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".

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #6 of 8

This issue got lost in the shuffle during work - yeah, actual job work, and I missed reading it. I'm still digging on Renato Arlem's art for this miniseries. He matches the tone set by writers Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti. I'm not sure how the team will shake out as we head to the back quarter of this series, but Gray & Palmiotti have certainly put forth a wild ride affecting all team members. In this issue we finally get to see the team fight back against the Red Bee. The cover is a bit misleading because the young Ray is not in much of the book. The final splash page does provide an excellently cool moment going forward. I hope that the Ray - both father & son - move to center stage in the final two issues. I remember reading the younger Ray's adventures in his solo series in the 90s and loved his character.

With the meat grinder that the team has been through, who knows who will be left to face the "Final Crisis". However, I have enjoyed this mini so far and look forward to its conclusion.

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.

Teen Titans #56

The "Terror Titans" arc kicks off this issue with Kid Devil coming front and center. Writer Sean McKeever attempts to demonstrate the position of Kid Devil in the Teen Titans and his feelings of desperation. Emo-Kid Devil is very depressed about the choices he's made - making a deal with Neron - and that the Teen Titans as a group are splintered. McKeever is trying to put his stamp on Kid Devil here and I'm not sure I care for the direction. He comes off as a whiner. I'm also not sure that the character is as stupid as McKeever has him in this issue. I saw the twist/reveal coming from a mile away. With all of the build up you would think that McKeever was going for a quickie team switch for Kid Devil, but, in the end, Kid Devil returns to character. Eddy Barrows art was outstanding through out the issue. One of my favorite moments was Robin in underwear, mask, and cape talking to Kid Devil on the screen. This added much needed humor to the issue.

McKeever has seemed to stumble a bit over the last couple of issues, but I think the book is headed in the right direction. This new group of villains looks interesting and is poised to take apart a disjointed Teen Titans.

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.

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.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #5 of 8

The opening scene of "Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters" #5 proves once again this this book is written for mature readers. The beginning of this issue focuses, somewhat, on the Human Bomb and I like what writer's Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray are doing with the character. The Red Bee's story continues to evolve as it impacts various members of the team. Palmiotti and Gray must have been given some form of free reign with these characters because they have no problem providing some shocking outcomes with them. I liked seeing the return of the Ray's dad in uniform and his attitude about all of this. Renator Arlem's art is the perfect match for the tone set here and reflects the bleak nature of the circumstances.

The miniseries continues to be interesting, but it would be nice to have it in TPB form to read it all eight issues in one sitting.

Teen Titans #55

One panel into "Teen Titans" #55 and the Titans are down one major player. Writer Sean McKeever begins to make his mark on the team beginning this issue. The first story arc was an editorial mandate story and he did a fine job with it. Now, McKeever takes a breath with this issue and starts building to what he has planned for the team. More on that over at Newsrama. This issue picks up the pieces from the "Titans Tomorrow" story line and lays out where all of the team are. I'm not sure whether I care about the hooking up of Cassie and Tim. It somewhat mirrors what was going on between Nightwing and Starfire in the original series and seems a bit of a retread. Hopefully that plot line will go away. I do like the playfulness of Ravager and how she screws with the opposite sex. It's affects on a young Kid Devil, however, might not be so nice. I'll go along with what McKeever is working on Miss Martian but I'd really like to see that character go somewhere other than dark. You have Ravager, Kid Devil, and Miss Martian all dealing with dark personalities and that is just a little too much. I like the addition (or not) of Blue Beetle. Jaime is a great character and brings fresh eyes to this franchise. I like having him hang around.

Sean McKeever is a good writer and I'm hoping that he can return this title to prominence with solid story telling and characterization. DC needs to stop the carousel of artist on this series and stick with one team. Jamal Igle does a decent job here but I'm not sure he's fully up to the task either. With Dan Didio now serving as editor, here's hoping that a top art team is assigned and Didio stays out of McKeever's way and lets him tell good stories.

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.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #4 of 8

We are halfway through this miniseries and writers Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti bring an action packed issue. Quite a bit happens in this issue centered around the original Doll Man and the Red Bee. I like what Gray & Palmiotti have done with the Red Bee over the course of this miniseries. They have amped up the threat and excitement which makes me want to read the last half of this series. I like their characterization of Uncle Sam here as well. Artist Renato Arlem does a fantastic job this issue of presenting all of the action.

As this miniseries kicks into high gear, I'm enjoying Gray & Palmiotti's plotting and dialogue along with Arlem's art.

Countdown Presents: The Search for Ray Palmer: Superwoman/Batwoman

So I got my stack of comics this week and decided to jump into "Countdown" first just to get it over with. For "The Search for Ray Palmer" series, the synopsis remains the same. I don't think it is any spoiler to note that the didn't find Ray here. Artistically this issue is a mess with a hodge podge of pencillers and inkers. I liked the cover and wished that that artist had done the interiors. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palimiotti's story pokes fun at DC's failed "Amazons Attack" story line with Wonderman and the male Amazons attacking the rest of the world. The Challengers are given even less to do in this issue as they sit around as spectators to what's going on.

No real information is given out in this issue about Ray Palmer. Just another symbol left behind that he was there and no direction as to where he was going and what he was up to. Over in "Countdown" Bob seems to have an idea where Ray is but that hasn't flowed over to these books. If the editors are going to dictate these story lines then they need to ensure continuity across the titles.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #3 of 8

First off, I didn't realize how big this team is. There are lots of characters introduced in this issue and I'm not sure I could keep track of everything that was going on. I was a big Ray fan back in the 90s and I wish Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti would bring him to the forefront a little. This issue we get a little background on the new Doll Man and I really like Gray & Palmiotti's characterization here. I'm still digging Red Bee's development as well. Overall the issue was a bit frenetic with all of the characters and, at times, got a bit wordy, but I enjoyed it. Renato Arlem's art is more impressive in this issue, but on page one he falls back to the pink panties - now on Phantom Lady.

The only real complaint that I have about this series is that it doesn't seem that it is happening on "New Earth". Yes, there are mentions of Superman, Amazon Attacks, etc. but the SHADE organization and U.S. government seems to be from some other Earth. It is a good story but it just doesn't fit into the current DCU "New Earth" continuity.

Countdown to Final Crisis #24

"Countdown" has received a facelift over the last few issues and has finally hit its stride as "Countdown to Final Crisis". Fresh off of his stint in the "Sinestro Corps War", Superman Prime makes an appearance here in a black suit reminiscent of Superman's post "Death of Superman/Return of Superman" uniform. Back in "Countdown to Final Crisis" #26, the story jumped to Earth-15 as a black clad individual grabbed a bald headed guy. Well, in the first few pages of this issue we see that it was Superman Prime grabbing Earth-15's Lex Luthor. For those keeping score, Earth-15 is the Earth where Zod is Superman. Prime works over this Earth keeping the same tone that Geoff John's established in the Sinestro Corps "Prime" one-shot. We also see story lines begin to merge as the Bludhaven/Firestorm intersects the Mary Marvel/Darkseid storyline. Both the Firestorm and Mary Marvel stories are handled quite well here.

Penciller Tom Derenick and inker Wayne Faucher's art is very good. I've never really heard of either of these guys, but they capture the action and present it in a dynamic manner. I'd like to see more from Derenick - if he can keep a monthly schedule.

I've gone from luke warm to warm on this series. Issue #26 was a good jumping on point for new readers. The last two issues have been good and the future is looking brighter.

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.

Countdown to Final Crisis #26

"Countdown" has been renamed "Countdown to Final Crisis" as of issue #26. While "Countdown" issues #52-27 choose to utilize the "Heroes" method of story telling - jumping from group to group showing a few pages of each story line as you go - issue #26 is generally exposition focusing on the Monitors. I believe DC was shooting for this issue to be a good jumping on point for readers as the first two-thirds of the book has the various Monitors talking to each other regarding the current state of the Multiverse. I thought we already went through this earlier when they all agreed to something but now they are all agreeing to "war", whatever that means. The true motivation behind Monarch, formerly the very cool Caption Atom, is still not revealed. He must be brain damaged as Captian Atom was never evil and he comes across as such in these pages. In the end we jump to Earth 8 to catch up on "the Challengers", Kyle Rayner and company, on the search for Ray Palmer. Why are they searching for Ray Palmer? Who knows? Then we jump to Earth 15. Why? I don't know. I need a scorecard for all of these Earths. Can DC put up a chart at DC online to help me out? Oh and Darkseid has something to do with all of this as seen in the last splash panel. I know we are headed to Final Crisis, but head writer Paul Dini and company are taking their sweet time getting there. I just don't see the character motivations and what this all has to do with the New Gods, Ray Palmer, Monarch, et al. Hopefully these guys will kick it into high gear as we get to the home stretch but color me unimpressed with the series to this point.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #1 & #2 of 8

"Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters" #1 answers the burning question, "where was the team during Amazon Attacks?" Of course, I kid. No one really cared anything about "Amazon Attacks". The opening of this eight part series finds the team on a deep space mission fending off a hive of bees set on taking over the earth. Writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justing Gray utilize this mission to "upgrade" the Red Bee. Once the team is back on Earth they deal with the after effects of "Amazon Attacks" and Palmiotti and Gray settle into the government intrigue angle of the Freedom Fighters. The team breaks up in the first issue and the reasoning behind the breakup is, well, reasonable. The issue ends showing that things aren't all well with the Red Bee. Issue #2 focuses on Phantom Lady and here Paris Hilton/Brittany Spears-like behavior. It culminates with the team back together for an intervention. While Palmiotti and Gray are not severing up much action, the interactions between the characters and the development of Red Bee and Phatom Lady are handled well.

I didn't think I would like Renato Arlem's art, but it fits the tone of the book. He has a good flare for action sequences as seen on the bee ship and for character interaction. However, did we really need to see Miss America's pink panties. You'd think she would be wearing something to match her uniform.

While I wouldn't recommend this series to a younger audience, the mature themes, characterization, and social commentary are better suited for older readers.