One of the problems with soliciting comics that won't be released for another three months is that, sometimes, publishers spoil plot points or give away things that were meant to be a secret for awhile longer. Like, for example, DC accidentally revealing the new look of the Joker online with the cover of Batgirl #14 yesterday, even though the character isn't due to reappear in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman for another couple of months. Warning: Potential spoilers after the cut.Capullo, who's designed the new look for the Batman arch-villain, had an interesting - and public - reaction to the accidental reveal on Twitter yesterday: "As careful as I've been to save revealing our new Joker, the powers that be have let it out ahead [of] our book. Stay tuned [for] MY pics," he tweeted, adding that "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." To fans of his Batman run with Snyder, he asked, "Try not to look at it. Wait for ours if you can."

For those who want to avoid the new Batgirl cover, look away now:



That's by Ed Benes, the regular Batgirl artist. Capullo's cover for Batman #14, featuring only the back of the character - "the most I wanted to show you all," he said - looks like this:



Some time later, he seemed to be changing his mind about the situation, explaining (Tweet 1, Tweet 2, Tweet 3, Tweet 4, Tweet 5) that perhaps there was some method to the madness:

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 #13 - which will debut the apparently terrifying new Joker look as intended - is set for release October 10.