DC Comics reviews 2-26-20 – Action Comics #1020, Detective Comics #1020

Leviathan Dawn #1

Given the disappointment that was Event Leviathan, Leviathan Dawn #1 feels like an improvement. There’s an overall sense of movement and advance to the Leviathan arc that seemed to completely skip the mini-series designed to position Leviathan as a major force in the DCU. Writer Brian Michael Bendis uses this one-shot to streamline the story and focus on a smaller group of players. Somewhat frustratingly Bendis appears to have lost interest in Elongated Man, the second Deathstroke and alternate group of detectives Lois Lane recruited.

This issue revolves around a mysterious new presence recruiting characters to take the fight against Leviathan. None are on the Superman power level with the most experienced/formidable member being Green Arrow. Some of the group were in a state of limbo so they could easily work into a low-key event while others like Lois Lane are too high profile to be in the mix.

Alex Maleev continues providing the art for the Leviathan series. At times it’s hard to determine the identities of some characters as Maleev isn’t consistent with their portrayals even from Event Leviathan. Green Arrow’s facial hair for example fades in and out depending on the panel. Due to the mysterious nature of the story, Maleev’s art works, but his character models definitely need more consistency.

Bendis still falls into his sing song dialogue moments where characters talk in circles without saying anything, but that’s largely kept to a minimum here. I’m intrigued by the direction Bendis is taking the Leviathan arc while being somewhat leery of his ability to close at this point. The next arc could be interesting though so Leviathan Dawn accomplished its purpose in setting the stage for the latest chapter.

Rating: 7 out of 10