DCU Comic Book Reviews

THE OUTSIDERS #18

The Deep, Part Four

July 2009

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Pencils by Lee Garbett

Inks by Trevor Scott

Cover by Lee Garbett

Synopsis

After finding Pallasite, part of the meteor that changed Metamorpho into his current situation, the Outsiders try to determine who is collecting the pieces and why.  Owlman determines the reason why:  the meteor helps to bestow immortality.  In Opal City, Deathstroke and his new apprentice plan an assassination, but the target survives the attack.  At Wayne Manor, Alfred examines the Thrasher that was used to dig for the Pallasite.  When he finds the manufacturer he decides to pay the owner a visit in Opal City.  Meanwhile, Owlman devises a plan to use Metamorpho to find a piece of Pallasite.  They find one in Opal City.  There, Alfred confronts the manufacturer, whom he recognizes as an old army buddy who somehow found the proverbial “Fountain of Youth.”  Before Alfred can learn more, their encounter is interrupted.  After Alfred leaves, the manufacturer is told he is needed to do something if wants to remain immortal.  As they leave the office, the immortal is shot by Deathstroke.  Alfred rushes to assist.  Deathstroke arrives to make sure the job is finished and take something off the body.  Just then, the Outsiders arrive.    

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

Hey, there’s Alfred! 

This is a tough issue to review.  I mean, I liked the issue.  It was a very enjoyable read with a good balance of humor (battleship!) and action and mystery.  Tomasi has a good handle on these characters, so the interactions and conversations sparkle in each scene.  The same is true for Garbett, whose drawings are sharp and strong with great detail and nice panel-to-panel transitions.  The problem with this issue is that, much like previous issues, the story is moving very slowly.  Not much happens in terms of the plot and much of what happens is repetitive of previous scenes in this story (most notably the end when the one character tells the other character he needs to repay the gift he has been giving) or expands upon stuff we already knew (such as the meteor).  Plus, it seems to take a long time for the Outsiders to come to some of their conclusions and eventually get to the Opal City.  Moreover, the shenanigans of the main antagonists (the Insiders, I guess) is still a little murky.  Tomasi has hinted a more than just the immortality angle, but beyond those hints, we still don’t know what is going on, or why Deathstroke was hired to kill one of the immortals or what the endgame might be.  I don’t mind a little mystery, but after four issues, the situation should be a little more clearer than what it is.  Ultimately what it comes down to, I think, is that Tomasi is writing the characters rather than the plot, so we are getting some great scenes (such as Alfred confronting his old army buddy or standing up to Deathstroke or the discussion on the meaning of the Pallasite) that don’t advance the plot, but advance the characters.  So it is enjoyable to read, but frustrating because I would like to see the story kick into gear. 

Comic Connection

Vandal Savage had the run-in with the Spectre and received the mark on his face in the Final Crisis tie-in mini-series Revelations.

Opal City is a fictional city located somewhere on the east coast in the state of Maryland.  Opal City is most notable as being the home city for Jack Knight (aka Starman).  Others who are connected to Opal City include Phantom Lady and Elongated Man.

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