Outsiders 38-40

Outsiders (Volume 4) #38
Written by Keith Giffen and Dan Didio
Art by Giffen

Keith Giffen joins Didio in this issue of the Outsiders and it vastly improves the dialogue…I would assume…I did not go back and re-read the previous issues but I do remember horrible dialogue. What is clear about Didio is he and I both have a common interest in the history of this team. If Didio loves these obscure characters and brings them back for his run, why can’t he understand the love for characters like Cassandra Cain, Linda Danvers, Kyle Rayner, and Wally West?! But I digress, this was actually a cool issue as we see the return of a lot of former Outsiders as they battle it out in Markovia. Hell, even Technocrat shows up. I loved it. I hate to say that, but Didio and Giffren did a good job here.

Outsiders (Volume 4) #39
Written by Keith Giffen and Dan Didio
Art by Giffen

The big villain manupulating things behind the scenes is revealed to be Veritas whose motivations are not explained and Geo-Force becomes one with the land of Markovia erecting huge walls of earth around the country’s borders for some reason. It was not as good as the last issue and left me very confused. It looks like Batman will be showing up for the final issue though.

 

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #40
Written by Dan Didio and Phillip Tan
Art by Tan

This is the final issue of this series and truly a finale to the Outsiders’s long history in the DC Universe which is beautifully recapped in the pages of this comic. One day I want to go through this again and see if every Outsider appears in the flashbacks because it sure seems like they covered it all! I am actually very proud of Didio for this. I know I can’t stand the decisions he has made as head of DC but he sure does love the Outsiders. So why in the hell did he restart the continuity of the DC Universe with the new 52 if he loves the Outsiders so much! Geo-Force is left here a broken person and it is sad we will probably never see this resolved. I actually even liked Tan’s art in this. We even get to see him draw Cassandra Cain in a flashback! Didio included Cassandra in a book he wrote! Or…I bet it was Tan.

 

 

Eradicated By Doomsday

Outsiders (Volume 4) #37
Written by Dan Didio and Phillip Tan
Art by Tan

 

This is the second part of the Reign of Doomsday storyline that began in the Steel One-Shot. It was okay. Didio’s dialogue is of course horrible and everything, but Tan’s art has improved tremendously even if I did not know what was going on with the fight half the time. It looks like Eradicator is dead but I doubt it. At least we get to see Halo back in action.

Family Reunion

Outsiders (Volume 4) #36
Written by Dan Didio and Joe Bennett
Art by Bennett

 

Okay so in interviews Giffen said he was taking over art but that doesn’t seem to be so. Dan Didio is supposed to be the co-publisher of DC Comics – how does this guy have this job if he can’t even keep an artist on his own book? And wow is Black Lightning a dick to Thunder in this. The dialogue is still pathetically bad here but at least we get a reason for Geo-Force’s madness and it was great to see Thunder and Grace again (Even if Bennett decided to have her be in a thong the whole issue!)

Halo Kicks Ass

Outsiders (Volume 4) #25
Written by Peter Tomasi
Art by Fernando Pasarin and Derec Donovan

Tomasi’s run comes to an end with this issue and it was a good issue. Yes, Tomasi had Halo being called Violet again (Ugh she never went by that name!) but he lets her be the big hero and kick serious ass in this issue so I forgive him. I love when Halo kicks ass. I think this was a good way to end Tomasi’s run and this Blackest Night tie-in was definitely successful. Do I think Tomasi’s run was that great? No it could have been a lot better but it wasn’t awful either. I am more afraid of what the Didio-Tan run will be like. I hope they pleasantly surprise me. Oh and it was nice to see Thunder again!

An Amazing New Beginning For The Outsiders

Outsiders (Volume 4) #15
Written by Peter Tomasi
Art by Lee Garbett

It’s no secret that I am big Outsiders fan and I enjoyed Dixon’s run (mostly because of Batgirl) so I was going to like this no matter what. But DAMN this is good. Tomasi bring back the original roster (minus Batman and plus the Creeper and the new Owlman) and reveals the real meaning behind the name Outsiders. Together they represent different sides of Batman and they are the “Batman” OUTSIDE of the Gotham. It’s Bruce’s way of protecting the whole world. Also revealed is that their is an unknown enemy behind all of the enemies the Outsiders have fought over the years. Garbett’s art is pretty good too. Everyone should check this out. It’s really a new beginning for the group. I like how Tomasi is really playing on the Outsiders history (Unlike Winick, who ignored it and thought he was writing Titans) and continuity. I am even interested in the two new members who I know very little about. Each of the Outsiders are asked to leave their lives outside the group behind for the time being, and Black Lightning reluctantly agrees. Does this mean he is going to leave the Justice League? Sure seems so but it isn’t mentioned in this book. Anyways, this was fantastic!

As I Have Said Before, Batgirl Rules

Batman and the Outsiders #12
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by Ryan Benjamin

Yes, Cassandra Cain is awesome! Didio respect her you big porn-mustached Jackass! I thought Tieri was leaning toward Batgirl betraying the team but no, she makes a mistake and the Outsiders disband but she demands that the team be brought back together. I like how Robin is worried about Batgirl in this issue because in the main bat-books it seems like they don’t give a shit about her. This book is actually tying into RIP more then most of the tie-ins. In fact, the Black Glove appears in this issue threatening the Outsiders. I don’t think Thunder will stay in the coma and I like how Grace speaks to God about it. And Remac’s death doesn’t bother me a bit, visually he was cool, but Salah was just annoying as hell. Tieri picked the right Outsider to kill off. I really liked this issue.

BATO 8 – 11

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #8
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

God I love this series….Lopez’s art is just plain gorgeous in this issue and I am actually really liking Remac….not the stupid annoying guy that controls him, but he is a cool looking hero himself.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #9
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

Julian Lopez’s work is extremely underrated. This is some great work. I especially liked the detail put into Looker’s mansion…and I am not even an art person. Anyways, it was fun to see Looker again, she is a lot less annoying then when she was with the Outsiders.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #10
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Ryan Benjamin

Sadly this is Dixon’s last issue on this series and he doesn’t even get to finish off his whole arc with the thing on the moon. The idea of a parasite that gives metahuman powers is an interesting one. The opening page was particularly terrifying for an opening page….but I miss having Lopez on this title. I look forward to seeing how the crossover with Batman RIP goes.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #11
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by Ryan Benjamin

Well I am happy to say that this wasn’t a bad issue. I liked how all the villains ar Arkham are singing “Ding Dong the Witch is dead” because Batman is missing haha. I also like how out of all the RIP tie-ins, this one was the most tied in…even referencing more events then just the Black Glove’s existence. I just wish the other Outsiders would stop picking on Batgirl….cause they SHOULD listen to her she is Cassandra Cain and she is kick-ass.

Outsiders 1 – 7

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #1
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

You can say that I was excited about this book. Mike W. Barr’s Batman and the Outsiders run from the eighties is one of my favorites and while this new incarnation doesn’t have Halo, it still has Batman, Katana, and Metamorpho from that run. Admittedly though, I have never been a big fan of Metamorpho. I found the this debut issue to be a lot of fun – a straight forward superhero action story, especially when it comes to the Outsiders, who seem to work best when they are breaking into places they are not supposed to be. From future solicits, it looks like the line up may change. But I like what it is so far. The art, by the way, is amazing. Lopez even makes the hideous new Katana costume beautiful.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #2
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

Hell ya! While I am sad to see Martian Manhunter leave the team as he is not even in the Justice League these days – I almost screamed with joy when Batgirl made her entrance by throwing Thunder through the window (Although I wonder why this was necessary). Dixon wrote a few issues of Batgirl’s own series and unlike everyone else that has handled Cassandra since Infinite Crisis – I trust that he will get the character right. Catwoman’s leaving of the team didn’t surprise as she doesn’t seem to fit, but it seemed out-of-character for her to leave because she was basically scared of all the metahuman action. I really don’t see
Selina admitting she is afraid, even if she is. Another fun issue.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #3
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

Another fantastic issue, Dixon has the Justice League guest-star (well some of them) and get in a semi-fight with Batman over whether the rescued OMAC should be under League or Outsiders jurisdiction. I think the transfer of Geo-Force to the Outsiders makes perfect sense since he is one of the founders of the team, and he only seemed to be in the Justice League cause Meltzer liked him (although he failed to explain at all how Geo-Force came to be a member, just like a lot of things in his run). Batgirl’s moment with Grace and Thunder was hilarious, and I am interested in the addition of REMAC to the team as I was a big fan of the robot, Indigo, during Winick’s run and I think the Outsiders kinda need an A.I. team mate. I have no idea who the people are at the end of this issue though.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #4
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

Aw! It’s Ralph and Sue Dibny! The two mystery characters from last issue were Ralph and Sue Dibny, apparently now taking different forms as Ghost Detectives. Awesome….I didn’t see that coming at all, especially in this book. I like how all Batgirl and Green Arrow just have to have a nice little fight to iron out their differences. Although I don’t quite get why Green Arrow is a member, doesn’t really seems like he fits. This book is still going strong.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #5
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

This was another good issue of this series. Not much to say about it. Loved how Batgirl tells the girl she just beat up that she smells like strawberries though haha.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #6
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

Oh my, Saphire Stagg is in this issue. How do I loathe her so. In fact, I hate her so much I think she is the reason I don’t really like Metamorpho, how could he love her! Besides that, the mission to steal the Chinese rocket shows how the Outsiders really are willing to break the rules for the greater good. I particularly liked that Batgirl is going to come to their rescue – and Green Arrow tells the Chinese guy that they would be luckier if it was Superman. Because as I will say as many times as I can on this blog, Cassandra Cain is a bad ass!

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #7
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

Well, it looks like Batman may finally give Thunder the chance she deserves. This series is really good and I am sad to hear Dixon is leaving this series after Issue 10 and DC altogether. I may not agree with his politics, but Dixon knows how to write some damn good comics.

Coming Full Circle

Outsiders (Volume 3) #50
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Matthew Clark and Ron Randall

Well here we come to the final issue of the Outsiders. It looks like Batman has taken complete control of the team now and the series will relaunch as Batman and the Outsiders, which I am very excited for. This issue was great. Much better then anything Winick ever did with this series. It doesn’t feel like a final issue, but it shouldn’t since the relaunch is just around the corner. I don’t know much abotu the Suicide Squad so there appearence here kinda threw me off but I did the research and now they interest me. I can’t wait to see what the new team does. I loved Catwoman’s final line in this issue, totally in-character. I also like the idea that Batman needs a team of heroes pretending to be villains. One thing I didn’t buy was the idea that people recognize Grace as an Amazon just by looking at her. Not realistic but whatever. Great end to a series and can’t wait for the relaunch.

I Am Ready For Batman And The Outsiders

Outsiders (Volume 3) #49
Written by Judd Winick and Greg Rucka
Art by Matthew Clark and Ron Randall

This is the final part of the Checkmate/Outsiders crossover that began here and continued here ,here, here, and here.
This was an action-packed finale to what was a suprisingly well done crossover. Outsiders is a hit or miss for me but this was a hit. I even like the idea that this series is ending and relaunching as Batman and the Outsiders. I love the original Batman and the Outsiders series so I can’t wait. Yes, I miss Halo (Too bad she won’t be back). There were a lot of great one-liners in this issue including Grace telling the Checkmate Agent about Batman warming up to people and the conversation at the end between Batman and Nightwing. I think it is totally in character for Dick to want to leave now and I liked how he says he actually doesn’t like being in the Outsiders anymore. Dick liked the Titans and the Outsider are not the titans. I look forward to the next issue, which is the final one before the relaunch.

Egg Fu’s Torture Fun

Checkmate (Volume 2) #15
Written by Greg Rucka and Judd Winick
Art by Joe Bennett

This is part four of the Checkmate/Outsiders crossover that began here and continued here ,here, and here. The best part of this issue has to have been the very end where Batman says “I don’t work for the Security Council”. That is so bats and I ate it up like candy! Rucka and Winick continue this crossover really well, we get to see Egg Fu who disgustingly tortures Boomerang and Sasha Bordeax just because he wants to know how they work! Not for any good reason! That is awesome. Egg Fu is one scary bastard but at the same time I can’t wait to see him when I pick up a comic. I can’t wait to see him hopefully get his ass handed to him next issue. Probably by the Dark Knight himself.

Eggs And EMPs

Outsiders (Volume 3) #48
Written by Judd Winick and Greg Rucka
Art and Cover by Matthew Clark

This is part four of the Checkmate/Outsiders crossover that began here and continued here and here. This was probably my favorite part of this crossover to date. I have a feeling that Rucka had more to do with the writing of this issue than Winick and that is probably why. The cliffhanger ending was so exciting, especially for any fan of 52. I was wondering when they were going to bring in those familiar faces (Or really just one big giant yellow egg-face) and I am glad they did. Both teams work together really well this issue ignoring the fact that Nightwing, Sasha, and Boomerang get captured. I like that finally Sasha’s status as partially OMAC is finally mentioned. I don’t remember it being brought up in any issue of Checkmate to date. The whole EMP thing with Nightwing was pretty cool. I really enjoyed this.

Gray

Checkmate (Volume 2) #14
Written by Greg Rucka and Judd Winick
Art by Joe Bennett

This is part 3 of the Outsiders/Checkmate that began here and continued here. The interaction between the two teams is still a lot of fun. I have to say that the Checkmate parts of this crossover are better than the Outsiders parts. Probably because the art is a lot better. I am not such a big fan of the cover of this issue though, kinda bland. My favorite moments probably were between Sasha and Nightwing, being a Batman fan I love to hear them talk about Bruce together. The entire mission seems a little screwed up by the end of this issue and it looks like the one doing the screwer is Amanda Waller. What a bitch she is. But you gotta love her. She is the most gray of any DCU character.

Outsiders 45 – 47

Outsiders (Volume 3) #45
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Carlo Barberi

Now, to start off, I did really like this issue. I liked how Roy Harper’s house is so heavily guarded to protect his daughter, I liked how Black Lightning is so noble that he turns himself in for an accidental murder of a pretty bad guy, heck I even liked the budding romance between Grace and Thunder. But is Winick obsessed with Jason Todd and Deathstroke. He uses them in like all of his books and sometimes it seems they are appearing for no reason. Weird.

Outsiders (Volume 3) #46
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Carlo Barberi and Art Thibert

This was another good issue and I look forward to seeing as how this story ends. Unfortunately, it does not take place in this series but in the Outsiders Annual so I will not be reviewing it here. This part of the story was pretty awesome. Grace’s speech was just the best. I love how she calls the rest of the Outsiders self-righteous bastards. This series is a lot better than most people give it credit for.

Outsiders (Volume 3) #47
Written by Judd Winick and Greg Rucka
Art and Cover by Matthew Clark and Art Thibert

This is the second part of the Checkmate/Outsiders crossover that began here. It is one year later again and we are back to the time where Katana’s costume is uglier and Thunder’s is cooler. Oh and I am excited as hell about this storyline now. I did not realize that the Outsiders were recruited by Checkmate to help take out Oolong Island. It is great to hear about the island after 52 and it looks like it is still a haven for mad scientists. There were a lot of great moments in this. Especially the exchanges between Sasha and Nightwing. Nightwing finally figures out just who Sasha is and it is fun to see how they both relate to eachother because of their “batman” past. Can’t wait for the next part of this crossover.

Outsider Hunting

Checkmate (Volume 2) #13
Written by Greg Rucka and Judd Winick
Art by Joe Bennett

And this begins the Checkmate/Outsiders crossover that will run through both titles. DC seems to be doing a lot of inter-title crossover as of late (well, JSA and JLA is the other one) and I like that. I kind of miss them (I know most would disagree with me). And this crossover starts out really well. It was a lot of fun to see how Checkmate goes about catching and trapping the Outsiders and I love how Nightwing is the only member they haven’t caught yet. At first, I was wondering why Nightwing seemed to be so mean to Sasha Bordeaux. I mean he does know her from her days when she hung out with Batman right? But then I remembered that she has gotten plastic surgery (not to mention, she is like what part robot now?) so maybe he doesn’t recognize her. It was also cool to see the Outsiders out of uniform. I am going to have to recommend this.

An Outsiders Flashback

Outsiders (Volume 3) #44
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Ron Randall and Art Thibert

While it really doesn’t seem like a lot happens this issue, it is basically just an introduction to this flashback story arc, it was still a lot of fun. My favorite line from this issue must have been,

Boomerang: I am so drunk
Katana: Me too
Boomerang: And…Kind of Horny
Katana: I will kill you before you could move
Boomerang: Gotcha

That was hilarious. Winick knows how to write some funny stuff. There were some continuity issues though. Why does he say Starfire quit the team? I thought Starfire hadn’t returned from space at this time (As it is shown in 52) Maybe I am wrong and they are referring to her quitting at another time. I don’t know. But it is great to see Shift again, even if it is just temporary. (If only we could get Indigo back!) Anyways, this was a pretty good issue and I look forward to how this story goes.

Don’t Fix Costumes That Aren’t Broken

Outsiders (Volume 3) #43
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Ron Randall and Art Thibert

Okay my biggest complaint in this issue has to be Katana’s new costume. Look at that thing, it’s hideous. Why fix something that isn’t broken? Katana’s old costume was just fine. In fact, I rather miss it. Storywise though, this issue was full of comic goodness. O love the parts of a comic where the villain reveals his “master plan” and Sivana even calls it that in this issue. His plan makes sense but I am not sure if Winick had planned this all the way from the beginning of this series or not. He could have but it seems unlikely. The ending was cool too, I did not expect Sabbac to show up. Winick is like the kind of all thing Captain Marvel at DC lately, whether that is a good or bad thing is debatable, but I enjoyed seeing Sabbac and his reason for helping the Outsiders surprisingly made perfect sense. Next issue looks like a lot of fun, Red Hood will make an appearence in a “one year ago” flashback.