‘Eclipso.’ Written by Matthew Sturges. Art by Chad Hardin; Dan Green; Walden Wong; Wayne Faucher; Dan Brown; & Pat Brosseau.
‘Doctor Fate.’ Written by Steve Gerber & Adam Beechen. Art by Justiniano; Walden Wong; Sal Cipriano; & Chris Chuckry.
Cover Art by Mario Alberti
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for May 2008, the 48-page penultimate issue of this anthology mini-series splits storylines between Eclipso and Kent Nelson’s Doctor Fate. In the 31-page “The Music of the Spheres, Part 4: Pericynthion,” Bruce Gordon, his girlfriend, and the new Spectre, Crispus Allen, comprise a trio freeing Eclipso’s current pawns. Joining their effort is Hawk & Dove (sisters Holly & Dawn Granger), Plastic Man, and the Creeper. Forcing a reunion with Bruce Gordon, an all-powerful Eclipso furthers his advantage against a reeling Spectre with another nasty surprise.
In the 16-page “More Pain Comics, Part 7: Untethered,” Kent Nelson’s gloating female rival dons the Helmet of Nabu. She is dragged through a torturous journey into Hell by the demonic Ymp and his master, Negal. An exhausted Kent Nelson is abducted for Negal’s endgame to forever eliminate Doctor Fate.
REVIEW:
Despite a cool cover image, the real mystery is whether or not it’s worth retaining this issue. Eclipso’s storyline sports the advantage of appealing guest stars, plus, a showdown vs. the Spectre. Though a female captive’s throat is partially slit, scripter Matthew Sturges and the art squad don’t overdo the violence quotient. Featuring some good visuals, their story makes sense re: Eclipso’s resurgence, but it’s not particularly fun. Yet, Eclipso’s scheming easily surpasses an icky Doctor Fate tale of zero appeal.
In an edgy Vertigo Comics-inspired storyline, strong artwork can’t disguise a bleak effort from co-scripters Steve Gerber & Adam Beechen. Suffice to say, Doctor Fate’s conventional JSA exploits are far more entertaining than accompanying this trip to Hell. All factors considered, the pertinent reason to keep Countdown to Mystery # 7, at least for the short-term, is getting multiple reads out of Spectre vs. Eclipso.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
DC Senior Coordinating Editor Jann Jones pens a “DC Nation” column. The thumbnail cover reveals are for: Death of the New Gods # 7; Tangent: Superman’s Reign # 1; and the concluding Countdown to Mystery # 8.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
