A switch was flicked a while ago and this series started barreling forward at an exciting pace.

This issue continues that run of excitement.

I've been enjoying Countdown immensely, but one criticism I cannot deny is that the art has, at times, been not very good.  Whereas  52 (and I hate comparing the two series because they  are really nothing alike exept for the publishing schedule) featured art that wasn't always the most exciting it was usualyl always solid.  With Countdown the art has been a bit more iffy over the life of the series so one of the things I always do when I open the book is see who is on art duties.  Sadly, it can't always be Pete Woods or Jesus Saiz.  They would die.  But if I don't see Wood or Saiz's names I am just as happy seeing Mike Norton.  He is a really solid artist and storyteller who did good work on Queen & Country and Teen Titans and tons of other books. 

I'm really loving the storylines featuring Holly Robinson, Harley Quinn & Mary Marvel as well as the Kyle Rayner, Donna Troy and... grumble... Red Robin stuff.

(Sidenote - it's interesting to me how many DC characters are known just by their real names.)

Some of the storylines I'm really not all that into - Karate Kid - but I feel like the book has become a lot more focused in the last few months.  Pages are dedicated to the stories that seem to be really important.  Now everything is converging on Apokolips and that is exciting.  Clearly this is all leading to a big event involving the New Gods and I couldn't be happier.  I love the New Gods.  

Overall, I'm still really digging Countdown and I'm really excited to see where it's leading and I can't wait for Final Crisis.

Also, I like Jimmy Olsen.  I don't care who knows it.