"Nice one, Rex. All the rooms in this barn and you pick…an AIRLOCK."

For the second issue in a row, I am very happy to report that BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS continues to build on its own personal identity while using established characters in a way that befits their legacy.

Following on from the last issue which saw Batman return to the shadows, Metamorpho head into space, and Green Arrow take charge of the remaining Outsiders, BATO seems to have hit its stride.

Basically #7 is a direct continuation of the tone and setting that was present at the conclusion to the last issue. Metamorpho -- who is being accosted by space zombies -- provides the motivation for the remaining characters; “Green Arrow and the Outsiders” having been captured following an attempt to hi-jack a rocket in China to try to join Metamorpho in space. This is probably one of the best threads running through this title yet; a dark and unsettling series of panels which reveal all members of the captured team to be suffering torture at the hands of their captors. It is certainly unusually bleak for Batman and the Outsiders and is the better for it. In fact there are many moments in this issue which manage to utilise the Outsiders in a way that is far deeper and more intriguing than anything seen previously. A focus on smaller moments rather than broad set-ups; hell, even Metamorpho's trip into space is suitably claustrophobic, leading to a spot that is equally humorous and grim.

Most importantly, The Batman for a second week in a row is in the background, pulling the strings and orchestrating a rescue mission for all and sundry. I am still hoping that this is a sign that we are not going to return to the chaotic mish-mash of the earlier issues, although the introduction of Nightwing towards the end hints at an upcoming Batman themed action sequence. #7 feels measured and restrained, as #6 did. Even the actions scenes, although still ripe with exciting supernatural happenings are pushed into a tighter setting. The torture scenes with The Outsiders contain a sense of anticipation that was mostly absent from the series' high-spots previously. Again, it must be put forth how much of a relief it was to see the manner in which Dixon and company utilised Metamorpho in space. A set-up that looked patently ridiculous two issues ago has now managed to provide a scene which allows for the character to grow, while showcasing his unique abilities.

A special mention must go to the fantastically over the top cover art by Dougie Braithwaite and Brian Reber; nailing the combination of humour and B-Movie sci-fi horror that BATO has shown itself so adept at. That's not a criticism either. In a similar way to the greatest B-movie Science Fiction, this issue manages to make the ridiculous and melodramatic believable while creating some genuine tension. BATO could become a great call-back to an older style of comic book, while hopefully fulfilling its quite modern potential. It is encouraging to observe the graceful manner in which each character has started to bring an individuality and different tone to the panels in which they inhabit. Batman does not mix with Metamorpho's 50s Sci-Fi adventure, while Green Arrow and company are not restrained by Batman's obsessive planning, leading to a well judged array of heroes that actually feel like they have a purpose and a place.

I said in my review of issue #5, when I started writing here, that BATO felt like "third-string JLA".

Well, no longer.

The characters have lost that non-descript tag; the action has a more purposeful impact and the melding of styles is finally taking shape into a cohesive whole. For a second month in a row, I find myself enjoying a take on Batman (and others) that directly goes against my natural preference.

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS is still a fairly lightweight title whose emphasis is definitely on providing big set-pieces but now these set-pieces are integral to the story being told. There is enough depth here to unashamedly enjoy the ride and that's what matters most.