During its DC Next Level panel at San Diego Comic-Con, the publisher announced two high-profile ongoing series starring fan-favorite Black superheroes: a landmark Vixen title and a long-awaited return for Static.
Both books fall under the banner of DC’s Next Level publishing push—an initiative designed to give top-tier creators room to build accessible, character-defining runs that play in the DC Universe without getting bogged down by massive crossover continuity.
Vixen: Mari McCabe Takes Center Stage
After decades as a core Justice League member and a standout supporting player across the DC Universe, Mari McCabe is officially getting her flowers. Vixen #1 marks the first-ever ongoing solo series for the character in her 45-year history.
- The Creative Team: Two-time Eisner nominee Stephanie Williams (Temporal, Roots of Madness) and fan-favorite artist Khary Randolph (Excellence, Spawn).
- The Pitch: Williams explained that the series will re-frame Mari on her own terms—a high-fashion international icon who unapologetically owns her double life. During the panel, Williams summed up the vibe: “It’s like if Rihanna finally decided to be a superhero.”
Static: Bang Baby Returns to the Mainstream
Virgil Hawkins is officially back on the solo beat. Following his recent appearance with the New Titans and integration into the broader DC Universe, Static is headlining his first ongoing series in 15 years.
- The Creative Team: Writer Cody Ziglar (Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Deadpool) and artist Diego Olortegui (Justice Society of America).
- The Pitch: Ziglar, who has proven his ability to write kinetic, fresh, modern teenage heroes, brings his energetic voice to Milestone’s flagship hero. According to Ziglar, the series will focus on Virgil “dusting off the cobwebs and reintroducing himself to the superhero world” as he navigates new threats and higher stakes.
With Vixen reclaiming her fashion-and-heroics crown and Static stepping back into the ongoing spotlight, DC’s Next Level slate is quickly becoming one of the most exciting corners of the publisher’s lineup.
