Action Comics #1014: Leon Wants Leviathan

In my most recent review of Bendis’ concurrent Event Leviathan series, I noted my excitement for the event. Action Comics and Event Leviathan seem to finally be colliding in a blaze of glory. Superman’s reappearance in Event Leviathan was the shift that left me completely hooked; I need to know what happens next.  Event Leviathan #3 left readers with the promise of Batman vs. Superman vs. Leviathan but Action Comics #1014 throws in another contender. The final page proclaims, “Superman and Batman team up to help Naomi.”

I’m not sure if these two endings are related, but I sure hope so. Bendis is writing both runs, so I know he has some tricks up his sleeve. That being said, at times Action Comics and Event Leviathan seem so far apart. The one constant grounding the two is Ms. Leon’s hunt for Leviathan. My understanding is that both series are taking place at the same time. I easily overlook minor inconsistencies, but at times I am lost. Is Lois Lane working on the story in hiding following the events of Event Leviathan #3? Superman was off-world for the bulk of Event Leviathan but seems to be present for all of Action Comics. Are Batman and Superman teaming up with Naomi to fight Leviathan?

Some things I absolutely love about this issue are Thorn’s panels. The mood completely shifts when Thorn makes an appearance. Her panels seem to be shrouded and soaked in smoke and blood. The art sometimes feels over the top, but only when there is no fighting. For example:

Thorn’s panels also feature the new and improved Red Cloud, much to the thanks of Lex Luthor. Though I often forget about Red Cloud, I am starting to see all of the moving pieces to the hunt for Leviathan and am thrilled to see how Ms. Leon, Rose and Thorn, Lex Luthor, and Red Cloud all fit.

The opening of this issue shows Ms. Leon checking out her recently purchased Daily Planet. She wants all efforts going into investigating Leviathan. She doesn’t want any more fluff and is throwing money around like it is nothing; a journalist’s dream. Things are changing at the Planet, which may be good or bad. I’m leaning towards the good, but that is just because of Naomi crashing down to Earth and just missing the iconic Daily Planet globe. I could be completely wrong but I’m excited to see.