DC’s Hawk-Girl summer is almost here, and the publisher is turning up the heat. Several of DC Comics’ most iconic heroes, including Batgirl, are debuting bold new redesigns that abandon their traditional looks in favor of some skin-baring styles. These outfits would be downright scandalous if the heroes planned to fight crime in them, but thankfully, that doesn’t seem to be the point. Instead, the playful new suits suggest these characters have something far more fun in mind.
In the world of comics, it has long been common for female heroes to wear costumes that edge toward the inappropriate and often slip into outright impractical territory, baring far more skin than the armor one might expect for fighting supervillains. While there has been plenty of debate about the sexualization of women in comics, these skin-baring designs are undeniably part of many iconic heroines’ legacies. Characters like Wonder Woman, Starfire, and Power Girl are prime examples, often showing far more skin than their male counterparts.
However, one heroine whom DC Comics has been relatively consistent in giving a practical, armored costume is Batgirl. Barbara Gordon’s suit has typically prioritized protection and mobility over flashier, more revealing designs. Now, though, it appears DC is preparing to spice things up for Barbara ahead of their HAWK-GIRL SUMMER. Fortunately, the new look seems to be situational, meaning it will not replace her standard, crime-fighting-as-a-human-approved Batgirl costume.
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What Is DC’s Hawk-Girl Summer?
Main Cover by Guillem March for DC’s Hawk-Girl Summer #1 (2026)
DC Comics has officially released its solicitations for July, and among them is a teaser for its upcoming summer anthology special, DC’S HAWK-GIRL SUMMER #1. The title for this anthology is beyond clever, serving as a nod to the slang phrase “Hot Girl Summer,” which typically alludes to a season focused on unapologetic self-confidence, having fun, and living one’s best life.
The 80-page anthology, available to read on July 29, 2026, will feature multiple short stories by various writers and artists, all centered on fan-favorite DC characters’ slaying summer. Fans can find the official synopsis for the special below:
LISTEN UP, NORMIES… A HAWK-GIRL IS TALKING! Summer has arrived — and so has your perfect juicy beach read. Hot off the presses, this collection of scorching new stories showcases the babes and bombshells of the DCU slaying the summer! Join Hawkgirl, Catwoman, Red Hood, Grace Choi, Thunder, Shining Knight, Kid Quick, and more as The Female Furies dominate the beach, the boardwalk, and any bad guys in their way.
Batgirl Debuts Her Hawk-Girl Summer Bikini (Plus Robin Swimsuits!)
Cover B Lesley ‘Leirix’ Li Variant for DC’s Hawk-Girl Summer #1 (2026)
In addition to releasing the official synopsis and main cover for the special, DC Comics has also shared a stunning variant cover by Lesley “Leirix” Li. It is on this variant cover that fans get their first look at the official Batgirl bikini, which features a simple Batgirl-purple string bikini with a cutout of Barbara’s signature yellow bat symbol spanning her chest.
The Bat-Family, especially Batman, are famous for having a specialized suit for nearly every situation, and it seems that this golden rule even applies to summer beach fun. Batgirl and Nightwing, along with Damian Wayne, Tim Drake, and Jason Todd, are all featured on the cover showing off swimsuits that pay tribute to their iconic costumes. These swimsuits make it clear that <em>Batgirl</em> and the Robins are more than ready for their Hawk-Girl Summer.
DC’s Hawk-Girl Summer #1 from DC Comics is available to read on July 29, 2026!
