DC Expands Young Readers Portfolio with 2026 Graphic Novel Slate

DC has unveiled a robust lineup for its 2026 Books for Young Readers slate, introducing a dynamic collection of graphic novels designed to captivate middle-grade and young adult audiences. Now available for review on NetGalley, these highly anticipated upcoming titles underscore DC’s strategic commitment to expanding its celebrated superhero universe with age-appropriate narratives and top-tier creative talent, ultimately cultivating the next generation of lifelong comic book enthusiasts. 

Lex Luthor: Diabolical Genius

Leading the upcoming publishing program is Lex Luthor: Diabolical Genius by Christof Bogacs, (ISBN: 978-1799503460) a clever graphic novel featuring illustrations by Valerio Chiola. This story reimagines Metropolis’s iconic villain as a brilliant teenage mastermind who vows revenge against Superman after his father, Lionel Luthor, is imprisoned.

Supergirl’s Family Vacation

Middle-grade readers can also look forward to Brandon T. Snider’s lighthearted Supergirl’s Family Vacation (ISBN: 978-1799502845). Illustrated by Sarah Leuver, this graphic novel finds Kara Zor-El escaping a less-than-appreciative Metropolis for a summer trip to the floating space city of Argo.

Orion

Meanwhile, acclaimed creator Ngozi Ukazu brings her signature character-driven storytelling charm to Orion (ISBN: 978-1799503422). Acting as a highly anticipated young adult sequel to her previous work, Barda, the graphic novel follows the brooding warrior Prince Orion as he grapples with the dark discovery that he is the biological spawn of the tyrant Darkseid.

Superman’s Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader

Rounding out the early reader selections is Rob Justus’s Superman’s Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader (ISBN: 978-1799506782). This engaging, accessible entry point for young comic book enthusiasts features a young Man of Steel who forms a flashy club alongside Hawkgirl and Green Lantern…only to face immediate pushback when he confidently declares himself the undisputed boss.