Countdown to Final Crisis #18

I'm not giving anything away by saying that we finally catch up with Ray Palmer in this issue. It is on the cover. This issue focuses on two groups - the Challengers and the Mary Marvel crew. This may just be that pivotal book that I've been looking for. Things are explained. Issues are put in motion. Stuff happens. If you were looking for a jumping on point, this might be it. I'll hold my final judgement to see how the next few weeks of issues play out, but this issue was gold - I just hope it wasn't fool's gold.