Countdown to Final Crisis #3

After quite a few lame duck issues of "Countdown to Final Crisis" we get an action packed slugfest. Dini and company bring a fast paced issue that is actually a good read. Stuff Happens! Imagine that. In a 52 issue weekly series, we get an issue where something other than talking heads are present. While I still don't get the motivations of Mary Marvel, which is a big failure in writing, I did enjoy watching her cut loose.

As this series draws down, what really hits me is that it could have been a good series at 26 or even 12 issues. At 52 issues DC just stretched a story. It is much like "Lost" when there was no end in site. The viewer gets countless "filler" episodes. Now with a specific end date "Lost" has tightened its story telling. If you don't have enough story for 52 issues, cut the issue count down or go to another story. I'm know that if "Trinity" meanders it will not stay on my pull list. I'll drop it and then read the synopsis online.

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 Final Crisis #8

"Catch Up Issue" is how I would describe "Countdown to Final Crisis #8". After several action packed issues, Dini & company take a pause to catch readers up on what is going down. If this were a monthly series I would understand this, but being a weekly it just slows and extends the story that much longer. I guess DC editorial figured that with 8 issues left they needed a jumping on issue because nothing much happens here except for exposition about what has happened - lots & lots of talking heads. I could have just as easily skipped to the last page and not missed much. Carlos Magno's art is decent and is the highlight of the issue.

If you are looking for a jumping on point for this series, this is your issue. Otherwise, if you have already been reading this series, this is a pretty boring read.

Countdown to Final Crisis #9

I didn't think Dini and company could top the Earth-51 battle, but they come close this issue. They have a lot happening here as the various groups join forces against Brother Eye, Apokolips. The growth of Red Robin continues and he is becoming a decent character. If they would just get rid of his Donna obsession then he would be so much better. Piper is here and is as confused as always. I guess Desaad used him all along because he can summon the anti-life equation with is piping skills...who knew? I thought that was out of left field, but they must have planned this from the beginning because why else has he been in the story. Ray Palmer finally stops being a whiny pussy and suits up. For some reason he's really scared about "Morticoccus" which is in Karate Kid. Now I can't bring myself to get to hyped up about a disease - I just can't seem to see this being that action filled if they have to fight the virus' spread.

As this series winds down, Dini's crew has put out some good issues. I would put this issue up there as a good read with good art by Derenick and Faucher (get these guys a monthly to work on). If you missed out on the first 2/3 of this series, you didn't miss much. From about 18 on, this has become a decent series and a fun weekly read.

Countdown to Final Crisis #10

Finally, the action heats back up in "Countdown to Final Crisis". I thought Paul Dini may have let it all out for the battle over Earth-51 and the rest of the series would be a let down. Well, after a couple of lackluster issues we get a decent, action packed read. I apologize for the spoiler but it was good to see Mary Marvel back. This series has put the character through the wringer and I was hoping for this ending. With the body count in this series it was never a given that Mary would be back in white. The growth of Jason Todd continues as well. He may make it out of this series as a likable character. Even with all of the action, the cliffhanger ending sets the stage for another huge battle. Scot Kolins does a good job with the art as well.

While I wasn't completely satisfied - Pied Piper's arc ending so quickly - I did enjoy this read.

Countdown to Final Crisis #11

All of the regular players are now on Apokolips and...nothing much happens. After several issues in a row of action and story, this is the second issue in a row to pause and catch the reader up on who's who. Every storyline is present in this issue as all are getting adjusted to their respective situations on Apokolips. The Granny Goodness - Harley/Holly/Mary story has to be the most ridiculous. With the build up of "Amazons Attacks", Granny is taken down by a razor cut and the three amigos continue to bumble through the story. We get a little more Trickster with a mysterious one-handed visitor. Even as Red Robin, Jason Todd continues to be a dick. However, he does have some good observations about how one-dimensional this series has made both Kyle and Donna. Jimmy Olsen continues his wacky 60s & 70s revival meeting more silly characters on Apokolips.

As a wrap up, a whole lot of pages and not much moving forward. Let's get to the final bash and see what the hell is going on and why I'm buying this series.

Annihilation TPBs

Marvel released its "Annihilation" series in three TPBs. Based solely on the reviews I read across the internet I decided to check them out. I was worried because I wasn't too up-to-speed on the who's who in the outer reaches of the Marvel Universe as the last time I read a story with Nova he was a part of the fledgling New Warriors and I had never heard of Drax: The Destroyer before. Anyway, I jumped into the pool all in and picked up all three TPBs. Writer Keith Giffen weaves a very fun story in "Drax the Destoyer" 1-4. Mitch Breitweiser's art is exceptional. Along with Brian Reber's outstanding coloring, the art in "Drax the Destoyer" is quite good both supporting and adding depth to Giffen's excellent story. Is this story required reading for the overall "Annihilation" - no, but it does present good background on Drax and stands alone as a good story.

Giffen also wrote the "Annihilation Prologue" with art by Scot Kolins. This prologue serves to touch the various stars of this series and provide a way to get that "who's who" that is needed. Along the way - in all three TPBs - you get a look at the Nova Corps files on each of the main and background players. These help out a lot.

Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning provide the story for "Annihilation: Nova". Growing up I always thought Nova was cool, but I didn't realize what a "Green Lantern" rip-off he was until the beginning of this story. DnA take what is a copy-cat character and turn him into a true force by the end of this 4-part story. From Kev Walker's art to DnA's story this blood pumping, action filled story is very good.

"Annihilation Book 2" brings three character stories centering on the Sliver Surfer, Super Skrull, and Ronan the Accuser. Giffen's Silver Surfer provides almost a restart to the character. Giffen provides a clean slate for Silver Surfer moving forward. The Super Skrull story by Javier Grillo-Marxuach is a lot of fun. Gregory Titus' art really shines in this story. I've never been a huge fan of the Super Skrull but Grillo-Marxuach paints a different story for the character. Finally for this TPB, Simon Furman writes Ronan the Accuser. I felt this was the weakest story of the bunch, but to truly understand Ronan's motivation it is a must read.

Keith Giffen pulls out all of the stops in "Annihilation" presented in "Annihiliation Book 3". The story is action packed and includes all of the primary and secondary characters presented in the previous books. This war is on par with DC's "The Sinestro Corps Wars". By the time I made it to this point, I was invested in the characters and the outcome. The "Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus" two-parter is a bonus to Giffen's excellent "Annihilation" story. Serving as a prologue the story focuses on the current and former heralds of Galactus.

You can go into these three TPBs cold, not knowing any of the characters, and enjoy it. Giffen and company do a good job of introducing each character so that the reader can absorb it all. If you liked DC's "The Sinestro Corps Wars" or are a big SciFi buff, pick up these TPBs, you won't regret it.

Countdown to Final Crisis #12

With Earth-51 blown to hell in the last issue, this issue, aptly named "Convergence", catches us up with all of the other players from this series. Apokolips is the rally point for all and this issue shows how each member gets there. With twelve issues left it is about time that we get to see why the series has focused on certain players. The pacing of this issue was a bit uneven, but it did provide updates on all of the players and, in most cases, gave a reason for all of the going to Apokolips. The art was decent but not spectacular.

After a few good weeks, this issue looks to be a pause before the final confrontation. With "Countdown to Final Crisis" being the spine of the DCU, one would hope that something comes from all of this.

Countdown to Final Crisis #13

The fight between Prime and Monarch continues in issue #13 with the excellent line from Prime of "I'll kill you! I'll kill you to death!" One can only hope that Dini and company were going for a good joke here as it comes across very funny. Prime is really an idiot. Prime also gets to shout out "I am not a boy! I'm a man! Man!" If that were only followed by "Baby". Are the writers poking fun at the Superboy issue here? Probably so and it is funny. We stay on Earth-51 for this issue and by the explosive ending we probably won't be coming back too soon. It looks like Apokolips is the current destination and with that a return to Jimmy Olsen and the Amazon/Granny Goodness connection I would think.

This issue doesn't advance the story much but does provide some good visuals. If you're tired of death in the DCU, then bypass this one. Jason Todd keeps the Red Robin uniform as the traveling four Ray, Kyle, Donna, and Jason head off to the Source. No other story lines are updated here.

Not the best issue of the series but no where near the bottom of the bunch either.

Countdown to Final Crisis #14

"Countdown to Final Crisis" is getting better as we wind down. While a few threads have been left alone - Jimmy Olsen, Holly & Harley, Mary Marvel, and, thankfully, Piper & Trickster, this issue continues to focus on Earth-51 and the battle raging there. This is an action packed issue as all of the players on Earth-51 are involved in one battle or another. The Earth-51 Batman/Jason Todd thread was very interesting providing the best splash page of the series. I don't much care for the Jason Todd character but the costume that he wears on Earth-51 is quite nice. Dini and company keep the pace up and move the Earth-51 story along. However, the Ray Palmer story seems to be petering out. The art is very good here. My only quibble is still the sudden aging of Prime. He looks a bit older than he was just six months ago. I guess maiming and killing will do that to you.

While this story is moving a head at full speed, the other threads of Countdown are hanging in the breeze. It will be interesting to see how Dini ties all this up in just 13 more issues.

Countdown to Final Crisis #15

I believe this marks four weeks in a row where I have actually enjoyed "Countdown to Final Crisis" enough not to be totally disgusted with it. Writer Paul Dini and company stay with the Earth-51 story providing a few answers to some of the questions brought up over the last 36+ issues of this series. We now have Mary Marvel crossing over into the Harley & Holly story, which deals with the ramifications of "Amazon Attacks" and the New Gods. We have Karate Kid intersecting with the New Gods in Bludhaven as well. I liked the interaction between Jason Todd and Earth-51's Batman. Dini and company may be using this as a method of evolving Jason Todd past his Red Hood Punisher-style ways. I'm not sure I like what they've done with the Ray Palmer character as he really comes across as rather spineless. In all my years of reading stories about Ray - spineless really doesn't fit him. The art team does a fine job this issue but it isn't anything spectacular.

Now in reading over at Newsrama that "Final Crisis" scribe Grant Morrision states that "Countdown to Final Crisis" doesn't really play into "Final Crisis", I must say I'm surprised about that. Dan Didio likes to say that the "beats" from this mini are carried into the next. I sure hope this hasn't been a big waist of time and money.

52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen #6 of 6

When this "52" tie-in miniseries began, I wasn't enthralled. I actually got it by accident as my LCS throw it in my box because of "52" on my pull list. The first couple of issues didn't pull me in as writer Keith Giffen let the plot unfold slowly. With issue #3, though, I started to get into Giffen's Trinity tale. The final issue did not fail to disappoint. Giffen provides a very satisfying ending. The art team of Pat Olliffe & John Stanisci handles the action well. I like their renditions of the Doom Patrol, Wonder Woman, and Batman. I wasn't too fond of their Superman. From here they move onto "The All New Atom" and should do a fine job there.

If you didn't pick up the monthlies and you are looking for a decent Trinity series, get this in TPB. It isn't ground breaking work, but Giffen provides a fine story. Now that Giffen is exclusive to DC I look forward to seeing him on some high profile DC projects (other than "Countdown").

Countdown to Final Crisis #16

Earth-51 takes in in the shorts in this outing of the weekly "Countdown to Final Crisis" series. While the battle rages some issues get explained a little - the Monitors situation, Jimmy Olsen's problems, where the Earth-51 Batman has been, etc. Dini and company keep the pace fast in this issue by providing a lot of action. We basically stick with Earth-51 through the entire issue with a foray over to New Earth's Metropilis to catch up with Jimmy Olsen.

You can see the pace of the "Countdown" books picking up since Ray Palmer was discovered on Earth-51 and it is a welcome change. The art team does a decent job in in this issue as well. All in all, "Countdown to Final Crisis" is starting to show more promise.

Countdown to Final Crisis #17

Dini and Company finally have the ball rolling in DC's weekly series. Issue #17 is one fast paced issue with story lines beginning to dovetail and other items being explained. It was finally nice to catch up with Ray Palmer last issue after a three year absence from the DCU. This issue stayed with the focus groups of last issue while connecting the dots to the Monitors, Monarch and his army, and the Amazons. Finally we may be seeing the culmination of 35+ weeks of building this story (or should I say stretching it). This marks two issues in a row of "Countdown to Final Crisis" that I have found interesting. Here's hoping that the Countdown crew can keep up the momentum as this series heads into the final quarter turn.

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.

Countdown to Final Crisis #19

Continuing on with dredging through the "Countdown" books this week, "Countdown to Final Crisis" #19 actually manages to move a couple of stories along. Too bad I find both the Jimmy Olsen and Holly Robinson stories boring. My son has given up on this series and relies on me for a synopsis each week. This issue bounces between Jimmy, Holly, and Piper stories. Even in death Piper and Trickster continue with the gay banter - not funny. While it is nice to see the new information given in the other two plot lines, it almost comes across as too little too late.

Paul Dini and crew are "cramming" 12 issues worth of story into 52 issues of comics - drawing out every subplot to its breaking point along the way. They need to pick the pace up and fast.

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 Final Crisis #23

The first half of this issue has the reader bouncing around catching up with all of the players that have been absent the last few issues. This issue is another step backwards in improving the series. It feels like this issue is there for stretching the story out.

Why are the Challengers here? They have all of those one shots they can deal with their plot line.
Why are the New Gods here? They have "The Death of the New Gods" for their story.
What is the importance of Piper & Trickster? Are they here just to get whacked?
What is the importance of Holly & Harley? That story has just gone nowhere.

The Karate Kid/Firestorm in Bludhaven plot has provide some good action and a good ending to this issue, but how does it all fit in. I'm ready to give up on this weekly. "52" was a compelling read that rose to the top of my weekly pull list. "Countdown to Final Crisis" has had some improvements but this issue misses the boat.

52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen #4 of 6

I'm truly a lazy comic buyer. I had "52" and now have "Countdown" on my pull list. My local comics shop, being good capitalists, generally pull any miniseries that have that tag line. I didn't much care for the first three issues of "52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen", but I continue to buy it. I mean - It is in my box. I might as well just get it. Well, issue #3 popped up this week and I must say that writer Keith Giffen has turned the corner on this. While it pales in comparison to "52" and doesn't really continue that story, it does try to wrap up the Four Horsemen storyline that set off Black Adam on his World War III rampage. I have always been a fan of Giffen but I felt the first three of issues of this were awkward and wordy. This issue, however, have the seeds laid in "52" and the first couple of issues bearing interesting fruit. I like Giffens use of Snapper Carr here and his characterization of the Trinity. Wonder Woman is a bad ass here. Batman's interactions with both Snapper and Superman are sharp and Superman while injured shows some brains behind the brawn.

While I like Mark Waid's version of Dr. Caulder over in "Brave and the Bold" better, I liked seeing the Doom Patrol in a real fight. While the art by penciller Pat Olliffe and inker Johan Stanisci isn't "knock you out" spectacular it does serve the story quite well. The character designs for the Four Horsemen are somehwhat goofy but Olliffe nails the Trinity and gets good emotion out of his art.

While this miniseries is not a must have, issue #4 takes the story and propels it forward with gusto. While I was ho-hum on this miniseries, Giffen won me over here and I'm looking forward to the closing chapters.