Among the many challenges facing 'Arrow's Oliver Queen in his 2013 return, including the villainous Firefly and a return to the mysterious island, perhaps none have us so excited to see in action as 'Fringe' star Seth Gabel's turns as DC Comics villain Count Vertigo! Dubbed "The Count" for 'Arrow's more real-world incarnation, Gabel's Vertigo will appear in the January 30 episode of the same name, so how would you like a first look? Check out 'Arrow's version of "Vertigo" inside!

'Arrow's Oliver Queen (Steven Amell) has some serious heat coming his way with this Wednesday's 2013 return episode "Burned" but no battle to date will prove as disorienting as when Oliver tangles with 'Fringe' star Seth Gabel's "The Count" in January 30 episode "Vertigo." In it, the titular Count makes his presence known in Starling City when his deadly "Vertigo" drug hits the streets, endangering the life of Oliver's sister Thea (Willa Holland).

But even as an ordinary drug dealer will The Count prove too much for Oliver Queen to Handle? TVGuide obtained the first photos of Gabel in character, while 'Arrow' executive producer Marc Guggenheim explained why The Count could prove Oliver's deadliest villain yet:

He's a very interesting character, and the way Seth performs him, he plays him with a lot of flair. The fun thing about The Count is he's actually a businessman. He's got a little bit of a sociopathic streak in him, for sure, but he sees himself as an entrepreneur, as creating not drugs, but art.

He compares his drug to performing a social service and to a fine wine, so he has a very skewed view of what it is that he does. At the same time, we know that he's not only sociopathic, but he's very sadistic as well.

The Count is just one of many DC characters 'Arrow' has lined up for 2013, including the return of Jessica De Gouw's Huntress, ‘Stargate: Universe’s Andrew Dunbar as Firefly, ‘Battlestar Galactica‘s James Callis as The Dodger, ‘Teen Wolf’ star Colton Haynes as Roy Harper, and ‘Spartacus‘ lead Manu Bennett taking over the role of Slade Wilson / Deathstroke.

Check out the first look at Seth Gabel as 'Arrow's Count Vertigo below, and don't forget to check out tomorrow's 2013 premiere "Burned!" Tell us if you like The Count's new look in the comments!

Arrow Vertigo Seth Gabel The Count Photos
The CW
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