Comics/ Comic Reviews/ DC Comics

Outsiders # 9

By Koppy McFad
Feb 20, 2004 - 13:10

Perhaps it is the inclusion of a more adult superhero, like Black Lightning, but this issue of the OUTSIDERS actually seems more mature and thoughtful. There is a scene of a woman getting her face burned off but unlike the past issues, the story doesn't rely on shock tactics to get the reader's attention. Black Lightning, whose characterization has been the subject of much debate in recent months, actually looks dignified and thoughtful this time, making the Gen X members of the Outsiders look childish by comparison.

The villain of the piece, the new Sabbac looks rather impressive, not merely for his powers but for wit, ruthlessness and his Russian mafia background. That said, I hope the writers can actually show the Outsiders finally putting the kibosh on this villain. Too many of these new, all-powerful villains go on for years and years until they become boring.

The fight scenes are also done well, rising above the usual smashing and punching of other comics. Raney's art and Winick's dialogue are given a chance to shine in these sequences.The surprise appearance, at the end of the comic, of another superhero also whets the reader's appetite to see more.

On another note: I still don't like the girl-android. The fact that she is apparently going to be used as a source of all manner of esoteric information, just makes her look like a cheap plot device. How the heck does an android access satanic texts anyway?

Last Updated: Jan 7, 2012 - 7:41
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Outsiders # 9

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