Batman and The Outsiders #7 Review

Not So Mellow Yellow

Writer: Bryan Hill
Artist: Cian Tormey, Adriano Lucas, and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 13, 2019

It's time for Bryan Hill to kick things into overdrive!  I have been down on this book and it's all about the pacing.  I love the characters and know that Hill does as well...I just want them to do something.  You know, punch someone in the face, blow up some stuff, give a round of group high fives...  I really just need something to make this book stand up and show me why I should be reading it instead of all the other books on the shelf each and every Wednesday.  Does this issue do that?  Let's find out...



The issue opens with Ishmael giving Duke the orientation speech for Team Ra's al Ghul.  You know the one, the Demon rules and Batman drools!  It does also hint at Ishmael's crazy powers which are a huge part of what's going on with Duke.  Ishmael continues with some awesome shade thrown at Batman and Duke himself before heading off to Katana and Black Lightning.

If you have been reading this book since the beginning, the big thing you will notice right away is the art by Cian Tormey.  Dexter Soy has defined this book with his awesome art, but I like Tormey's a whole lot.  I would not mind if Soy and Cian go back and forth on the book from here on out.

Back to the issue, Katana, Black Lightning, and Kaliber are flying Sofia back to Gotham and the girl is not so pleased.  As Jefferson says, she is "speaking super-villain", going on about Ra's and her new name, Babylon.  It's a quick setup before jumping to Gotham and Batman.  Hill plays these quick scenes so well as the pacing starts building the tension right away.  In Gotham, we get Batman telling Cass to hold tight so they can both save Duke.  It's no surprise that she doesn't listen and catches up to the truck carrying her friend.  Up until this point, I was enjoying the issue, but this is when it becomes my favorite of the series by far!

There are a ton of twists and turns that I don't want to spoil, but are so satisfying.  Double and triple crosses, powers on display, and if you have wanted more Cass, you will love this so much!  It is an action movie on the page and really, this is what I've been waiting for!  I am all in now and can't wait for the next issue and that makes me so happy!

What else can I say?  This is the issue I've been waiting for from Bryan Hill and his cinematic roots are on full display.  I hope that we get more of this over the top action mixed in with his deep characterization because together, that's a real tough act to beat.

Bits and Pieces:

This is the type of issue I've been waiting for.  Great, over the top action that uses the character work that came before it to make it that much better.  The art by Cian Tormey is perfect for the crazy action going on and I am so happy that I can recommend this issue!

9.0/10