We know how Batman is about teams and about working with others. He is not necessarily a fan of team-ups, especially those that do not involve the primary members of the Bat=family. That said, he is no stranger to forming teams when the need calls for it. This we see when a new group of superheroes and vigilantes assist the Caped Crusader in Batman and the Outsiders.
Batman and the Outsiders was an ongoing seventeen-issue story detailing the activities and events surrounding the Outsiders. The Outsiders are a group of superheroes and vigilantes created by Batman as an alternative to the Justice League.
After Batman grows disillusioned with the need for political and public approval before the Justice League can go on missions, he creates the Outsiders as a black ops team to operate with much more freedom.
The original members included Black Lightning, Geo-Force, Halo, Katana, and Metamorpho. Later, Batman would call on Black Lightning to lead a new team of Outsiders composed of Katana, Orphan, and The Signal when they took on Karma. This later team is the focus of Batman and the Outsiders and this review.
Batman and the Outsiders: Overview
Several years ago, to protect them after they had suffered horrible experiments at the hands of the organization known as the Ark, Batman personally put the Barrera family into hiding. Now, they all turn up dead one after the other, all except Sofia Barrera. But Batman needs to locate her before she suffers the same fate as the rest of her family or worse.
Sofia possesses immense power, making her a prime target for the dark side, and Batman strives to get to her first. Of course, there is a hidden story that is yet to be told by Batman. And when Black Lightning, Katana, the Signal, and Orphan find out what Batman is really up to, it’s up to them to decide if they will remain loyal to the Dark Knight or turn their backs.
Batman and the Outsiders #1: Lesser Gods, Part 1
This is the first issue of the Batman and the Outsiders storyline. When the quest for justice drives Batman into some morally ambiguous areas, he calls in the most moral man he knows: Jefferson Pierce, a.k.a. Black Lightning, and his team of operatives known as the Outsiders!
Several years ago, to protect them after they had suffered horrible experiments at the hands of the organization known as the Ark, Batman personally put the Barrera family into hiding. Now, they all turn up dead one after the other, all except Sofia Barrera. But Batman needs to locate her before she suffers the same fate as the rest of her family or worse.
Sofia possesses immense power, making her a prime target for the dark side, and Batman strives to get to her first. Of course, there is a hidden story that is yet to be told by Batman. And when Black Lightning, Katana, the Signal, and Orphan find out what Batman is really up to, it’s up to them to decide if they will remain loyal to the Dark Knight or turn their backs.
#2 Lesser Gods, Part 2
Follows the events of the first issue. We meet Sofia Barrera, on the run from an enforcer for the Ark. The Ark is the very organization that gave her the powers they seek her out for. As she flees her pursuers, she encounters the mystery man known as Kaliber.
He seems to be on her side, claiming to protect her… but what is his real motive, and who does he work for? Back to the Outsiders, is there already some leadership tension brewing between Black Lightning and Katana? Or does she want the team to head in a direction he would rather not?
#3 Lesser Gods, Part 3
Black Lightning and the Outsiders face some adversity from the Ark, which does not go their way. They are severely humbled by the powerful maniac sent to hunt down meta-human Sofia Barrera. This makes them begin to question themselves.
Are they really what is needed for this mission? Do they really have what it takes? Or did Batman do the impossible, make a mistake when he assembled them to bring Sofia home safe?
#4 Lesser Gods, Part 4
Ra’s Al Ghul makes an appearance, but whenever he does, something sinister is sure to follow. At long last, the Outsiders take off on their mission to rescue Sofia from the Demon Head, but they are in for a rude awakening. Ra’s has other ideas, and with the help of a gift from Lex Luthor, he sets the quartet in a high-stakes mind and body game.
#5 Lesser Gods, Part 5
The Outsiders’ quest to save Sofia continue, and this time they must take on Ishmael to achieve their goal. But things are not as they seem, with this being more than just a formidable foe.
They must stop Ishmael if they hope to rescue Sofia in accordance with Batman’s plan, but it is easier said than done. Taking down Ishmael will require severe events, and even more dire consequences for one member of the team.
#6 Lesser Gods: Finale
The finale to the Lesser Gods arc sees the Outsiders complete their mission, although it does not feel like much of a win. Measures are taken to deprogram Sofia and understand the extent of her abilities, while Ra’s al Ghul’s power and influence grows enough for him to establish a new league in Khadym. As always, his aim is out of this world and his plans remain unsullied by distractions and temptations of the earthly kind.
Batman and the Outsiders #7: Call Me Ishmael
Batman isn’t the only one who grows disillusioned with the status quo in the continuation to the Outsiders arc. In this seventh issue, Duke Thomas finds that he is no longer able to cope with Black Lightning and Batman’s methods.
In response, he finds refuge in an unlikely place; the philosophy of Ra’s al Ghul. He ends up becoming the latest acolyte of the Demon Head, just as Ra’s finally begins to rebuild his empire!
#8 A League Of Their Own, Part 1
Queen takes rook in this master’s game of chess played by the Demon’s Head himself, Ra’s al Ghul, as he cultivates more of the Outsiders for his taking. Cassandra Cain is caught in the middle between friendship, family, and her own moral judgments.
Meanwhile, Black Lightning continues to make his moves while Batman seems to be away on “Bruce Wayne” business.
#9 A League Of Their Own, Part 2
Ra’s al Ghul and his army of assassins have turned their attention away from the Dark Knight. Their new target is someone who does not expect it, but following previous events should not be surprised; it’s Black Lightning! But Ra’s retaliation does something to Jefferson Pierce that is irreversible, and so dire that it may break his morals.
Now, he needs the Outsiders to stop his vendetta and keep him from crossing a line. A line that could change him and his life forever.
#10 A League Of Their Own, Part 3
Before Batman enlisted Black Lightning to head the Outsiders, he did warn him of the darkness this new world would bring. But Jefferson ignored the warning, considering it to be just an exaggeration.
Ra’s onslaught on Jefferson personally has shown the superhero just how dark it can get. The darkness Batman warned begins to envelop him. The question lies on if the Outsiders can free Black Lightning from this evil tearing at his soul.
#11 A League Of Their Own, Part 4
Events see Black Lightning leave the team for good, and he is no longer an Outsider. The leadership falls on to Katana, just as things begin to look darkest for the team. Not to mention, Babylon’s addition definitely shakes things up in an interesting way.
There is also the fact that Signal and Orphan have been keeping secrets from Batman, leaving the Dark Knight less than thrilled. It seems as though Ra’s Al Ghul has gotten what he wants; a broken. When they are apart, they surely are no match for the Demon Head and his newest, deadliest assassin yet.
#12 A League Of Their Own: FINALE
Batman finally goes over the edge! With everything that’s happened in Gotham City and Ra’s al Ghul’s personal attacks on the Dark Knight and his team of Outsiders, Batman lashes out and uses all his anger and skills to take down Ra’s and his new League of Assassins on his own.
Ra’s may be defeated, but the spillover leaves Batman bent and broken in a fit of rage. Will, the Outsiders, be able to pull him back from his rage—or will they find themselves on the receiving end of it?
#13 The Demon’s Fire, Part 1
Ra’s al Ghul has had everything taken away from him. He has lost his League of Assassins, he has lost his power… And he has even lost his family. All he has left in this world is his mission to bend the world to his will and save it from itself. Batman and the Outsiders #13 sees an even more dangerous Ra’s. It will surely take the full might of the Outsiders, and then some more to stop him.
#14 The Demon’s Fire, Part 2
In his bid to stop the Demon Head, Batman is going to push the Outsiders to their absolute limits. He wants to stop Ra’s at all costs. This means him forcing the team to use their powers in ways they have never even imagined; pushing them over the edge. Batman and Black Lightning will need to finally decide who the true leader of the team is, or victory for Ra’s will be assured.
#15 The Demon’s Fire, Part 3
The Outsiders have uncovered a massive piece of information about Ra’s al Ghul’s new weapon—and Black Lightning is prepared to exploit this weakness. He’ll go to any length to stop Ra’s’s weapon. But knowing Ra’s Al Ghul, what if that is exactly what the Demon wants? And will Batman be able to stop Black Lightning from draining his powers?
Batman and The Outsiders #16: The Demon’s Fire: Finale
It’s the last chance for the team to save the world—and to save Orphan and Signal from giving their allegiance to Lady Shiva. Will Katana’s soultaker sword finally break for good? Will Black Lightning give off his last spark? And will Batman be able to destroy Ra’s al Ghul’s weapon once and for all?
Batman and The Outsiders #17: The Inside
The war with Ra’s al Ghul reaches its end, and none of the Outsiders will ever be the same. And none of them might ever be a team again! Did Batman choose the wrong allies to assemble to fight Ra’s? Or did those allies make a mistake in believing in Batman? The series comes to a close; but does this also mean the end for everyone involved?
Other Publications
Batman and the Outsiders Annual #1
The soul of Katana’s husband, Maseo, is experiencing great unrest within her sword. The Outsiders must find a way to relieve him, or else the blade itself may shatter, unleashing not only Maseo but whatever unknown spirits and sorcery are trapped with him in the Pandora’s box that is Katana’s blade. This Annual is set right after the events of Batman and the Outsiders #6
Critically acclaimed, the entire Batman and The Outsiders series would be a valuable addition to your collection. Still considering it? wait no more and grab yours. It is definitely a comic book run for the ages!