DCU Comic Book Reviews

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #14

A Family Affair

February 2009

Written by Frank Tieri

Pencils by Ryan Benjamin

Inks by Saleem Crawford

Covers by J. Calafiore

Synopsis

After learning about Batgirl’s network of Outsiders, Nightwing decides they need to talk, which turns into a fight.  As the battle in a dark alleyway, the batmobile drives up and a figure steps out.  One Hour Ago, the Riddler solves a baffling murder.  He then tells the press he will solve the mystery of the missing Batman. Batgirl then approaches him to be part of the network.  Before the Riddler can answer, Nightwing intervenes.  Elsewhere, someone asks if they are worthy as another flays them with a whip.  Now, Alfred steps out of the batmobile to admonish Nightwing and Batgirl to tell them both that while the network might not be Batman’s way, he would still would have approved.  Nightwing realizes that Alfred is right.  Batgirl and Nightwing agree to work together.  Meanwhile, the flayed man dons the Suit of Sorrows.  He is not worthy, but he will be soon.  

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This issue is another example of DC not quite getting their ducks in a row in terms of publishing stories.  This issue provides a plot point that is fully explained in issue #6 of the Batgirl mini-series.  While both issues were released on the same day, I happened to read this one first before I read Batgirl.  Based on what happened here, it became fairly easy to gather what would happen in Batgirl.  Couldn’t DC at least hold back this issue one more week to give readers a chance to read the issues in the proper order? 

As for the issue itself, like the previous parts of this story, it feels like it is just occupying space until the next re-boot of the series can go into effect, which can’t take place until “Batman R.I.P.” and Final Crisis have ended.  Thus, we get a lot of decompression in the story (c’mon, 3 panels per page, really?) and the art as the creative team find ways to stretch out a thin story to 22 pages.  Do that for four months or so, and you can see why I’ve had enough of this story.  Luckily, next month something new will come along. 

Let me get this right, Nightwing is opposed to the use of a network simply because Batman decided to adopt Batgirl (or Bruce Wayne adopting Cassandra Cain).  But once he realizes that he shouldn’t be mad at her, he rethinks his position and thinks the network is now a good idea.  Damn, only politicians flip flop faster than that. 

Probably the most interesting aspect of the issue is the Suit of Sorrows and the apparent return of Azreal.  But even that was tempered by the fact that the suit was stolen way back in issue #11; I had completely forgotten about that and it didn’t really dawn on me until after I had finished reading. 

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