It's a solid book and incredible story that feels like it's going to read much better in trade, but I'm so vested in knowing the outcome that I'm going to keep getting the single issues, which is perhaps the best testament I can give to Hill's writing and Soy's art. Read Full Review

Batman And The Outsiders #5 ends on the kind of cliffhanger that comics are famous for; one of the villains of the piece arrives with news about everyone's Dark Knight that looks to shock both his team-mates and his loyal readership. Is it a ploy? Is it the truth? I'll be here in 30 days to find out, I hope you'll join me. Read Full Review

The biggest complaint I have about Batman & the Outsiders #5 is the fact that it's an incredibly fast read. Other than that, this issue is a clever, fun, and action-packed read. Each month, I talk about the potential that both this book and Bryan Edward Hill have, and we really get to see glimpses of it here. If Hill is able to continue providing narratives like this one with Ra's al Ghul, and grow the characters along the way with top-talent artists like Dexter Soy, then we'll have a treat on our hands for years to come. Read Full Review

The other fight, that between the assassin Ishmael and Cassandra Cain and Signal will have to wait until next month, but Ra's obviously has plans for Batman's pupils. Will they be up to the challenge? Worth a look. Read Full Review

Nothing here is easy, as we're learning, and it makes for another solid read. Read Full Review

So far, Bryand Hill has given us an enticing introduction to the new Outsiders, which has been beautifully drawn by Dexter Soy. Despite the fact that the opening story arc seems to be getting a bit overlong, it still is one of the fresher titles in DC's current lineup. Read Full Review

Batman and the Outsiders is slowly finding its groove, although even in Batman and the Outsiders #5, it's still bogged down by a story heavily rooted in original characters who remind me way too much of the 90s. Read Full Review

Dexter Soy delivers some astounding art in this issue. He's given some great action moments to work with as well as some character moments that call for a more dramatic art style. Read Full Review

You're gonna come for the Outsiders and ironically will only stay for the two OG Outsiders in actively involved in the book. The rest is kinda just whatever if we're getting down to the nitty gritty. Read Full Review

The Outsiders try to go on the offensive and pull a rescue op in Khadym. Unfortunately the Demon's Head is prepared and has a welcome committee waiting for the team. Ra's Al Ghul also has a counter attack planned that may devastate The Outsiders if it is successful. Read Full Review

Intense action and a few good character moments help push the story forward. Definitely an issue to pick up if you've been following this story and/or if you like great art. Read Full Review

Batman and the Outsiders is such a good looking book, but looks can only get you so far and once you delve deeper, there isn't that much else there.  The overall story has progressed at a snail's pace and in the end, it just hasn't been that interesting.  I hope things quickly change for the better, but right now I can't recommend this issue or series. Read Full Review

After two substandard issues this issue is much better. Black Lightning finally does something rather than show angst and stand around. Hopefully they build on this growing momentum.

"Now ask yourself if that is a pleasure you're willing to deny. Your answer is your nature rajin. "
-Katana

Prelude:
Shit, I forgot to write the prelude to this.... Um... Batman and the Outsiders has been a mixed bag so let's see how this issue goes.

The Good:

Great art from Dexter Soy.

Liked the conversation between Katana and Black Lightning

The Bad:

Each issue feels like it's repeating the past issues structure just in a different locale.

Went really fast, annoyingly so. Doesn't feel like much has been achieved.

Conclusion:
Maybe it'll read better in trade, but this issue feels repetitive and gains little ground in the story.

This is just a lot of things we’ve kind of already seen before. Not bad just not really interesting either.

This was pretty good, but nothing special.

The story is moving along, hitting all of the notes that have become familiar (repetitive?) just five issues in....
• Jefferson feels self-doubt
• Katana drops wisdom
• Younger heroes are clueless
• They're still after Sophia

Thankfully, it looks like Hill is writing for the trades and this arc will be over next month. Maybe that will shake up the Groundhog Day feel of this book.

The Black Lightning action artwork is pretty cool, I'll give it that. It's about the only thing to get me beyond that "Next page!" feeling.

I'm just not feeling it with this book. Never really have.