My comic book reviews usually end up being little mini op-ed pieces. Which probably is a stupid statement since reviews are op-ed’s, right?

I don’t particularly like to discuss the intricacies of an issue’s plot, nor do care about analyzing every aspect of the title’s artwork.

Basically, I read and look at the thing and if I like it I like it, if I don't I don't.

Of course, my own personal idea of what Batman “Is” always comes into play…

ALWAYS.

I know that’s the same for each and every Batman fan out there, right?

Y’all know me, I like Batman presented as "realistic" as possible. I tend to NOT be very fond of stories that involve aliens, the supernatural, other superheroes, the fantastical, and -- ahem -- “Batman, IN SPACE.”

So when it comes to Batman in comics, I tend to stay with the two main Bat-titles as they usually stick to Gotham and the type of Batman stories I prefer.

That’s why I’m having a genuinely hard time with BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS. I’m both liking it and disliking it at the same time.

I’m liking it because writer Chuck Dixon is giving us a smart and no-nonsense Batman and an interesting storyline. I’m disliking it because Batman is interacting with super powered beings and operating in very non-Batman locales like a jungle.

Since when did Batman become Tarzan? Would that then make Catwoman "Jane" and Robin "Boy?

Oh well, it could be worse, ya know? He could be…

...IN SPACE! But I digress.

Clearly, B&TO is still in the formative stages. The title’s initial storyline is still ongoing and the team membership is still quite fluid. Case in point, Green Arrow makes his first appearance as a member of The Outsiders in this issue and Batgirl came on board in issue #3. This makes it an easier read for me as neither of those characters can fly, shoot lasers out of their eyes, or any of that “meta human” stuff. Although, I'm not a "Batman-Sidekick" fan -- which is another debate (or OP-ED) for a different day.

(Here’s an idea, how about Batman putting a team together made up of DC characters that have no superpowers? One can dream, right?)

As I said, team membership currently fluctuates from issue to issue, and it now appears that either an OMAC or George Clooney is set to join the Outsiders shortly.

As previously mentioned, we’ve already been treated to four issues and have yet to have more than one story arc -- which is perfectly fine by me. However, it’s moving rather slow in my opinion. For example, most of this issue (#4) revolves around a fight/battle between Green Arrow and Batgirl which grew old rather quickly.

Despite the fact that BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS goes against my own personal sensibilities when it comes to Batman, it’s been good enough so far for me to have my comic shop continue to put it in my subscription box monthly. In other words, I’m going to continue to give it a shot.

Hell, maybe I’ll start to really dig it when Batman mixes it up with people who can fly and hangs out in the jungle or even space.

"Batman in space?"

Um, probably not.