Batman and the Outsiders #2
Published and © by DC, September 1983
Title: “Markovia’s Last Stand!”
Synopsis: Captured in Markovia while trying to rescue a friend, Batman discovers the new allies who would become The Outsiders.
Writer: Mike W. Barr
Artist: Jim Aparo
Review: Part two of the Outsiders origin story is much like the first (see review of BatO #1): A little rushed but good fun, featuring a new group of appealing characters who already feel like old friends. Mike W. Barr does a nice job setting up this series, though this issue does see a few stumbles. How, exactly, does lightning reanimate Metamorpho? And Batman approves of the bad guy being thrown to a bloodthirsty mob several stories below? Really? But these flaws are easy to excuse as the story zips along, illustrated nicely by the always-dependable Jim Aparo.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “It was if Barr created a Batman from yet another alternative universe. Jim Aparo’s art was splendid, however.” – William Schoell, “Superhuman: The Bronze Age of Comics Volume 1,” 2016
Cool factor: Sgt. Rock makes a cameo via flashback.
Not-so-cool factor: Still trying to get over Batman signing off on Baron Bedlam’s execution by mob.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 75¢ Canadian variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “I liked you better when you didn’t talk!” – Katana, demonstrating her maternal instinct
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Jan. 20, 2010.
