At
the end of last issue, Karma had kidnapped a group of children to lure Batman
out into the open – and it’s worked. Like the Dark Knight he is, he’s girded
for battle and ready to face his challenger. But Karma has an edge most of
Batman’s foes don’t and it gives him a critical edge.
But
Batman also has an advantage, in the form of his team: Barbara, Cassandra,
Jefferson, someone named Duke, and Jefferson. However, I take issue with how
much authority Jefferson has over the others, especially Barbara. I would
expect Batgirl to sit higher in the pecking order of the DC Universe than Black
Lightning. She certainly deserves to, in my opinion.
Overall,
it’s an adequate story that helps pave the way to a return to Batman’s simpler
roots (which I understand is on the way). It’s good but not great, because
there are a few moments that are very
good, while key plot points fall flat. For instance, the fate of the villain
Karma is left rather open ended. I won’t spoil it for you other than to say
he’s defeated, but either dead, escaped or incarcerated. It’s never revealed
which.
Two
issues ago I suggested there might be a resurrection of the original Outsiders,
and this issue sees DC take a step closer to that. If the intent is to resurrect
the original team – either a brief reunion in Detective Comics or as a prelude to a new ongoing series – I’m all
for it. But if it’s going to be series of teases, I’d just as soon DC stop
right now. I had enough of that kind of thing in high school.
Rating:
5/5