The artwork in this issue of
THE OUTSIDERS is ugly. Ugly in the guise of "Ultra Realism." Everybody looks like they need immediate facial work, the lines overly emphasized and the characters appearing as pudgy wax works. Let us not be so superficial; or, let us not act as if the aesthetics and visuals of a comic book are tremendously important (which they are). There are admittedly some nice panels; most notably the ones wrapped in snow and the action sequences are vibrant. Overall though there is a distinct plastic doll/Todd Haynes doing Karen Carpenter vibe about this.
In tribute to all those who think I’m writing a piece for Wikipedia, this story is about bad men -- like Shaft --laying down the law with an iron clad fist and a sensual trouser area. It does have a soundtrack by Isaac Hayes, but it is aurally invisible. You require a depth of vision not seen since Alan Alda had a character named after Donald Sutherland so he could reprise the role in a popular TV show.
For those wanting information on M*A*S*H*, the TV Show, here it is:
M*A*S*H*, was a popular TV Show, which ran from 1972 - 1983, with the finale being watched by a lot of people.
A TV Show is a show on television.
The television was invented by Mitch Hedberg.
Mitch Hedberg was a comedian who lived from 1968-2005 and did jokes about ducks.
Ducks are quite similar to this issue of THE OUTSIDERS. They are buoyant and tell stories featuring R’as Al Ghul.
Part 5 of “The Deep" -- the pictorial snafu aside -- is a solid issue with a terrific Creeper moment, recalling equal parts Ridley Scott and Ace Ventura. R’as Al Ghul’s reveal in the final pages, like Deathstroke before, makes sense for this title and encourages further reading.
Blood is spilled in graphic detail but silly old Deathstroke he misplaced the object of his mission and got deep and dirty for nought but a good time. The opening action sequence - a hangover from the last issue - is tremendous, as is the brief space excursion featuring Creeper. It will be exciting to see in what way R’as Al Ghul will factor into things. Perhaps he will start a dispassionate information-collecting website? Where you can all read the synopsis and “objective” evaluations of whether your head will like reading these here pictures?
Until then, I guess you’re just going to have to wade through opinion. Oh, bother!
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: "With half of the Outsiders captured and the remaining members on the run, things have reached a boiling point for Alfred's new squad! And to make matters worse, Deathstroke the Terminator discovers he may have found a way to increase his amazing powers. Meanwhile, the search for the mysterious meteorite – and its strange connection to the Insiders – continues!"
