In this next fantastical issue of Kelly and Lanzing’s Outsiders, Luke and Kate explore a niche pocket universe. However, before the two know it, they end up knee deep in an uncomfortable amount of parallel Batmen. Let’s take a closer look!
Because Why Not
Following the book’s episodic format, the Outsiders choose another random mystery to pursue. This time, Drummer dreams up a sequence of numbers that lead them to a magical door. Although, Luke cleans up the scenario by claiming Drummer was on a “meditative pharmaceutical trip” instead of admitting she came up with it high. Conveniently, Drummer’s musings just so happen to open their unsubtle “narrative singularity.” Regardless, the story begins in medias res, just as they find the magic door. True to the previous issues, the Outsiders once again enter the breach unprepared and unaware that curiosity could kill the bats.
Immediately regretting their decision, Batwing and Batwoman discover the random door leads to a pocket dimension resembling Wayne Manor. Possibly, inside of Bruce’s unconscious mind in general. Moreover, the parallel version of the manor has a fantastical design with strange rooms for Batmen doppelgangers. In fact, the overall metaphor of the two Bat-Family members falling under the shadow of the bat again is also extremely unsubtle. Especially, when they finally realize the random coordinates are just the date of Bruce’s parents death. Yet, the two split up and begin experiencing the convenient adventure relevant to them.
A Fox In The Bat-Cave
Anytime a writer uses the multiverse, clones, or doppelgangers, they intend to raise a mirror up to their subject’s self awareness. In this case, it feels more like an excuse to draw a bunch of parallel bat-men and women. True to form, Robert Carey continues to take this opportunity to draw at least one new Batwoman outfit per issue. According to the Batwomen in question, the pocket dimension is an unconscious “sanctuary of pain” where minds of bat-people congregate to share ideas in the multiverse. Without truly explaining, they hint it has something to do with the story of Batman being omnipresent in many worlds. In any case, this stupid idea is similar to what Zur-En-Arrh is taking advantage of in Chip Zdarsky’s Batman. Unfortunately, it isn’t long before the Batmen target Luke Fox as an aberration.
Before the Batmen can decide what to do with the “trespasser,” they end up culled by The Final Knight. As a reminder, the Final Knight is a desperate version of Duke Thomas that survives the Dark Multiverse version of Death Metal. As a result, Duke becomes a hardcore warrior slipping into worlds to “steal the story back” from Batman’s influence. Of course, he accomplishes this with his Parall-Axe guitar, and his ability to look into time. Naturally, Duke thinks Luke will understand his mission, but it isn’t long before Kate and the Batmen cut the adventure short and send them home. Yet, each hero leaves with a different outlook on where they belong in relation to Batman. Where Kate is a welcome blood relative, Batman rejects Luke Fox and treats him like an outsider.
Recommended If…
- You’re Lanzing and Kelly’s biggest fans.
- You’re totally into the episodic X-Files take on the Outsiders.
- The “Dark Multiverse” is cool to you in any way.
Overall
Much like a network television series, I’m taking note of repetitive patterns in the format. So far, each sci-fi adventure is a stand alone what-if scenario with an unexplainable, larger than life angle, and a new batsuit. Clearly, despite the format, Kelly and Lanzing are building toward some kind of Dark Multiverse related reveal. In fact, this issue unveils that the ugly brown copy in the series is actually apart of a suspicious log Drummer possesses. Whether Drummer intentions are pure or not, they are hiding knowledge of a meta “narrative virus.” In terms of character development, this poor attempt to distance Batwing from the cowl may have distracting lasting effects in the future. Otherwise, Outsiders isn’t very subtle or creative, despite a few cool looking panels of staircases.
Score: 5/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purposes of this review
