Batman and the Outsiders #1

Writer: Bryan Hill Artist: Dexter Soy Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: May 8, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 35 User Reviews: 35
7.8Critic Rating
7.9User Rating

When the quest for justice drives Batman into some morally ambiguous areas, he calls in the most moral man he knows: Jefferson Pierce, a.k.a. Black Lightning, and his team of operatives known as the Outsiders!
Several years ago Batman personally put the Barrera family into hiding after they suffered through terrible experiments at the hands of an organization called the Ark. Now all but one of them have turned up dead...and Batman needs to locate Sofia Barrera before the wrong people get their hands on her-and her surprising power! But it wouldn't be Batman without a hidden agenda, would it? And when Black Lightning, Katana, the Signal an more

  • 10
    But Why Tho? - CJ May 8, 2019

    Batman and The Outsiders #1 is the result of a talented writer, an amazing artist, and a brilliant colorist working together, much like the Outsiders themselves. Each person brings a different skill to the table and the end result is nothing short of magnificent. Hopefully, future issues will continue this trend. Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    Geek'd Out - Gregory Brothers May 8, 2019

    Soy is not an artist that I have personally seen a lot of. However, what work I have seen of his has been action heavy, and that is a style that works in a book like Batman and the Outsiders #1. In the early panels, we get to see him flex his strength as an artist as the heroes fight for their lives in battle. The characters are portrayed as strong and ready to dispatch their enemies. The sharp lines help make the heroes jump off of the pages as they take the typical superhero poses. And crashes of lightning help to create a contrast between the dark setting of Gotham and the brightness of the hero suits. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Dark Knight News - Steve J Ray May 8, 2019

    Batman And The Outsiders #1 is a strong first issue, this could cause concern because when you're at the top often the only way is down. With Bryan Hill, Dexter Soy, Victoria Gandini and Clayton Cowles behind the wheel, I feel that the ride will be a great one all the way. When I interviewed Mr. Hill last year his ideas excited me. Yes, this is a new team of Outsiders, and he will be focusing on new characters and situations too (check out that ending!), but this issue is all-out classic, vintage comic-book entertainment. Read Full Review

  • 8.9
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally May 8, 2019

    Dexter Soys art is amazing. There are some great action panels throughout the issue filled with detail and the art style has a sense of motion and action even in the quiet moments. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    Black Nerd Problems - Mikkel Snyder May 8, 2019

    I like Bryan Hill. I like Batman, Black Lightning, and Katana. I love Duke Thomas and Cassandra Cain. While I can understand if there's some fatigue, I'd ask that you take a chance on Batman and the Outsiders #1. Both Hill and Soy are clearly pouring their heart into the ensemble, and it's on track to be a memorable run. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Batman-News - Joshua McDonald May 8, 2019

    Bryan Hill and Dexter Soy deliver a great debut to Batman & the Outsiders that is brimming with potential. The plot that is set up is entertaining enough, but it's the characters that make this a real win! With a winning combination of characterization and plot, I can't wait to see where this team takes us! If you're a fan of anyone from the roster, then you need to give this book a shot. And with so many winks to what we can expect in the future" I have to admit I'm pretty excited! Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield May 8, 2019

    There's some Year of the Villain teases involving Ra's Al Ghul, but overall this first issue works well because of how strong Hill's characterization is and how good it is to have these characters back. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Impulse Gamer - Chris O'Connor May 24, 2019

    Exploring the dynamics Batman has with other heroes is inherently interesting. Famously working predominantly alone… you could argue Batman doesn't play well with others and has been known to use others for his own advantage without seeming to show much concern for what happens to others. Batman and the Outsiders #1 looks set to jump head first into what happens when Batman's motives don't strictly sit well with those he is working with. An intriguing start to what promises to be a thrilling story. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge May 28, 2020

    With this series being added to the DC Universe slate of books I figured I'd try it since I like Batman books without much Batman and I have a history with the title overall, though less so with some of this cast. Duke and Cass I'm superficially aware of at least but that's about it. The draw for me is the nature of the team and the creative that's here as Hill and Soy execute this really well with a slick and polished feeling that hits all the right notes. Everything we need is introduced quickly " including names " and the general setup so that we can grow in the investment as it goes on. The opening story hints at bigger things but keeps it in reserve so that there's more to come. It's not overstuffed but it's busy with what it wants to accomplish, though that keeps it from having a little downtime just to breathe. All in all, a strong start that will have me coming back for more. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    On Comics Ground - Marcus Freeman May 13, 2019

    Batman and The Outsiders has finally arrived and the delay has not damaged the quality of this book. A book starring Black Lightning, Katana, The Signal, and Orphan has potential to be a hit that elevates all these characters. Bryan Hill has crafted a familiar storyline for these characters that involves strained team dynamics and time travel. I'm optimistic that Hill and artist Dexter Soy have plenty of twists and terms to make this a unique book on the market. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Jose "Jody" Cardona May 8, 2019

    The first issue of Batman and the Outsiders is a great jumping on point for new readers as well as a good opening issue for the series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weird Science - Jim Werner May 8, 2019

    Bryan Hill and Dexter Soy give readers a #1 that sets up the team, the mission, but more importantly, gives me confidence that there is something for everyone to do.  We are still in the team building phase of the Outsiders, but there is enough here to have me excited for what's to come. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles May 8, 2019

    I had high hopes for this book and wasnt disappointed. This has the makings of another monthly must-get from the Batman books. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose May 8, 2019

    There's a lot of potential to a book like Batman and the Outsiders, and just based on the propulsiveness of this debut, I have confidence that this creative team can pull it off. Bryan Edward Hill feels like exactly the kind of writer I'd want to have follow up James Tynion on this type of character-driven Bat-book, and to be honest, I feel like Dexter Soy is one innovation away from becoming the next big superstar artist at DC. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Bin - Philip Schweier May 8, 2019

    Makeno mistake, this series has a different tone than the original, but that maynot be a bad thing. I am reminded of something supposedly said at DC Comics in1979, when Marv Wolfman proposed reviving the Teen Titans. Then-publisherJenette Kahn asked why, since it had recently failed. According to legend, hisresponse was, Well do it better. Hopefully that continues to hold true forthe Outsiders as well. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Multiversity Comics - Michael Mazzacane May 9, 2019

    Batman and the Outsiders #1 is a good opening issue that rightly catches readers up and continues to explore the cast making it an excellent entry point for new and old readers alike. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Derek McNeil May 9, 2019

    VerdictThis is a solid first issue that does the job of introducing the characters and starts giving us a feel of how they work together. This is a promising start for a new take on a classic concept and could easily become one of DC's star titles Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    You Don't Read Comics - Rick Lopez May 10, 2019

    With no considerable revelation behind the debut issue as well as being a lesser known team in todays market, it is up to Batman fanatics to keep this title alive. Accompanied by a handful of the newer characters established within the Bat-mythos recently, this series has something to offer new and old readers alike. New fans of James Tynion IVs time with Detective Comics will find this to be a spiritual successor to the beloved run with the Bat family. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Batman Universe - Adil Syed May 10, 2019

    A spectacular introduction to what should be a stellar ongoing series brought to you by a very talented team of creators. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett May 8, 2019

    The story of the comic itself is ok, basically a Terminator riff, but that's not the draw. It's the team that'll suck you in. While we've been delayed getting here, the fact we are here, and what's presented has me excited to see what's next. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum May 8, 2019

    Writer Bryan Hill brings a bit of a fresh approach to the team by incorporating numerous big fan favorites, such as Black Lightning, Katana, and Batman, with younger characters The Signal and Orphan for team incarnation that feels a lot like the Bat Family and is equally as complex and slightly dysfunctional. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Beat - Louie Hlad May 8, 2019

    All in all, it's a great premise. This is the most I've ever been drawn to an Outsiders book. The plot is enticing, the action is cinematic, the colors are gorgeous. Each character has emotional beats that feel as if they are building to something deeper. Read Full Review

  • 7.9
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman May 8, 2019

    The creative team behindBatman & the Outsiders (2018-) #1does a fine job in piquing interest and generating momentum for what has the potential to be an entertaining 'Batman' series. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Comic Watch - Kenneth Bowden May 8, 2019

    All in all not a bad book, there's definitely been better introductions to the Outsiders buuuut there's also been so majorly bad ones as well. This book does just enough right to land on the better side of that coin but also makes some iffy choices that will undoubtedly raise an eyebrow. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen May 8, 2019

    Batman and the Outsiders #1 suffers from a bland plot, but the characters and art make up for it. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comic Book Legion - Jacob Woolsey May 8, 2019

    Bryan Edward Hill has me hooked with this unique ensemble, looking forward to issue 2! Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    AIPT - Chris Coplan May 8, 2019

    The duo of Hill and Soy have forged an Outsiders with equal parts potential and predictability. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp May 14, 2019

    Writer Bryan Edward Hill and artist Dexter Soy deliver a solid first issue focused on the team's dysfunction and the looming threat which will force them to come together (that, and a common goal to discover just what Batman isn't telling them). Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Hussein Wasiti May 8, 2019

    BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #1 is pretty and fun to read, though there isn't much new to be seen here. The potential for future stories is great but we get a pretty bare-bones introductory issue here, especially for those who haven't read Hill's preceding work. I had some issues with Soy's depiction of Katana but otherwise the art is good. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    411Mania - John Pumpernickel May 23, 2019

    An OK issue that could have been awesome with a couple of tweaks. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Sequential Planet - Ethan Maddux May 10, 2019

    Batman and the Outsiders #1is a strong start. It's not blowing any doors off their hinges yet, but the groundwork that's being built is solid. It's got great characterizations and dialogue, with hints of an interesting plot boiling beneath the surface. Given time, this book could become something very special. Read Full Review

  • 6.7
    Major Spoilers - Stacy Baugher May 10, 2019

    A good story, diverse cast of characters, and enough sub-plot possibilities to wreck a Levitz Paradigm. Go pick up a copy today. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Comic Book Revolution - Rokk May 14, 2019

    Overall: Batman and the Outsiders #1 was a pedestrian read. I love this franchise and wish that Hill had delivered a better quality read than what we got with this debut issue. Batman and the Outsiders #1 does nothing to separate itself from all of the other super hero team titles currently on the market. This title has no real unique qualities or hook to convince readers to come back for more. Read Full Review

  • 6.4
    Comic Crusaders - Daniel Clark May 8, 2019

    Ultimately Batman and the Outsiders #1 is successful at establishing the vision of where this series is going despite relying upon what happened in the past. If the character relationships it is developing can be realized the faults of this first issue can be long left behind. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Geekery Magazine - Chino DT May 9, 2019

    Excellent comic that will surely be the preamble of a new event in the Batverse in which we will see a new and powerful character born. Read Full Review

  • 10
    cincyfan Aug 31, 2020

    A team that features Cassandra Cain, katana and has batman on the outside that is a winner in my book! The detective comics arc that led up to this was brilliant in this continues down the same path. what an awesome first issue

  • 9.5
    KFuqua May 8, 2019

    Off to a good start. I look forward to more.

  • 9.0
    CrackerCJ Jul 28, 2024

    Una muy buena introducción a la dinámica de este nuevo equipo. De forma sencilla, Bryan Hill logra darle personalidad a cada participante formando un equipo muy vivo e interesante.

  • 9.0
    Ken b May 12, 2019

    I'm glad they gave these characters their own book. Would love to see where this story goes but this first book gave me a lot of hope for this series.

  • 8.5
    Azrael May 15, 2019

    A good start for the issue. And despite the controversy and complaints from the creator, Black Lightning isn't a support character for Batman. He is the leader Batman cannot be. This issue did well but it would have been good to have a more pressing threat.

  • 8.5
    waltgator93 May 8, 2019

    A first issue that I am solely behind! Great artwork and awesome dialogue that just like JLA, won’t see much of Batman but hey this small team, don’t care!

  • 8.0
    Dani May 14, 2019

    I am so excited this comic is finally out. First the artwork was great. I enjoyed Dexter's work on Red Hood and The Outlaws and he didn't disappoint here. My only criticism is Bruce looks EXACTLY like Jason. If you did a side-by-side you wouldn't be able to tell them apart. Other than that, everything else is fantastic.

    I love character development and I can tell from this issue we will get a lot of that in this comic book.

    I also liked the fact that the book focused on the Outsiders and not Batman. I honestly wouldn't mind if he's phased out at some point altogether and this comic elevates Black Lightning and Katana as leaders in the DC Universe.

    This was a great start & I highly recommend this boo more

  • 8.0
    bucswin611 May 10, 2019

    Hill has an interesting story - and potential for more given that these characters have plenty of interesting areas to grow, however the dialogue feels stiff and clunky. Since Dexter Soy started on Red Hood, I have been a big fan - and Veronica Gandini's colors are bold and memorable.

  • 8.0
    Psycamorean May 10, 2019

    Solid first issue. Hope it doesn't retread Tynion's Detective Comics run too much.

  • 8.0

    This feels more reminiscent of Tynion IV's Detective run than Mike W. Barr's Batman and the Outsiders, and I would personally argue that is a good thing.

  • 8.0
    Batman Jones May 9, 2019

    A solid pilot that left me eager for the next issue. Great work by all involved and great to see these underutilized characters getting some love.

  • 8.0
    ComicNerd96 May 8, 2019

    Batman and the Outsiders has a promising start if not the most exciting.

  • 8.0
    Simon DelMonte May 8, 2019

    Very solid, surprisingly edgy debut by one of DC's rising stars (moonlighting between seasons of Titans) and the ever-reliable Dexter Soy.

  • 7.5
    Nihilist May 8, 2019

    That's a promising start for sure. Didn't blow me away, but certainly has its fair share of potential. Every main character deals with their own problems that hopefully will be addressed properly in the series, and from the get-go there is a tension in between this unlikely bunch of vigilantes.

    One thing I certainly like about this issue is Katana - for once she's more than silent walking weapon. It's great to see her being more humane, having any personality and doing something outside bland and boring Suicide Squad comics (they survived 50 issues somehow, though).

    The main plot isn't bad, but I have a feeling it's going to be secondary to character development inside the Outsiders team. It feels this way to me, at le more

  • 7.0
    Spacey Medicine May 20, 2019

    This was all going fine and then it’s a goddamn time travel story. Leave me alone, time travel.

  • 7.0
    ohhaimark May 10, 2019

    THE GOOD:

    -I wasn't expecting much from this, but it was a welcome surprise.

    -I don't think I've ever read anything Bryan Hill's written before. From what I understand, this is a continuation of his Detective Comics run. I might have to check that out.

    -The art is fantastic. I think it's safe to say that we've all missed seeing your art on a Bat-Book, Dexter Soy.

    -The first action scene was really good, it didn't take too long, but it wasn't too short either.

    -I like how Batman's written here. As a side character, letting the other characters take center stage. If only the comic was just called Outsiders.

    -I think Katana might be the star here though. All her scenes are g more

    + LikeComments (4)
  • 7.0
    Darkseid24 May 8, 2019

    Good first issue.
    This mini series is a sequel to Hills Detective Comics #982- 986& you should read that story before reading this mini series, which was supposed to be released in December last year.
    We get a short introduction for every major character in this team, which is done well. I’m only wondering how Duke can still be angry about Karma after what terrible fate he met in the last arc. I hope Karma will be back in this mini series or at least mentioned again. Would like to know if his condition became better.
    It looks like Bruce is going to investigate Karmas boss, while the rest of the team will try to protect a girl with meta human powers, which Ras is trying to recrute. I’m not a fan of Duke or Katana, but th more

  • 6.0
    Brion Salazar May 10, 2019

    The relative success of a book like Batman and the Outsiders relies on the cast of characters brought together under the watchful eye of a paternal Batman, more than the plot which brings them together. This latest incarnation is no different, trusting that the cast of Signal, Orphan, Katana, and Black Lightning will interest readers enough to bring them back month after month.

    Spinning out of Bryan Hill’s recent run in Detective Comics #983-987, we see a team in disfunction. Signal is dealing with some undescribed anger issues (maybe it has something to do with that terrible name and costume?). Orphan is trying to learn to work with a team. Katana is still working through her unique marital problems. And Black Lightning isn more

  • 4.0
    Maker May 9, 2019

    Characters whiners and fake "Cable and hope"

  • 9.0
    ryaleus May 19, 2019

  • 9.0
    MistMiracle May 8, 2019

  • 8.5
    Troydaboy1 May 14, 2019

  • 8.5
    Radar May 9, 2019

  • 8.5
    Andrea D’Alò May 9, 2019

  • 8.5
    Mike L. May 9, 2019

  • 8.5
    Spidey Spawn May 8, 2019

  • 8.5
    FlipGeek May 8, 2019

  • 8.0
    Dorival Jun 14, 2019

  • 7.5
    Watchtower022 May 14, 2019

  • 7.5
    EDiakota May 10, 2019

  • 7.5
    Jonny1998 May 9, 2019

  • 7.5
    TheFallenKing13 May 8, 2019

  • 7.0
    Jason The Dude Jul 2, 2020

  • 7.0
    ZonaPoZitiva Jun 23, 2019

  • 6.5
    morganstark Mar 13, 2020

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