The series was part of the "New Age of DC Heroes" initiative, which launched following the conclusion of the Dark Nights: Metal crossover event, and began publication on June 6, 2018.

According to Orlando, the titles core theme is discovery, describing it as a cross between "The Dark Tower and Seven Samurai", and deals with numerous aspects of DC's multiverse.

After her body was released to Civil Solutions, they resurrected her by installing the Conflict Engine into her heart, which requires her to fight every 24 hours or she'll die.

[4] In October, during the New York Comic Con the "Dark Matter" initiative had been rebranded to "The New Age of DC Heroes",[5] with The Unexpected being one of the titles to debut.

[6] Orlando described the series as "The Dark Tower meets Seven Samurai"[6] and focuses on new characters Janet Fals/Firebrand, Colin Nomi/Neon the Unknown, Turid Goldenaxe/Viking Judge, and Elligh/Ascendant.