FROM DC COMICS: "The new era for the team begins with Catwoman, Metamorpho, Katana, Grace and Martian Manhunter called into investigate a potential time bomb at Jardine Enterprises — but will the new team's first mission also be it's last?

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS. Let the speculation begin.

The “Justice League of America” is the quintessential super-hero team.

You can debate it all you like between the JLA, The Titans, or even Marvel’s Avengers or X-Men, but it's hard to outdo the originals. In the context of its world, the JLA is the last word, and the last resort. Grant Morrison, through the words of the Flash and Superman, worded it best in my opinion:

"…Why should they need us? What's the point? To catch them if they fall."

And in those simple words, the JLA solidify themselves as the heroic people our world needs them to be. Being beacons of light, prosperity, and…

…wait, back up.

BATMAN's on this team? Well, yes. You're damn straight he is, and he's one of the most important parts of it. But let's face it: The Dark Knight's methods are meant to be anything but beacons of light and prosperity. So, in some cases where he works with the League, isn't there bound to be a conflict of both interest AND ideology? Absolutely.

Enter The Outsiders.

It was for exactly those reasons that Batman created the splinter-group of apparent renegade heroes -- A way to hand out justice on his terms, with the people that have no problem carrying out his methodical and sometimes ruthless methods. But after awhile, Batman knew he had to face certain problems on his own, so he left the team to their own devices. They drifted through various incarnations, the most recent of which was lead by Batman's immediate protégé Dick Grayson. But, when Nightwing's Outsiders were nearly devastated after a skirmish with the Checkmate organization, the former Boy Wonder was burnt out. So, he asked the founder to take the reigns once again.

So that brings us to the second volume and first issue of BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS. Throughout August, we saw Batman's recruitment drive. Metamorpho, Katana, and Grace, members of the previous incarnation, are still aboard. Thunder is out. Regular JLA fixture Martian Manhunter is available this time, so he's in.

So, what of their first adventure?

Well it's different than what we were expecting, because of the quick and unexplained change in creative teams. Tony Bedard was supposed to be the writer, instead we have Batman family veteran Chuck Dixon. So, what’s my verdict?

Fun, interesting, and left me a bit quizzical. Everything I look for in a “#1.” (And my pick of the week at the comic shop I work at!) The end of it was one of those "Holy $#!^, where did that come from?!" moments, so those are always nice to find. And if the 1:10 variant cover was any indication, we're going to be in for some pretty interesting lineup changes over the next few months. So, if you like a superhero team that's covert, edgy, and a bit more "Batman-like" than the JLA, then BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS is sure to be an enjoyable read for you.

The next issue is only a week away as of this writing, so let's see if Chuck can keep the steam going into #2.

(Oh, and as for my COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS (title change) reviews, I'm working on an honest-to-God video to have us power through the months that I've missed. Sorry about that, hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll have more for you soon!)

Chris Clow is a student at Whatcom Community College where he is studying film, and is also an actor/writer for a pilot television series that has yet to be sold to a network.
The first movie he ever saw in theaters was Tim Burton's original BATMAN (1989), and he soon branched off into BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, and later Bat-cComics.
He has written a critically acclaimed fan script titled "Batman Interlude" which he hopes to create after receiving a degree in film.