Countdown to Final Crisis #5

Although this issue is narrated once again by Buddy Blank's journal entries, it's nowhere near as questionable or annoying as it was last week. The rampant spread of the morticoccus virus around the world makes for an entertaining read, albeit with a few questionable authorial choices (e.g. Una's death at the hands of a mob of tiny rat-people), but frankly, that's become an expectation with the series. By the end of the issue, the Great Disaster is official, and the world as we know it has basically come to an end, all of which would have more of an impact if Countdown readers weren't already so jaded by world destruction. Nevertheless, these last few issues certainly seem critical to understanding exactly what the "final crisis" is going to shape up to be, so for once, Countdown probably shouldn't be avoided.

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Teen Titans #57

The "Terror Titans" storyline continues, and aside from a conversation between Robin and Wonder Girl that's unsurprisingly focused on WG's continuous complaints about Ravager, this week's Teen Titans mostly focuses on a battle between Ravager and members of the uncreatively-named Terror Titans within the confines of Titans Tower itself. We learn some surprising new things about young Rose Wilson as she's engaged in battle with updated versions of Copperhead and Persuader, primarily the surprising extent of her psychic abilities. Otherwise, the issue feels like many DC titles right now, mainly filler material pre-Final Crisis; nevertheless, it's worth a read

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Sgt. Sausagepant's Books:

Green Lantern #29

Most of this issue is flashbacks to various points in Hal's formative years, some of which we've seen, others we haven't. Despite the cover of the issue, Abin Sur is only in the book briefly at the end. Like the most recent issue of Green Lantern Corps, this feels like filler until they can sync the main storyline up with Final Crisis or something.

Read it.

Mighty Avengers #11

This month we get a different view of what happened at the end of last issues time-traveling hijinks, with Doom and Tony pulling out surprises one after the other until the final smackdown. The jumping between timeframes is a bit confusing at times, however.

Read it.

New Avengers #39

This issue focuses mostly on Avengers newcomer Echo, as she and Wolverine come face to face with the realities of the Secret Invasion. Another alien impostor is revealed, and we get a badass fight scene. (and a hint that this invasion isn't quite what it seems).

Buy it.

Secret History Of The Authority Jack Hawksmoor #1

While I of course am nuts for Midnighter and his hunky hubby Apollo, Jack Hawksmoor has always struck me as one of the more intriguing characters in the Wildstorm universe, with his unique 'King of Cities' powers. In this first of six issues, we learn a bit more about his powers and Jack stumbles across a mystery.

Buy it.