Event Leviathan #1: Even Batman is Stumped

I was skeptical of Event Leviathan when I read Leviathan Rising Special. I am skeptical of most events. There are always big buildups promising to change everything and then things change, but are later fixed or completely looked over. While Event Leviathan may end up following this path, it definitely has my attention. Readers still do now know who or what Leviathan is. Is it an organization, the mysterious masked man, or something completely unexpected? The one thing we do know about Leviathan is the ability to absolutely destroy anything in its path.

Brian Michael Bendis has a lot on his plate but seems to be managing it fine. The story and writing in Event Leviathan are great. There is a lot of dialogue, which sometimes can be intimidating, but Bendis’ writing is always so captivating that it does not seem like a lot. It takes a lot of talent to oversee an event like this. While it is helpful to read all of the issues leading into Event Leviathan, Bendis does an incredible job sneaking in just enough recap to get new readers caught up.

To me, the highlight of Event Leviathan #1 is the art. Alex Maleev does it all: the cover, art, and colors. The art style suits Batman perfectly and adds a gritty layer to the already dark and mysterious story. The highlight of the entire issue is Maleev’s explosions. The multiple page sequence is one of the most captivating moments I have seen in comics in some time. Maleev’s art makes the reader feel the weight of the destruction. Readers see the explosion close up and from a distance leaving readers understanding just how much Leviathan is capable of, all without Bendis’ writing.

The team is slowly coming together, including Lane, Batman, Green Arrow, and presumably Superman. The Question seems to be on the case too but it is unknown if he has intentions of working alone or not.  Event Leviathan seems to be easing readers in, like walking into water that is the same temperature as the air: before you know it you’ll be fully submerged.