Review: Event Leviathan

Event Leviathan #3 came out this week, the ending of the first half of the book and a classic middle chapter for a mystery like this.

The bulk of the story is a loud, well paced, gorgeous fight scene between the team of detectives and the Red Hood. And, much like in an action movie, there is nothing like a good action sequence in the middle of a story to keep the adrenaline pumping and the crowd engaged. I still find it a little strange that Jason was able to defeat all these heroes. But I am not the biggest Red Hood fan so maybe that all seems in line.

But the foundation of this mini-series is the mystery of 'who is Leviathan' and there are clues here if you look hard enough. I doubt that writer Brian Michael Bendis is going to be obvious. The heroes aren't going to find an item, a footprint, a weapon to move things along. These are subtle clues. As such they are mutable, and easily malleable to fit into my #LeviathanTheory.

Alex Maleev's art is stunning as usual with a strong color palette to reflect the tone of the scenes. I have been a fan of his for a long time so seeing his version of Superman or Plastic Man is a treat.

But remember, this is a review post. The review of the clues will be sometime next week.

 I thought last month's cover was an homage.

I think this month's is as well.

Squint and you can see the similarities between Event Leviathan #3 and Batman #618. As both involve the Red Hood (in the Hush cover case, Robin's dead body), and given Jason's talk in this issue, it seems appropriate. It also leans into my theory a little bit. But more on that later.

On to the review!

Boston Fan Expo - Last Prep Post

People laugh when I call summer my 'Convention Season'.

But it seems so appropriate.

And nothing makes that more evident than the fact that with Terrificon still in my rear view mirror, I am prepping for Boston Fan Expo this upcoming weekend.

Fan Expo is more of a pop culture convention and less of a pure comic con. The draw here is as much for celebrities and voice actors.That said, there are certainly a number of big comic guests at this con each year and this year is no different.

What is interesting is that the biggest names (Todd McFarlane and Marc Silvestri) are creators pretty much missing from my collection. I have some early DC McFarlane stuff, and a handful of Silvestri New X-Men issues. But none of them are 'important' enough for me to consider standing in those lines and paying big bucks for premium packages.

And, also interesting, this is the first con where I think I am not looking to get a commission. I'll bring a sketch book and see if anything falls into my lap. But otherwise, I think I am there just to meet and get some signatures.

Most importantly though, the best thing about this con is that I am meeting so many friends I have made in social media. The Fire and Water crew (Shag, Rob, and Ryan), Diabolu Frank, Tim Price, WardhillTerry, Keith G. Baker and others are all going to be there. I can't wait to hang out with this wonderful community I feel blessed to be part of.

 As for guests I am excited to see, read on.

Leviathan Back Up Theory - The Atom

We are two months into Event Leviathan and I have my Leviathan Theory in the bank. Leviathan is Ted Kord, aided by the other Charlton heroes.

Like any good mystery, there isn't just one suspect. Anyone can still be Leviathan under that mask. And I have been poring over these clues so much that other theories were bound to bubble to the surface. Hawk and Dove? New 52 Superman? Adam Strange? A case (maybe not particularly strong ones) can be made for any of these characters. I know ... I have done so.

Let me throw another onto the pile.

Leviathan is Ray Palmer. And 'we' means just that. He has a partner.

What do we know about Leviathan right now that are facts. He wants to bring about world order. He doesn't want to fight super-heroes; he wants them to join. He has very advanced tech. He knows the heroes very well, maybe having worked beside them. And he seems to come from a tragic past.

Mix those facts in with some things implied in issues and I have a decent back up theory that the Atom is Leviathan.

In fact, even the names are a hint. The Atom is something small. Leviathan, by definition, means something big. That word play alone might be a hint.

But you aren't here for semantics.

You are here for a breakdown of clues. So let's get to it.

Supergirl 1970’s Slurpee Cup

One of the pieces that has eluded me over time had been the Supergirl 7-11 Slurpee cup from the 1970s.

Now I know that things like this are available on line, via EBay, etc.

But there is something about finding things in the wild that makes the hunt so much more delicious.

So imagine my surprise when last week I walked into my comic store and saw they had acquired a massive Slurpee cup collection. And front and center in the the display was the Supergirl cup.

And yes ... it is now mine.

This was definitely the style guide, corner of the cover, stock art pose for the Supergirl of the time. I am not a big fan of the ballet slippers. But this will work!

And, while not in the best condition, it is basically intact. So I'll take it!

Review: Lois Lane #2

Lois Lane #2 came out this week and was another hard-boiled noir chapter in this close up look at Lois. There are a couple of plot lines working their way through the book, a couple of mysteries to sink my teeth into. But the true strength of this issue is just the character of Lois and the multifaceted look at her.

Writer Greg Rucka really gives us a three-dimensional look at Lois. We see her capabilities as a reporter, deftly getting information and backing up people she interview into corners where they have to talk. We see her dogged determination for justice but how her focus is on the root of a problem, not a symptom. And we see the human person who can still be vulnerable even though her facade is one of invulnerability. It truly is impressive work, showing us just who she is.

We also get to see how the world views her. And, interestingly enough, it isn't always shining. But people often want to tear down, not build up.

Mike Perkins is again on art with colors by Paul Mounts. Perkins realistic but semi-grungy approach is perfect for this story so steeped in the real world. And with scenes that jump from nighttime murder scenes to dimly lit bars to sun-soaked walks on the street, Mounts perfectly captures the tone with his palette.

This was a great read, a perfect blend. Maybe this maxi-series will pave the way for a monthly?

On to the book.

Terrificon Prep

Con season starts with a bang on Friday and so I think posting might be a little off at the beginning of next week as I try to settle back in.

It didn't help that to clear the decks for this upcoming weekend at Terrificon that I worked like a dog this week at work. Many clinical hours. Many late nights.

All of that will be behind me tomorrow morning when I pack the car and head to the con. And despite having met many of the guests at prior cons, I still have a ton of books I am bringing in hopes of getting them signed.

But the real mission on day one is setting up commissions.

And I have two I am really hoping to obtain and then an open third slot with some possibilities.

 The hope is to get on Colleen Doran's sketch list. Doran is a huge Legion and Supergirl fan. And I have been a fan of hers for a long time so I am hoping to head to her table early and drop off the book. I think I'll let Doran decide which Supergirl costume she wants to draw.

Leviathan (Back-Up) Theory-Hawk and Dove Revisited

The DC Comics October 2019 Solicits came out last week.

As usual, I pored over the cover for Event Leviathan #5 to look for any early clues that might be gleaned from it.

And, not surprisingly, one came to mind. Unfortunately, it isn't a clue to corroborate my Leviathan is Ted Kord theory. Instead, it leans into my #1 back-up theory. The 'we' of Leviathan is Hawk and Dove. You can read that back-up theory here:
http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2019/07/leviathan-back-up-theory-hawk-dove.html 

And I can't help but look at this cover, look at that portion of the Leviathan mask, gaze at it as a negative space and think of one character.

 Extant!