As part of its presentation at ComicPro 2026 in California, DC Comics has announced a new wave of DC Next Level series. One announcement which really caught our eye is Barbara Gordon: Breakout, chronicling what happens next for the original Batgirl.
Barbara has been conspicuously absent from the mainstream Batman book following the launch of the Matt Fraction/Jorge Jiménez era. Whilst many believe this may be due to the character’s status at the end of the H2SH arc which is still underway, it seems like DC is preparing to answer that question when issue #1 of Barbara Gordon: Breakout hits comic book stores on May 13, 2026.
The series will be written by Mariko Tamaki with artwork by Amancay Nahuelpan. The first issue features a main cover by Karl Kerschl with variant covers by David Nakayama, Yanick Paquette and Nahuelpan. There will also be a foil variant by Nakayama and a DC Next Level-themed cover by Jorge Corona.
Here’s a first look at cover art:
The series synopsis teases that Gordon will land in hot water for her connections to the Bat-family. Will her identity as Batgirl be exposed to the world?
Framed. Outlawed. Hunted. The extralegal activities of Gotham’s vigilantes have never been more dangerous. After Barbara Gordon is arrested for aiding the Bat-Family, she is shipped off to Supermax, GCPD Commissioner Vandal Savage’s pet-project prison for all who oppose him. She will find herself alone, surrounded by dangerous criminals and equally dangerous guards, in a place where nothing is what it seems. The true danger is just beginning… Eisner Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki and fan-favorite artist Amancay Nahuelpan reunite to deliver a twisty, unexpected Bat-book for DC Next Level.
Barbara Gordon: Breakout #1 will arrive in comic book stores and on digital platforms on May 13, 2026.
