15 (Superman is replaced by Superboy, Conner Kent)
- Superman Unlimited (2025 series) #11-15 (Superman is replaced by his son, Jon Kent)
- Superman (2023 series) #36-40 (Superman is replaced by Superboy-Prime)
Action Comics #1100
Written by Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson, Sophie Campbell, and Dan Slott. Art by Skylar Partidge, Ryan Sook, Daniel Sampere, Dan Mora, and Lucas Meyer.
Available 25th July.
Superman returns in this big milestone issue.
Superman 2026 Annual: Year One Thousand #1
Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Eddy Barrows and Yamine Putri.
Available 29th July.
Superman 2026 Annual: Year One Thousand #1 explores what Superman has been up to since the conclusion of DC K.O.
Justice League Unlimited (2024 series) #17 onwards
Written by Mark Waid. Art by Clayton Henry.
Available 25th March.
The team gets some new members in wake of DC K.O.
Batgirl (2024 series) #17
Written by Tate Brombal. Art by Takeshi Miyazaw.
Available 4th March
This issue, spinning out of DC K.O., begins a new storyline (and jumping-on point) called “The Curse of the Blood“. Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) returns to Gotham City and discovers she has the ability to control her blood like a weapon.
Emperor Aquaman #15
Written by Jeremy Adams. Art by John Timms.
Available 11th March.
Aquaman has leveled up after the events of DC K.O., warranting a title change to his comic book.
The Flash (2023 series) #31
Written by Ryan North. Art by Gavin Guidry.
Available 25th March.
The Flash gets a new creative team and kicks off new stories in the wake of DC K.O.
New Titans #33
Written by Tate Brombal. Art by Sami Barsi.
Available 18th March
Titans (2023 series) has been renamed New Titans with issue #33. It kicks off a story that spotlights the fallout of DC K.O. for the team.
Harley Quinn (2021 series) #60
Written by Elliott Klan. Art by Carlos Oliveras.
Available 25th March.
Harley Quinn is “full of DC K.O. energy” and has a new lease on life.
Collected editions
Do you want to read DC K.O. in trade paperback instead? These are the ones you’ll want to pick-up if you want to read all of the event.
DC K.O.
Collects: DC K.O #1-5
Available 4th August.
DC K.O.: All Fight
Collects: Superman (2023 series) #33, Titans (2023 series) #30, The Flash (2023 series) #28, Aquaman (2025 series) #12, DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1, DC K.O.: Wonder Woman vs. Lobo #1, DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna #1, and DC K.O.: Red Hood vs. The Joker #1
Available 4th August.
DC K.O.: Battle Royale
Collects: DC K.O.: Green Lantern Galactic Slam #1, Justice League: The Omega Act Special #1, DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special #1, DC K.O. Knightfight #1-4, and DC K.O.: Boss Battle #1
Available 4th August.
DC K.O.: Superman
Collects: Superman (2023 series) 28-35
Available 11th August.
Note: For those picking up Superman in trade paperback, DC K.O: Superman is the equivalent of volume 6 of this run in the format.
DC K.O.: Justice League Unlimited
Collects: Superman (2023 series) #28-35
Available 18th August.
Note: For those picking up Justice League Unlimited in trade paperback, DC K.O: Justice League Unlimited is the equivalent of volume 3 of this run in the format.
DC K.O.: Titans
Collects: Titans (2023 series) #28-32 and Titans Annual (2025) #1
Available 25th August.
Note: For those picking up Titans in trade paperback, DC K.O: Titans is the equivalent of volume 5 of this run in the format.
DC K.O.: The Flash
Collects: The Flash (2023 series) #26-30
Available 25th August.
Note: For those picking up The Flash in trade paperback, DC K.O: The Flash is the equivalent of volume 5 of this run in the format.
Have your say
Who are you rooting for in this tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below or via Bluesky, Facebook, or Mastodon.
i really love these titles and hopefully, I will follow online. Do well to keep me updated.
I can’t wait to see the Superman vs Captain Atom. I hope it doesn’t fall below expectations because, DC has a knack for (somehow) making Superman hold back while others smack him around which I often see as bad writing.