Batman and the Outsiders #2 Review

Helping Hand

Written by: Bryan Hill
Art by: Dexter Soy, Veronica Gandini, and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 12, 2019

I don't care what anybody says (especially a certain writer with a chip on his shoulder and an "only me" attitude), I really enjoyed the first issue of this series.  I think that Bryan Hill has a feel for these characters and without any hype, this book is one of the most diverse in comics and especially at DC.  The best thing about it is, that's not the focus of it...it just is.  After the delayed start to the series, I was worried a bit going in, but Hill and Dexter Soy hit the ground running and gave me a new favorite to add to my (dwindling) pull list.  So, is this second issue just as good?  Let's find out...
The issue opens in the Batcave and I've seen complaints that this book even includes Batman in it...you know, like the original series that shares its name?!?!  Even so, Hill makes it very clear in the first issue and here as well that this is a team lead by Black Lightning.  One thing I really like is that Hill makes sure to have some heavy conversation going down with Bruce and Jefferson.  It makes it more personal and I love it.  I also loved it when Bruce tells Jefferson that he is a symbol of hope.  I guess there is a big vacancy after what happened to Wally West...

The issue continues with Sofia Barrera and Kaliber, the two new characters introduced in the first issue.  We find out more about Kaliber, but it's a bit of a disappointment even if it makes more sense and ties in better with Hill's Detective story this book came out of.  Besides that, we get a familiar name as the big bad right now, find out a bit of Sofia's powers and background and get a really funny bit when Kaliber tries to give her a superhero name.   I actually think it's also there for a little foreshadowing.  Continuing on, we see Ishmael preparing to attack and get a really dark moment with Sofia.  It actually took me by surprise how dark it was, but it really gives you a peek at just how down she is. 

Then Ishmael attacks and most of the remaining page count is a big fight with the Outsiders joining in the fray.  It sets up Ishmael as a huge threat and knowing that he isn't even the main villain is huge.  The whole thing ends with a bit of a twist that may or may not be a red herring but is really interesting however way it ends up going.

This issue may not have a ton of character moments for the Outsiders team, but it sets up Sofia really well, but I'm not so sure we should get too attached to her.  The art is fantastic (I mean, it is Dexter Soy!) and Bryan Hill is setting up a really cool story that feels big, mysterious, yet complete.  I am really liking this book so far!

Bits and Pieces:

Bryan Hill and Dexter Soy have a winner on their hands.  It's a big book full of action, mystery, and humor and while Batman is in the title, it's Black Lightning and his team that is the focus.  Don't listen to what anyone says, this is a great start to a new series.

8.9/10