Among the many changes established with David Corenswet’s Superman came his new movie motto, asking the world to consider that perhaps in our modern age, “kindness is punk rock.” DC is now making good on that idea, revealing bold new redesigns as the DC Universe officially goes punk.
The unexpected new redesigns are all set to arrive in January, created as part of a punk rock-themed variant cover line spread across six comic books featuring Superman, Supergirl, Superboy, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
From safety pins to zine-style slogans, these comic book covers channel the raw energy, DIY spirit, and anti-establishment ethos of punk rock, all while celebrating the enduring power of Superman, Supergirl, and their allies to stand up, speak out, and fight for what’s right. Kindness is the new punk rock!
The Justice League’s Bold New ‘Punk’ Designs Arrive This January
This won’t be the first time that Superman led a charge into punk or grunge design, but DC’s official press release confirms that James Gunn’s “Punkrocker” Superman movie choices have sparked this current revolution. These limited-edition “Punk Rock” variant covers bring an explosion of attitude (and safety pins) to physical and digital comic shops starting January 2026.
While every fan is sure to have their own favorites among the group, DC offers a full breakdown of all included issues, along with the talent recruited to bring these monuments to anarchy to life in the new year:
- Action Comics #1094 – Annie Wu turns up the distortion with a punk-rock Superboy thrashing an electric guitar mid-solo, amps blazing and attitude dialed to eleven.
- Superman #34 – Dave Johnson delivers a bold, black-and-white zine-style cover with the rallying cry “Kindness is the new punk rock” scrawled across Superman.
- Superman Unlimited #9 – Mike Allred goes full anarcho-pop, plastering Superman over a giant anarchy symbol surrounded by safety pins, torn textures, and retro rebellion.
- Supergirl #9 – Marguerite Sauvage paints Kara Zor-El as a punk heroine: fierce, stylish, and ready to break the mold.
- Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #47 – Fabrizio De Tommaso captures the duo looking like they just stepped out of a gig and into a showdown.
- Justice League Unlimited #15 – Dan Hipp transforms Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman into punk rock icons in his signature vibrant style: patched jackets, wild hair, and all the attitude you can handle.
Will A Punk Rock Twist on The DC Universe Go Beyond Just Cover Art?
For now, these shockingly dramatic punk takes on the Superman Family and Friends are limited to tthis line of variant covers, but one has to wonder if DC will be viewing these sales with great interest. After all, news headlines and promising comic sales are following just about every bold new Justice League redesign in DC Comics at present. And that goes for both the main universe, and the totally unexpected and totally ‘blockbuster’ Absolute Universe, as well.
While some might view the idea of a “DC Punk” imprint, line, or universe, one must remember that even long before the launch of Absolute Batman changed all the rules, DC saw fit to give the dinosaur Justice League their own comic series. So truly, anything is possible.
Fans looking to do their part for punk can pick up one of these variant DC Comics covers when they arrive in January 2026.