Leviathan Dawn #1

The next chapter of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev's Leviathan tale begins here. The are two stories taking place in Leviathan Dawn #1. The first involves new character Kingley Jacobs taking a look at the destruction which Leviathan has wrought and putting together a team from the ashes of the various spy agencies Mark Shaw left in his wake.

Jacobs' recruiting pitch begins with Steve Trevor who was meant to be Leviathan's fall guy until Shaw's identity was exposed. To that group, Kingley adds Lois Lane, Green Arrow, the Question (who is already investigating in Beijing), Mr. Bones, Kate Spencer, and one of the recruit who nearly kills Trevor before he can make his sales pitch and who the others are less than thrilled about. An unorthodox team to be sure (featuring some fun dynamics), but does this new version of Checkmate stand a chance versus Leviathan?

The rest of the issue checks in with Leviathan itself as Shaw continues his plan including buying Markovia and becoming legitimate in the eyes of the world. The battle, it seems, has just begun. Worth a look.

[DC, $3.99]