Y'know, I thought you might be some sort of sorcery savant, but it turns out you're just a brat -- and you're about to get spanked... 
- — Zatanna
Countdown #36 is an issue of the series Countdown (Volume 1) with a cover date of August, 2007.
Synopsis for "Magical Mystery Tour"
In the Palmerverse, the Atom, Bob, Donna and Jason are surrounded by a horde of insectoid aliens. Bob tries to teleport them to freedom, but static interference prevents him from using his powers. The heroes continue fighting against the aliens, and Donna discovers that they can project mystical bolts of electricity.
In Gotham City, Poison Ivy ensnares the Trickster and Pied Piper in a sea of vines. Binding them tightly, she begins to interrogate them. Trickster tries to fool her into thinking that they have arrived to meet with her secret partner. They know that Ivy is in league with another villain, but they do not know who. Ivy presses them for more information, but Trickster tells her that if he were to reveal his name, than it would appear as if he couldn't keep a secret and his life would be forfeit. Ivy begins to fall for the ruse.
At Shadowcrest, Zatanna continues training Mary Marvel. She brings her down into an occult library filled with various ancient texts and mystical devices. Mary is anxious to "test drive" some of the trinkets, but Zatanna tells her that she is not ready. Mary loses her self control and begins flinging books across the room. She then appropriates one of the magic rods and begins to wield its power. Zatanna decides that she has held back long enough.
Meanwhile on the Justice League satellite, Mr. Action tries out for membership on the team. Batman feels this is a massive waste of time, but Mr. Action begs him to give him a chance.
In Nebraska, Karate Kid and Una arrive at the site of a decommissioned Air Force base. They enter the front gates in search for Mister Orr, but instead, they encounter Orr's cybernetic agent Equus. Mister Orr monitors the ensuing fight and is impressed with the Karate Kid's martial arts abilities. After suffering from a flurry of blows, Equus diverts his attention away from the Karate Kid and grabs Una.
Back at Shadowcrest, Zatanna conjures a genie to grab Mary Marvel, but Mary's power is strong enough to destroy the phantasm. She accuses Zatanna of conspiring to steal her power away from her and unleashes a barrage of energy at her.
In the Palmerverse, the heroes continue fighting against the alien insects. The Atom tries to reach for his bangstick, but another player has entered the game and snatches it from his reach.
In Gotham City, Poison Ivy releases the Trickster and Pied Piper from her vines, and they get up just in time to greet her secret partner - Deathstroke.
Appearing in "Magical Mystery Tour"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Deathstroke
- Eclipso (Jean Loring)
- Equus (First appearance)
- Poison Ivy
- Myrmidons (First appearance)
- Queen Belthera (First appearance) (Cameo)
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
- None
Synopsis for "The Origin of Deathstroke the Terminator"
Slade Wilson was an army soldier who was injected with a serum that gave him enhanced strength, speed and reflexes. After retiring from the service, he adopted the identity of Deathstroke the Terminator and became a freelance mercenary. This dangerous lifestyle earned him many enemies and cost him his marriage, the life of one son, and nearly the life of another. When he discovered that his late son Grant had been operating as a H.I.V.E. agent known as the Ravager, Deathstroke agreed to fulfill Grant's contract by killing the Teen Titans. To this end, he manipulated the teen hero Terra into betraying the team. Years later, Deathstroke was united with the daughter he never knew he had - Rose Wilson. Rose eventually took up her brother's mantle of Ravager, but instead of fighting alongside Slade, decided to join with the Teen Titans. Although his actions may have cost him the love of his daughter, he is happy to know that she has found a new family in the Titans.
Appearing in "The Origin of Deathstroke the Terminator"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
- Deathstroke's sword and sidearm
Vehicles:
- None
Notes
- This issue shipped on August 22nd, 2007.
- "Magical Mystery Tour" is reprinted in Countdown to Final Crisis Vol. 2.
- Sungirl is miscolored as Starfire in "The Origin of Deathstroke the Terminator."
Trivia
- Zatanna summons a Genie who visually resembles the Genie character voiced by Robin Williams and Dan Castellaneta in Walt Disney's Aladdin series of movies.
See Also
Recommended Reading
- 52
- Countdown
- Countdown: Arena
- Countdown: The Search for Ray Palmer
- Countdown to Adventure
- Countdown to Mystery