When DC Comics launched the New 52 last year, Batman fans found that The Joker didn’t stick around very long. His face was last seen (literally) in the pages on ‘Detective Comics’ #1, but after that he was presumed dead. Then, last month, a gruesome image was released that indicated that artist Greg Capullo and Scott Snyder would be bringing the Clown Prince of Crime back to the DC Universe. Details and images were being tightly held under wraps, but it appears that the comic book company spilled the beans with the release of their November solicitations, and Capullo was none too pleased.

The artist took to Twitter (via Comic Book Resources) to voice his displeasure with the reveal of his ‘Batman’ #13 and Ed Benes’ ‘Batgirl’ #14 covers:

“As careful as I’ve been to save revealing our new Joker, the powers that be have let it out ahead if our book. Stay tuned for MY pics. In my younger days, I’d have punched several holes in the walls of my office by now. Rest assured, I will give you terror when I draw him.”

The artist noted that he only wanted the ‘Batman’ cover above revealed since it only shows the villain from behind, whereas ‘Batgirl’ shows a full, unobstructed view of the villain’s new look. While he urged fans to wait to look at the image, which I’ll provide at the end of this article, he calmed down and tweeted this:

“The more I’ve thought about the Joker leak, the more I began thinking that it may have been for the best. The fact is, the way Scott [Snyder] and I will give you the Joker may have been too much for some with out this diluted sample hitting the web. DC, rightly so, had concerns about our images and story. Perhaps they leaked this intentionally to test the waters or to acclimate your minds to what is coming from us. Team Batman knows how to do one thing. Destroy. So, even if you do see the leak, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Trust me. I’m still not going to reveal my sketches. I won’t let this incident blow the whole works. Be patient. Terror is heading your way.”

Batman’s arch nemesis returns to the New 52 in ‘Batman’ #13 on October 10th with a crossover story arc titled “Death of the Family”, which is a nod to the classic storyline “A Death in the Family” where The Joker killed the second Robin, Jason Todd.

And now, the Joker’s new look as seen on the cover of ‘Batgirl’ #14. For those wishing to avoid spoilers, advert your eyes.