In the early 1980s, DC began including 16-page previews of new titles into selected issues. The first of these previews appeared in DC Comics Presents #26 and featured the debut of the New Teen Titans. These previews were inserted into the center of the standard issues with one page serving as a cover. They were included free, because they did not add to the standard cover price of the book.

Not all the previews turned into new books. For example the Wonder Woman preview in DC Comics Presents #41 was used to show off her new costume and new direction for her existing title. The Flash Force 2000 preview never led to a series, although a series of promotional comics was produced for this title. Most of the later preview inserts were for licensed toyline tie-ins. The Masters of the Universe, Mask, Atari Force, Flash Force 2000, and Lightning Racers previews were printed in several titles. The issues listed in this guide are the earliest issue in which the preview appeared.

After the preview program wound down in the mid-1980s. DC relaunched the format with a new spin. In select issues they launched a Bonus Book program. Like the previews, these Bonus Books were 16-page inserts added to the center of the book with a cover page. However, instead of launching new titles, this Bonus Book program was designed as a forum for new talent. Many of the writers and artists who worked on these inserts were new to comics. Rob Liefeld and Jim Balent are two well-known creators who had some of their early work in the DC Bonus Books.