Reviewer: John Babos
Story Title: Opening Offers (Roll Call, part 1)
Written by: Judd Winick
Penciled by: Tom Raney
Inked by: Scott Hanna
Colored by: Gina Going
Lettered by: John Workman
Editor: Eddie Breganza
Publisher: DC Comics
The Outsiders is the first of two new ongoing titles that rise from the ashes of the The Titans and Young Justice teams that were dissolved as a result of the schizophrenically-written Graduation Day mini-series — issues #1, #2, and #3 reviewed here at 411. The Teen Titans is the other ongoing series that will debut next month timed with the premiere of the new Teen Titans Animated TV Series.
The Outsiders and Teen Titans will be part of their own little nook in the DC Universe, although not linked by specific issues that force readers to collect and read both books, but by the fact these two teams are compromised of youthful super heroes and the teams themselves are extensions of or inspirations from the Silver Age Teen Titans. The reasoning behind creating this nook would be the “logic” that DC super-youths travel in the same circles on their “down-time”.
The Outsiders is part of a franchise that began with Batman and the Outsiders, their classic opening arc from 1983 reviewed here at 411.
Those that have read my reviews of writer Judd Winick’s work in the past know that I find his writing style, particularly his dialogue, weak. He doesn’t seem to understand how people really talk. His overall style is also un-apologetically controversial, which isn’t bad, but controversy for the sake of controversy is not a quality writing style, it actually shouldn’t even be considered as a “writing” style.
Having said all that, Outsiders #1 does many things right from the writing perspective. We have the makings of an opening arc, plus we are introduced to most of the team members, and also get a flavor for what’s come before including the aftermath of Graduation Day and some fond remembrances of the opening days of the “Silver Age” Teen Titans. A lot of emotion here.
According to an interview at Newsarama, Winick indicated that the Outsiders are comprised of ” Nightwing, Arsenal, Jade, and Metamorpho… He’s an incredibly overlooked character that I really wanted a crack at… And then, we’ve also got a nod to the older days by bringing in Black Lightning’s daughter, Thunder, which is also going to be very interesting. Black Lighting will also play a part in the story here and there as well [Black Lightning, like Metamorpho was an original member of The Outsiders team (way) back when…]. So it’s a mix. We’ve also got Grace, who is a super-strong bouncer that was working at a metahuman club. In addition, we also have Indigo the reprogrammed cybernetic girl from the future that caused so much havoc during Graduation Day.
Winick’s scripting is better in this issue, but is too sexual in some parts. He also doesn’t explain Metamorpho‘s transformation, but I imagine that will come.
Tom Raney has evolved into an amazing penciller. I remember his 1990s work and his Outsiders work is his best ever. Its full of energy and emotion. It’s also good to see veteran inker Scott Hanna again. The art on this book is solid.
With the exception of the horrible Outsiders logo on the cover, and some rough scripting patches, Outsiders #1 is quite a good read and recommended. There is still a question how some “inside” characters like Jade, Arsenal and Nightwing can be considered “outsiders”, but we’ll have to see how this team’s philosophy develops.
