Ray's Official DCU Megathread the 3rd: Countdown Edition - Now on Earth-OOMPH!

[Deej]

RAY!!

Step 1: Cut a hole in a box
Step 2: Put your junk in the box
Step 3: Have her open the box

Justin Timberlake knows women!! It's pretty much guaranteed by the new King of Pop!

[SteveZegers]

Ack! Where'd the board go? I was lonely...

Anyway, what kind of cookies? Cookies don't scream "romantic".

Anyway, I'm off to save this thread from talk of my love life with reviews. See you guys in an hour.

?


Looks romantic to me.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

?


Looks romantic to me.

That. Is. Awesome.

[SteveZegers]

That. Is. Awesome.

And romantic!

[SteveZegers]

So I'm off to the convention in Toronto this weekend. Any questions I should ask during to DC panel?

[Ray G.]

So I'm off to the convention in Toronto this weekend. Any questions I should ask during to DC panel?

I was promised Anarky in 52. I did not see Anarky in 52. I am displeased by this fact. Pass along my displeasure.

[SteveZegers]

I was promised Anarky in 52. I did not see Anarky in 52. I am displeased by this fact. Pass along my displeasure.

But I'm glad he wasn't in it. It would be dishonest of me to ask that.

[Ray G.]

DC Universe Reviews:

Countdown #47 - ***1/2

You know, I'm starting to realize what my problem with Countdown as a whole is. There doesn't really seem to be enough room for the writers to breathe outside of the outline, and there also doesn't seem to be enough room for the characters to develop in a reasonable time-frame. Everything is a bit rushed, there's too much going on in each issue, and with an author like Sean McKeever, who's strength is in dialogue and relationships, it doesn't really come across here because the story changes every three pages. That's not to say it's not a good story or well-executed, though. This issue begins with a bang, as Jimmy Olsen wakes up trapped on the Source Wall, with Lightray and countless other beings. He then wakes up in his room, as the mystery over what he's becoming gets wierder and wierder. We then cut to new cast member Holly Robinson, starting her new life in Metropolis to avoid cop-killing charges from Catwoman. She's a likable character who I'm a big fan of, but her initial "kicks creepy guy in the head" appearance doesn't do much for her. The main story this week is Mary Marvel's confrontation with Black Adam, and it continues to be the strongest part. After Mary refuses to flee in the wake of Adam's rampage, he agrees to help her, transfering his entire powers to her. She turns into the famous Black Mary seen on the cover, as he states that he's had enough of the curse of the powers, and they're hers now. He leaves as he tells her to tell Billy he's sorry. The most important segment is likely the one taking place in the realm of the Monitors. As the apparent head Monitor condemns the actions of his brother who killed Deula, the rogue Monitor launches into a vicious and rather creepy speech, inciting the Monitors towards genocide against the anomalies. Me thinks we have our first-act villain. There's a good segment between Trickster and Piper, as these two continue to establish themselves as great POV characters for the villains. But the issue ends with a pointless last page, as we see the Amazons Attack Washington. There's even a dramatic final quote, much like last week. So, a good issue, but I really don't think this kind of group event project is where we're going to see the best of Sean McKeever.

Superman #663 - *****(Book of the Week)

No surprise, when Buseik/Pacheco do a Superman issue, it'll probably get book of the week. Aside from Johns/Eaglesham on JSA, it's hard to think of a more solid team on DC's books. The continuity error of Lightray being alive aside(and I have a feeling we're going to see lots of these), this is pretty much a perfect comic. We open on the Oblivion Bar(yes, that Oblivion Bar! ), with cameos by Manitou Raven and Dawn, Witchfire, Bork, and Traci 13, as a lame Arion impostor hits on the girls. As he exits the bar, he's found by the real Arion, who's getting more and more creepy by the moment. Meanwhile, in Metropolis, Superman has to deal with the sudden arrival of dozens of young superheroes wreaking havoc in the city, with complete lack of knowledge of how to handle people. Once that mess is cleaned up(although not completely), there are some great scenes with Lana and Lois. Buseik really seems to get exactly who everyone in this book is. But it's the end of the issue that really gets things going. As Superman refuses Arion's demand to leave Earth, Arion makes his move, casting a spell on Superman that will put him under his control - so Arion can use him to eliminate all alien heroes on Earth. Arion might easily be the single best villain in a Superman book in years, and I have a feeling his plans are just getting started.

Supergirl #18 - **

Incredibly disappointing. Maybe the worst issue of the entire run. The bulk of this issue is spent by Kara battling a caricature of the original Supergirl - sickeningly sweet, over-the-top innocent and nice, and more than a little clueless - as she belittles our Kara and tries to take her place. It's pretty clear from the start, though, that this isn't the real Supergirl. She may be "innocent", but she's also catty and cruel, and seems to almost be spouting an exaggerated version of the complaints I'm sure Kelly's heard about his run on the title. To me, it almost feels like a dig at the readers. Kelly saying "See? Is this what you want?". There's a particularly pointless rant about how "No one wants a Supergirl with the same problems as them". That's not what anyone was saying. Anyway, after Kara defeats the doppelganger(somehow), it's revealed to be Dark Angel, the mystery villain who's been dogging Kara for issues now. Her employer? A Monitor, who was putting Kara through a series of tests to see if she'd break. Anyway, Kara passed the test, and now we can go back to where we were last issue, but not before Kara is grabbed on the last page by a mystery attacker. Power Boy again? Would seem to fit. It doesn't help that there's mediocre Adam Archer art for half the issue. Let's hope Kelly's last issue is a lot better than this one.

Birds of Prey #107 - ****1/2

This arc continues to be completely and utterly fantastic, and ends in a way that I'm sure will make a lot of people very, very happy. And it should, as it seems we're only one issue away from the conclusion of Gail's long and storied run on this title. But this issue concludes the battle between the Birds and the Secret Six, as both teams have to band together to face the wrath of angry ice Goddess Ice, resurrected and more than a little pissed off. Spy Smasher continues to be a cold and hatable bitch, as the Secret Six get off one great line after another. Huntress and Catman make a great couple, and Ragdoll, Misfit, and Harley add some much-needed comic relief. But the true highlight of the issue to Oracle, who asks Ice the one question that could snap Tora out of the spell. Ice's mind is restored, and the master villain gets a bullet in the head courtesey of Deadshot. The issue ends with a great showdown between Spy Smasher and Lady Blackhawk, and the promise of an even better one next month between Spy Smasher...and Oracle. Yep, Babs got out her fighting sticks. This is going to be good. And what's even better? Ice is back!

Detective Comics #833 - *****

Ooh, it was a tight call between this and Superman for book of the week, but Superman was just more ambitious. That doesn't mean that this isn't pretty much a perfect comic, and the best Detective has been since the Joker/Robin story. After a young woman is killed in a magic show performed by the enigmatic and sadistic Ivar Loxias(it's not Misty, for those wondering. It's a random woman.), we're treated to one of the most awkward team-ups ever: Batman and Zatanna. It's preceded by a great childhood flashback that sets the tone for the relationship - were it not for the elephant in the room of the mindwiping. As they investigate the case, it becomes clear that it was no accident, and the girl was deliberately murdered by someone who knew exactly how to kill her. As the duo goes to confront Loxias, he lures them into a perfect trap, taunting them with his crimes, and then blindsiding Zatanna with a gunshot, shooting her in the throat. After dumping her, bleeding and possibly dying, into an escape tank, he pushes Batman into an electric chair...and then starts to peel off his mask. It's none other than the Joker, and he finally has Batman at his mercy. Paul Dini has a better grasp of Batman's villains than any other writer out there, and this Joker story is one of the greats.

The All-New Atom #12 - ****1/2

Well, this has certainly been a great week for Gail Simone. BoP was fantastic, and Atom goes back to its roots after the ill-advised asian zombie bully caper. We're back to wierd science in Ivy Town, and we're about to head off on the best caper ever - the search for Ray Palmer. We open with a fantastic segment starring the still-shrunk villain Dwarfstar, as he realizes that slowly but surely, he's growing. Which means he'll be back soon. As Ryan returns to Ivy Town, he winds up in the cabbie of the mystery anagram guy, who gives him more wierd Anagrams. This issue is just absolutely hilarity from start to finish, from the cab ride from hell, to fun with the campus professors and the giant head, to the arrival of the Atom's incredibly inept rogues gallery. The villains in particular are pretty funny, as Ryan manhandles them easily. And this is all interspliced with bizarre asides from the Ivy Town tour guide. But it's not over yet, as wierd Anagram guy reappears, and reveals that he wants Ryan to help him find Ray. But the true shocker is his identity. It's none other than former villain Chronos, back from a long absence. A fan favorite character, a new mystery, and plenty of wackiness. Sounds like a recipe for a great arc.

Outsiders #48 - **

I've lost my will to criticize this crossover too much. Every issue feels exactly the same. And wasn't this advertised as a four-part crossover? It seems to have grown to six parts. Oh, well. The entire issue is just half the team beating the shit out of a bunch of not particularly interesting Oolong Island rejects. There's a few cool lines between Nightwing and Sasha Bordeaux, and one cool effect involving a hand-held EMP, but nothing really unique. It's just 22 pages of uninteresting characters yelling at each other and punching things. The issue is also solely written by Winick, who can't really write the Checkmate crew very well. There's none of Rucka's trademark subtelty. The issue does start getting a little interesting towards the end, as Sasha, Nightwing, and Boomer are captured, and the true villains are revealed. Egg-Fu is back, with a new body, and he's being helped by none other than August General in Iron and Immortal Man in Darkness - the Great Ten. So let's see if the last two chapters can make something out of this story. But really, if you're two thirds of the way through the story and nothing has really happened, that's not a good sign.

Nightwing #133 - **1/2

Well, this one is competent at least. Nothing on the level of the atrocity that was the last arc. But Wolfman's run on the title seems to be completely unexciting, even though this is the start of the much-hyped 321 Days, the story revealing the missing year of Dick Grayson's life. So far, all we really know from this is that he had a hot girlfriend named Liu who he sent to jail as Robin. No surprise, she returns this issue and brings a whole host of mysteries with her. Unfortunately, none of them are particularly compelling, and neither is she. There's a little more humor than previous issues, as we return to Dick's new job and see him socialize with his interchangable supporting cast. Unfortunately, there's also way too much emo, as he takes his anger out on a kidnapping biker gang while yelling a lot. It really seems like no one can really get a handle on this character's role right now, and it's why I want to see him back leading the Teen Titans as mentor. The most interesting part of the issue is the last page, as a mystery new Vigilante(yes, that Vigilante) is revealed to be stalking Liu. A mystery villain is always a good thing. Let's just hope the reveal pays off.

Bonus Reviews:

Jonah Hex #20 - ****

Finally, we're back on track as we're treated to a fun, violent, twist-filled western tale in the classic Jonah Hex tradition. It's like a buddy comedy where one of the buddies hates the other, as Jonah and a crooked Mexican cowboy meet up after running afoul of the same corrupt Casino ganglord. There's a lot of great one-liners, and a classic revenge scheme that pays off in great fashion. The previous issues slipped a lot, but this is a perfect one-story tale that would be a great jumping on point for new readers.

[jamestolliver]

Holy shit! Detective Comics sounds awesome this week!

[Gavin]

DC Universe Reviews:

Countdown #47 - ***1/2

You know, I'm starting to realize what my problem with Countdown as a whole is. There doesn't really seem to be enough room for the writers to breathe outside of the outline, and there also doesn't seem to be enough room for the characters to develop in a reasonable time-frame. Everything is a bit rushed, there's too much going on in each issue, and with an author like Sean McKeever, who's strength is in dialogue and relationships, it doesn't really come across here because the story changes every three pages. That's not to say it's not a good story or well-executed, though. This issue begins with a bang, as Jimmy Olsen wakes up trapped on the Source Wall, with Lightray and countless other beings. He then wakes up in his room, as the mystery over what he's becoming gets wierder and wierder. We then cut to new cast member Holly Robinson, starting her new life in Metropolis to avoid cop-killing charges from Catwoman. She's a likable character who I'm a big fan of, but her initial "kicks creepy guy in the head" appearance doesn't do much for her. The main story this week is Mary Marvel's confrontation with Black Adam, and it continues to be the strongest part. After Mary refuses to flee in the wake of Adam's rampage, he agrees to help her, transfering his entire powers to her. She turns into the famous Black Mary seen on the cover, as he states that he's had enough of the curse of the powers, and they're hers now. He leaves as he tells her to tell Billy he's sorry. The most important segment is likely the one taking place in the realm of the Monitors. As the apparent head Monitor condemns the actions of his brother who killed Deula, the rogue Monitor launches into a vicious and rather creepy speech, inciting the Monitors towards genocide against the anomalies. Me thinks we have our first-act villain. There's a good segment between Trickster and Piper, as these two continue to establish themselves as great POV characters for the villains. But the issue ends with a pointless last page, as we see the Amazons Attack Washington. There's even a dramatic final quote, much like last week. So, a good issue, but I really don't think this kind of group event project is where we're going to see the best of Sean McKeever.

Superman #663 - *****(Book of the Week)

No surprise, when Buseik/Pacheco do a Superman issue, it'll probably get book of the week. Aside from Johns/Eaglesham on JSA, it's hard to think of a more solid team on DC's books. The continuity error of Lightray being alive aside(and I have a feeling we're going to see lots of these), this is pretty much a perfect comic. We open on the Oblivion Bar(yes, that Oblivion Bar! ), with cameos by Manitou Raven and Dawn, Witchfire, Bork, and Traci 13, as a lame Arion impostor hits on the girls. As he exits the bar, he's found by the real Arion, who's getting more and more creepy by the moment. Meanwhile, in Metropolis, Superman has to deal with the sudden arrival of dozens of young superheroes wreaking havoc in the city, with complete lack of knowledge of how to handle people. Once that mess is cleaned up(although not completely), there are some great scenes with Lana and Lois. Buseik really seems to get exactly who everyone in this book is. But it's the end of the issue that really gets things going. As Superman refuses Arion's demand to leave Earth, Arion makes his move, casting a spell on Superman that will put him under his control - so Arion can use him to eliminate all alien heroes on Earth. Arion might easily be the single best villain in a Superman book in years, and I have a feeling his plans are just getting started.

Supergirl #18 - **

Incredibly disappointing. Maybe the worst issue of the entire run. The bulk of this issue is spent by Kara battling a caricature of the original Supergirl - sickeningly sweet, over-the-top innocent and nice, and more than a little clueless - as she belittles our Kara and tries to take her place. It's pretty clear from the start, though, that this isn't the real Supergirl. She may be "innocent", but she's also catty and cruel, and seems to almost be spouting an exaggerated version of the complaints I'm sure Kelly's heard about his run on the title. To me, it almost feels like a dig at the readers. Kelly saying "See? Is this what you want?". There's a particularly pointless rant about how "No one wants a Supergirl with the same problems as them". That's not what anyone was saying. Anyway, after Kara defeats the doppelganger(somehow), it's revealed to be Dark Angel, the mystery villain who's been dogging Kara for issues now. Her employer? A Monitor, who was putting Kara through a series of tests to see if she'd break. Anyway, Kara passed the test, and now we can go back to where we were last issue, but not before Kara is grabbed on the last page by a mystery attacker. Power Boy again? Would seem to fit. It doesn't help that there's mediocre Adam Archer art for half the issue. Let's hope Kelly's last issue is a lot better than this one.

Birds of Prey #107 - ****1/2

This arc continues to be completely and utterly fantastic, and ends in a way that I'm sure will make a lot of people very, very happy. And it should, as it seems we're only one issue away from the conclusion of Gail's long and storied run on this title. But this issue concludes the battle between the Birds and the Secret Six, as both teams have to band together to face the wrath of angry ice Goddess Ice, resurrected and more than a little pissed off. Spy Smasher continues to be a cold and hatable bitch, as the Secret Six get off one great line after another. Huntress and Catman make a great couple, and Ragdoll, Misfit, and Harley add some much-needed comic relief. But the true highlight of the issue to Oracle, who asks Ice the one question that could snap Tora out of the spell. Ice's mind is restored, and the master villain gets a bullet in the head courtesey of Deadshot. The issue ends with a great showdown between Spy Smasher and Lady Blackhawk, and the promise of an even better one next month between Spy Smasher...and Oracle. Yep, Babs got out her fighting sticks. This is going to be good. And what's even better? Ice is back!

Detective Comics #833 - *****

Ooh, it was a tight call between this and Superman for book of the week, but Superman was just more ambitious. That doesn't mean that this isn't pretty much a perfect comic, and the best Detective has been since the Joker/Robin story. After a young woman is killed in a magic show performed by the enigmatic and sadistic Ivar Loxias(it's not Misty, for those wondering. It's a random woman.), we're treated to one of the most awkward team-ups ever: Batman and Zatanna. It's preceded by a great childhood flashback that sets the tone for the relationship - were it not for the elephant in the room of the mindwiping. As they investigate the case, it becomes clear that it was no accident, and the girl was deliberately murdered by someone who knew exactly how to kill her. As the duo goes to confront Loxias, he lures them into a perfect trap, taunting them with his crimes, and then blindsiding Zatanna with a gunshot, shooting her in the throat. After dumping her, bleeding and possibly dying, into an escape tank, he pushes Batman into an electric chair...and then starts to peel off his mask. It's none other than the Joker, and he finally has Batman at his mercy. Paul Dini has a better grasp of Batman's villains than any other writer out there, and this Joker story is one of the greats.

The All-New Atom #12 - ****1/2

Well, this has certainly been a great week for Gail Simone. BoP was fantastic, and Atom goes back to its roots after the ill-advised asian zombie bully caper. We're back to wierd science in Ivy Town, and we're about to head off on the best caper ever - the search for Ray Palmer. We open with a fantastic segment starring the still-shrunk villain Dwarfstar, as he realizes that slowly but surely, he's growing. Which means he'll be back soon. As Ryan returns to Ivy Town, he winds up in the cabbie of the mystery anagram guy, who gives him more wierd Anagrams. This issue is just absolutely hilarity from start to finish, from the cab ride from hell, to fun with the campus professors and the giant head, to the arrival of the Atom's incredibly inept rogues gallery. The villains in particular are pretty funny, as Ryan manhandles them easily. And this is all interspliced with bizarre asides from the Ivy Town tour guide. But it's not over yet, as wierd Anagram guy reappears, and reveals that he wants Ryan to help him find Ray. But the true shocker is his identity. It's none other than former villain Chronos, back from a long absence. A fan favorite character, a new mystery, and plenty of wackiness. Sounds like a recipe for a great arc.

Outsiders #48 - **

I've lost my will to criticize this crossover too much. Every issue feels exactly the same. And wasn't this advertised as a four-part crossover? It seems to have grown to six parts. Oh, well. The entire issue is just half the team beating the shit out of a bunch of not particularly interesting Oolong Island rejects. There's a few cool lines between Nightwing and Sasha Bordeaux, and one cool effect involving a hand-held EMP, but nothing really unique. It's just 22 pages of uninteresting characters yelling at each other and punching things. The issue is also solely written by Winick, who can't really write the Checkmate crew very well. There's none of Rucka's trademark subtelty. The issue does start getting a little interesting towards the end, as Sasha, Nightwing, and Boomer are captured, and the true villains are revealed. Egg-Fu is back, with a new body, and he's being helped by none other than August General in Iron and Immortal Man in Darkness - the Great Ten. So let's see if the last two chapters can make something out of this story. But really, if you're two thirds of the way through the story and nothing has really happened, that's not a good sign.

Nightwing #133 - **1/2

Well, this one is competent at least. Nothing on the level of the atrocity that was the last arc. But Wolfman's run on the title seems to be completely unexciting, even though this is the start of the much-hyped 321 Days, the story revealing the missing year of Dick Grayson's life. So far, all we really know from this is that he had a hot girlfriend named Liu who he sent to jail as Robin. No surprise, she returns this issue and brings a whole host of mysteries with her. Unfortunately, none of them are particularly compelling, and neither is she. There's a little more humor than previous issues, as we return to Dick's new job and see him socialize with his interchangable supporting cast. Unfortunately, there's also way too much emo, as he takes his anger out on a kidnapping biker gang while yelling a lot. It really seems like no one can really get a handle on this character's role right now, and it's why I want to see him back leading the Teen Titans as mentor. The most interesting part of the issue is the last page, as a mystery new Vigilante(yes, that Vigilante) is revealed to be stalking Liu. A mystery villain is always a good thing. Let's just hope the reveal pays off.

Bonus Reviews:

Jonah Hex #20 - ****

Finally, we're back on track as we're treated to a fun, violent, twist-filled western tale in the classic Jonah Hex tradition. It's like a buddy comedy where one of the buddies hates the other, as Jonah and a crooked Mexican cowboy meet up after running afoul of the same corrupt Casino ganglord. There's a lot of great one-liners, and a classic revenge scheme that pays off in great fashion. The previous issues slipped a lot, but this is a perfect one-story tale that would be a great jumping on point for new readers.

I enjoy your thorough reviews Ray because I want to care what happens in the DC Universe, but not enough to buy any of their comics (aside from the occasional Batman and All-Star Superman for the wife). Thanks for keeping me up-to-date.