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 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.