DC Special Series was published in four different formats: Dollar Comics,[1] 48 page giants, digests, and treasury editions.

The first issue included "The Dead on Arrival Conspiracy", a Batman vs. Kobra story by Martin Pasko, Michael Netzer (Nasser), and Joe Rubinstein originally scheduled for the unpublished Kobra #8.

[3] DC Special Series #1 also included the story, "How to Prevent a Flash", which introduces Patty Spivot.

That character would later appear in season two of The Flash TV series, portrayed by actress Shantel VanSanten.

[4] DC Special Series started out as a biweekly title in 1977 until Spring 1978, when it became quarterly.