I hadn’t really read much of Brian Michael Bendis’ work until he began writing for DC Comics. Sure, I read his Daredevil, but that was several issues at a clip and with a far less critical eye. But I am currently immersing myself in his storytelling techniques and seeing patterns and observing a style. I like it, but sometimes it’s a little cryptic for my tastes.

Thankfully, despite all the intrigue of the Leviathan storyline, this chapter is dumbed down enough to bring the more casual reader up to speed on developments. Though I am somewhat puzzled by Plastic Man’s sudden inclusion among the DCU’s premier investigators, as well as the Question. Last I knew, it was former Gotham Police detective Reneé Montoya underneath that trench coat, but Alex Maleev renders him as a distinct male in this chapter. Whatever, I’ll go with it. I enjoyed this chapter too much to fret over it.

As this chapter evolves, we are made privy to some of the conclusions of Batman and his team of investigators – the Secret Six, if you will. They’re not named as such, but I’d always hoped to see the concept revived, though not necessarily with this team. I pictured some of the DCU’s supporting civilian characters, such as Alfred Pennyworth, Eddie Fyers or Ron Troupe.

But the target of their investigation is born from flimsy circumstantial evidence, tied tenuously to one of the DCU’s more recent events. Some readers might regard it as a legitimate fall out, but I consider it merely a convenient link intended to mislead the gullible. Your mileage may vary, but it does provide a nice wrinkle to the greater Leviathan storyline.