Outsiders #34 (SPOILERS)

[Cayman]

Summary

This issue opens in the nation of Mali, Africa. We learn about the Peti'lions, young boys who have been recruited by the country's government and turned into vicious sociopaths who exist to rape and terrorize.

Cut to the Presidential compound, where the Peti'lions are the topic of discussion among the Presidential Cabinet. The sole female present is Lieutenant Adanna Abioye and she is arguing that is in unwise to create the Peti'lions. They will not be able to cultivate them as soldiers or leaders. The male cabinet members are condescending and dismissive, suggesting that she's against the program because the youth are rapists. Her protests are interrupted by the arrival of Ratu Bennin, the President of the country.

The dictator says that the Peti'lions are purposely expendable. Although Bennin dismisses Abioye's argument, he admires her passion. In fact, he admires it enough to send one of his men to summon the Lieutenant to his residence. Abioye's a bit surprised because she thought the President was gay (Winick wrote this book) but her commanding officer says "No, I don't think he's that particular. Just specific."

Two weeks later and Abioye's slept her way to Captain. The President has ordered her to accompany the Peti'lions as they massacre a village that is loyal to the resistance group, the Remori. The Lieutenant argues and her commander tells her that the President has sent her on this unpleasant mission because he's questioning her loyalty.

A little later, Abioye is contacting someone and saying she will not let the massacre happens. The voice on the other end attempts to cool her down and tells her that it is a trap for the troops. A Remori army is ready for the soldiers. Abioye isn't happening. She tells her mysterious contact to tell the others to be ready because they are goign to stop the massacre.

Later, Abioye rides in a jeep as part of a procession of government troops on the way to the village. She sees no sign of the Remori, and queries her contact. The contact says they were unable to inform the Remori without compromising secrecy but they will make another attempt.

Abioye isn't having any of it. Her contact demands she stay in character, but she declines. You see, she isn't Lieutenant Adanna Abioye at all. No, she's...

Thunder of the Outsiders! And she's got an Afro now!

Thunder leaps from the jeep and starts decimating the Government troops. Her cautious contact is revealed as Nightwing! He jumps into the fray in a rain of explosive spheres with bat symbols on them. He is quickly joined by the other Outsiders. There is Katana! Grace! New kid on the block, Captain Boomerang! And the Old Skool Metamorpho!

The Outsiders wipe out much of the troops, and leave the rest for the approaching Remori battalion to finish off. Nightwing chews out Thunder for blowing their cover but Thunder is not fazed. She and the Outsiders have prevented the slaughter of innocent villagers. But Nightwing says she's done more than that. She's compromized the fiction that the Outsiders are dead and now the whole world will know. The new Outsiders pose heroically for the camera.

Cay

[Cayman]

Thoughts

I was unimpressed with the attempt to recast the Outsiders as an Authority-lite. It might have been a bit less underwhelming if we'd gotten more screentime with the characters, rather than pages of dull build-up for the generic African civil war set-up. I would've expected more sizzle from the first OYL issue of this title. I would not recommend this issue.

Cay

[onenatv]

I haven't read outsiders in a while but I picked up this issue. When did captain boomerang and Metamorpho join the outsider? It is before or after IC?

[Maleficentogre]

they joined as of right now this issue. the issue I'm ignoring because there's no arsenal.

[LordEd1976]

Captain Boomerang? as in Owen Mercer? when did this guy reform enough to join a superhero team?

[onenatv]

Then I think there's possibility that Arsenal might be dead. It'll make me a little sad if this's the case.

[Maleficentogre]

yes, owen mercer. Apparently he had a life altering crisis in the past year and has joined the outsiders. doesn't matter the group's a failure anyway.

[Paul Newell]

Captain Boomerang? as in Owen Mercer? when did this guy reform enough to join a superhero team?
During 52 presumably. ;)

[Carl Orr]

Summary
And the Old Skool Metamorpho!
Cay

Is it for sure Rex, or just Shift looking more like the classic version of Metamorpho? Thanks

[onenatv]

yes it's Rex. Winick said it in the script, right when he showed up

[Carl Orr]

yes it's Rex. Winick said it in the script, right when he showed up

Thanks :) .

[Sean Whitmore]

I buy too many comics. Way too many. I even buy comics I don't like out of some obsessive-compulsive need not to break a run.

So I'd really like to thank The Outsiders for consistently doing nothing to make me want to buy this book. :)


SEAN

[titanfan]

During 52 presumably.

It started last issue when Grace and Roy saved Boomerang's life.

Anyway, I have a huuuuuge problem with Nightwing in this issue--at least if it is in fact Dick Grayson. Since when would Dick allow the slaughter of an African Village just to keep cover? It's totally against Dick's ethical code to do that. Roy might allow that, but Dick definitely would not. It was totally jarring. That was probably the biggest shock to me.

[Sean Whitmore]

Anyway, I have a huuuuuge problem with Nightwing in this issue--at least if it is in fact Dick Grayson. Since when would Dick allow the slaughter of an African Village just to keep cover? It's totally against Dick's ethical code to do that. Roy might allow that, but Dick definitely would not. It was totally jarring. That was probably the biggest shock to me.


Agreed. Characterization like that ranks up there with Jade not wanting to go after child molesters because it isn't what super heroes do.

Ooh, a thought...maybe Roy's deep-seated jealousy has taken over and that's him in the Nightwing costume? :D


SEAN

[Sabrinaset]

If this is a representative sample of what One Year Later is gunna do for DC, color me unimpressed.

[Maleficentogre]

Even if it is roy in the suit I'm not sure he'd allow a massacre to go unnoticed. He is an honest to god super hero y'know.

[palaeomerus]

I don't think that Dick Grayson would toss Grace a bomb to chuck onto a troop transport killing everyone but Grace either. Too many splash pages, too much posing.

It's not Scottish...

[Psiberian]

The introductory quote on Nightwing said:

"Nightwing. Former partner to Gotham's Dark Knight."

Now, assuming that those quotes weren't lying, then there's no way this is Roy. Only two possibilites of who this Nightwing is (we can be fairly sure that it's not Tim)...Dick or Jason. The methods seem to fit Jason's MO, so I'm hoping that's how it works out...

[Cayman]

The portrayal of Nightwing bothered me too. I definitely felt a sense of buyer's remorse with this book.

Cay

[Papervolcano]

I've been following The Outsiders since the beginning, and I've just bought my last issue. It was possibly the lowest point I've seen this book go, and it's been Bad. Forcing Anissa (at least she's lost that *hideous* costume) to sleep with the General to keep cover? It didn't get any better. Nightwing insisting they do nothing to avoid wholesale slaughter just to keep their cover? *Batman* wouldn't do that, and we all know just how protective he is of his cover. Grace quipping while killing? And Captain Boomerang, the replacement for Roy, who even looks like him? The fact that we didn't even get to the team for a good 3/4 of the book, and then it was a series of incredibly posed splash pages? (especially the last one. What the hell?)

Tell me this is actually The Outsiders of Earth-somethingorother. Because those sure as hell aren't the characters I've been following for 30-odd issues, and that's definately no Nightwing I'm familiar with.

[Gingold]

The good- I was happy to see the real Metamorpho take Shift's place at last, and Thunder's now got a decent costume. Capt. Boomerang Jr. is an interesting idea for a new member. I like the real world concerns/human inteterst angle to the series, thoug it was handled fairly clumsily in this issue.

The bad- The story was lackluster. Grace still sucks. The art was horrible. If characters are supposed to be speaking to one another, then actually draw them to look they're having a conversation. The last page/panel pose shot made no sense in the context of the plot- while Nightwing is lecturing Thunder, the whole team suddendly makes a cover shot pose? Pretty stupid.

I've been on the fence with this book for months. I think it may become one of the books I drop in order to pick up 52.

[Tom]

The introductory quote on Nightwing said:

"Nightwing. Former partner to Gotham's Dark Knight."

Now, assuming that those quotes weren't lying, then there's no way this is Roy. Only two possibilites of who this Nightwing is (we can be fairly sure that it's not Tim)...Dick or Jason. The methods seem to fit Jason's MO, so I'm hoping that's how it works out...
It also says "Former Leader of the Outsiders," which would seem to rule Jason out.

[Tom]

I may need to reread this issue, but I don't recall Nightwing encouraging her to sleep with anyone, nor do I recall a "let 'em all die" attitude either. He kept telling her to maintain cover while they figured something out. That's it.

[K'Nort]

1. I'm just happy they ditched Thunder's incredibly hideous costume

2. It was unclear from the writing whether Dick was fine with the village getting hit or if he still thought there was time to save it.

3. If he is the "former leader of the Outsiders," why was he still the one giving all the orders? Or is he the field leader and there's someone bigger back at HQ?

[wolverine0815]

I don't think Nightwing allowed the slaughter happen. But the last 2 pages it seems he was more annoyed that their cover might have been blown.



It started last issue when Grace and Roy saved Boomerang's life.

Anyway, I have a huuuuuge problem with Nightwing in this issue--at least if it is in fact Dick Grayson. Since when would Dick allow the slaughter of an African Village just to keep cover? It's totally against Dick's ethical code to do that. Roy might allow that, but Dick definitely would not. It was totally jarring. That was probably the biggest shock to me.

[Violently Apathetic]

It also says "Former Leader of the Outsiders," which would seem to rule Jason out.

Plus THIS (http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/editors/Hilty/interview.html) interview says the Outsiders Nightwing IS Dick Grayson. It's the Nightwing's Nightwing that may actually be someone else...

[Will.S]

Hmm, I was planning to pick the book up as a good launch point but with all the negative reviews on here so far I might pass on it.

[Carl Orr]

I am a huge Metamorpho fan, so just having the real deal in the Outsiders makes me happy, even if the story and art are not the best of all time.

[mohammedali]

Firstly, Dick Grayson is definately the Outsiders Nightwing, and secondly, Arsnal is proably still around, and most likely taking over as Green Arrow part-time as his daddy runs the city.
As for the issue itself, I thought it was fairly sound. Although there was a bit too much emphasis on undercover Thunder, the idea behind the new outsiders is interesting. All the members are presumed dead. Hence, I can understand Nightwing wanting to be careful about blowing his cover. I imagine he'll still help the village etc, but that doesn't mean he has to do what Thunder did, and openly show himself. Even Batman keeps his cover no matter who he saves. He doesn't lose his head and attack whenever there's trouble. He waits for the best moments. Nightwing must have learnt that. As for the troops and the mine, not sure what happened there. Perhaps they escaped, perhaps not. Guess we'll have to see how Dicks priorities are now. Afterall, even Batman's reevaluating the way he does things in Gotham (see last issue of GK). Overall, a good issue. Am looking forward to seeing this develop.

[Gingold]

If all the Outsiders are supposedly dead, wouldn't it make sense not to wear the easily recognizable costumes? Or go by the same codenames?

[DCKar2nist]

while Nightwing is lecturing Thunder, the whole team suddendly makes a cover shot pose? Pretty stupid.

I can't stand it when "heroes" do that for no damn reason. I'm sorry but that last page really pissed me off, were we supposed to be in awe of how cool this new team poses together? "Weeee!" SUCKED.

I'm with the majority. I cant see the rest of this arc getting any better, but maybe the title will pick up when they get back to HQ.

[Carl Orr]

If all the Outsiders are supposedly dead, wouldn't it make sense not to wear the easily recognizable costumes? Or go by the same codenames?

Yes it would. But if the old school popular characters all had new costumes, then the readers might not know that Nightwing and Metamorpho for example were in the comic book, and they are the main selling points of the series.

[DCKar2nist]

I liked shift I didn't notice his tag in #34 read Rex, Anyone know what happened (or happens) to Shift? I loved the concept behind the character and I'd hate to see him suffer one of those inconsequential deaths so many b-listers are facing in IC.

[Cayman]

I liked shift I didn't notice his tag in #34 read Rex, Anyone know what happened (or happens) to Shift? I loved the concept behind the character and I'd hate to see him suffer one of those inconsequential deaths so many b-listers are facing in IC.

Still in space at this point in IC, but it seems somewhat likely he becomes a casualty eventually.

Cay

[TCJohnson]

SummaryTwo weeks later and Abioye's slept her way to Captain.

Am I the only one who has a huge problem with this?

[Sean Whitmore]

Am I the only one who has a huge problem with this?


No, but you may be the only person surprised by it. ;)


SEAN

[TCJohnson]

No, but you may be the only person surprised by it. ;)


SEAN

Not surprised by Winnick. I am surprised by DC editors.

[Maleficentogre]

Firstly, Dick Grayson is definately the Outsiders Nightwing, and secondly, Arsnal is proably still around, and most likely taking over as Green Arrow part-time as his daddy runs the city.

nooooooo. no. no. no. no. . . . .no. Connor is being GA about now because connor is ollie's son. Roy isn't. He's just the first speedy.

also, hated this issue. where is my arsenal?

[jadrax]

It was sadly not a particually good issue imho.

I think it was trying to set up a lot of unanswered questions to make me desperatly want to buy next months, but unfortunatly there was so little story here, (And bear in mind I *like* decompression as a rule,) I am just left not caring.

Definatly agree that this issue is a new low point in a series I generally like.

[Nate Grey]

I got the impression something happened during the One Year Gap that made or forced Rex to re-absorb Shift. That could be why its Rex with Rex's costume but Shift's face.

[TommyV]

Hmm, I was planning to pick the book up as a good launch point but with all the negative reviews on here so far I might pass on it.

Pick it up and judge it for yourself! Honestly, I don't understand how you people call yourselves comic book fans! The story is JUST STARTING - there are many blanks to fill in. Trust that they'll be filled in! Yes, the cover shot on the last page was a bit silly, but this is, in essence, a new number one issue - it's appropriate to have that splash of the new line-up, even it doesn't exactly serve the story. The art was great. The story is interesting. The new status quo has tons of possibilities. Just stop whining! Please. It's seriously pathetic to read post after post of negativity from stubborn, unimaginative snobs. You guys reinforce the stereotype of the "comic book guy" as seen on The Simpsons.

I'm sorry - I'm not one to rant, but this is NOT what I expected to read on this thread after I finished the issue. OYL is an innovative concept that will become more interesting and layered as it goes. Don't squash it out of the gate.

[Cayman]

Pick it up and judge it for yourself! Honestly, I don't understand how you people call yourselves comic book fans! The story is JUST STARTING - there are many blanks to fill in. Trust that they'll be filled in! Yes, the cover shot on the last page was a bit silly, but this is, in essence, a new number one issue - it's appropriate to have that splash of the new line-up, even it doesn't exactly serve the story. The art was great. The story is interesting. The new status quo has tons of possibilities. Just stop whining! Please. It's seriously pathetic to read post after post of negativity from stubborn, unimaginative snobs. You guys reinforce the stereotype of the "comic book guy" as seen on The Simpsons.

I'm sorry - I'm not one to rant, but this is NOT what I expected to read on this thread after I finished the issue. OYL is an innovative concept that will become more interesting and layered as it goes. Don't squash it out of the gate.

Well, I think Winick stumbled out of the gate with a poorly-conceived issue.

Cay

[Murrocko]

Nightwing is supposed to be "dead" right, so what does that mean for Dick Grayson?

[Maleficentogre]

Detective was great. aquaman wasn't bad. blood of the demon was awesome. Outsiderse is total ass.

[Gingold]

Pick it up and judge it for yourself! Honestly, I don't understand how you people call yourselves comic book fans! The story is JUST STARTING - there are many blanks to fill in. Trust that they'll be filled in! Yes, the cover shot on the last page was a bit silly, but this is, in essence, a new number one issue - it's appropriate to have that splash of the new line-up, even it doesn't exactly serve the story. The art was great. The story is interesting. The new status quo has tons of possibilities. Just stop whining! Please. It's seriously pathetic to read post after post of negativity from stubborn, unimaginative snobs. You guys reinforce the stereotype of the "comic book guy" as seen on The Simpsons.

I'm sorry - I'm not one to rant, but this is NOT what I expected to read on this thread after I finished the issue. OYL is an innovative concept that will become more interesting and layered as it goes. Don't squash it out of the gate.

I didn't mind the mystery. I'm sure we'll find out where Roy is and what happened to Shift. That doesn't bother me. I like the OYL concept. I thought the book was poorly done overall. I'm not being stubborn or unimaginative. I just thought the story was flawed and the art was sucky.

[Sean Whitmore]

Pick it up and judge it for yourself! Honestly, I don't understand how you people call yourselves comic book fans!


It's easy, when you consider that the whole of the comic book industry is not encapsulated in one issue of Outsiders. :)

Seriously though, didn't find the art great, didn't find the story interesting. If that makes me stubborn or unimaginative, then I suppose that's just a cross I'll have to bear.


SEAN

[Cayman]

Nightwing is supposed to be "dead" right, so what does that mean for Dick Grayson?

I don't think Nightwing was supposed to be dead, but I think the others were. Or at least Dick said "you" rather than "we" at the end.

Cay

[Maleficentogre]

Nightwing is alive and well, he definitely said "you."

[TommyV]

It's easy, when you consider that the whole of the comic book industry is not encapsulated in one issue of Outsiders. :)

Seriously though, didn't find the art great, didn't find the story interesting. If that makes me stubborn or unimaginative, then I suppose that's just a cross I'll have to bear.


SEAN

This is the kind of snarky crap I'm talking about. Sean, I respect you very much - your posts are generally on the mark. All I'm asking is for people to stop focusing so much on the negative and try to remember why they're comic book fans to begin with. This is an incredible time to BE a fan - comics haven't been this consistently good in a long time (especially DC). I think the creators should be given more props. My rant was fueled by the Outsiders discussion, but by no means should you assume that this "one issue of the Outsiders" is all I'm referring to. I read a ton of books every month for a reason - I love the medium, and I love the universes contained within the stories. I don't think this issue did anything but enhance a property that was actually feeling rather listless since the "Insiders" arc, and I think Winick should be given a little bit of respect.

[Cayman]

It's not really disrespectful to the writer when discussing a bad issue to note that it's a bad issue and why.

Cay

[Maleficentogre]

This issue SUCKED. there's no positive to it. We're focusing on the negative because that's all there is. Believe me, I loved the outsiders. One of my favorite books for a while, but this past issue was garbage. You can't tell me that posing for a cover shot mid conversation was good.

[TheOnlyXTremeFan]

I'm disappointed their cover has been blown one issue into the concept. I was kinda looking forward to them being the underground strike team of the DCU.

[K'Nort]

I'm disappointed their cover has been blown one issue into the concept. I was kinda looking forward to them being the underground strike team of the DCU.

They still have a chance to take out all witnesses.

[Captain Jim]

Eh, it was okay. I *was* genuinely surprised to find Capt. Boomerang as the final "mystery" member. The art wasn't outstanding or anything, but it was okay. If you ask me, this title has seen far worse artwork at times in the past.

I do question that way Winnick structured the story, with over half the book being over before we see any of the team (other than the disguised Thunder). And the remaining pages did little other than (finally) introduce the remaining players.

The preceeding issues were very hit and miss for me, but I will continue to read the remainder of this arc and give the story a chance to play itself out before making a final judgement.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I see where Winnick is going with all this, and it could be quite good, but I don't think this is a book for me. I must admit, the story had me engaged for the first half of the story due to the subject matter, but as soon as the Underpants Birgade showed up, they lost me. I know some people like their Super-Heroes with a heaping spoonfull of the real world's horrific problems, but I prefer Super-Heroes when they face fantastic and goofy metaphors for real world problems--the more fantastic and goofy, the better.

[mohammedali]

I don't think Nightwing was supposed to be dead, but I think the others were. Or at least Dick said "you" rather than "we" at the end.

Cay
I'm pretty sure that all the members of the new Outsiders are supposed to be dead to the rest of the world. It's also something thats been suggested for Nightwing for quite some time in IC.

Mohammed Ali

[rajah1]

I can't bring myself to buy the next issue, its only been one issue and I miss Roy :( wish DC would give some word on where he's going (and hopefully he's not going 6 feet under)

[moon knight]

i am guessing he might have joined checkmate

[jadrax]

Well my housemate, (who dide3nt like the book,) just read this issue and he loved it, so its working for someone anyway.