Outsiders #31 - DC

This is another series that I definitely don't think gets the credit that it deserves. Especially now with Phillip Tan doing the art. I mean, look at that cover. He does a fantastic job with this book. The splash page alone, with Rex immersed in Chemo's bodily fluids, is worth the price of admission. Anyways, right now the team is kind of split up . . not broken up, just in different parts of the globe. A few have stayed behind in Markovia with Brion . . Rex, Owlman and their new team-mate, Freight Train (?) going after Simon Stagg . .and Black Lightning off on his own. We don't know where just yet, but Rex and Freight Train are going after him next issue. So Rex gets immersed inside of Chemo . . thanks to Simian, and when their chemicals mix he kind of has control over him. I think Rex is driving, but his last thoughts are of rage over losing Sapphire forever, so . . they're kind of stuck in that mode. Which seems to be the frame of mind that Chemo is usually in anyways. Which leaves it up to Owlman and Freight Train to stop him before he lumbers into a residential area or city. Of course they do, and shortly after Chemo pukes up Rex another player shows up . . the Ray. I may be missing something, but I thought he was a part of the Freedom Fighters. Meanwhile, in Markovia, Brion is doing some kind of 'Weird Science' thing and has gotten Katana a gift . . somehow he's brought Halo's energy together and has returned her to the physical world. But right now . . that's really all we know about it. And in Washington DC, the Creeper, or rather Jack Ryder, has been approached by someone calling herself Serene. From her actions I assume that she's some kind of chaos goddess, or something. Anyways, she captures Jack because she says that she needs his 'seed', and . . 'You're the last of your breed and I mean to change that. Now let's go make some babies.' That's a little strange. So far I've been impressed with Dan Didio's work here. I'm not sure why he has everyone taking separate paths right now, but . . hopefully, overall, this is all part of a big plan. Even though this book, and team, has been around for quite a while I think this is an 'up and comer'. I think it's just going to keep getting better, so now is a good time to get on board. But that's just my opinion.

Outsiders #30 - DC

With Metamorpho, Owlman and Black Lightning on the outs with . . well, almost everybody . . as they fly over Canada in one of Brion's jets, inadvertantly flying the Markovian flag . . the Canadians try to shoot them out of the sky. 'Canada's got missle?!' In this issue the Kryptonian/Earth war is just heating up . . this issue's about 2 months behind . . and our boys here, having recently been seen supporting Brion . . as he supports the Kryptonians . . they have nobody to turn to. Even Alfred can't help them out. Speaking of the Kryptonians, the Eradicator is still in Markovia. Now that I think about it, he was noticeably absent from the Superman: War of the Supermen mini-series. We see that he's affected when the sun turns red, and . . he seems to be stirring up a ruckus in Markovia. Even more so than usual. Anyways, as they're approaching the states, Rex remembers the only person he knows who can do pretty much anything they want . . Simon Stagg. He really hates to turn to him, but they honestly have nowhere else to go. That's where the guy on this cover comes from . . the Freight Train. Apparently Simon has a new body-guard. Java's still around, and with this new bodyguard doing all the hard work . . that gives Java more time to hatch his nefarious plans against Rex. . Anyways, this Freight Train is a 'hit first and ask questions later' kind of guy. So when Black Lightning blows up the Markovian jet, and then they enter Stagg's bunker . . the bodyguard comes at them with full force. Simon offers them a save haven, but . . you just know he's got something up his sleeve. And while Rex is sleeping, Java overpowers him, with the help of the Orb of Ra, and takes him and dumps him into the chemical body of . . Chemo. What's Simon doing with this monstrosity? And how is Metamorpho going to be affected by this series of events? So far I think that Dan Didio is doing a pretty decent job with this book. I like the way that he's handling the characters. My only concern is that I think he should've addressed this break in the group a little bit more. We saw a couple of pages of what's going on in Markovia, but . . not much. But it's still a fun and exciting book. And I love Phillip Tan's art. Now that the war's over, maybe things can get a little more back to normal. But . . I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Outsiders #29 - DC

This issue is a little bit of a respite from the previous story-line. It's not over yet, but . . because of the War of the Supermen storyline, this book is taking a bit of a break this month and next. It'll return with issue #30 in June. Anyways, we catch back up with Looker this month. We see the world of excess and glamour that she lives in. And she the target of an assassination attempt by the Clan. That's the hit-man on the cover. He's a Vampire himself. Anyways, obviously he fails, but in the process he does drag Looker's ex-husband, Gregg, into his schemes. This only serves to infuriate Looker as it reminds her of what she once was. And for some reason, she decides that the best way to deal with this is to book a flight to Markovia. Anyways, this story revolves around Looker's foray into the fashion world. Originally she was supposed to give a designer, Harold Winer, a break by starring in his show. But, she backs out at the last moment. Leaving him shattered and broken. However, at the end, while drowning his sorrows at a bar, he's approached by a shadowy figure. Well . . he actually comes in the 'light', but all we see are his hands. And the weapon that he hands to Harold. 'I am Veritas, and once you take this Horn, you will be my herald. And with it, you will have the power to change the world.' I'm not sure what that's all about, but . . I guess we'll find out in a couple of months. Also in this issue, before Roy leaves the country with Jefferson and Rex, we see that the feelings between Tatsu and he have heated up a little bit. Much to Roy's surprise. He still leaves, but . .'I wonder if this is how Bat's felt every time Catwoman left the room?' Dan Didio does a good job with this story. When we come back in June we'll be picking up after the War of the Supermen, and figuring out where the allegiances of Markovia's government lie in that dispute . . and why. Dan will still be writing it. But while Don Kramer and Philip Tan did the art for this issue . . the future of the series will be presented by Philip Tan and Jonathan Glapion. Everything with this team is in disarray right now. Hopefully, when we return . . Dan will begin putting things back together. Whether or not the team stays the same remains to be seen. But this team has been through many incarnations. Hopefully this change will just be another step in the ladder.

Outsiders #28 - DC

I'm starting to sense a theme here. It seems that throughout the DC Universe we're going through a 'rebuilding' year. It seems to me that pretty much every team they have has been torn apart and is rebuilding from the inside out. This team is no exception. There's a huge rift right now . . obviously, from the cover, between Jefferson and Brion. Jefferson has been pretty much questioning every decision that Brion has made over the last few months. And with the inclusion of the Eradicator into their group . . Jefferson has finally said, 'Enough is enough!'. In his eyes, he's standing by and watching Brion turning this group into a bunch of 'outlaws', or terrorists. This all started when the Masters of Disaster come to Markovia and try to get something out of one of Brion's secret facilities. It's something, or someone, that's buried in a vault there. Brion brings the group in to stop them, but before long they're fighting amongst themselves, and the MOD are left wondering why they've basically been forgotten. We still don't know exactly what's in the vault, but . . they seem to have weakened the door, and it's trying to break itself out. In the end the group is split down the middle. Jefferson, Rex and Roy are heading back to Metropolis. While Katana and Eradicator are staying by Brion's side. I thought it was a great issue. Dan Didio did a good job with the story, but it was Philip Tan's art that, to me, really sold the book. I love these characters and this team. I can't wait to see where we go from here. But we need a battle cry. 'Long Live the Outsiders!', 'Outsiders Together!', I don't know . . something. I'll have to think about that.

Outsiders #27 - DC

This issue introduces us, and the Outsiders, to the new Masters of Disaster. My first thought is . . man, what a fantastic cover by Philip Tan. Don Kramer does the interiors, and they look pretty good too. But . . this cover is beautiful. Inside we find out that the MoD only really have 2 new members . . Coldsnap and Heatstroke. But they're still kind of a cool team, when you think about it. Anyways, the Outsiders make pretty short work of them. They put up a fight at first, but it isn't long before the Outsiders take them down. But there's several unanswered questions. Such as who hired them? And what were they after? They attack a hidden lab in Markovia, where Brion has some scientists working on some secret projects. But they bypass those and head right to the safe. I'm surprised that when the Outsiders go to defend it that nobody brings up the question as to it's purpose, and why they were never told about it. They are Markovia's defenders . . right? And, Jefferson seems to be questioning everything that Brion is doing lately. He's not happy the Brion brought the Eradicator on board last issue, but he's even more pissed when Brion won't give him a straight answer, and then finds out that this isn't even the original Eradicator. 'I do retain all of his thoughts and memories. And his memories of the Outsiders and Geo-Force were all good ones. I was created to be an ambassador of New Krypton . . sent to forge a bond between my world and this nation. It was a bond that Prince Brion quickly, and rightly, accepted.' The problem is, whether he's an original or not . . the world still sees him as a Kryptonian. Which are banned on Earth right now. And which puts Markovia at odds with the rest of the world. Owlman seems to be fanning the flames when he tells Jefferson that he suspects that Brion's wound from Deathstroke was probably self-inflicted. Of course, reading Last Will & Testament, we know that he's right. But . . was Brion trying to draw Deathstoke in, or was he trying to frame him? Or, even more insidious, was he trying to take advantage of the situation to up his own 'street cred'? We also see a blossoming relationship between Owlman and Tatsu. And, while in Markovia, Jack Ryder seems to have picked up a stalker. Anyways, the issues ends with Jefferson squaring off with Brion and hitting him with a very powerful lightning blast. He even takes the MoD by surprise. Now it looks like he's going to have to face down everybody, or . . the MoD may ask him to join. I doubt it, but . . Jefferson is apologetic to Brion. But he's not having it. He tells Black Lightning to leave Markovia, or face his wrath. All in all, I thought it was a good issue. So far I like what Dan Didio is trying to do with this book. And Don's pencils are pretty impressive. His panels, and art, are very crisp, clean and colorful. I thought it was a good book all around. There was a lot of questions brought up, but . . that's good. It draws in the reader.

Outsiders #26 - DC

There's a few things going on this issue. We're thrown right into the mix, so . . I assume we'll find out next issue how everything went down. I guess, because of everything that's happening in Gotham right now, and because of Blackest Night, the Outsiders have ended up in Markovia. And, by de facto, since Prince Brion is it's King . . he is now the leader of the Outsiders. At one point, he even refers to them as 'my Outsiders'. Some of the members in the group seem as puzzled by this change in leadership as we do. Roy Raymond, Owlman, pisses off Brion twice this issue. Once when he asks him about the scar on his neck from the fight with Deathstroke . . 'I've studied all of Deathstroke's moves, and I've never seen him make a slashing motion that would leave a scar like that.' Brion tells him to . ' . leave your American manners at home.' Then later when Brion has sent out Black Lightning and Katana to intercept some pirates that have been attacking Markovian vessels . . 'I have sent out a team to remove the threat . . with extreme prejudice.' Roy asks . .'And Alfred okayed this?' Brion scolds, and punishes him. 'You have misspoken twice this evening. There will not be a third time. It's time for you to return to your room.' On the mission . . Katana is more than willing to use extreme measures, but . . Black Lightning still has a line that he refuses to cross. In the end, he ends up holding her back . . if only by the influence of his words, and she only end up wounding the would be 'pirate-king'. She doesn't kill him.We also see Rex and Jack Ryder talking over a cup of coffee. Rex seems ok with the status-quo. But Jack? Jack feels like he's a prisoner in his situation, and in Markovia. 'I thought you guys would help, but I was wrong. Now I'm stuck here.' Also, Jack seems to have an admirer. One that may be a little off her cookie. But the really big reveal is at the end when Brion announces their new team-mate. 'As the one true King of Markovia, I have entered into a non-aggression treaty with the world of New Krypton, providing a safe haven for all Kryptonians here on Earth. And I am proud to call their representative, the Eradicator, my friend.' Ok! I didn't see that one coming. Our creative team has changed this issue. Dan Didio in now on scripts. But to me, the biggest, and best change is that Phillip Tan is now doing the pencils. His artwork looks fantastic. I enjoyed every page of this issue. Anyways, it looks like things are about to get pretty interesting for this group, and Markovia. The next couple of issues should be pretty interesting.

Outsiders #25 - DC

This issue wraps up the Blackest Night cross-over. Last issue Tara showed back up and she's begging for Brion to kill her . . to end her undead resurrection. But come on . . you had to know that it was all an act. I mean . . of all the Black Lanterns that have showed up, Tara is the only one that seems able to shake the influence of Nekron? So as I'm reading this, as well as the last issue, I was just waiting for the moment when her true nature was revealed. And of course that happens this issue. I'm not exactly sure why, but it was almost as if she was choosing the emotional spectrum that she wanted to feed on . . love and hope. But then of course, once revealed, all she got was anger and rage. So anyways, while the guys are fighting Tara, Katana is facing her own demons with Creeper, Halo and Killer Croc. Her husband and children have come after her. A couple of interesting things happen here . . first, when Katana shoves her soul sword into her husband she sees the things that Nekron is doing and his plans or dreams. It affects her so much she almost passes out from the dark visions. Secondly, Halo seems to have her light powers amped up. She's not sure how or why it's happening but she ends up taking out all 3 family members pretty much single handed. She they flies back to the base to help the guys with Tara. She ends up needing a little help with her, from Brion, but in the end they end up beating her and turning her already cold heart to stone . . literally. But then Halo starts talking about how the light is calling to her. 'The light . . it's calling me . . pulling me in . . I have to go. It's beautiful, Jeff . . so beautiful.' And then . . she's gone in a flash of light. Just another mystery that they'll have to unravel at a later time. I've enjoyed Peter J Tomasi's run on this book. I thought he did a fantastic job with the team. But . . all good things must come to an end, and next issue things are about to be shaken up . . again. Dan Didio will be taking over the scripting chores, with Philip Tan on pencils. It looks like over the next couple of months they'll be getting some new members, and . . shaking up some of the old ones. I'm expecting good things. As I've said over and over again, I love this book and this team. These are some fantastic characters. I just hope they get the treatment they deserve.

Outsiders #24 - DC

This issue actually had me a little confused. Not so much with what's going on, but . . just the way that Terra's acting. The Outsiders where in their bunker last issue, when Terra came blasting through the wall. This issue takes place after the Teen Titans appearance by her, so she kind of recaps what happened there for Bryon. From there . . she's asking for Bryon's help. At first, after seeing all the other confrontations between the Black Lanterns and their loved ones, I was thinking that it was all just some kind of trick . . a way to lull them into sense of security and then . . BLAMM!!!, she eats their hearts. But that's not what happened. She even lets Bryon cut the ring off her finger to show him that she can't get away from it. 'I want you to save me Bryon. I want you to save my soul. I want to be buried. I don't care if I'm remembered . . despised or honored. I just want nothingness. It's what I deserve. I need your strength. Your sense of purpose. Only you, Brion can give me that nothingness. You're the only one I want to do it . . to kill me. To make sure I'm dead. And you can all be my pallbearers.' So, I don't really understand what's up with Terra's actions. Are they just because the rings are at 100% . . so they don't need to kill anybody else. Or is this all still just a trick? Or, has Terra found some way to subvert the programming? Anyways Katana, Violet and the Creeper are on their way back from Louisianna with Killer Croc, when their transport is stopped in it's track by Katana'a dead family . . her husband and children. She doesn't really know what's going on yet, so it doesn't dawn on her that these aren't her real family members. That is, until she sees her kids attacking Violet, and her light destroying them . . but they keep coming back. The issue ends with her locking swords with her dead husband. 'You are all a nightmare . . a nightmare that I will never fully wake from.' I really like this book. I think Peter J Tomasi has been doing a fantastic job ever since he took over. Fernando Pasarin does the pencils for this issue. To me, this is one of the best Blackest Night cross-overs I've seen yet.

Outsiders #23 - DC

I really like this book. Although, I have to admit I'm not thrilled about these Tom Mandrake covers. Yeah the guys got talent, but . . I don't know, his stuff just doesn't thrill me. Anyways, the Outsiders seem to be bounty-hunters now. While the rest of the Bat-family are working on the various things that are affecting all of thier livers, the Outsiders have kind of been left to their own devices. Alfred still checks in on them now and again, and trys to offer a little guidance or focus. But, the only real mission they have right now is to try to round up the Arkham inmates that have been set free and scattered. However, through the course of this, they've discovered another purpose. It seems that the Black Mask set these villains free under the pretense that they would be working for him . . you know, to pay him back. But a lot of them didn't agree with that set-up, so . . they ran. But before that happened, the Black Mask stuck little bombs in them for the future anticipation that they would eventually turn on him. So now, not only do the Outsiders have to round these guys up, but . . they also have to try to stop their heads from exploding off of their shoulders. So far they've gathered up Mister Freeze and Clayface. Now they're in the Bayou trying to apprehend Killer Croc. Unfortunately, for some reason, Man-Bat is down there also. Killer Croc is bad enough, but with Man-Bat mixed in it almost looks like it's more than they can handle. Luckily they don't have to for long. Eventually Man-Bat takes off, when he realizes that this fight isn't his. Shortly after Halo takes Croc out. They all return back to base, but their problems are hardly over. They've still got other villains to go after, and . . on the final page Brion's sister Tara shows up. But isn't she dead? Exactly! It's the Blackest Night version. It looks like the Outsiders are now part of the Blackest Night saga. I think Peter J Tomasi is doing a great job with this book. I'm diggin' his stories. And, Fernando Pasarin is doing a fantastic job with the art. The only complaint I had was his interpretation of the Creeper. It just . . didn't look right. But, other than that . . the rest of the issue looked fantastic. This is one of my favorite teams, and really . . they're only just getting started.

Outsiders #22 - DC

So the Outsiders are trying to help even more of the recent abdications from Arkham with the removal of the little present that the Black Mask has left them with . . a subcutaneous bomb. Whether they want to or not. Last issue Owlman and Black Lightning ended up performing surgery on Mr Freeze. This issue, Clay-face is in Wyoming recruiting the help of local miners. He's also got a small appliance embedded in him, so he's hoping one of the miners, with the right motivation, will help him find and remove it. You know . . miners . . underground . . clay . . there's a reasonable logic assimilated here. It's a stretch, but . . so is Clay-face. Anyways, long story short . . Rex assumes the composition of a very specific clay that Clay-face has absorbed, ends up inside of him . . and then Brion just listens to the Earth and tracks them both back to his hideout. It's funny when he lays down with his ear to the pavement. 'Ok. Let's hear what we can hear.' We get a glimpse into Katana, Halo and the Creeper's visit to the swamps of Louisiana. Apparently Killer Croc is there attempting the same process. But he's doing it by removing body parts and then waiting for them to regrow. That would be one way to get rid of that unwanted blemish or mole. Anyways, we don't get much information on their visit, but we do see that they're being joined by . . Man-bat? Peter J Tomasi does the story, with Fernando Pasarin on the pencils. Personally, I really like Fenando's work. I enjoyed Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott on this series, but I think Fernando gives it his own unique feel. Plus it's crisp and clean. So I guess we'll have to finish up this Hunt story-line before we move on to something of more signifigance with the Outsiders. I'll be glad when Alfred joins back up with them . . or at least gives them some more specific guidance.

Outsiders #21 - DC

So it seems the name . . the Outsiders, is an even more well deserved moniker for this group now. Alfred has pretty much cut all ties they have to the Bat-family. This issue they're locked out of the Bat-cave . . their base of operations. "The Bat-cave and everything in it is no longer operating as the central control center. I cannot afford to compromise our new location. I take no joy in telling you any of this . . but right now there is a threat level that I can only describe as being extremely high . . and that we here within the Bat-family have been personally compromised on such intimate levels that it's necessitated my current position." However, they are still needed. With the escape of all of Arkham's inmates, their retrieval is of the utmost importance. Even more so than their battle with the Insiders. Everybody is pretty optimistic about their fight, especially after the events of last issue, but only Owlman seems to be taking things realistically. "My gut says we haven't seen the last of them. It was way too easy. You're right about it being a battle, because I sure as hell still thing the war's going on. It's just a question of when . . " Anyways, the team splits up and goes after some of the more notorious characters. Creeper, Halo and Katana end up in the Louisiana swamps looking for Killer Croc. Geo-Force and Metamorpho go to Wyoming after Clay-face. And Owlman and Black Lightning go to Alaska in search of Mr Freeze. We see the Alaskan battle this issue, but don't get much insight into the others. It seems that Freeze came her because he wants to remove the bomb that Black Mask put in his head. This was the only place could enough that he could remove his helmet. Of course the heroes defeat him, but they decide to perform the surgery anyway. They don't particularly like that Black Mask can control these inmates, plus . . now they have a better idea of who's behind it and what he's up to. By the end of the issue, I think between Thomas Elliott and the whole Blackest Night affair, Alfred thinks things are to dire in Gotham and has decided to cut off all communication with the Outsiders entirely . . at least temporarily. However, he does offer up a holding facility that Batman constructed several years ago to take all the criminals to as they're apprehended. So for now, the team is officially on it's own. But at least they have a mission. I like what Peter J Tomasi is doing here. I was diggin' the connection to Batman, through Alfred, but . . I think the events of this issue are logical and keeps the book within the current story-lines without creating to many inconsistencies. Alfred will return, as I'm sure will the Bat-cave and all of Bruce's toys. I wasn't thrilled with Tom Mandrake's cover, but . . I absolutely loved Fernando Pasarin's interiors. I really like this book, and I think it has a ton of potential. We just have to wait and see how everything stacks up after Blackest Night. It's only just begun, and it's effects are being felt across the entire DC Universe.

Outsiders #20 - DC

This issue wraps up the first story-arc of this relaunch. It's the story about the Insiders . . the group of people that have lived as long as Vandal Savage. They've discovered the secrets of the rock / meteor that gives Vandal his longevity. Later on we learn, when Vandal finally comes face to face with them, that these people are actually part of his original 'clan' . . his blood-tribe. You'd think that they'd have something in common . . some common ground, but . . apparently Vandal doesn't really want to see anyone else hang around for as long as he has. Also Ra's al Ghul gets involved with all of this because he's not to happy with the Insiders also. Apparently as they've been digging around the globe . . looking for pieces of this meteor to leach off of . . they've been destroying Lazarus pits in the process. Anyways, the process they're using to withdraw the rock is also going to cause many natural disasters. So now that they're in their base, the Outsiders have to figure out how to shut things down. Well . . remember last issue when the Insiders had sent some operatives up to the Bat-rocket, the Haven? Remember the Creeper was the only one in there with them all? Well, this issue, he learns where their base of operations is, after beating up or torturing all the operatives, and points the rocket right at it. Their operations are shut down now because he's flown the rocket straight into it. Unfortunately . . everyone escapes . . Ra's, Vandal and the Insiders. So now . . the first battle in this war is over. I'm not sure that we can call anyone the victor. I thought Peter J Tomasi did a great job with this opening installment. I really like the way he brought these characters together and got them all involved in various aspects of the story. I also really liked Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott's art. Their two styles melded together perfectly. This is definitely a book to keep your eye on. I have a feeling that they're going to be stirring up a lot of stuff in the DC Universe.

Outsiders #19 - DC

This book is fantastic. You knew it was just going to be a matter of time until Vandal Savage crossed paths with these people that are looking for pieces of the meteor. It is, after all, the same meteor that gave him his powers . . and longevity. And really they're just being selfish about it anyways. All they really want is the added life-span. All I know is that when I turn the ripe old age of 100, I'll be looking back thinking, "I've been paying my utility bills for the last 88 years. What do I have to show for it?" Can you imagine how Vandal feels after having lived for 37,000 years. I wonder what kind of 'senior discount' he gets. Anyways, at the end of the story when he finds thier base, he's surprised to see that Ra's al Ghul is also there. "Greetings, Vandal. You seem to have a little something on your face. Not very becoming, I must say." Remember, during the Final Crisis he received the 'mark of Cain'. I thought that was hilarious. Anyways, with our team, most of this issue is spent battling Deathstroke. But remember, for Brion . . it's personal. The only reason Deathstroke sticks around as long as he does is because he's here to retrieve the piece of meteor that inside the corpse of the guy he just killed. But he doesn't need the whole body. Just the part with the rock. However, while Deathstroke is escaping, without his knowledge, Brion subtly manipulates his powers and pulls the rock out of the body, and to him, as Slade slithers away. He is going to be pissed when he figures out what Brion did. Meanwhile our little covert group has decided to make a strike against their opponents and hit them at their base . . the Haven . . Batman's little rocket base. What they didn't know though is that they would have to face the Creeper. And the dead guy has left behind a clue in his own blood . . '6542-140'. Whatever that means. Peter J Tomasi is doing a fantastic job with this book. I really like the way that he's handling all these characters. This issue Fernando Pasarin does the art. It's ok. I liked Lee Garbett's stuff better. But, it looks like Fernando with be the artist in residence for the foreseeable future. I think it's a great book and I recommend it to anyone who isn't reading it.

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.

Outsiders #17 - DC

This is another great issue of this fantastic title. I love the new direction that Peter J Tomasi and Lee Garbrett are taking us in. The whole book . . story and art, just feels fantastic. We learned last issue that one of these 'unknown evils' that Batman, and Alfred were talking about were these 'Insiders'. They appear to be a group of people that have been around for a long time, much in the same manner as Vandal Savage, and have appeared to have twisted world events to their liking as they've moved along through time. 'Shapers of the world', as it were. There appears to be meteorites deposited around the world that some how aid in their longevity. That's how the Outsiders became involved when last issue the 'Insiders' sent one of their agents after a piece and caused a mine to collapse in Germany. This issue they catch up to the culprit, who is encased in a giant robot-type construct, only to have him liquefied, literally, before they can question him. They do however figure out that the purpose of all of this was the acquisition of the rock. But, they also lose that. However, when they return to their orbital station, they have enough of the dust left to examine. Which is where they start putting the pieces together. But Metamorpho gets to close to the sample and somehow absorbs it. He has no idea how or if it'll affect him. And we find out at the end of the issue that one of the 'Insiders', Sofia, has gone after someone to help them with their problem . . Slade Wilson. I love the dark tone that Peter's taking with this book. This issue was mostly about Geo-Force, Black Lightning and the Owlman. They seemed to work well together. This title has some fantastic potential. If you're not picking this one up, now is a good time to start. You could start with issue #16. However, the Outsiders Special would probably be an even better place. You won't be disappointed.

Outsiders #16 - DC

I've loved this book for a long time. Through every incarnation, really. But I thought that Judd Winick's tales in the last part were fabulous. However, after reading the Outsider's Special, and now this issue . . . I think we may be heading into a whole new chapter of greatness here. I absolutely love what Peter J Tomasi is doing with this team, and these characters. And this new direction . . fighting some 'global' menace that no one is even aware of . . I think this storyline has a ton of possibilities. Also, Lee Garbett's pencils, with Trevor Scott on inks, really give this book a fantastic look. We, but not our team, find out a little about the enemy this issue. We see that there's a half-dozen or so people around the globe that have been given a gift of extended life. In return for that gift, they are called into service this issue to help find pieces of some meteor hidden throughout the Earth. Apparently their benefactors, who look to be a dozen or so, have been around for eons. But now, something threatens their continued existence. Something that this meteor, when enough is collected, will counteract it's effects. The Outsiders stumble across this when the people, who have jumped into some kind of robotic suits, have created seismic tremors in Germany with their digging. It happens near a mine and Geo-Force shakes things up even more to cover their appearance. "Fear of a cave-in should keep everyone away for a while . . give us time to look around . . get the lay of the land . . or lack thereof." Black Lightning's argument is, "Scaring innocent people doing their job isn't the way to ingratiate us with foreign Leaders and citizens." To which Brion replys, "Who says we needed to ingratiate ourselves, Jefferson? That's a job for the JLA . . . if you feel more comfortable waving the JLA badge maybe you should reassess why you're . . ." I love that with this adaptation they're truly Outsiders. The issue end with one of the diggers finding some of the meteor and then taking off . . with Katana in tow. I thought this was a fantastic first issue. I know. It's actually issue #16. But really, it's the first issue in this series. And I think it's going to be a doozy.

Outsiders #15 - DC

What a fantastic book. This issue, along with the Batman & the Outsiders Special, is really just a prelude into the new direction for this series. And from what I've seen so far . . it looks to be a fantastic new direction. Peter J Tomasi will be writing the new book, and Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott will be handling the art. Right now our team consists of Geo-Force, Black Lightning, Halo, Metamorpho, Katana, the Creeper and Owlman. I do have a question though, is Owlman the same Owlman from the Watchmen? He's not. I know. I'm just joking. But, I think we're going to be picking up another member here somewhere. At the end of the issue Alfred shows the team a rocket that can hold 8 passengers. So, either Alfred will be joining them on the missions, or . . there's an 8th member we don't know about yet. That's ok. I like the mystery. Anyways, thier mission is best explained by Alfred . . . "Batman formed the Outsiders so there would always be a 'Batman' outside of Gotham. He hoped that a team representing different aspects of himself would fare best against the evil force that is gathering . . that individuals with distinct abilities, when placed together, would form a unique unit capable of combating the darkness. There's no use in saving only one city from the abyss. A world-view is necessary. The name's Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth. Hereafter you can call me the Boss. I will be your eyes and ears on the world. Each and every operational directive will come from me and me alone. The decision to be an Outsider comes with great sacrifice. You will need to shut down your life. You will have no contact with the outside world except on rare occasions. You will truly be an outsider. The only people you will be interacting with other than yourselves will be me. This is a tour of duty so to speak. Once you . . enlist you will not be able to see or speak to your loved ones for months at a time. You either embrace this concept or you don't." Of course they all accept, and over the next couple of days say goodbye to anyone they have out there. But most of them, really, are outsiders already. Except for Jefferson. He's going to have the hardest time. Halo comes back within a few hours. And the threat? Apparently Batman is of the notion that everything bad that's happened over the years . . everything they've fought . . has been part of someone else's much bigger plan. Someone that all of these other people didn't even know existed, or that they were working for. I'm taking a stab in dark here but, I'm wondering if it's going to be Khyber who we met in Superman, because of Orion, and Final Crisis. Anyways, I can't wait for this series to get going. It's going to be great.

Batman and the Outsiders Special #1 - DC

What a cool book, and a new path for the Outsiders. It seems that even in death . . at least that's what we think . . . that the Batman still has contingency plans. How can someone be so anal and controlling, even after they're gone? Well . . if anyone can do it . . it's Bruce. Bruce comes to Alfred this issue in a pre-recorded message. He tells him the real reason that he assembled the Outsiders, and why they're so important right now. The reason is . . . . well, we don't get that part of the message. But, apparently it's very important because Alfred spends the next few days . . we assume . . traversing the globe and asking different characters to rejoin the fold. I'm not sure how he convinces them all, but it appears that they're all going to be coming back. First he goes to Markovia to speak to Prince Markov. Next he's in Keystone City recruiting Roy Raymond Jr.. He spends some time in Kahndaq, where he finds Jack Ryder chasing another conspiracy theory. He risks his life by interrupting a ceremony in Tochigi, Japan. Tatsu Yamashiro is in the middle of her yearly ceremony where she honors and remembers her dead parents. But Alfred apparently doesn't have time to waste. He visits Jefferson Pierce in Chicago, and Violet in New Orleans. And finally, when Tatsu returns to the old Outsiders headquarters . . the place where Rex and Salah died . . she finds out that Rex actually survived. When Salah exploded . . he took refuge inside of her body. It's a good thing they're friends because . . . she forgives him. And on the final pages of the book, we see the threat that's scrounging for life and I think is what the Outsiders need to stop. It's enigmatic at best, but . . you can tell there's some real nasty stuff going on here. I'm just glad that the Outsiders are making it through all of this and are going to be getting back on track. I love this team. This issue is brought to us by Peter J Tomasi and Adam Kubert. What a talented family. I just saw Adam's brother Andy's work in Batman. And now we get to see Adam's here. Fantabulous! After a brief respite we'll finally be getting a new issue of the Outsiders.

Batman and the Outsiders #14 - DC

This issue gives us a bit of a clearer picture about the direction that Frank Tieri wants to take this group in. Basically, it feels like Batgirl, Cassandra, is the only one that cares about whether or not this group has a future. As much of a loner as she is, I think she's really gotten used to being part of a 'family' . . . a member of a group. Especially in their line of business, it has to be such a relief to know that you have people working with you that you can count on, and you know they have your back. Anyways . . she's trying to set up a 'network' of individuals to try to help her take better care of Gotham. So far she's started with Dick, Vigilante and the Riddler. But we don't know who else she might have talked to. But Dick is pissed. He's also mad at Alfred because he knew but didn't try to stop her. He really puts Alfred on the spot when he questions him and asks him what Bruce would've wanted, "How could you allow it to happen? You know he would never approve . . ." Which really gets Alfred going, "Mind yourself! Young man. I certainly don't need to be lectured about that. I believe I would know better than anyone what he would approve of. But we must accept that he is not coming back . . . and that we must find the means to replace what he did for this city. The concept of what he stood for may be more important than one man. Or one method. And if this network proves to be the method that allows his legacy to continue, it has my blessing. Whether he would have approved of it or not. And, dare I say it, whether you approve of it or not." After a scolding like that . . Dick and Cassie sit down and try to bury the hatchet. They decide that they need to come together and be a 'family' again. " . . your network . . if it's going to work properly, run smoothly . . if we want to reach as many allies as possible . . . what I'm trying to say is . . ." But they seem to be of the same mind because Cassie finishes for him, "You don't have to finish. I understand. It might be best if you managed it." And with that, they truly come together. So, it appears that the Outsiders now have a future, a course of action and a focus. In between all of this story, we also see in the background, and shadows, that it appears that someone else is getting themselves ready to take the Batman's place. We don't really know who he is, but . . I'm guessing, because of the page with the monks . . . "Am I worthy? Please say that I am, for the suit of sorrows . . . is beckoning me." To which the monks respond, "No, you are not worth yet. But soon, my angel of death. Very soon." So I'm thinking . . . Jean-Paul Valley. Maybe? Anyways, I thought this was a great issue. I like the feeling the Ryan Benjamin is bringing to this book. But, I'm very excited to see the Outsider's Special coming soon which teams up Frank with Adam Kubert. That should be a spectacular book. I'm glad this book isn't going anywhere. It would've been a shame to lose this one also.

Batman and the Outsiders #13 - DC

It appears, with the recent disbandment of the Outsiders, that Batgirl is the only one hanging on to the dream. She's not very happy with the current crime environment in Gotham, and I think she wants to do something about it. She's drawing from all areas too. "An association of allies . . each possessing a skill set mirroring an aspect of Batman, to be called upon when the need arises." The list of possible candidates is . . eclectic, to say the least. So far she's looking at Black Canary, Catwoman, Green Arrow, Tim (obviously), the Riddler, the Question, Huntress, Spoiler, Wildcat, Vigilante, Man-bat . . the list goes on and on. Alfred, however is concerned that "Master Dick does not appear on your list." And he warns her, "If you're going to be a part of all of this . . be a part of this family . . they you and Master Dick will need to talk things out." In a couple of months we're going to have a brand new team here. I guess this issue is about laying the groundwork for that. Well . . this issue and next. Next issue's blurb reads, "Batgirl vs. Nightwing". That one should be a dozy. This issue's art was by Fernando Dagnino. It was ok. Not fantastic, but . . it was pretty good. However, I don't think that he'll be the regular penciller. My guess is that he's filling in for an issue or 2, and then when the new team arrives we'll get a new regular artist. Actually, I just went and looked. It looks like it's going to be Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott on the art chores. Also it appears that the new team is going to roll out in the Outsiders special, but then be back here for issue #15. And Peter J Tomasi will be the new writer. Wow! That's a lot of changes for one book. Especially for one not changing it's title, or missing a beat in the issue numbers. It'll be interesting to see what they have cooked up for us. I really like this book, and I hope it doesn't go away.