Hero Realm!

Batman and the Outsiders #9

Written by Chuck Dixon; Art by Julian Lopez and Bit;
Cover by Doug Braithwaite

I have only flipped through a couple issues of the current Batman and the Outsiders series. When I saw the line-up, my gut reaction was “Ugh”. After OYL (One Year Later) took place in the Outsiders book, I thought things were on a decent track. DC’s need to run “Five of a Kind” last summer was baffling. I did not pick up this series out of protest.

So, what ended the protest? What made me breakdown and buy this title? In a single word: Looker. Yes, Looker aka Lia Briggs makes a cameo in this self contained story. She has undergone a couple of less favorable changes (ie. she’s a vampire/telepath). However, it’s Lia/Looker nonetheless. When I think of her, I can picture Jim Aparo’s rendition of her. This issue’s art is by Julian Lopez and is more vamp-ish and sultry. The overall art of the issue is realistic and complimentary to the story.

The mix of characters results in some interesting dynamics. The mentoring role that Katana seems to be taking with Batgirl is not something I would have expected. Yet it makes sense and works. The comic relief of Metamorpho is good to see. I was sick of his one-dimensional characterization. Geo-Force is a team member after a trade/re-assignment from the Justice League. I liked Brion as a Leaguer, but it makes sense for him to be an Outsider.

SPOILER WARNING

The story itself is not that good. It starts with a giant ray gun on the dark side of the moon. How it got there and how it remains undetectable is part of the mystery. Jump to a scientist with a memory glitch that could hold the key. Next stop is Batman and scientist meeting with Looker, who hopes to probe his mind. She bears witness to an alien mind switch and faints. The last few pages deal with more aliens in human form luring an unsuspecting person into the room of a non-human monster.

Honestly, where the issue starts does not connect with where it ends. Sure, there are some good moments in-between (Salah mimicking Remac), but I wondered how point A connected to point B and ended up at point C.

Again, I am left pondering two things: first, does Batman really need ANOTHER book and second, how soon til this series gets cancelled?

Next issue focuses on Salah and Remac, two characters that I am not familiar with. I will probably pick it up, but don’t see this becoming a staple on my regular pull.