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Event Leviathan #5 Event Leviathan #5 KindleDownload iBookBuy Now

Event Leviathan #5

Scheduled to arrive in stores: October 9, 2019

Cover date: December 2019

"Event Leviathan"

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis
Artists: Alex Maleev
Cover: Alex Maleev
Variant Cover: David Mack

Reviewed by: Mario Bennese
Click to enlarge


In a Gotham City alley, Lois' second team gives a rundown of the cleared suspects: Steve Trevor, Director Bones, Amanda Waller, Talia Al Ghul, Maxwell Lord, Batgirl, Jimmy Olsen, Ra's Al Ghul, Red Hood, and Kate Spencer. Instead, the secret team reveals their suspicion of Sam Lane. Zatanna opens a portal to Lane's hospital room. Suspecting the presence of communication tech in the car she borrowed, Lois has Batman run a biosensor scan to determine if her secret team is telling the truth.

Passing through the portal, Lois confronts her father who reveals that he sided with Leviathan. Suddenly, a fight breaks out as an assumed agent of Leviathan attacks the group. Sam kills the villain as Zatanna attempts to diffuse a bomb launched by the attacker. Seemingly unsuccessful, Sam and Lois are transported to a snowy area. Lois holds her father in her arms and she begins to cry.

In Chicago, Superman and Plastic Man are brought to a strange place where Leviathan and their army waits. The Man of Steel is given a rundown of their plan. Initially, Leviathan planned to attack while Superman was off-world. That didn't pan out. In some Spyral files they acquired, plans were discovered that detailed what a plan of attack would be if Jon Kent ever became a threat. Superman cuts Leviathan short, refusing to join.

Back in Gotham, Batman, Robin, Manhunter, and Green Arrow rush to find Batgirl. They ponder about Leviathan's identity before Robin comes to the realization that Manhunter's staff might be connected. Meanwhile, Superman prepares to take down Leviathan's army. Unfortunately, his powers don't work in that place. Leviathan begins to remove the mask as Superman expresses surprise.

Still on their way to rescue Batgirl, the group's Batmobile is crashed by an explosive. As the smoke clears, Talia Al Ghul appears and declares she's going to save the world.

3Story - 3: We finally have some progression in the story! It's a shame there's only one issue left for Bendis to resolve things. The issue itself is fine, but now I'm expecting a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion. I guess that's what happens when you front-load your story and spend four of your allotted six issues writing in circles. The solicitation for this issue advertises the revelation of Leviathan's identity. I am in no way shocked that there's no reveal. We're given the impression that Leviathan may be someone who was previously a Manhunter, but at the end of the day, who really cares?

We're also treated to another unceremonious death of a Superman-related character. First it was the entire city of Kandor, now it looks like Sam Lane is dead. Then again, he has died before.

3Art - 3: I like Maleev's style. It has a sort of indie comic vibe to it. I just wish he were more consistent.

4Cover Art - 4: This cover is striking with its red mask against a white background. I think the blue detail lines could have been left out, but this is otherwise a cool cover.

3Variant Cover Art - 3: The color palette and watercolor style is gorgeous, but Batman's head could have used another pass.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2019

Note: Except for digital first releases, the month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic went on sale.

January 2019 February 2019 March 2019 April 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 August 2019 September 2019 October 2019 November 2019 December 2019

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