Countdown #43 - DC

This was a really moving book. The whole thing was really about Bart Allen's funeral. But there were some other things that came out of it as well. Basically, Keystone and Central City close down for the funeral of their beloved hometown hero, the Flash. And the stadium where they're holding the funeral, looks more like a sold out concert. There are literally thousands of people there. There are some pretty moving statements by Jay, Cyborg, Tim and Cassie. And then Tim show the audience a CD that Bart had recorded, shortly after he had been shot by Deathstroke. It was one of those "show it after I'm gone" type of things. Very, very moving. Watching from the top of the stadium is the Monitor, the one for our Earth, Jason and Donna. They're arguing about their next course of action. The Monitor is convinced that the key to saving everyone lies with Ray Palmer. But Jason doesn't buy it. The Piper and the Trickster are also in the crowd. They don't necessarily feel that they should be there, but they do want to pay their respects. But they get jumpy when Cassie talks about wanting to kill them. So they bolt. Well of course they draw attention to themselves. Multiplex takes down the Piper, and Deadshot takes down Trickster. I'm not sure if they're dead. But if not, they probably will wish that they were. We also get a glimpse of Monarch. He's assembled an army for Forefunner to lead for him. He wants her to be his General. And to seal the deal, he shows her proof that her homeworld, and all her race has been obliterated. We don't see who did it, but it's a woman. And Forerunner ready to go after her. Holly is lapping up the luxury in the Amazon spa, where she accidentally comes across Harleen Quinzel. And finally Jimmy Olsen is trying to decide what he's going to do with his new powers. After hearing everybody's speech, he's wondering if he has what it takes to be a hero. Very touching story by Paul Dini. He got some help this issue from Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. While Manuel Garcia and David Lopez do the pencils. I notice the Jimmy Palmiotti did some of the inks also. He's just an all-around helpful guy. And we seal the package with a touching cover by Terry and Rachel Dodson. I really like the feel of this book. And I really can't say enough about how nice it is to have a weekly title on the racks. Keep up the good work, guys.