Outsiders # 8

Frankly, the casual violence, sex and vulgarity all looks rather forced, as if Winick was working overtime to make this book edgy just to keep pace with "the Ultimates." The story has the Russian mob trying to tap the satanic powers of the old Captain Marvel Jr. villain, Sabbac. Meanwhile, Nightwing argues with Arsenal about not letting the Huntress join the team. Despite the cover, there is no physical confrontation between Dick and Helena. Instead, we get Helena torturing a prisoner. Winick may win GLAAD awards but I don't think Amnesty International will be very happy.

Winick can write good, smart dialogue but like so much else, he can also easily cross the line, with Indigo spouting some cloying, cutesy lines and Grace using some leaden wisecracks, all intended to make us fall in love with them. It may work for some people. And it may also look fake and forced.

Raney continues to do good work, especially his faces. He gives all the female characters distinctive, individual features. They are all pretty (it's comics after all) but they also all look different. He sometimes resorts to exaggerating the features but his dynamic style lets him get away with it.