In the biggest shake-up of the comic book landscape this year, DC Comics has officially resurrected its legendary Vertigo imprint. Announced at New York Comic Con 2025, the DC Vertigo return in 2026 marks a monumental moment for fans of mature, creator-owned storytelling. The initial wave will feature ten bold new titles, including the return of modern classics and a host of original series from some of the industry’s most exciting creators. For anyone who mourned the loss of Vertigo in 2020, this is the news we’ve been waiting for.
Why the DC Vertigo Return is a Game-Changer for Comics
For those who weren’t there for its heyday, it’s hard to overstate the cultural impact of the original Vertigo Comics. Launched in 1993 under the visionary leadership of editor Karen Berger, Vertigo became a sanctuary for groundbreaking, genre-defying stories that pushed the boundaries of what comics could be. It was the home of masterpieces like Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman, Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s Preacher, and Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra’s Y: The Last Man. These weren’t just superhero stories; they were literary works that tackled complex themes of religion, politics, and the human condition, earning critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase. The imprint’s closure in 2020 left a void in the industry, and its revival signals a renewed commitment from DC to the kind of ambitious, creator-driven projects that once made it a powerhouse.
Caption: A selection of classic Vertigo titles that defined a generation of comics.
Credit: DC Comics
Source:https://www.ebay.com/itm/144889833478
The New Wave of Vertigo: A Look at the 10 New Titles
The initial slate for the DC Vertigo return in 2026 is a carefully curated mix of established hits and daring new concepts. The rollout begins in February 2026 with a new title launching each week, a strategy designed to make a massive splash and re-establish Vertigo as a dominant force in the market. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming:
Title | Creative Team | Release Date | The Lowdown |
|---|---|---|---|
The Nice House by the Sea #7 | James Tynion IV, Álvaro Martínez Bueno, Jordie Bellaire | February 4, 2026 | The acclaimed horror saga returns for its second cycle, exploring the terrifying aftermath of escape. |
Bleeding Hearts #1 | Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian, Matt Hollingsworth | February 11, 2026 | A zombie in a world of the dead rediscovers his heartbeat, a dangerous secret in a society that fears life. |
End of Life #1 | Kyle Starks, Steve Pugh, Chris O’Halloran | February 18, 2026 | A top-tier hitman confronts his own mortality when he returns home to care for his dying father. |
The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1 | Chris Condon, Jacob Phillips | February 25, 2026 | A gritty noir detective story that collides with magic, fascism, and a world-shattering artifact. |
100 Bullets: The US of Anger | Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso | 2026 | The legendary creative team returns as the infamous Lono unleashes chaos across a divided America. |
Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy | Ram V, Mike Perkins | 2026 | Wizard spies engage in a global cold war over sorcery in this occult espionage thriller. |
Necretaceous | Tom Taylor, Darick Robertson | 2026 | Scientists travel back 66 million years to stop a zombie virus, only to find themselves among dinosaurs. |
Fanatic | Grace Ellis, Hannah Templer | 2026 | A fan’s obsession with a comic book creator spirals into a deadly, real-world fixation. |
The Crying Doll | Mariko Tamaki, Rosemary Valero-O’Connell | 2026 | A chilling Jekyll-and-Hyde thriller about the dark lengths one will go to protect a friend. |
A Walking Shadow | Simon Spurrier, Aaron Campbell | 2026 | Eight strangers wake up chained to a boat with no memory, no escape, and no explanation. |
The Return of the Kings: Tynion, Azzarello, and Risso Lead the Charge
While the entire slate is impressive, the return of two modern juggernauts is what truly solidifies the DC Vertigo comeback. James Tynion IV’s The Nice House by the Sea was a critical and commercial darling under the DC Black Label, and its move to Vertigo feels like a homecoming. The continuation of this chilling, psychological horror story is a major draw and a statement of intent from DC.
Caption: The highly anticipated second cycle of The Nice House by the Seakicks off the new Vertigo era.
Credit: DC Comics / Álvaro Martínez Bueno
Source:https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dc-vertigo-nycc-the-nice-house-by-the-sea-7-takes-things-further/
Even more exciting for long-time fans is the return of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso to their seminal series, 100 Bullets. The new series, 100 Bullets: The US of Anger, promises to be a blistering, no-holds-barred look at modern America through the eyes of one of comics’ most terrifying figures, Lono. The return of the original creative team to one of Vertigo’s most iconic properties is a massive vote of confidence in the new imprint and a dream come true for fans of hard-hitting crime comics. You can read more about the evolution of comic book villain archetypes on our site.
Caption: Lono is back. The original creative team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso returns to the world of 100 Bullets.
Credit: DC Comics / Dave Johnson
Source:https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/8867029/100-bullets-the-us-of-anger-1
What This Means for DC and the Future of Creator-Owned Comics
The revival of Vertigo is more than just a nostalgia play; it’s a strategic move by DC to reclaim its position as a leader in creator-owned comics. In recent years, publishers like Image Comics have dominated the market for independent, creator-driven stories. By bringing back Vertigo, DC is sending a clear message that it is serious about attracting top-tier talent and giving them the freedom to tell their own stories. This is great news for both creators and readers, as it fosters a more competitive and creative environment for the entire industry. For more on the business of comics, check out our article on the manga global market boom.
DC has also clarified that Vertigo will be the dedicated home for creator-owned work, while the DC Black Label imprint will continue to publish mature-readers stories featuring DC’s own characters. This distinction is crucial, as it allows both imprints to have a clear identity and purpose. The DC Vertigo return in 2026 is not just about bringing back a beloved brand; it’s about building a sustainable future for creator-owned comics at DC.
With a killer launch lineup and a clear vision for the future, the return of Vertigo is poised to be one of the most exciting developments in comics in years. Get ready for a new golden age of mature, creator-owned storytelling. The future of comics just got a whole lot more interesting.
References
- Major Spoilers. (2025, October 10). NYCC’25: DC Comics announces 2026 line of Vertigo comics. https://majorspoilers.com/2025/10/10/nycc25-dc-comics-announces-2026-line-of-vertigo-comics/
- DC Comics. (2025, October 9). DC Unveils Ten Bold New Comic Book Series in Its DC Vertigo Imprint for 2026. https://www.dc.com/blog/2025-10-09/dc-unveils-ten-bold-new-comic-book-series-in-its-dc-vertigo-imprint-for-2026
- Popverse. (2025, October 9). DC unveils 2026 Vertigo relaunch: See the full list. https://www.thepopverse.com/comics-live-dc-vertigo-2026-nice-house-100-bullets-line-up-nycc-2025
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Vertigo Comics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertigo_Comics
- AIPT Comics. (2025, October 10). DC unleashes ‘Sirens: Love Hurts’ and ‘Absolute Catwoman’ at NYCC. https://aiptcomics.com/2025/10/10/dc-sirens-love-hurts-absolute-catwoman-nycc/
