Countdown To Final Crisis #3

Wow were was this book weeks ago?  Easily this issue was one of the best I've read in a while.  To me more then makes up for the fact that I really disliked the two Kamandi issues.  It's been a while since I enjoyed an issue of Countdown and I have to say, other then no more Monarch, I really like where this is going.

This week we got something that never gets old to me, a Superman and Darkseid brawl.  This fight lasted a few pages and overall was great.  Although I like Black Mary, I really hate her dialog.  I assume the reason she acts like this is because Black Adam was always a pompous ass, but she just acts like a 12 year old bitch.  Even the fight between Mary and the back up was great.  Best part was when she was beating the crap out of Donna Troy WITH Kyle Rayner.  I love when characters are used as blunt objects.

Also I was glad to see that it didn't last that long till we figured out what Ray Palmer was up to.  I knew he hid away for a reason and I'm glad in the end, he may have saved the day still.  The best part about it is he used "Gardner's Law" which I found to be most appropriate.  This part of the issue really reminded me of the episode Dark Heart, from Justice League Unlimited, which was written by Warren Ellis.  It's one of my personal favorite episodes, if you haven't seen it, you should.

Last quick thing to talk about was the art by Freddie Williams II and the colors by Pete Pantazis.  With how the art and color has been in this book over the entire run, it's good to see someone I enjoy on here.  A lot of people are not huge fans of Freddie Williams II, but I thoroughly enjoy his artwork.  It reminds me of some older comics that have that cartoony feel, which I really enjoy sometimes.  Also the color in this issue was amazing to me.  Everything just felt so bright and rich.  Especially in comparison to last issue, which the colors felt dull.

Overall, this issue has really made up for what I have disliked over the last so many issues.  It also has me excited to know more about the Fifth World and Final Crisis.  As anyone who has read what I've posted on the forums should be shocked to hear since I am not a fan of who is writing Final Crisis.