Spoilers for "The Long Con," Part Five in Batman: Urban Legends #5 ahead!
Superman and Black Adam have recently become releuctant teammates, but with Adam’s home country of Khandaq in the crosshairs of one of the Man of Steel’s greatest foes, their bond may become a lot stronger. In “The Long Con” Part Five, appearing in Batman: Urban Legends #5, readers learn Leviathan, the spy agency that has been a thorn in Superman’s side lately, is expanding in Khandaq. The issue is on sale now in print and digital.
Black Adam received his powers from the wizard Shazam, who centuries later would also empower Billy Batson. Unlike Billy, Adam went mad with power, and was banished as punishment. He would return to menace Shazam and the DC Universe many times; eventually, however, Black Adam morphed into an anti-hero, dedicated to protecting his native Khandaq. Recently, Black Adam has joined the Justice League, and one of his biggest cheerleaders on the team has been Superman, who believes there is a hero in Adam. Meanwhile, Leviathan, the super spy agency headed up by former Manhunter Mark Shaw, has been making moves once again—and one has led them right to Black Adam’s backyard.
In the story, written by Matthew Rosenberg, with art by Ryan Benjamin, colors by Antonio Fabela, and letters by Saida Temofonte, Shaw has called a meeting of some of Leviathan’s top members, and as the meeting comes to order, he remarks that if a mysterious “they” keep operating in Khandaq, they (Leviathan) will need to deal with it. He goes on to reveal that Leviathan has too much at stake in Khandaq. Cole Cash, AKA Grifter, barges into the room right after, so no further context is provided on who is operating in Khandaq and what Leviathan’s interests in the region are.
Leviathan is one of the most powerful organizations the DC Universe has ever seen—they destroyed Argus, Spyral, and many other espionage organizations. They are capable of bringing Superman to his knees but choose not to do so out of a warped respect for the Man of Steel. However, Leviathan may have bitten off more than it can chew by opening operations in Khandaq, as Black Adam will do what it takes to protect his country, including allying himself with Superman. They both now share a common enemy, and the two of them working together could bring Leviathan down with no problem. The main issue in this pairing is Superman keeping Black Adam’s dark side in check; Black Adam could easily decide he is fed up with Leviathan and storm their headquarters and kill everyone. Superman feels Black Adam can be a hero, and this would the perfect opportunity for Black Adam to show this to the world.
Few could foresee Superman and Black Adam fighting side by side, but these two have become unlikely allies. Now, they have a common enemy, which could strengthen this bond even further.