Anything I should about 52...

[JumpingJupiter]

...before diving in? What happened before that lead up to it? That kind of stuff?

[Brack360]

All you really need to know is that Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are all missing/taking time off in the aftermath of a big cosmic disaster. You don't have to read Infinite Crisis if you don't want to.

[Grico]

You could read Infinity Crisis to get an idea of what lead up the 52 world and the disappearance of the Big 3. To me, that makes the most sense.The general storyline itself doesn't really need that but random appearance by Clark Kent or Batman contained within will be confusing without the background.

[DeadXMan]

don't bother with countdown

[Hatut Zeraze]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with Infinite Crisis either. You wouldn't be missing much.

I think you can enjoy 52 just fine, knowing that the big three are taking time off, away from the others.

[Sean Walsh]

I agree with the "just jump in knowing Bats, Supes and WW are 'taking time off'" vibe.

And I enjoyed Infinite Crisis, but it's not necessary...

[Karl O'Neill]

Just read 52, it;s fantastic, one of my fav stories of all time.