Countdown to Final Crisis #6

Umm...no. With the dramatic cover for "Countdown to Final Crisis" #6 and the tagline "The Great Disaster is Upon Us", I thought this might be the beginning issue of the final sprint to the finish. However, Dini & Co. stumble as they round the final turn. The text heavy observations where extremely boring and made for a tedious read. In the end we have the traveling heroes on a different Earth in the multiverse with the virus spreading. So, once again, we are getting a scorched Earth scenario where the stakes really don't matter - who cares if another Earth gets white washed. It didn't add up to much for Earth-51 and it doesn't make me care here either. One of the many Karate Kids is dead - should I care?

I'm only buying now because I've been buying all along. I hope that DC can do something better with "Trinity". "Countdown" has been a waste of time and money and did not live up to the standards of "52".

Countdown to Final Crisis #7

Our intrepid heroes are now back on Earth...or are they? This issue has the collected heroes running around Earth looking for help for Karate Kid and finding out that they may not be back to where they started. The characterization of Ray Palmer continues to jump all over the place with him now acting as a hero and not a whiny ass. This issue rambles along really going no where. It is better than last issues repetitious story, but not by much. I get the feeling that the writers are starting to stall again. After stalling for 26+ issues, throwing in some decent action, now we are back to treading water.

You could probably skip this week's issue and not miss a whole heck of a lot.

Countdown to Adventure #7 of 8

The penultimate issue of "Countdown to Adventure" hits and writer Adam Beechen keeps the action flowing in Adam Strange/Animal Man/Starfire story. I have truly enjoyed this story. Beechen has done a great job of dealing with the Buddy/Ellen/Kory triangle bringing a bit of closure to that this issue along with connecting the dots between Earth and Rann. This trio works well together and Beechen plays to each hero's strength. I'm guessing that this will have a quick wrap up next issue and then our heroes are off to participate in the Rann/Thanagar War. Allan Goldman continues to impress me with his art - the layouts, backgrounds, characters are top notch. I hope that DC utilizes Goldman's talents in future comics.

The backup Forerunner story continues to bore me. I'm tired of seeing her fight the monitor. The crew that has been put together by Justin Gray looks to have potential for something much greater. However, with only one issue left I don't think much will come of it.

Countdown to Adventure #6 of 8

"Countdown to Adventure" just kicks ass. It is a fun, action packed story. Writer Adam Beechen has some strong woman in this issue. All of the significant others and a warrior princess prove strong here. Beechen has done a great job of building this story over the last six issues and has me looking forward to a great climax. I liked this trio in "52" and the extended story here hasn't changed that. Penciller Allan Goldman is in fine form here and does great work. His women are strong and sexy without being slutty and he's guys aren't always striking a pose.

If you haven't been getting the monthlies, you should pick this up when it comes out in TPB.

Countdown to Adventure #5 of 8

I'm a little worried about Buddy after this issue. More to the point, I'm worried about his marriage. I know in TV shows, soap operas, and comic books people aren't supposed to be happily married because no one is right?....wrong. One of Buddy's strengths as a character is his devotion to his family. It is on display in this issue, but writer Adam Beechen shows us the pain in Buddy's wife. She's not happy with Buddy with regards to Kory and I can't say that I blame here. Stuff like this, though, can make a marriage stronger. I'm hoping Buddy realizes that he's being very insensitive to his wife, Ellen, and this gets all sorted out. Beechen has the story moving along at a good clip as all of the heroes now beginning to realize the circumstances of the "disease". The art team of Allan Goldman and Julio Ferreira does an decent job of putting the visuals to Beechen's story.

The only complaint I have about this book is that the page count for the primary story is not enough. I wish they would have made this a six issue series and just had one story because the backup "Forerunner" story is a snoozer. I've lost interest. I could not care less what is going on in those waisted 16 pages. DC could have also reduced the page count, left it at eight issues, and saved me a buck an issue.

Buy this book for the Animal Man, Starfire, & Adam Strange story.

Countdown to Final Crisis #20

It all really doesn't seem to be going anywhere. The only story line here that truly advances it the Omac/Brother Eye bit at the beginning. Although, haven't we seen all of this before. I keep thinking of "Battlestar Galactica" that all that is happening, has happened before and will happen again. It is all a bit of a retread. All of the usual "Countdown" players are here with Jimmy Olsen, the Challengers, et. al. covered. A few pages are given to each and none of the story lines move much. Jimmy's still whining, Mary Marvel's still emo, the Challengers are still lost, Brother Eye is still bad, Karate Kid is still sick, and Piper is still attached to Trickster.

DC let's kick this in gear and move the story along.

Countdown to Adventure #4 of 8

Don't let the Forerunner cover fool you. The stars of this book are Buddy, Kory, and Adam and artist Allan Goldman. Goldman with inks by Julio Ferreira truly does an outstanding job in this issue. Goldman's pencilling reminds me of some early George Perez or Dan Jurgens. High praise as I love both of those artist. Writer Adam Beechen does a good job of propelling the story forward as the virus takes hold. I especially liked Adam Strange's portion of the story. Beechen shows why Strange is the real hero of Rann. Buddy and Kory's story is interesting as well and Goldman's Buddy looks like he may have feelings for Kory.

I gave up on the backup story....boring.

It would be better if DC would promote the book more for the Adam, Kory, & Buddy story and expand the page count for this story as well.

Countdown to Adventure #3 of 8

The adventures of Starfire, Animal Man, and Adam Strange continue to unfold in this entertaining read from writer Adam Beechen. The rampage "disease" is spreading throughout San Diego and Rann as our heroes come to terms with the fact that they may be carriers. Beechen does a great job with the relationships between Buddy, Buddy's wife Ellen and Kory. I still believe that Buddy only has strong feelings of friendship for Kory and Ellen is worrying about a lot of nothing. However, that is coming from a guy and I'm sure my wife would have issue if I had a HOT woman living with us. Adam Strange is still in Rann and is also catching on that something is amiss. Beechen does an excellent job of weaving both of these stories and putting his characters in peril. Eddy Barrows pencilling along with Julio Ferreira's inks really make the book pop off the page. I have always been a fan of Barrows and he doesn't disappoint here. While the backup story did not do anything for me, the main story will keep me buying this miniseries.

Both this and "Countdown to Mystery" have been the best of the breed for Countdown tie-ins.