DC COMICS
WRITER: Paul Dini, Adam Beechen
ARTISTS: Keith Giffen, Carlos Magno
COVER: Claudio Castellini

Karate Kid and Firestorm battle the Atomic Knights in the ruins of Blüdhaven. Jimmy Olsen is trapped on Apokolips and Mary Marvel is introduced to Darkseid while Trickster and Pied Piper run from their fellow villains.

Despite all the diverse plotlines, this issue is surprisingly easy to follow. Possibly it is because of the strong central story of Firestorm and the Atomic Knights and possibly, because the whole comic is better paced. The exchange between Piper and Trickster and the taunts of Deadshot are hilarious in a very politically-incorrect way. Maybe that is why writers like villains: they can get away with saying the kind of things that would be unacceptable if they came from the good guys.

The art is also a stark improvement over part issues and has a Jurgens-like look to it which means it is easy to follow and helps to make each character distinct. This mini-series still needs to build up tension some more. It may be fun to read but it still isn't a must-read book. The cover, while eye-catching, is just confusing. Firestorm looks unrecognizable amid all the smoke and light. Castellini can certainly do better.

This issue gets three and a half stars out of five.