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Batman and the Outsiders (2007) #1
Batman and the Outsiders: The Chrysalis
Collecting the first five issues of the new action series by acclaimed writer Chuck Dixon! The new Outsiders investigate a strange Omac-like entity — but things are made all the more difficult when the team meets Batman's new recruit!
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2008
1 person is currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Dixon
3,429 books1,031 followersCharles "Chuck" Dixon is an American comic book writer, perhaps best-known for long runs on Batman titles in the 1990s.
His earliest comics work was writing Evangeline first for Comico Comics in 1984 (then later for First Comics, who published the on-going series), on which he worked with his then-wife, the artist Judith Hunt. His big break came one year later, when editor Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for Marvel Comics' The Savage Sword of Conan.
In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy with artist Tim Truman. Continuing to write for both Marvel and (mainly) Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint, under editor Archie Goodwin. He also produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing Marc Spector: Moon Knight in June 1989.
His Punisher OGN Kingdom Gone (August, 1990) led to him working on the monthly The Punisher War Journal (and later, more monthly and occasional Punisher titles), and also brought him to the attention of DC Comics editor Denny O'Neil, who asked him to produce a Robin mini-series. The mini proved popular enough to spawn two sequels - The Joker's Wild (1991) and Cry of the Huntress (1992) - which led to both an ongoing monthly series (which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics), and to Dixon working on Detective Comics from #644-738 through the major Batman stories KnightFall & KnightsEnd (for which he helped create the key character of Bane), DC One Million , Contagion , Legacy , Cataclysm and No Man's Land . Much of his run was illustrated by Graham Nolan.
He was DC's most prolific Batman-writer in the mid-1990s (rivalled perhaps in history by Bill Finger and Dennis O'Neil) - in addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin , Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl , as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey .
While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics (and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover), he also found time to launch Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He also wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow , regularly having about seven titles out each and every month between the years 1993 and 1998.
In March, 2002, Dixon turned his attention to CrossGen's output, salthough he co-wrote with Scott Beatty the origin of Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's Batgirl: Year One. For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the out-going Mark Waid, taking over Sigil from #21, and Crux with #13. He launched Way of the Rat in June 2002, Brath (March '03), The Silken Ghost (June '03) and the pirate comic El Cazador (Oct '03), as well as editing Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse The Crossovers. He also wrote the Ruse spin-off Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November '03 and April '04, the last released shortly before CrossGen's complete collapse forced the cancellation of all of its comics, before which Dixon wrote a single issue of Sojourn (May '04). Dixon's Way of the Rat #24, Brath #14 and El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.
On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity."
His earliest comics work was writing Evangeline first for Comico Comics in 1984 (then later for First Comics, who published the on-going series), on which he worked with his then-wife, the artist Judith Hunt. His big break came one year later, when editor Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for Marvel Comics' The Savage Sword of Conan.
In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy with artist Tim Truman. Continuing to write for both Marvel and (mainly) Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint, under editor Archie Goodwin. He also produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing Marc Spector: Moon Knight in June 1989.
His Punisher OGN Kingdom Gone (August, 1990) led to him working on the monthly The Punisher War Journal (and later, more monthly and occasional Punisher titles), and also brought him to the attention of DC Comics editor Denny O'Neil, who asked him to produce a Robin mini-series. The mini proved popular enough to spawn two sequels - The Joker's Wild (1991) and Cry of the Huntress (1992) - which led to both an ongoing monthly series (which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics), and to Dixon working on Detective Comics from #644-738 through the major Batman stories KnightFall & KnightsEnd (for which he helped create the key character of Bane), DC One Million , Contagion , Legacy , Cataclysm and No Man's Land . Much of his run was illustrated by Graham Nolan.
He was DC's most prolific Batman-writer in the mid-1990s (rivalled perhaps in history by Bill Finger and Dennis O'Neil) - in addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin , Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl , as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey .
While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics (and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover), he also found time to launch Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He also wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow , regularly having about seven titles out each and every month between the years 1993 and 1998.
In March, 2002, Dixon turned his attention to CrossGen's output, salthough he co-wrote with Scott Beatty the origin of Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's Batgirl: Year One. For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the out-going Mark Waid, taking over Sigil from #21, and Crux with #13. He launched Way of the Rat in June 2002, Brath (March '03), The Silken Ghost (June '03) and the pirate comic El Cazador (Oct '03), as well as editing Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse The Crossovers. He also wrote the Ruse spin-off Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November '03 and April '04, the last released shortly before CrossGen's complete collapse forced the cancellation of all of its comics, before which Dixon wrote a single issue of Sojourn (May '04). Dixon's Way of the Rat #24, Brath #14 and El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.
On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity."
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 25, 2014
Batman and his people are out to stop a rocket launch filled with vital materials so he sends in the Outsiders and some other allies to get the job done. Batman intended for the Outsiders to be a black ops team that could take the fall for bad incidents, unlike the JLA. Some notable superheroes that appear are: Green Arrow, CatWoman, the new Batgirl, Metamoro, Katana, Thunder, Hawkgirl, Geo-Force and a few others I'm probably missing. The humor was hit or miss for me but didn't take away from the tale. I've always viewed the Outsiders as the sarcastic kids who aren't always wanted and they know it. Watch out for the OMACs.
STORY/PLOTTING: B; ARTWORK/ANGLES: B plus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B; ACTION SCENES: B to B plus; WHEN READ: late March 2012; OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
STORY/PLOTTING: B; ARTWORK/ANGLES: B plus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B; ACTION SCENES: B to B plus; WHEN READ: late March 2012; OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
April 10, 2018
Brisk adventure featuring Batman's special mission squad - despite top billing, the Dark Knight's role is mainly as a 'mission control' talking head for the ragtag group - infiltrating a laboratory and then a rocket-launch site. It may not be particularly memorable, but it was well-paced, featured a few JLA member cameos, and was surprisingly accessible even if you have zero knowledge of the title team.
September 8, 2014
I don't know what it is about the Outsiders that I love so much. The characters more so than the story itself, I just enjoy the shit out of the team dynamic.
I read this book way back when I started reading comics and I loved it then, after re-reading it I still think it's kick ass. Okay so the writing isn't the best, but it certainly isn't the worst. Batman assembles the Outsiders once again to investigate a suspicious company called Jardine LTD, who (surprise surprise) turn out to be more than meets the eye. We get some big names like Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow and Catwoman join the team, but they don't stick around long. To be honest though, the other guys are what make me love this title Guys like Rex Mason (aka Metamorpho). Ever since I first read this I thought he was the freakin man. Quick with a wise crack, and his powers are rad as hell. Along with Rex the team consists of Katana, Grace (a buff lesbian Amazonian), Batman (of course), Batgirl, Geo-Force, Thunder (though she isn't really counted as a team member).
We get to see some more OMAC action in this, in a way I haven't seen in any other series so far. I've been reading Identity Crisis and the 52 weekly series lately so the cameo from the Dibney's was nice to see. One main thing I remember from this series I that it seemed like it was always supporting other events that were occurring in the DCU. Like the OMAC and later Blackest Night tie-ins. If this team got a solid writer and forged their own adventures it would be something wonderful. That way these characters could be used to their full potential. The art is also solid throughout the book, a nice consistency with artist changes.
All and all I thought this was a solid book, but I guess I'm biassed cause I love this team. If your not a fan of the Outsiders then give it a miss.
I read this book way back when I started reading comics and I loved it then, after re-reading it I still think it's kick ass. Okay so the writing isn't the best, but it certainly isn't the worst. Batman assembles the Outsiders once again to investigate a suspicious company called Jardine LTD, who (surprise surprise) turn out to be more than meets the eye. We get some big names like Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow and Catwoman join the team, but they don't stick around long. To be honest though, the other guys are what make me love this title Guys like Rex Mason (aka Metamorpho). Ever since I first read this I thought he was the freakin man. Quick with a wise crack, and his powers are rad as hell. Along with Rex the team consists of Katana, Grace (a buff lesbian Amazonian), Batman (of course), Batgirl, Geo-Force, Thunder (though she isn't really counted as a team member).
We get to see some more OMAC action in this, in a way I haven't seen in any other series so far. I've been reading Identity Crisis and the 52 weekly series lately so the cameo from the Dibney's was nice to see. One main thing I remember from this series I that it seemed like it was always supporting other events that were occurring in the DCU. Like the OMAC and later Blackest Night tie-ins. If this team got a solid writer and forged their own adventures it would be something wonderful. That way these characters could be used to their full potential. The art is also solid throughout the book, a nice consistency with artist changes.
All and all I thought this was a solid book, but I guess I'm biassed cause I love this team. If your not a fan of the Outsiders then give it a miss.
December 27, 2015
The Batman in this seems very un-Batman because he teams up with people and Batman really is much more of a loner type character even when with the Justice League. The Outsiders are interesting but might be more Marvel than D.C. The bad guy in the story and the premise are straight out of James Bond.
May 10, 2023
Book 1.
Batman reorganises the Outsiders to investigate a powerful corporation which is hiding a sinister secret; an kind of Omac.
There are a lot of interesting characters in this book but, unfortunately, all of them except Katana are either under-used, just being introduced to the team or just stopping in to help for a scene or two. For example, I loved the idea of Batman recruiting Martian Manhunter and Catwoman for his special ops team, but they're clearly just here to make the cover look good before rapidly bowing out. Similarly, it was interesting to see Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) and Green Arrow join the team, but they're so new they don't have any chance to really do anything here.
Add to that the fact that, other than a briefing or two, Batman doesn't really get involved all that much and you're left with a book that has lots of character potential that goes unused.
All of that wouldn't be so bad if the plot was solid but to be honest, there's not that much of a plot stringing all of this together at all.
So whilst this isn't a bad book, the fact that it's so aggressively 'meh' makes it feel worse overall than it actually is.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
Batman reorganises the Outsiders to investigate a powerful corporation which is hiding a sinister secret; an kind of Omac.
There are a lot of interesting characters in this book but, unfortunately, all of them except Katana are either under-used, just being introduced to the team or just stopping in to help for a scene or two. For example, I loved the idea of Batman recruiting Martian Manhunter and Catwoman for his special ops team, but they're clearly just here to make the cover look good before rapidly bowing out. Similarly, it was interesting to see Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) and Green Arrow join the team, but they're so new they don't have any chance to really do anything here.
Add to that the fact that, other than a briefing or two, Batman doesn't really get involved all that much and you're left with a book that has lots of character potential that goes unused.
All of that wouldn't be so bad if the plot was solid but to be honest, there's not that much of a plot stringing all of this together at all.
So whilst this isn't a bad book, the fact that it's so aggressively 'meh' makes it feel worse overall than it actually is.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
October 1, 2025
Far from Chuck Dixon's best work, this serves as a serviceable team book that doesn't do a good enough job of establishing a purpose or even a team. Batman's machinations here, at least to start, make little sense as far as the Outsiders go. The team dynamic is saved by Metamorpho's personality and Grace/Thunder's relationship. The antagonist is also up in the air after the end of volume one. Dixon needs to narrow the focus and explain why this isn't a JLA or bat-family matter. The art by a couple artists and was decent but seemed somewhat generic. Overall, an uneven beginning but Dixon and Batman have a solid enough history to trust the process.
May 28, 2024
run of the mill 2000s era dc. maybe it's hindsight talking but i felt no tension from the “bruce is dead!” story beat because... now why would dc kill batman in an outsiders comic... but also from the rushed pacing of the final few issues — felt like there was no time to breathe around the fact that he may or may not be coming back.
cass is ALWAYS a treasure <3
cass is ALWAYS a treasure <3
December 31, 2021
É uma história ok dos renegados, nada surpreendente, mas também não é uma história ruim. Ela tem seus momentos empolgantes de ação; diálogos divertidos entre os membros dos Renegados, principalmente envolvendo o metamorfo; e o que achei mais brabo: a Cassandra dando porrada e sendo embaçada demais.
November 19, 2023
Every character in this book is made out to be way less competent than they are or like an out of control hothead just to make Batman look better by comparison. This man is a plague upon all other DC characters
March 23, 2021
Solid introduction, lots of fast paced action.
April 12, 2021
Nothing special nor engaging. Third string JL, bats once again thinks and is portrayed as all knowing. Fight an omac and get control of it.
June 21, 2024
Fairly enjoyable story with decent art, but nothing too special. Would only recommend to pure Batman fan.
January 20, 2009
I liked the series with Nightwing leading the group and it is obvious that the series is in transition. The art in this book is good, but nothing really extraordinary... it is just good, solid art.
The story is OK (for more details, see the SPOILER section below). But there are several things that I don't like about it. 1) That Batman always knows everything... I mean I know that this is key to his character as the most dangerous man in the DCU, but come on. 2) The ending is confusing and felt very forced.
Some SPOILERS:
Batman is sending the team... his hand-picked team into a secure facility to steal something, which turns out to be a modified OMAC, which of course the team activates and must run from. They capture it for Batman, which leads to the unnecessary conflict with the Justice League because they feel Bats can't be trusted with it... maybe it is just an excuse for the creative team to pit some JLA and Outsiders in a smackdown... but again it wasn't really necessary. The OMAC, of course, activates and Batman proves that he knows what he is doing and then they send the Outsiders to stop a rocket launch. Green Arrow is added to the mix and gets into a nice dust-up with Batgirl over a "difference of philosophy" as well as coming into conflict with Katana as well.
I think the biggest problem with the book is that it has WAY too many characters right now and none of them can have any of the proper time devoted to them to develop them further. I like the addition of Batgirl and GA to the team... I think this is a nice mix, but they definitely need to trim the roster a bit.
The story is OK (for more details, see the SPOILER section below). But there are several things that I don't like about it. 1) That Batman always knows everything... I mean I know that this is key to his character as the most dangerous man in the DCU, but come on. 2) The ending is confusing and felt very forced.
Some SPOILERS:
Batman is sending the team... his hand-picked team into a secure facility to steal something, which turns out to be a modified OMAC, which of course the team activates and must run from. They capture it for Batman, which leads to the unnecessary conflict with the Justice League because they feel Bats can't be trusted with it... maybe it is just an excuse for the creative team to pit some JLA and Outsiders in a smackdown... but again it wasn't really necessary. The OMAC, of course, activates and Batman proves that he knows what he is doing and then they send the Outsiders to stop a rocket launch. Green Arrow is added to the mix and gets into a nice dust-up with Batgirl over a "difference of philosophy" as well as coming into conflict with Katana as well.
I think the biggest problem with the book is that it has WAY too many characters right now and none of them can have any of the proper time devoted to them to develop them further. I like the addition of Batgirl and GA to the team... I think this is a nice mix, but they definitely need to trim the roster a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2014
Chuck Dixon is tasked with bringing Batman back to the Outsiders team in this initial volume of the relaunch. Having taken over the reins from Nightwing, the Outsiders are still a team in transition. Martian Manhunter and Catwoman quit after the rescue of an OMAC unit from Central City, Thunder is sidelined on Batman's say-so, and Green Arrow, Cassandra Cain and Geo-Force are shoehorned into the squad. The opening arc mission to shut down a satellite with questionable payloads is equally messy, leaving Metamorpho stranded in space. Dixon has quite the job, trying to reset the button on the functioning Outsiders team to once again get it under the Bat-family umbrella of titles. Unfortunately, the volume suffers from the over-inclusion of characters - Ralph and Sue Dibney even make an appearance from beyond the grave - to the extent of proving Batman as the master tactician. The collection easily mirrors its title; wait for the chrysalis to produce the butterfly before jumping onto this title again.
June 2, 2016
A quick read, but lots of fun. Characters constantly go in and out of this book, but each one shines in the few moments they're featured. Chuck Dixon shows his proficiency at creating unique voices for each character, through interesting differences in dialogue and action. Too often in comics the art is just there to carry the story, but here it's essential and intimately tied to the story. I was amazed at how almost every panel contained unique dialogue as well as one or two clear visuals to help build up other characters or further the plot. The plot itself is secondary to the character development and team-building, and what we do get is clearly the beginning of a larger story, but the book moves at a great pace and contains a ton of fun moments. Worth a look if you can find it for cheap or at a library.
November 5, 2016
Read this review and more on my blog.
Batman And The Outsiders Volume 1 collects issues #1 – #5.
The only nice thing that I have to say about Batman And The Outsiders Volume 1 is that the art style was amazing. If it was not for how beautifully it was drawn, and how it made it a tiny bit more understandable then I might not have finished this.
The storyline was allover the place, majority of the time I had to reread each page as I just was unable to figure out what was actually the point of everything. I know that Batman has a contingency plan for everything but how he went about it in this volume just seemed plan reckless and very unlike the Batman that I know.
If you enjoy the Outsiders, then you may enjoy this but if you read it for the Batman side then chances are that you will be disappointed.
Batman And The Outsiders Volume 1 collects issues #1 – #5.
The only nice thing that I have to say about Batman And The Outsiders Volume 1 is that the art style was amazing. If it was not for how beautifully it was drawn, and how it made it a tiny bit more understandable then I might not have finished this.
The storyline was allover the place, majority of the time I had to reread each page as I just was unable to figure out what was actually the point of everything. I know that Batman has a contingency plan for everything but how he went about it in this volume just seemed plan reckless and very unlike the Batman that I know.
If you enjoy the Outsiders, then you may enjoy this but if you read it for the Batman side then chances are that you will be disappointed.
November 9, 2010
This is the second Trade I've read by Chuck Dixon (the first being Nightwing Vol 1.) and I don't like him so far.
Every character, except Batman, makes a terrible joke nearly every other sentence for no reason. It was the same with Nightwing, except he added "douche" to Nightwing as well as bad jokes.
The story feels really empty. Which could be because it's just setting up things that are going to happen in the following volumes or it could be because Dixon can't write well.
Every character, except Batman, makes a terrible joke nearly every other sentence for no reason. It was the same with Nightwing, except he added "douche" to Nightwing as well as bad jokes.
The story feels really empty. Which could be because it's just setting up things that are going to happen in the following volumes or it could be because Dixon can't write well.
March 9, 2013
This was my first exposure to any of the Outsider books. A little crowded, perhaps, but the mix of mainstays and second-stringers is balanced out just right and I got a kick out of Batman's "my way or the highway" leadership style. Without Superman or Wonder Woman on hand to slap him down from time to time, Batman flourishes in his role as the know-it-all captain. The artwork was well-done, from subtle touches like facial expressions to not-too-confusing action sequences.
September 25, 2015
I read this series as a kid, so when I saw they rebooted the series (for the third time) and they had set number one at the library i decided to check it out. Gotta say, I was let down slightly. I'd probably read the next one in the series if the library has it, but definitely not worth paying money for. Parts were good, but then others were just lame. If you aren't invested in these characters already probably best to just pick a different title.
April 15, 2012
Batman teams up with misfits like Metamorpho and Cat Woman to determine why a company is building their own OMACs and shooting them into space.
Good art and interesting story.
Notes
Batman gets assistance from an unexpected duo
Learning Curve
Moderate: Some little known characters but are generally explained.
Good art and interesting story.
Notes
Batman gets assistance from an unexpected duo
Learning Curve
Moderate: Some little known characters but are generally explained.
October 27, 2009
THe first story with the O.M.A.C. robot had a nice old school vibe and a decent mixed cast.
Unfortunately, after that the series goes downhill and takes on too many weak sub-plots and some stupid bits of recent DC history.
It just wasn't a fun read after that.
Unfortunately, after that the series goes downhill and takes on too many weak sub-plots and some stupid bits of recent DC history.
It just wasn't a fun read after that.
August 13, 2010
definely upped the series.
Want to read
January 14, 2011Creo que de este tomo tengo (y me leí) en revistas los números 1 y 4. Veré si el resto me los leo cuando los consiga o qué. Apuro, lo que se dice apuro, mucho no tengo.
April 26, 2012
Despite my early trepidation with this new book series, it was really good and I look forward to the next installment.
December 9, 2012
Some nice continuity, especially in the first arc's focus on OMAC. But other than that the story feels very shalow, and I can't say that the second arc ever made much sense.
July 23, 2013
OK, but nothing more. Just felt average. Decent art, weak plot but decent enough characterisation. Lacked something for me. You won't hate it, but you will quickly forget it.
July 4, 2014
Fave characters: Anissa Pierce, Grace Choi, and Metamorpho
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews