UPDATED: DC COUNTDOWN STARTS IN MARCH?

[MattBrady]

Slipping through cracks, the cover to January’s Previews has been leaked, revealing apparently DC’s next major event following Identity Crisis, DC Countdown.

DC’s solicitations for March-shipping books are due to be released early next week. Until then, speculation rules.



Update 11:12 am EST: At his blog Jim Lee posted the following side-by-side, pencils to finished version comparision, adding:

Soooooooo I guess the image is out. Been having to keep this under my hat for some time now. Yep, the second cover that I collaborated on with Mr. Alex Ross and once again, he delivers the goodies. I already like how the fans are speculating who Batman is holding...but good luck.

This puppy has a million things built-in to throw you off. (Can't make it that obvious =duh=). Unfortunately the original was GIGANTIC and had to scan it in two parts. Our studio scanner was on the fritz so the lower half did not capture the gray tones for some reason (= D).

Still, was fun to draw so many DC heroes assembled on one piece and of course, Alex shines an incredible light onto it all. Very ethereal. I like how he improved upon Green Lantern and Hawkman the best. For a closer look, peek here.



For larger versions of the images, click here.

[ghostly1]

Interesting. I'm not one for big DC 'events', but if it's only a dollar, hell, I'll pick it up.

[TVerBeek]

I bet Sue Dibny is the villain.

[Simon DelMonte]

Is that Nightwing?

Well, that would answer all those questions about whether his book is being cancelled. I hope not, though.

[Monsterx7]

Looks good, not only will I buy the series I'll also pick up previews!

[tralfaz]

my guess is Superboy

[Brian Langlois]

Well, this makes me nervous. All the rumors going around make it sound like they are about to really screw up the DC Universe, just when they were getting things back together too. I like Geoff Johns, but Rucka and Winick aren't favorites with me. All that aside, Alex Ross painting over Jim Lee pencils looks AMAZING! With the artists listed, at least the book will look fantastic. We'll just have to wait and see about the story.

[James Seals]

Jim Lee? Alex Ross? Entire Justice League on cover? With Johns, Rucka and Winick on writing? ALL FOR A BUCK!!!

Equals...

I think I need to change my shorts.

[Volunteer]

80 pages for a buck by some creators I enjoy. Sounds good to me.

Volunteer

[grphxkindaguy]

Originally posted by Simon DelMonte
Is that Nightwing?

Well, that would answer all those questions about whether his book is being cancelled. I hope not, though.

If they did cancel NIGHTWING, it would be a "mercy cancellation" IMO. Devin Grayson drove that title into the ground long ago...

I plan to pick up the NW: Year One storyline, but am dropping it as soon as Grayson returns...

Its a shame that Nightwing is SO unreadable these days. He's my favorite DC character.

[BRease]

Is it me or does that look like Blue Beetle? Are those big yellow goggles?

[EJOrtiz1]

Wow, definitely going to check this out.

I wonder if Marvel is going to have a mock series to go with this one like they did with Identity Disc. I wonder what they'll call it

Just my two cents.

[rickshaw1]

Looks more like it might be wally west or blue beetle. There seems to be goggles over the eyes. I may be wrong, but that is what it appears to show.

[Johnny Smith]

Marvel will still clean DC's clock in sales

Remember Joey Da Q good, Dan DiDio bad

[render man]

The chin is weird looking. Like Plastic Man. But it can't be him right? His book is still going on? Of course this could just be one of those classic teaser covers.

[Johnny Smith]

Originally posted by EJOrtiz1
Wow, definitely going to check this out.

I wonder if Marvel is going to have a mock series to go with this one like they did with Identity Disc. I wonder what they'll call it

Just my two cents.

Secret War II

[Foenix]

Originally posted by EJOrtiz1
Wow, definitely going to check this out.

I wonder if Marvel is going to have a mock series to go with this one like they did with Identity Disc. I wonder what they'll call it

Downcount?

Great, now I've got "Electronik Supersonik" back in my brain.

J
Long live space race, long live Molvania!

[Jack Burton]

It's Catwoman.

[Grendel Prime]

Originally posted by Jack Burton
It's Catwoman.

From this single teaser image alone, that's the conclusion I came to. I don't think everyone likes the idea of Selina knowing Bat's identity post-Hush.

[algertman]

i dont see goggles

it's not catwoman--to ripped, no breast, also no cat-ears

not plastic-man--his outfit can't rip cause it is a part of him, and he has no real muscle tone

SuperBoy--No, he wears a short sleeved shirt, not long, and is fairly large

it is Dick Grayson

[Simon DelMonte]

Originally posted by Johnny Smith
Marvel will still clean DC's clock in sales

Remember Joey Da Q good, Dan DiDio bad

No.. Didio bad, Joey worse. Paul Levitz good (but outdated).

And Tom Brevort rules!

[punjeb]

My first thought was that it was the Atom (note the gloves and what looks like a hood), especially if it ties into Identity Crisis.

[holtom2000]

i'm curious to say the least.

[CrazyFool]

I agree with the Blue Beetle sentiment. Looks like the figure has goggles. Also, the parts of the face not covered by the cowl looks pretty similar to Beete, specifically around the chin/neck area.

[Rich L]

Originally posted by rickshaw1
Looks more like it might be wally west or blue beetle. There seems to be goggles over the eyes. I may be wrong, but that is what it appears to show.

Wally doesn't wear goggles, and he's already in the pic.

That's gotta be the Beetle.