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 #25

Action, Action, Action! "Countdown to Final Crisis" kicks into high gear this issue focusing on Karate Kid and his entourage in Bludhaven. Firestorm and the Atomic Knights show up and a battle ensues. Firestorm takes a while to realize he can do just about anything and takes care of business. I enjoyed this entire issue except for the three pages focusing on Piper and the Trickster. I get it Piper is gay. What this has to do with the story is a mystery, but the writers keep indulging in the urge to bring it up. Both of these characters were very good when utilized in "The Flash" and have been reduced to the Abbott and Costello of Countdown. Ron Lim's art is very good in this issue. I liked his Firestorm and Darseid. The final splash page has me looking forward to the next installment for the first time in this series.