Lead Feature Written by Adam Beechen. Lead Feature Art by Allan Goldman; Julio Ferreira; Tanya and Richard Horie; & Steve Wands.
Back-Up Tale Written by Justin Gray. Back-Up Tale Art by Fabrizio Fiorentino; Adam DeKraker; Tanya and Richard Horie; & Travis Lanham.
Cover Art by Eddy Barrows; Oclair Albert; & Rod Reis.
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for February 2008, this 48-page issue of the eight-part mini-series continues its split Countdown-related storylines. The 29-page lead feature is entitled “The Home Front: Patient Zero,” as Adam Strange, Starfire, & Animal Man star in a direct sequel to their 52 adventure.
In San Diego, Animal Man (Buddy Baker) & a powerless Starfire (Koriand’r) realize there’s a solar-powered cure for the mass virus turning innocent people into Lady Styx’s disciples, including Buddy’s young son. Researching their own possible cure, the two alien healers abduct Earth’s virus carrier for an evidently grisly fate amidst their medical research. On Rann, a fugitive Strange is running out of time to thwart the virus there before his psychotic successor, Champ, and his renegade soldiers can kill him.
Entitled “Part Five: Lost in Space,” the 18-page back-up story has Viza Aziv (aka Forerunner) rescued from certain death in deep space, only to face a bloodthirsty alien army of smugglers. At stake is Viza Aziv assembling her new resources to launch a lethal payback campaign.
REVIEW:
Remaining consistent, both art squads deliver top-flight visuals; it’s definitely a welcome asset for this series. Writer Adam Beechen also continues an entertaining lead feature with good plotting. The platonic chemistry between Animal Man & Starfire is well-played, as is Adam Strange’s ongoing predicament (which reinvigorates his character). While this shared storyline might not inspire multiple reads for casual fans, it’s still worth catching.
The same doesn’t apply to Forerunner’s nasty back-up series. Writer Justin Gray is clearly a talented writer, but, as far as readable entertainment goes, his scripting this time is debatable. Packed with gruesome space alien deaths (including multiple decapitations), it’s disappointing that DC Comics didn’t see fit to slap a parental advisory on this issue. “Lost in Space” frankly isn’t worth revisiting. Suffice to say, the Forerunner saga should have been allotted its own mini-series clearly advertised for adult die-hards only.
Countdown to Adventure # 5’s star attraction definitely makes a worthwhile read, but Forerunner’s excuse for grisly mayhem, unfortunately, just takes up time.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In the “DC Nation” column, Senior Coordinating Editor Jann Jones shares a Christmas glimpse of three DC couples: Barry & Iris; Hal & Carol; and Wally & Linda. Thumbnail cover reveals are for Countdown to Adventure # 6; Green Lantern {Hal Jordan} # 26 (in black-and-white); Death of the New Gods # 4; and Countdown # 18.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
