In the end, this book is one that I wouldn't rush out to get your hands on. Maybe wait for a trade to collect them all, but that's working off the assumption that the story that emerges in the last quarter of this book continues to grow, strengthen, and intrigue. If it doesn't, then I'd be a little hard pressed to find a reason you'd want to buy this series at all.

It's all coming down to this. Next week we have DC Universe #0. This week, Countdown #1, get's 3 out of 5 for the art, and 2 out of 5 for the story! Another week of 'meh'!

All in all this book gets a 3 out of 5 on both counts, and continues to leave me baffled as to why no one is making a rescue attempt on Layla; especially Jamie who, despite everything, really cared for her.

X-Factor #32 gets 3 out of 5, a point detracted for the art and another point detracted for the continued refusal to go look for Layla Miller, despite the protestations that this book is about the team! Still, worth getting on to X-Factor, and "" we'll wait and see "" but issue #33 may be a jumping on point for anyone interested.

The artwork so detracted from the story, that I cannot give X-Factor #34 more than 2 out of 5. I am well aware that X-Factor has not been great, but I have not hated it "" the story that is. I won't be giving this book up either, simply because I enjoy Peter David and his X-Factor characters. But Larry Stroman has to go, now!

Overall, Reign in Hell gets 3 out of 5 from me. I absolutely love what is happening, and I just can't wait to see where this goes. More of the mystical and the magical is what I want, but preferably a little less dialogue, or cleaner art.

After last months tragesty (travesty and tragedy) of an issue, I was a lot happier with issue #3. I give it 3 out of 5, with room for improvement, but with a nod towards the fact that the creative team are aware of this and are improving as they go.

Two-Face Year One gets 3 out of 5 from me. The artwork was nice, but I couldn't help seeing Eric Roberts in Harvey Dent, and that is a problem considering the books links between Harvey Dent and Sal Maroni, the latter being played by Eric Roberts in TDK. Either way, maybe just wait on buying this until you can get the trade paperback. At $5.99, this book just isn't worth the cover price.

Overall, this book gets 3 out of 5 for story and 4 out of 5 for artwork. I really do suggest you go out and pick this book up, especially if you are a Kitty and/or Logan fan. But even if you just like good, clean and fun comics, this is definitely one for you!

And, as DC will no doubt love to hear, has only heightened my anticipation for Final Crisis, and in particular, the Green Lanterns storyline. Green Lantern, issue #30 get's a 4 out of 5 on the artwork, and a 4 on the story.

I'll say again, the art was great, and possibly worth getting if you just want to look at pretty pictures. Add to that the ret-conning, which speaks to the greater Green Lantern war that is brewing, and this is a passable issue. But it confused me, and I don't like to be confused. I don't get confused a lot when reading Green Lantern issues, and that baffled me, leaving me confused and baffled. I give Green Lantern #32 3 out of 5 Stars, mainly for the art. Add it to your collection if you are collecting them, but if you aren't, just wait for the TPB and skim through this issue when you get to it.

This is definitely something that will be a great addition to the TPB collection, earning Green Lantern #33 4.5 out of 5 Stars (4 for the story, 5 for the art).

However, all in all, I didn't hate this book. I give the story 4 out of 5, and the artwork 4 out of 5.

Astonishing X-Men #26 gets 4 out of 5 for me. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this 'Manifest Destiny' stories goes too, and whether Ellis can keep Cyclops and Co. in a modicum of realistic storytelling. If you're an X-Men fan, and not reading this, go out and pick up #25 and #26, you probably won't regret it.

Booster Gold #09 gets 4 out of 5 from me, as Johns and co-writer Jeff Katz have once again delivered a fearsome story to rival anything being written at the moment. If you haven't jumped on the Booster Gold train then you better do so soon!

Overall, this book is brilliant. It is not flashy or mindblowing, but it is similarly perfect science fiction; a touch of the unreal mixed with realistic characters dealing with said unrealism. I give the book a four out of five; make sure you get your hands on this!

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised with this book, and I give She-Hulk #31 4 out of 5 Stars.

All in all, I'll give this a 5 out of 5 for the art, because I really do like it (but personal preference is everything when it comes to art), and 4 for the story, because I am still a bit confused about what we know, and what I'm missing out on having not read every X-Men comic in existence. Either way, make sure you make an effort to get your hands on these books!

All in all, Batman Confidential #18 gets 5 out of 5 for me, something I haven't done in awhile. I know the artwork doesn't necessarily score that high, but Nicieza's story and the 80% good artwork simply cannot be denied a full mark. Make sure you try and get your hands on this storyline as soon as possible; you will not regret it! And try and do it for something other than the rampant nakedness of the first 9 pages.

Once again, I can't find anything wrong with this book. I won't go in to the artwork, because I would only be repeating myself from the review of #19: I just really like Maguire's work! Another 5 out of 5 for me, leaving me to go off and find myself a crap book to review for all of you who don't like it when someone likes reading. Of course, I kid" kinda.

This book, not to mention the entire 5-issue arc, gets 5 out of 5 from me. And though I'm not certain that you'd be able to get your hands on all five issues, make sure to get the trade paperback when it comes out! Definitely worth the while, time, and money!

I give this book 5 out of 5 all round, because it really is just such a good book. Make sure you pick this up, even if you aren't picking up any other Flash or Final Crisis books; you don't need them for this, and you won't regret it.

X-Factor Special "" Layla Miller #01 easily gets 5 out of 5, because it is simply fantastic, nothing short of it in fact. It is proof that the problems with X-Factor are not lying in Peter David's hands, but " well, elsewhere! Make sure you pick this up, you will not regret it, 'cause it's a romping great time!