In the world of theatre, there’s a very popular book called Backwards and Forwards, by David Ball. In it, the author discusses the idea of “forwards” ways that the storyteller tantalizes the audience member about the information that they’ll get down the road to keep them engaged without actually providing the information the audience member craves just yet. David Ball would quite like Event Leviathan #5, which is almost entirely “forwards,” and little else.

At this point in the story, Lois Lane has met up with the secret group of detectives she’s assembled to do the work that Batman’s other secret group of detectives can’t do in finding and stopping Leviathan. They seem to believe that Leviathan is Lois’ father, General Sam Lane. Meanwhile, Robin has another revelation about Leviathan’s technology, and Leviathan reveals their actual identity to Superman.

Brian Michael Bendis does a great job of stringing the reader along with little bits of clues and new ideas. Bendis does good work keeping the major characters distinct, though some of the other characters--Zatanna, Harvey Bullock, Green Arrow, Robin--spout what seems like clever generic Bendis-speak. Some of the storytelling is a little confusing as well (is Sam Lane dead? What leads Robin to suddenly suspect Manhunter’s technology?).

The art by Alex Maleev continues to shine. The book is marketed as a “Mystery Thriller,” and Maleev’s moody work creates the thriller atmosphere perfectly. Even his depictions of outlandish characters like Superman and Ralph Dibny seems grounded in a realism that is rare in superhero comics. The lettering by Josh Reed complements the work and manages Bendis’ trademark verbosity well.

Bendis’ first big DC event has gained so much momentum that some of the parts seem to be falling off the sides, leading to an uneven but still entertaining penultimate issue. All Event Leviathan needs to do now is stick the landing. Oh, and redefine the status quo of the DC Universe’s espionage community. No pressure.

Grade: A-