Outsiders #18 - DC

I really, really like the feel that Peter J Tomasi and Lee Garbett are giving this book. Of course it doesn't hurt that Trevor Scott is doing the inks. Lee and Trevor's styles both seem to really work well together. Right now were still dealing with this group that's searching the globe for pieces of this meteorite. As it turns out, it's the same one that gave Vandal Savage his powers and longevity. Somehow the principal participants in this group, the ones that never seem to leave their stronghold in Europe, have figured out a way to use this 'rock' to prolong their own lives. My guess is, either they've used up what they had, or . . the effects just aren't lasting as long on them anymore. They also seem to have these Acolytes around the globe. They probably do their dirty work for them. They're given a taste of the longevity, I think, in return for their services. But it appears to be something that can be taken away from them, because they need transfusions to keep up the process. Anyways, it appears that since Rex has every known element inside of him, he also has a piece of this rock. Owlman decides to use that, in conjunction with Halo's powers as a kind of spectrograph to uncover other pieces around the globe. They only turn up one. The rest must be buried underground. This, and Alfred's digging into the Thrasher parts, have led him and the Outsiders to the same spot . . Opal City. And actually, to the same person . . Richard Benioff, VP of operations at PSM Global. Somehow, Slade Wilson is also involved in all of this. He seems to be 'testing' the people whom he thinks is involved, and then follows them. He is also led to Opal City. As it turns out, Richard is one of the Acolytes. Alfred doesn't know all of this yet, but . . he does know that he's been living longer than he should. He goes to visit him to verify that he has a scar on his left hand, and a bullet wound on his right shoulder. It seems that Richard, or rather, Nigel, served with Alfred in MI-5 back in Tangiers. However, Richard looks 30 years younger than he should. So all of the participants are now converging on the same spot. After confirming his suspicions, Alfred goes outside for some reconnaissance. When Richard, and his 'master' Mr Mallory, leave the building he's ready to follow them but instead witness' them being gunned down by Slade. What really impress' me about Alfred is the way he confronts, and even stands up to Deathstroke. I mean, this is the Terminator after-all. Alfred even goes so far as to give him a sock in the jaw. But just as Slade is about to discipline him for his temerity, the Outsiders come swooping down. "Hmm. It seems to me that you're in the wrong place as the wrong time, sir", Alfred cordially says to him. I really like the feel of this book right now. I like the way the Outsiders are operating, and I really like the more prominent role that Alfred has been given. Alfred is a fantastic character and I think it's great that he's been given this avenue to show his strengths. This book just has so much potential right now. And really, we're only just beginning.