Batman and The Outsiders #14
DC Comics
Written by: Bryan Hill
Art by: Dexter Soy
Colors by: Veronica Gandini
Letters by: Clayton Cowles
Perhaps the best thing about Batman and The Outsiders is how Bryan Hill has been able to develop all the other characters surrounding Batman. Sure, outside of Babylon, we already knew each of the Outsiders. But by placing each of them alongside Batman, their significance becomes that much greater.
As much as this story has been big for Black Lightning, the reason I got into this story — aside from Dexter Soy being the title’s artist — was Duke Thomas and Cassandra Cain. Hill has not disappointed with the use of those Signal and Orphan, and he takes another step with both of them in Batman and The Outsiders #14.
(WARNING: Spoilers for Batman and The Outsiders #14 ahead.)
With these team-up stories, there’s always the hope that some characters come out stronger. Maybe they can get their own run, or at least show up in other stories. Black Lightning continues to grow as much as anyone, but Signal and Orphan have been my big winners.
After seeing them go off with Shiva in Batman and The Outsiders #14, all I want is a team-up with these two. They already took the same path in this issue, what’s to say they can’t do it again and again?
Also, the little surprise at the end with Shiva actually got me. I really thought she had gone rogue — that would’ve been on-brand for her. Which is why I won’t trust her until this mission is done. Doesn’t matter that she’s out for revenge and she’s aligned with her daughter, Shiva does what she wants.