Countdown Presents The Search for Ray Palmer: Red Son

So, I've got the plot down for these one-shots.

Challengers pop into Earth-##
Challengers have conflict with that Earth's Superman/Batman/whatever
Challengers don't find Ray Palmer
Challengers leave

I didn't read the original "Superman: Red Son" Elseworlds title but I got the gist from this issue. I liked this Earth's Ray Palmer and Batman, but I couldn't figure out if Batman was a Russian or was Bruce Wayne acting in guerrilla warfare mode. Other than that the issue followed the above formula.

Is this going somewhere?

Infinity Inc #3

I read the original "Infinity, Inc" back in the 80s and thought their adventures were a fun read. Roy Thomas and Jerry Ordway did a great job of introducing the characters and giving them a purpose for being together - McFarlane's first art wasn't too shabby either. This incarnation of the group has no link to the 80s version. It is the Emo group of the DCU - a bunch of kids sulking around, going to therapy, and just mentally unhealthy. I guess the thrust of this book is to answer the question what you would do if you had a super power and then lost it, but I'm not entirely sure of what is going on here. Writer Peter Milligan must have forgotten to take his pills because full depression is on display here. Every character from Steel to "Kid Empty" shows some form of psychosis. Does this make the book compelling? No. The art, once again DC, looks rushed as a gaggle of artist particpate in what looks like a hodge podge of styles.

With no connection to the past, a sulking cast, and uninspired art, I can't recommend this book.