"Geez, that's creepy. Sorta like Silence of the Lambs meets Rocky Horror Picture Show."

“Batman R.I.P.” comes to BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS in this cross-over issue. Batman has taken his leave and the future of the Outsiders is in doubt. The disappearance of Batman gives rise to an issue which manages to cross over in a fairly elegant manner.

Superman's first page appearance did not fill me with enthusiasm, but hell, if I'm in for this supernatural ride then let's go all the way. Superman's presence allows for the impact of Batman's exit to be seen through the eyes of the Superhero community, while representing the very medium itself. There is no character as synonymous with comic books as Superman. If they are to really remove Bruce Wayne from the equation then the monthlies will need as much of this peer based pathos as it can muster.

In spite of the artful nature of the Jim Gordon panels, there is one especially painful element to it that I felt the need to talk about. When speaking of his recent pain with The Black Glove, Gordon says "With you here (referring to the Outsiders) … it means he's not. Which means this city is without its Batman … AGAIN." Hmm, now I don't know about you but if I were trying to push the “R.I.P.” arc as something unique -- something which will change the face of the series forever -- I would not draw attention to the absurd reality of "In Continuity".

The necessity of BATO to be involved in the wide happenings of the monthlies harms the individuality that the series has managed to assemble for itself out of a scrap yard of supernatural commonality. I don't care about continuity. I really don't. It *rarely* benefits anybody. It's a necessary hook to pull in readers, I concede that point but that doesn't mean that it should be treated with such ill gained reverence. BATO, with its sense of humor and exploitation credentials should be exempt from this nonsense. "In continuity" not only damages any good story contained within that has been written but it also damages any good story that can be written in the future by making this "canon".

I don't want BATO to be inside what is thought of as "The Truth;” I don't want this title to be included in moronic discussions about why Metamorpho wasn't in THE DARK KNIGHT. Unfortunately, it will anyway. As much as I understand the absolute necessity to include the series in the “R.I.P.” arc, I am irked by it. BATO's strongest points were its issue to issue frivolity; escapism and pure entertainment.

That aside, this was an entertaining “R.I.P.” tie-in and one which despite its continuity-based shackles, managed to thread together the basic elements of what has made me cross over into thinking that flying in space and fighting Space-Aliens From Beyond The Grave is *sometimes* appropriate.