So the question is this: will I continue to buy Countdown to Final Crisis? I dont think so. I think Ill keep this copy and file it just before Final Crisis in my long boxes so that I can refer to it when needed. Following it from this point on would still commit me to $75 dollars, and thats a hell of a lot for one story. Not to mention the trillions of spin-offs that seem to keep popping up. Read Full Review

It's like a new beginning for Countdown and appears to be a pretty good jumping on point due to the recap point of view from the Monitors and it read like a completely different book, unlike any other issue of Countdown to date. Give this book another try if you dropped it or held off based on poor reviews. Read Full Review

Countdown #26 was very average. If you are a new reader and are looking to jump aboard Countdown at this late juncture then I definitely recommend picking up this issue. However, if you are a regular reader of Countdown then beware. This issue will be a real step back compared the previous five issues that Dini has cranked out on this title. Read Full Review

If the writing is only marginally improved this week, at least the art takes a massive leap forward. I never thought I'd champion the arrival of Scott Kolins on a series, but I am. Besides, his style has improved immensely in the last six months or so. The bright, flashy colors and thick, black lines are well-suited for a book that would never be mistaken for taking place in a realistic universe. I just have a feeling I'll be missing Kolins next week. We probably won't have someone of his caliber on art duties until DC decides to change the name of the series to Countdown Until Our Fans Give a Damn or something. Read Full Review