Review: Event Leviathan #1
It’s “Event” book time again, with the DC powers that be deciding that even though Year of the Villain is just about to kick off and Scott Snyder’s Justice League is aiming to deliver “epic” storytelling, the market, and therefore the comic retailer, can bear the weight of a second major arc.
Following the kidnapping and subsequent release of Clark Kent, Lois Lane is on the trail of Leviathan. In order to do that she kind of recruits the greatest detective in the DC universe, Batman. Of course, with Brian Michael Bendis in charge, things do tend to become a tad smoke and mirrors. Are Leviathan a real threat? Well they have managed to clean up the confusion of the numerous nefarious semi secret clandestine organisations that exist within DC. With Batman and Lois discussing things, this book is even more of a setup than the previous Superman: Leviathan book, which makes me wonder why we needed two set up issues?
Brian Michael Bendis’ work with Superman has split opinions. At times he has woven tight story-lines that have sought to humanise Superman. At other times, specifically the Man of Steel mini series, his writing can be over wordy and often repetitive. At this point, its hard to determine which Bendis has shown up here; there are hints of both to be honest. With so little really happening in this issue, the dialogue is left to carry the weight of the story, which is does with aplomb. The interaction between Batman and Lois is well crafted, showing the respect and the distrust each carry for the other. Throw in some threat laced exposition from Steve Trevor which helps get the reader from point A to point B, at least till things take a diversion in an issue or two, which is totally possible bearing in mind who is yet to join the group. Hint – he is on the cover!
Alex Maleev, one of Bendis’ more frequent collaborators, is along for the ride, with his more than distinctive style. Maleev’s line work is reminiscent of Klaus Jansen in places, albeit with a stronger physical presence, which is created by strong back grounds and a painted type style that suits Batman and the grey area in which teams Task Force X and organisations like A.R.G.U.S and the DEO exist. There is a synergy to the the writing and art that comes from long time partners; this is no exception here, with the art adding an adult vibe to proceedings. It is a dark book to read, in both content and imagery. Joshua Reed rounds off the team with a letter font that in places, feel like the hushed tones you use when talking in a library.
I am not sure where I stand on this book. Maybe I am getting event-fatigue with the, for me at least, anti-climax of Heroes in Crisis and the ongoing elongated Doomsday Clock, meaning that with this book, DC may be a victim of its own not quite success. On the other hand, having Bendis and Maleev back on a book will no doubt bring fans of their Marvel stuff over to the their perceived dark side if DC Comics.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Brian Michael Bendis
Art & Colors by; Alex Maleev
Letters by; Joshua Reed
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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