REVIEW: Rann-Thanagar: Holy War - 2

Firstly - what a brilliant cover. It instantly reminds you of the pre-Crisis (1) DC books - dripping with action and excitement. And happily, just like issue one, this book doesn't disappoint.

***SPOILER ALERT***

At the tail end of issue one, we saw Captain Comet in the midst of an explosion, leaving readers dangling on a 'how does he get out of this one' cliff edge. Well, as you might expect, he most certainly does get out - but probably not quite in the way you were thinking...

Moving through the book we see Adam Strange, Animal Man, Hawkman and Starfire execute an all out offensive against Thanagar troops on Rann, only to be met with a Monarchasaurus (a Rannian dinosaur) upon capturing their prisoners. It has to be said - a truly supreme moment.

On Throneworld Prince Gavyn encounters some trouble with Bizarro (who is eating the planet into a famine), and has to rely on Earth Cartoons to save the day...

Happily, just like the first issue, Rann-Thanagar: Holy War is a truly worthwhile purchase. Jim Starlin does a fantastic job on the script, creating real energy between some of the 'B-team' characters within the DCU, and when combined with Ron Lim's beautiful pencils - you can't help but say it again...

Please DC - give this team an ongoing book of its own!

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(another excellent issue - could this be the best thing currently on the shelf from DC?)

REVIEW: Countdown to Adventure - 8 of 8

***SPOILER ALERT***

The one good thing that came from 52, was a reminder that the DCU has some great characters, most of which are sadly underused. Three of which are: Animal Man, Adam Strange and Starfire.

In total contrast to my thoughts on the main 'Countdown' (to Final Crisis) series - Countdown to Adventure - has been great.

The interplay between Animal Man and Starfire (is he in love with her, or isn't he) has been thoroughly enjoyable and fantastic to read through the entire series - as has the supposed decline of Adam Strange's popularity on Rann. 

I'm happy to say that the final issue in the series is just the same - thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, with a nice epilogue hinting at further storylines to come.

I'd go so far to say that these three need their own team book. If Shadowpact can get one - then why not these heroes?

Now - having said all this - let's not forget that there has been a backup story running with Forerunner, an 'agent' (sorta) of the monitors. Her storyline somewhat oddly twisted and turned around, but ended on a high note. I fully expect to see her - and the new race of her people - in the near future.

Recommended reading - I'll certainly be picking up the follow up Rann / Thanagar: Holy War mini-series.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5

(well worthwhile - if you missed the last seven issues - pick the whole thing up in trade when it comes out)