This issue is a hard one to review. We saw the end to this story in Countdown 2, a week before this issue came out. Starlin had to find a way to end the issue in such a way that closed the series, but left enough unresolved for Countdown to pick up. In my opinion Starlin did the job, and despite all the obstacles ended the series wonderfully.

Starlin conveys the horror of every single New God being killed with Superman's desperate search for a survivor. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the use of Superman in this series is fantastic. On Earth he has almost no equal, but among the New Gods he doesn't stand out at all, and even is inferior in some ways. Using him shows how truly powerful these characters are. I thought it was hilarious how Superman kept getting knocked unconscious, or getting blasted away from the energy discharged in the fights.

We get a preview of the Orion/Darkseid fight, and also an explanation of how Orion survived. Also, I began to see the Source as evil throughout this series, but this issue shows that we just don't understand its overall plan. The last page was beautifully written and drawn, and conveys the hope that the story of these character are not over, just ready for a new chapter with the Fifth World.

The art blew me away with its portrayal of all the cosmic events in this issue. Starlin is definitly one of if not the best artists for this kind of story. His battle scenes and his exposition scenes convey the wonder and grandeur of these characters.

This issue was a great ending to a fascinating series that while it was sad seeing the deaths of these beloved characters, it leaves you with a sense of hope for what is to come.