Event Leviathan #4
DC Comics
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Alex Maleev
Even though this is a superspy series, I’m not giving this story a compliment when I say I have no idea what is going on. When this series was first announced, it looked like an intense, gritty detective story. But the more this series goes on, the more and more confusing it gets. The premise was very simple. All of the world’s spy organizations were destroyed thanks to the new villain, Leviathan. But even though the world’s smartest detectives are all together to figure out who Leviathan is, Bendis doesn’t seem smart enough to deliver a satisfying story.
Although I was super interested in the premise of this event, the first issue left a sour taste in my mouth. The entire issue was one long conversation between Batman and Lois Lane. And Bendis’ infamous dialogue tropes were all on full display. But hey, it was just the first issue. Unfortunately, every single issue is just one large exposition dump, and Event Leviathan #4 is no different.
Instead of picking up on last issue’s cliffhanger of Superman confronting Leviathan, the issues starts with Superman already defeated. And just as soon as you come to terms with not seeing the confrontation, we get a flashback to it anyway. What’s the point of telling us how the battle ends before it even starts?
Besides Superman’s story, nothing else really happens in this issue. This is the second issue in a row where the only thing the team has done is sit in the Fortress of Solitude. Bendis takes the time in this issue to explore how Manhunter is related to this story. But again, it’s all told in flashbacks. I really want the team to actually take the initiative and do something. This story couldn’t feel any less intense considering all the main characters are locked away in the safest place on Earth.
And it’s a shame because I’m still really interested in this story. Not only is the premise great, but Leviathan is a genuinely interesting villain. And on top of that, this issue introduces a ton of interesting characters. I’m really glad to see Silencer included in this event. It’s great to see such a great character pop up after the cancellation of her solo series. And the cliffhanger in this issue is also really exciting.
Event Leviathan #4 is a lot of talking and not a lot of action. And while I’m usually fine with dialogue-driven issues, it doesn’t help that every issue in this event is jam-packed with dialogue. I really hope the team of the world’s greatest detectives can come up with a plan soon because this issue leaves more questions than answers.
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Event Leviathan #4
Event Leviathan #4 is jam-packed with dialogue and lacks enough action or story to keep the reader interested.
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