DC Comics switches to 'Countdown'

DC Comics is going from "count up" to "countdown" this spring and is bringing in a writer of ABC's "Lost" TV series to make the transition.

DC is in the final months of its current "52" series, a yearlong event that began with No. 1 and will end at issue No. 52 on May 2. A week later, on May 9, "Countdown" will begin with issue No. 51 and number down to zero.

Emmy award-winning Paul Dini — writer/story editor of "Lost" and producer/writer of "Batman: The Animated Series" — will be the head writer for new "Countdown" series.

This new series will be sparked by the death of a character in the first "Countdown" issue, which will ripple throughout the DC universe.

The "52" series is set during the aftermath of the DC universe following its "Crisis," and all stories are without the services of the big three — Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. But the new series will be "the backbone of storytelling for our superheroes for the next year," according to Dan DiDio, senior vice president and executive editor of the DC Universe.

As Dini did with "Lost," for "Justice League" and "Justice League Unlimited," he will balance character development, a large cast of characters, intrigue, suspense and, oh, yes, lots and lots of action, according to DC.

Each issue of "Countdown" will sell for $2.99 — so a year's worth will cost more than $155.

IN OTHER DC NEWS, a new comic based on the TV version of "The Legion of Super-Heroes" will premiere on April 18. This issue will sell for $2.99 and includes Superman (not Superboy, because of some legal snarl over the franchise) in the 31st century. This series will be called "The Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century." The first issue will feature the recruiting of Clark Kent from the past to help stop the Fatal Five villains in the future.

Also, Supergirl, who is in the 31st century with the Legion of Super-Heroes in a different variation, will be at a crossroads in Action comics No. 850 on May 30. The Girl of Steel is looking for a way back to the 21st century and somehow Superman figures into all this and doesn't want her to keep wearing the "S" shield.

This extra-size comic will also give a time-viewing sneak peek at the upcoming year's events in the DC universe.

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