BATMAN & THE OUTSIDERS #7 REVIEW

[Adam Chapman]

Reviewer: Adam Chapman adam.chapman@sympatico.ca
Quick Rating: Good
Title: The Snare

Batman tries to assemble a team to rescue his operatives, as Rex has his own adventure in space.

Writer: Chuck Dixon
Penciler: Carlos Rodriguez
Inker: BIT
Colorist: Marta Martinez
Letterer: Steve Wands
Associate. Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Mike Marts
Cover Artist: Dougie Braithwaite & Brian Reber
Publisher: DC Comics

This book is consistently entertaining and surprising, each and every month. Its not at all what I originally expected when this title was announced, and I mean that in the very best way possible. Batman is often thought of as an overexposed character, and in some ways he is, but as long as each appearance brings you a different aspect of Batman, I'm okay with him appearing in multiple books. This is why I am actually a big fan with how Dixon is using him here, because he's a team leader in a way you might not expect, he's coordinating from the rear, he's not out and about with the team all the time, half the time he's just strategizing and directing but not necessarily at the forefront of every mission. It allows us as readers a different side of Batman to look at, as a very capable leader, which we already knew, but didn't get to see in quite this context before.

What also makes this book so engaging and entertaining is the crosshatch of personalities which make up not only the main superhero cast, but also the supporting cast. Its what makes this book feel like more than just a standard superhero teambook, but instead more of a clandestine, rogue ops team operating outside of official jurisdiction.

Rex tries to evade those trying to chase him up in space, with potentially dangerous results, as Batman works on figuring out how to assemble a team to rescue his operatives, Batgirl works on evading detection, Geo-Force is worried about what Batman might do, Nightwing is called upon, and Batman brings someone new into the cave.

Dixon's really doing a great job with his gigs at DC right now, with entertaining scripts for both this title and Robin. He's got a great handle on both books, keeping them interesting and entertaining, and this title is by far his superior scripting work thus far.

The artwork by Rodriguez is really solid stuff, and the colors by Martinez really work with the inks that BIT delivers. Its a really streamlined visual style, fitting the mood and atmosphere.

Another entertaining and enjoyable issue for Batman's proactive force, in trouble and under the gun. I'm really looking forward to the next issue to see just what comes next. Highly Recommended!.

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[Ben Lehnsherr]

This is one of best DC titles that no one talks about. I've had a blast reading every issue of this series. Dixon's got a great thing going with how well he plots out an action-oriented comic, with witty, comedic character exchanges, and a ton of cloak and dagger tactical type of flair. He also does the best characterization of Batman in DC's Bat titles, giving Bruce a no-nonsense leadership role without being a complete ***, and doing his best moves from the sidelines. The art has been bold and beautiful throughout, with a very clean and dynamic style.

[Mark Blicharz]

I'm really enjoying this title. But I expected that with Chuck Dixon.

[Dino1963]

I picked this up since you seemed to like it so much. Hopefully, it will be good, but at least Judd Winnick isn't writing anymore. Chuck Dixon is a hit or miss with me, so I hoping for the best.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Originally Posted by Dino1963

I picked this up since you seemed to like it so much.

Who is the "you" that you refer to? I know I've been pumping this title since issue #1.

[Dino1963]

Sorry, I guess both of you. This would be the first review of Batman and the Outsiders I read here so I missed out on any other reviews. I still haven't gotten to it yet but look forward to getting to it.