DCU Comic Book Reviews

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #2

Infestation

January 2008

Written by Chuck Dixon

Pencils by Carlos Rodriquez

Inks by Bit

Covers by Doug Braithwaite

Synopsis

In Central City, the Outsiders have invaded Jardine Tower to discover an OMAC unit.  As Metamorpho, Catwoman, and Katana battle the OMAC and the tower security guards, Martian Manhunter heads for the towers concept laboratory to get background information on the OMAC.  In Brussels, Mr. Jardine is told what is happening.  Elsewhere, Grace Choi locates the rest of the team to help them defeat the OMAC unit.  Later, Martian Manhunter hands over all of the info to Batman and then decides to quit the Outsiders.  Meanwhile, the remaining members of the team are gathering together, although Thunder feels a little left out.  She remains outside while the team is inside.  However, she is tossed back inside, thanks to Batgirl.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

Err, umm, so that is how you do a housecleaning.  Just like that and two team members are tossed.  I realize that Dixon inherited a team he did not want, so it is not surprising he would make changes to get what he wants.  What surprised me was how quickly he was making that change.  At the very least, Martian Manhunter’s departure was handled well.  I did not like Catwoman’s departure.  It looks really bad that she would leave in the middle of a mission.  It just does not look good at all.  I suppose Dixon wanted to avoid having two scenes with characters telling Batman they quit, but still, it could’ve been handled better.  I also did not like Batgirl’s appearance.  What, exactly, is the point of tossing one of your team member’s girlfriends through a window.  Yes, I know she wasn’t that hurt, but come on, what was the point?  Really. 

Okay, beyond the housecleaning, this was an average issue that was really just an extended fight scene interspersed with characters coming and going.  I think it s going to take Dixon a couple more issues until he can hit his stride with the book and get it to where he wants it to be.  Until then, we’ll just have to deal with the character shuffle. 

When Catwoman leaves the team, she says something to the effect of being “even.”  What the hell is she talking about?  Is she referring to Batman or to the rest of the team?  I suppose it would be Batman, especially if you take account of events in Catwoman in which Batman has helped Selina more than she has helped Bruce, but it is still strange.

 

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