Issue #8 of BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS sees the series for a third month in a row managing to overcome its previous problems and build an entertaining mix of action and comedy.

From the off, this series presented me with many problems. First of all, the manner in which Batman was portrayed seemed redundant. The role appeared to be suitable for just about anybody else except The Dark Knight. The early issues seemed to be plagued with an identity crisis, never knowing quite when to play the strengths of each character.

Luckily by the time #6 made its presence felt, some significant changes were afoot. Batman retreated to the shadows, leading the group of misfits from backstage, pulling the strings like a good puppet-master should. After five issues of failing to enjoy the obvious potential on display, it finally clicked with me and the pieces started falling into place.

#7 saw the series reach new heights with two stellar set-pieces, a good deal of restraint and a personality that had been evasive up until that point in time. Finally, BATO was exploring its individual streak and with each beautifully over the top 50s B-Movie Sci-Fi encounter this strange beast was taking a pleasing shape.

In my last review I stated a certain degree of trepidation when Nightwing was introduced in the closing pages of #7 and I can't be happier to report that not only has the focus and quality of the last two issues been maintained but it has been improved upon, yet again.

Nightwing leads a trio to aid Green Arrow's group in China in a move that manages to place Batman exactly where he needs to be for a third issue running. At no point does Batman get in a supernatural scuffle which would threaten the progress made. This was a surprising sidestep as it seemed definite that a Batman/Nightwing rescue mission would be prominent this month. Kudos to the team for avoiding the obvious and again beautifully playing the larger than life elements with the restrained realism based elements.

Of particular note is a dazzling panel which sees Nightwing and the Outsiders return to Gotham to meet Batman who is in front of his Batmobile. This is quite possibly the most stunning work that has featured in this publication. Atmospheric, detailed and drenched in the bleakness and gloom that one has come to expect of Gotham city, it is the connective tissue between the two worlds of realistic and supernatural heroism.

There are some amusing nods to popular culture here, including a deliberately over the top and almost slapstick sequence which sees Dr. Salah Miandad control Remac (a re-worked Omac) to assist Nightwing with the help of a body suit. Despite a very obvious and long-worn Wii related joke, this is a quirky little scene that plays well with Alfred allowed space to showcase his genuine class.

I have come to be fond of BATO despite my initial (five month long) misgivings. There is momentum here to turn this into one of the best ensemble comic books around.