DC Countdown?

[Fanatix]

Okay, so anybody really have a clue what it is?

Here's what dccomics says, http://www.dccomics.com/features/countdown/index.php

So theres one giant tpb size 80 page issue that will start it, and then it'll spread out and spawn a couple of mini/series and probably be involved in some way with most dc titles. But what the heck happans in countdown? Who's batman holding in his arms?

Villans united looks good, the dc universe has really up'ed the potential of a bunch of second stringer villans in the last year or two who could create a lot of problems for the jla.(and i just love jla vs anti-jla stories, sue me).
But whos in this group, is that captain marvel junior in the corner!?

To me this seems like a whole new way for dc to do business. Theyve done giant cross-over events before (no mans land, one million, etc). But in the last year it seems like theres been more of a series to them, each building on the last. Especially identity crisis leading to gl:rebirth, which probably leads to day of vengance and the rann/thangar war. And i've got no problem with it as long as there well written, which they have been. Except starting of 4 new mini-series is gonna take a serious bite outta my bank account.

Edit: the omac project looks really interesting too, is it possible the partner lex spoke of in teen titans which scared calculator is a apart of it?

[Blake Petit]

It's ALL speculation right now. That's what's so AWESOME about it. :)

[Blake Petit]

And I don't see Capt. Marvel Jr. on the cover. Who I do see, from the top left, are Power Girl, Dr. Fate, Wildcat, Batman, the Mysterious Person Batman is Holding, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Superman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and then curling back to the left we have Hawkgirl and Starfire.

Starfire is the engima here. The rest of the people on the cover are all in the JSA or JLA. But she's an ex-Titan/current Outsider. How did SHE make the cover?

[Fanatix]

Well then how about a little speculation? The dc section of this board always seems to me to be the most dead, even though its by far my favorite comic brand.

And i didnt mean on the dc countdown cover, i meant on the villans united cover, it appears to be captain marvel junior but i dunno, seems kinda unlike him to turn bad guy.

[Mark Blicharz]

Could be Nightwing in Batman's arms, that would definitely explain her on the cover.

[Cardiac]

Could be Nightwing in Batman's arms, that would definitely explain her on the cover.

That's what scares me.

[Cardiac]

And i didnt mean on the dc countdown cover, i meant on the villans united cover, it appears to be captain marvel junior but i dunno, seems kinda unlike him to turn bad guy.

It's Black Adam I think.

[Picard]

Well then how about a little speculation? The dc section of this board always seems to me to be the most dead, even though its by far my favorite comic brand.

And i didnt mean on the dc countdown cover, i meant on the villans united cover, it appears to be captain marvel junior but i dunno, seems kinda unlike him to turn bad guy.

That's Black Adam.

[jonsnow]

I wondered about the Nightwing factor as well, which would easily explain Starfire's appearance. However, I do know that it has been announced this is only a teaser cover and not the actual cover.

[Fanatix]

Okay thanks, yeah now I see it. It's been awhile since i've seen him.

And I really doubt its nightwing, starfire, and more of the bat team would have had a more promonent role on the cover. Not to mention, it would just be too big of a thing.

All the previews say that IC was just a prologue to DC Coundtown(which is weird, a miniseries leading to one 80 page issue). So I think it's gotta be maybe ralph, the atom, or somebody from that series.
Maybe it's doctor light, maybe he was killed (probably in an accident) while in a fight with the league where he reveals what the league did to him.

[Mark Blicharz]

Nah, Superman wouldn't look as distraught as he does. Superman is kinda like a second father figure to Dick and Starfire obviously still cares really deeply for him. Dick really seems like the biggest suspect there.

[Ryan Broussard]

nightwing just got a new creative team no way would it be him

[Mark Blicharz]

Doesn't mean that Nightwing is dead. Seriously injured, thought to be dead, or something like that. Everything is pointing at him from that cover.

[Benoit Fabre]

I also had the first impression that Batman was holding Nightwing. I hope for him that I'm wrong.

[Bigby Wolf]

I think it is Blue Beetle. In an interview I read DiDio said he would be getting alot of spotlight this year for DC.

[Blake Petit]

Don't take that "Identity Crisis" led to this TOO literally. What DC meant is that that series launched several themes and ideas that are starting to reshape the universe, and this issue and the spin-off miniseries will continue that.

If it's Nightwing, he's alive. DC's not killing him off.

[Symphony of Six]

I'll bet anyone on these boards or if I'm wrong my I be forever crucified on these boards that it is Blue Beetle in Batman's arms.

[Blake Petit]

I don't see any evidence one way or the other -- I'm not saying it ISN'T BB, just that there's nothing to convince me that it IS.

[Symphony of Six]

It's all in the eyes Blake...the eyes.

Oh, and there's a preview of it in the new Wizard that features Batman and guess who?

[Blake Petit]

I looked at the eyes. I just don't see it.

And I don't read Wizard. I wouldn't read it with a ten-foot pole. And yes, I know that's mixing metaphors and I don't care. But if Wizard is giving anything away, treat it as a SPOILER here.

[Ryan Broussard]

It's all in the eyes Blake...the eyes.

Oh, and there's a preview of it in the new Wizard that features Batman and guess who?

WHO??? BB or NW?

[Symphony of Six]

I don't think it's a spoiler because it's a preview story but it's Blue Beetle. I don't know if you've ever taken art classes or so on Blake but there is a tint of Yellow in his eyes on the cover of DC Countdown and if you look the eyes bubble out...like I say if I'm wrong I won't protest to any constant irritating ridicule that I might of subjected myself to.

[Blake Petit]

I don't care if it's in a preview or not. Not everyone reads the previews. Not everyone WANTS to read the previews. Until the book comes out, that is a spoiler. TREAT IT AS SUCH.

[Symphony of Six]

Guess I thought us discussing this on these boards was spoiler enough...guessed wrong.

[Blake Petit]

Speculation is one thing. Speculation is FINE.

Saying, "Hey, I read the first three pages online (or in Wizard or whatever) and this is what I saw" is no longer speculation.

[Symphony of Six]

Got it man...You'll know what's up when the issue comes out though.

Besides man as I quote Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back..."Don't you read Wizard?"

[Ryan Broussard]

thats my bad blake i asked for it i should have had SoS send me a PS

[Blake Petit]

It's okay guys. Just try to be mindful in the future.

And no, I can't read Wizard anymore. It's too fanboyish for me. And Comics Journal is too pretentious. Comics Buyer's Guide is where it's at, man. :cool:

[Jason Kanno]

I wish I knew how to read with a ten foot pole.

[ElrahPrime]

I believe that DC Countdown will lead to another Crisis or basically another big even in the DCU just like the Crisis as stated by the DC Vice President. It could also mark the return of Donna Troy. I think after each of the mini-series are completed (or basically after the Rann/Thanagar War), the DC event will most likely take place. Of course this is just all speculations.

[Blake Petit]

DC has said this is all leading up to "Crisis 2" and the architects of the new DCU (Johns, Loeb, Rucka, Meltzer and Winick) said that they've been planning this ever since Donna's death.

[ElrahPrime]

And I'm kinda wondering how OMAC Project is going to lead into this Crisis 2. I've been thinking that since Checkmate is the one controling the OMAC Project, speculations are leading that Lex Luthor is the man controlling Checkmate. I think Batman will find out that his mind was also altered from the Brother Satellite that's been spying on the JLA. And I'm having a feeling that this DC Countdown will be a great mini-series and it is written by DC's best, Geoff Johns.

[Jason Kanno]

DC has said this is all leading up to "Crisis 2" and the architects of the new DCU (Johns, Loeb, Rucka, Meltzer and Winick) said that they've been planning this ever since Donna's death.

Don't leave out Gail Simone. She's playing a role in this as well.

[Mark Blicharz]

I'd say Johns is right now all of comic's best. I haven't ever seen a writer write second and third rate villains as much as he does and make them interesting and a viable threat. It's amazing.

[Blake Petit]

Don't leave out Gail Simone. She's playing a role in this as well.

Actually, most of DC's writers have signed on to buoy this project, Simone included, but the five I mentioned are the ones that have really been credited with building the foundation.

[ElrahPrime]

And another thing I wouldn't be surprise is that the mystery man behind the OMAC Project and controlling Checkmate is going to end up being the Monitor and their mission is to prepare for the next Crisis. I just hope it's not Anti-Monitor this time. I rather let it be that mystery shadow thing that appeared in Adam Strange #4.

[Ryan Broussard]

if i had to guess i would say whoever dies in countdown ill be the next spectre

[Blake Petit]

Has DC actually SAID anyone will die in Countdown, or is that all just speculation based on the cover?

[Mark Blicharz]

Wouldn't shock me if they did, but I'm betting they'll hold off until Crisis 2.

[Blake Petit]

I really wouldn't be surprised if someone DOES die in Countdown. I just don't think it's a foregone conclusion like in Identity Crisis.

[ElrahPrime]

Doesn't Hal Jordan remember the Crisis?

[Blake Petit]

Not exactly. Everybody remembers a great conflict, but only Psycho-Pirate remembers what things were like before the Crisis, with the multiple Earths.

[Adam Chapman]

The actual cover to Countdown was released today over at Newsarama... take a look... (possible SPOILERS)

[Blake Petit]

Okay, consider this a pre-emptive warning, people. If you want to discuss the "real" cover and you've got something that you think even MAY be a spoiler, TREAT IT AS SUCH. Just because the cover is on the net doesn't mean it's not spoiler territory anymore.

That said... SPOILER: Interesting. Looks like DC pulled sort of a switcheroo on us there. By reminding us we hadn't seen the "real" cover, I thought the artwork was going to be different. I never dreamed we were actually getting a partial title.

Infinite Crisis, huh?

Hmm.

Color me intrigued.

[jonsnow]

Title looks awesome, but I was expecting an entirely different cover, meaning a new picture on the front. Ah well, it is still going to be awesome.

[Blake Petit]

I think that's what everyone was expecting -- which is what makes this so particularly effective, I think. ;)

[Jason Kanno]

And here I was expecting some negative comments, but hey, Infinite Crisis sounds cool. Should I spoiler that even though its just the cover?

[Bigby Wolf]

Popcultureshock.com has bigger scan a clearer picture of the cover and after a little detective work SPOILERS AHEAD I am not so sure it's the Blue Beetle anymore, it kind of looks like Lex Luther, what with the tatered shirt kind of looking like a dress shirt, and the head kind of looks like Luther. Just guessing.But then again it looks like a costume also with a mask so it definetly still looks like Blue Beetle.

[B. Schatz]

The real cover also has the person in the arms of Batman in a little more light.

[Mark Blicharz]

Still can't make out who it is, but now I'm really interested. Keep it up DC, you're making my decision to drop 99% of my Marvel books the right decision.

[jonsnow]

Go check this out http://www.newsarama.com/WizWorldLA05/DC/Countdowncvr.htm
I garuantee you'll be giddy as a school girl. This has the Countdown cover as well as some cool stuff for all four mini-series spinning out of it.

[ForeverZeroV1]

it looks like BB's mask to me it looked like BB to me before though... night wing has big hair usually so that takes him out for me. whose doing the art on this? i mean inside i know the cover is lee and alex ross

[Magnus2k]

Wow. DC is just nailing it on the head every time. From the kickoff in IC to Countdown and then the 4 spin off series. Along with GL rebirth, the Teen Titans book still kicking ***, they are just killing Marvel as far as quality goes. I guess its a good thing Spider-Man and X-Men are books people will buy even though they suck, just cause of the name, or Marvel could be in trouble.

[NightJim]

Actually the lighter cover made me positive that it is Blue beetle, someone was shouting about the eyes before, so much more obvious now. Plus at PopCulture shock they have the 1st 3 or 4 pages, which are all Ted too.

[Mark Blicharz]

People haven't read DC. At my shop, people are dropping MU titles just to buy more DC because the books are good reads, all of them are, while MU cancels their good titles.

[Jason Kanno]

All of them? DC puts out a lot of great stuff, but they also put out their share of junk. Breach, Catwoman, JLA: Elite, Action Comics... I attribute the distinct difference in quality between DC and Marvel to the editors and overall business practices. DC is just... better at it.

[Mark Blicharz]

A few aren't, but the majority of DC is excellent right now.

[RedSpyda]

DC's been around for 70 yrs. i should think they know what they're doing. This story is great, and as the anticipation is great i highly recommend this book to everybody who likes a good story. By the way, they've got my money through the rest of the year based on what I've read! A new crisis sounds ok if it'll be handled right. guess we'll have to wait til september huh?

[ElrahPrime]

All of them? DC puts out a lot of great stuff, but they also put out their share of junk. Breach, Catwoman, JLA: Elite, Action Comics... I attribute the distinct difference in quality between DC and Marvel to the editors and overall business practices. DC is just... better at it.

JLE is ok.

[Mark Blicharz]

Marvel has been around for nearly 50 years also, they should know what they are doing too. The problem is they don't sign the best writers to exclusive contracts, only artists. Art is good and all, but without a good story, no one's gonna be there to see it.

[Picard]

Unless the artist is Jim Lee :)

[jonsnow]

Off topic, but JLA: Elite is NOT crap. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, and JLA: Elite is one of my top three books every month.

[Blake Petit]

Off topic, but I have to disagree. I think the book is awful. :p

[S.A. Parvaze]

Off topic, but stay on topic. :)

[Symphony of Six]

Ah, it's starting to look more and more like my theory was right all those months ago...the masses are joining.

[ElrahPrime]

OK major spoiler here!














It looks like Blue Beetle does die and the killer will be Max Lord who in charge of Checkmate and it seems Ted Kord will be the new Spectre

[Fanatix]

AGHH, MUST NOT HIGHLIGHT!!!!!!

...I have no willpower :no:

[Mark Blicharz]

I read the issue and all I have to say is HOLY CRAP. The issue was great.

[Symphony of Six]

Spoilers Ahead! Someone help me out I know I've seen him recently in JLA: Classified but who is Max Lord?

[jonsnow]

For those of us not as priviledged as Goku (you lucky ****!) here is another good teaser that will get you even more eager for next Wednesday. Warning though, it may be a bit of a spoiler, but not in any way that will detract from the story itself.
http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30235

[jonsnow]

And S.A. you always have to ruin the fun huh? (kidding please don't evict me! I need this!)

[Mark Blicharz]

:does a dance: Yes I am lucky, but I paid for the shop so I can read it if I choose. Wow is all I can say.

[S.A. Parvaze]

And S.A. you always have to ruin the fun huh? (kidding please don't evict me! I need this!)
'Fraid so, comes with the job. ;)

Eh, the only project I'm really interested in here is The OMAC Project. Mostly because it's another chance for Rucka to wrap up his run [alliteration! :D] on Detective a little more satisfactorily. Okay, maybe not only. The Rann/Thanagar War sounds good too, but the other stuff sounds a little too super-hero for my tastes.

[ElrahPrime]

Well I admit that I was impressed how it went down despite the massive spoilers before the released. Now, after reading the preview of the mini-series, it seems that Jean Loring will be the new Eclipso which IMO is a big BIG step for Jean Loring. It also seems all the villains of DCU are going to be united. It also seems BB will not be back by the Scarab due to the fact that his body is about to get burned. The only way he could be back is if they made him the new Spectre. And it also seems that someone deleted all the OMAC files, but who? Was it Batman? And if Maxwell Lord is the Black Knight, then who is the White Knight? Can it be Batman? And wouldn't it be great if Sasha ends up being the Blue Beetle III?