Batman and the Outsiders #5 Review

Writer: Bryan Hill / Artist: Dexter Soy / DC Comics The fifth entry of Batman and the Outsiders continues to slowly unfold the events of the “Lesser Gods” arc, and we finally moved out of Gotham and into Khadym as we continue to inch towards the final showdown between the Outsiders and Demon’s Head. The issue largely focuses on Black Lightning and Katana having yet another heart to heart, although this one does feel poignant. Hill very clearly has a deep admiration and respect for these characters, and that is evident in how this latest conversation between the two leads go. We’ve seen this dynamic play out in Detective Comics and even certain specials, but Hill is able to find new ways to draw out this clash of philosophy when it comes to heroics. Black Lightning is constantly being presented with the darker side of the DC Universe and is still very committed to being a beacon of hope, but as the situation continues to develop, it puts him in murkier territory. Hill captures that struggle very well, very succinctly, while also giving Sofia a chance to steal a scene or two and let Soy riff off some incredible action sequences.

Soy’s artwork thrives on the drama and the action. The art when coupled with Gandini’s colors and Cowles’s lettering elevate the already solid writing, with the later half of the issue providing some stellar fight sequences. And yet while I still enjoyed Batman and the Outsiders #5, I have come to the realization that my biggest complaint with the seri…