TheOutsidersare asuperheroteam appearing inAmerican comic bookspublished byDC Comics.As their name suggests, the team consists of superheroes who do not fit the norms of the "mainstream" superhero community, i.e. theJustice League.[1]
| Outsiders | |
|---|---|
 Cover ofConvergence:Batman and the Outsiders#1 (June 2015). Art by Andy Kubert. | |
| Group publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | The Brave and the Bold#200 (July 1983) |
| Created by | Mike W. Barr(writer) Jim Aparo(artist) |
| Roster | |
| See:List of Outsiders members | |
| Outsiders | |
 | Cover forOutsiders#1 (November 1985), art byJim Aparo |
| Series publication information | |
| Schedule | Monthly |
| Format | Ongoing series |
| Genre | Superhero |
| Publication date | (vol. 1) November1985– February1988 (vol. 2) November1993– November1995 (vol. 3) August2003– November2007 (vol. 4) April2009– June2011 |
| Number of issues | (vol. 1):28 (vol. 2):26 (vol. 3):50 (vol. 4):25 |
| Creative team | |
| Writer(s) | (vol. 1-2) Mike Barr (vol. 3) Judd Winick (vol. 4) Peter Tomasi |
| Penciller(s) | (vol. 1) Jim Aparo,Steve Lightle,Joe Staton,Curt Swan,Jan Duursema,Ernie Colón,Brian Bolland,John Byrne,Jerry Ordway,Dan Jurgens,Jerome Moore,Erik Larsen (vol. 2) Paul Pelletier,Casey Jones (vol. 3) Tom Raney,Dan Jurgens, Carlos D'Anda, Karl Kerschl, Matthew Clark, Shawn Moll, Ron Randall (vol. 4) Lee Garbett,Fernando Pasarin,Don Kramer,Philip Tan,Joe Bennett,Keith Giffen |
| Colorist(s) | (vol. 1) Adrienne Roy |
| Creator(s) | Mike W. Barr(writer) Jim Aparo(artist) |
| Batman and the Outsiders | |
|---|---|
 Art byKevin Nowlan | |
| Group publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | The Brave and the Bold#200 (July 1983) |
| Created by | Mike Barr Jim Aparo |
| Batman and the Outsiders | |
 | Cover forBatman and the Outsiders#1 (1983), art byJim Aparo |
| Series publication information | |
| Schedule | Monthly |
| Format | Ongoing series |
| Genre | Superhero |
| Publication date | (vol. 1) August1983– April1986 (vol. 2) December2007– February2009 (vol. 3) May2019– September2020 |
| Number of issues | (vol. 1):46 (with issues #33-46 calledThe Adventures of the Outsiders), plus 2 annuals and 1 special (vol. 2):15, plus 1 special (vol. 3):17, plus 1 annual |
| Creative team | |
| Writer(s) | (vol. 1) Mike Barr (vol. 2) Chuck Dixon,Frank Tieri (vol. 3) Bryan Hill |
| Penciller(s) | (vol. 1) Jim Aparo,Alan Davis (vol. 2) Julian Lopez, Carlos Rodriguez, Ryan Benjamin (vol. 3) Dexter Soy |
| Creator(s) | Mike Barr Jim Aparo |
The Outsiders have had a number of different incarnations. They were founded byBatman,whose ties to the Justice League were strained at the time, and introduced the now-classic[according to whom?]line-up of Batman,Black Lightning,Metamorpho,Geo-Force,Katana,HaloandLooker.A later incarnation of the Outsiders from the early 2000s comics was led byNightwingandArsenalfollowing the dissolution of theTeen Titanssuperhero group, and depicted the team as a group hunting for super-criminals. For the team's third incarnation, Batman reforms them as a special strike team featuring classic members Katana and Metamorpho alongside new recruits such asCatwomanand Black Lightning's daughterThunder.After theBatman R.I.P.storyline,Alfred Pennyworthacts on Batman's instructions to reassemble the team once more, recruiting new members and more of the team's original lineup.[2]
Another version of the team with a familiar line-up briefly featured inBatman Incorporatedin 2011 as the black ops section of Batman's organization. Following DC's2011 reboot,a new version of the Outsiders is introduced in the pages ofGreen Arrowas a secret society represented by seven weapon-themed clans. Members in this incarnation include Katana,Onyx,and several new characters. The original Outsiders are returned to continuity in 2017, followingDC Rebirth,once again as a secret team founded by Batman; Batman revives the team with a new line-up in 2018. Black Lightning leads another incarnation in 2022.BatwingandBatwomanlead a new incarnation, outside of Batman's "purview", beginning in 2023.
A version of the team appears in the live action seriesBlack Lightning,fully formed starting in thethird seasonand led by Black Lightning.
Fictional history
editBatman and the Outsiders/The Adventures of the Outsiders(1983–1987)
editThe Outsiders first appeared in aspecial insertin the final issue (#200) ofThe Brave and the Boldin 1983.[3]The team was given its own comic,Batman and the Outsiders,which debuted in August 1983. It was created and originally written byMike W. Barrand illustrated byJim Aparo(later illustrated byAlan Davis).
After Batman left the group in issue #32, the title was changed toThe Adventures of the Outsiders,continuing until its cancellation with issue #46. Issue #38 featured the last original story in the series, as issues #39-46 were reprints of stories from the companion seriesThe Outsiders(1985).
The cast of the Outsiders was notable for having mostly new characters (Geo-Force,Katana,HaloandLooker). The other members were two characters who refused membership in the Justice League (Black LightningandMetamorpho) and former Leaguer Batman.
Markovia and Baron Bedlam
editThe Outsiders formed in the fictional East European country of Markovia, which was ravaged by war at the time. Batman had attempted to enlist the Justice League of America's aid, but was told they had been ordered to stay out of the conflict. Because he disagreed with the order, Batman resigned to strike out on his own. He and Black Lightning traveled to Markovia to free captiveLucius FoxfromBaron Bedlamwho killed the country's ruler King Viktor. One of the king's sons became Geo-Force after gaining powers from Markovia's top scientist Dr.Helga Jaceto stop Bedlam. Metamorpho was searching for Dr. Jace for the doctor to help him with his powers. Katana arrived in Markovia to kill General Karnz (Bedlam's military commander) as vengeance for her family's death. Batman found a young,amnesiacgirl in the woods exhibiting light-based powers whom he names Halo who was an Aurakle that possessed the body of Violet Harper after she was killed bySyonide.[4]These heroes banded together to defeat Baron Bedlam and decided to stay together as a team, later fighting such villains as Agent Orange,[5]theFearsome Five[6]and the Cryonic Man.[7][8]
The Masters of Disaster and the Force of July
editRecurring foes include theMasters of Disaster(New Wave, Shakedown, Windfall, Heatstroke, and Coldsnap), who at one point were almost able to kill Black Lightning. Windfall eventually became disenchanted with her team and joined the Outsiders. Another recurring opponent was theForce of July,[9]a group of patrioticmetahumanswho also regularly came into contact with theSuicide Squad.During this time, Geo-Force's half-sisterTerradied as a traitor against theTeen Titans.[10]Batman revealed his real identity as Bruce Wayne to the team (although they already knew it).[11]Eventually, Halo's origins were revealed. Emily Briggs (who later became the superheroine Looker and joined the team) was introduced. Denise Howard (the love interest of Geo-Force) appeared for the second time.
Without Batman
editBaron Bedlam later returned to life. With the assistance of the Bad Samaritan, the Masters of Disaster andSovietforces, he again tried to seize control of Markovia. Batman withheld this information, angering the rest of the team. This eventually led to Batman disbanding the team and returning to the Justice League of America.[12]Nevertheless, the team traveled to Markovia, discovering many Markovian military casualties. They were defeated by the Masters and learn that Bedlam clonedAdolf Hitler;however, the Hitler clone committed suicide in horror of the atrocities perpetrated by the original.[13]The Outsiders became unofficial agents of Markovia to receive Markovian funding.[14]They moved toLos Angeles;Geo-Force left his girlfriend Denise behind and Looker separated from her husband.
Outsiders(1985–1988)
editThis series again featured the original group, and was printed in the Baxter paper format[15]used on such titles asThe New Teen Titans(vol. 2) and theLegion of Super-Heroes(vol. 3). It lasted for 28 issues, in addition toAnnualsand special issues. The series originally ran alongside the titleThe Adventures of the Outsiders,chronicling events a year after that series. In the end, the first few issues of this series were reprinted inThe Adventures of the Outsidersbefore that title was cancelled.
Story
editThe team moves into a new headquarters in Los Angeles and once again becomes involved in an adventure with the Force of July (ending inMoscow).[16]Villains such as the Duke of Oil[17]and the Soviet super-team the People's Heroes are introduced during this time.[18]The team's adventures take them all over the globe, most notably when the Outsiders' plane is shot down and the team is marooned on a deserted island for three weeks. Tensions rise as Geo-Force tries to resign his leadership and he and Looker succumb to temptation. Eventually, the team is rescued.[19]
More trouble arises when a detective is hired to look into Looker (now working as a model known as Lia Briggs) and her private life, and learns of her actual identity as Emily. The detective tries to blackmail her, but she hypnotizes him and forces him to leave. However, he is killed shortly afterward and Looker is arrested as a suspect. The Outsiders, fortunately, clear her name.[20]
Reuniting with Batman
editThe Outsiders are reunited with Batman when they band together to fightEclipso.[21]After the adventure, Batman gives them access to abatcavein Los Angeles. The team is also infiltrated by a clone of Windfall.[22]Meanwhile, Looker and Geo-Force feel guilty about their affair and eventually end it. Metamorpho faces his own personal problems with his wifeSapphire Stagg-Mason.The clone of Windfall is ultimately killed; the Masters of Disaster are defeated, as the real Windfall joins the Outsiders. The team also meets the other Los Angeles-based teamInfinity, Inc.[23]
Millennium
editThe team is next involved with the crossover eventMillennium,wherein it is revealed that Dr. Jace is an operative of the villainousManhunters[24]and kidnaps the team.[25]The team (now joined by theAtomic Knight) free themselves, but Dr. Jace blows up herself and Metamorpho.[26]Looker is called to return to Abyssia (the origin of her powers), where she must also face the Manhunters. During the adventure, she is drained of much of her power and returns to her normal form.[27]Halo is hit in the crossfire when saving Katana's life, and slips into acomaas Katana vows to look after her.[28]The team is disbanded by Geo-Force as Looker returns to her husband, and Batman rejoins the Justice League.[28]
Outsiders(vol. 2) (1993–1995)
editThis revival of the title in 1993 lasted 25 issues and was written by Mike W. Barr, with most issues penciled byPaul Pelletier.[29]
Story
editDeclared a traitor in his native Markovia, Geo-Force is forced to seek the help of old (and new) Outsiders to battle thevampire-lord who controls his country. This is later coupled with the framing of the Outsiders for the slaughter of a Markovian village, forcing them into hiding. This fugitive status motivates the Atomic Knight to go after them, hoping to bring in his former allies without too much trouble. He is eventually convinced of their innocence and joins them.
The new members who join the team in Markovia are the magicianSebastian Faust,the warsuit-wearing engineer and industrialist theTechnocratand Wylde (Charlie Wylde), a friend of the Technocrat who has been turned into a mountain bear by Faust's uncontrollable magic.
During the initial confrontation with the vampires, Looker is (apparently) killed. Hiding out inGotham City,the Outsiders experience another loss as the Technocrat's wife Marissa and Halo are killed during a fight with Batman (actually the man standing in for Bruce Wayne,Jean-Paul Valley). However, Halo's spirit survives in the reanimated body of Marissa. For some time afterward, the Technocrat has trouble accepting that his wife (whose body is still walking around) is dead. Eventually it is discovered that Looker is not dead, but undead. The Outsiders find her, and free her from the vampire's control.
Split in two
editAfter the defeat of the vampires, two teams (one composed of Geo-Force, Katana, and the Technocrat; the other composed of theEradicator,Looker, Wylde, Halo and Sebastian Faust) claim the name of the Outsiders; both teams are considered fugitives for some time, thanks to questionable tactics by their new members. During this time, the teams learn that Halo's (original) body has been brought back to life by the terrorist organizationKobra.In control of her body is Violet Harper, the evil woman whose body Halo originally inhabited. She now has abilities similar to Halo's, calls herself Spectra and joinsStrike Force Kobrawith Dervish and Windfall. Both Kobra and Violet Harper are defeated, and Windfall rejoins the Outsiders.
The two teams unite to confrontFelix Faust,the father of Outsiders member Sebastian Faust. During the confrontation, the bear-like Wylde betrays the team when Felix promises to restore his humanity. The team defeats Felix Faust and Wylde, who eventually becomes an actual bear (without the ability to speak) and is kept in a zoo. The title ends with the clearing of the Outsiders' names and the marriage of Geo-Force and Denise Howard.
In the interim, the Halo entity is restored to Violet Harper's body, returning her to normal off-panel and a new team of Outsiders is formed and seen as active during theDay of Judgementcrossover event. Members of this new team include Geo-Force, Halo, Katana, and Terra II, who in the 1999Titans Secret Filesseries, left the team after a round of genetic tests performed by scientists failed to decipher Terra II's genetically altered DNA to tell who she was prior to being turned into a genetic doppelgänger of the original Terra.
Outsiders(vol. 3) (2003–2007)
edit
Outsiders(vol. 3) is almost completely unrelated to the previous series. It was launched in 2003 with new members, some of whom had been part of theTitans.The series was cancelled with issue #50 and relaunched asBatman and the Outsiders(vol. 2), featuring a mix of current and new members.
Formation
editThe new team is put together in the wake of theTitans/Young Justice: Graduation Daycrossover, which dissolves both groups.Arsenalaccepts a sponsorship offer from the Optitron Corporation and uses the money to buy an enormousbomb shelterwhich had belonged to a multimillionaire, renovating it as group headquarters. He recruits a group of young heroes, the last of whom is his friend Nightwing (who joins reluctantly). Nightwing decides that, instead of functioning in a reactive capacity like most other superhero teams, this group should act as hunters, tracking down supervillains before they can cause problems.
Infinite Crisis
editFormer Outsiders the Technocrat and Looker are near theBreachwhen he explodes in theBattle of Metropolis.The fate of the Technocrat remains unclear, while Looker soon appears in an issue of theWorld War IIIlimited series. Roy Harper is saved bySupermanfromDoomsday,andCaptain Marvel Jr.was sent toEarth-Swhen it was reformed. When New Earth came into existence, he went with other heroes who could fly to fightSuperboy-Prime.In theInfinite Crisishardcover, Freddy joined alongside the other Titans to take down the members of theSecret Society of Super Villainswho tried to killRobin.
One Year Later
editAfterInfinite Crisis,the Outsiders are "officially" no more. Because of theFreedom of Power Treaty,the Outsiders have been operating covertly outside of theUnited States.Most of the members were presumed dead until a botched mission forced them to reveal their presence. Following the revelation of their existence, they are recruited byCheckmateto pursue missions which Checkmate cannot support publicly. Checkmate's assignment as part of the "CheckOut" crossover story arc involves dispatching the Outsiders to Oolong Island inChina,the scene of World War III theprevious year.The mission goes disastrously wrong whenChang TzucapturesOwen Mercerand Checkmate'sBlack Queen,until both sides are bailed out by Batman. In the aftermath, Nightwing decides to give Batman control of the team once more.
Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 2) /Outsiders(vol. 4) (2007–2011)
edit
In November 2007, writerChuck Dixonand artist Julian Lopez relaunchedOutsiders(vol. 3) asBatman and the Outsiders(vol. 2), with the Dark Knight taking control of the team in the aftermath of the "CheckOut" crossover with Checkmate.[30][31]
Outsiders: Five of a Kind
editIn the weeks leading up to the new series' debut, Batman holds tryouts to determine who will be on the team in a series of one-shots calledFive of a Kind.Each issue featured a different creative team (including Outsiders creator Mike W. Barr) and an epilogue written byTony Bedard.
Batman angers several members, who feel he has no right to remove people already on the team. Captain Boomerang leaves the team forAmanda Waller's Suicide Squad, and Nightwing decides to take no part in the Outsiders' questionable activities. Katana is chosen as the team's first official member, joined later by theMartian Manhunter,Metamorpho andGrace.Thunderis kicked off the team; the secondAquamanis rejected because Batman feels he does not match up to his predecessor,Orin.Batman then tells the other members: "Whether you like it or not, you're here to save the world. And you're going to behatedfor it ". After the team's first official mission inOutsiders#50,Catwomanoverheard the other recruits talking about the team being "down by law" and said: "Batman can't possibly start up his own crew of super-crooks withoutmein it! "[32]
Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 2)
editThe team fromOutsiders#50 was featured in the first two issues ofBatman and the Outsiders(vol. 2). Afterward, Catwoman and the Martian Manhunter left the team andBatgirl,Geo-Force and theGreen Arrowjoined; Thunder consistently appeared in the series as well. In issue #5, Ralph "theElongated Man"andSue Dibnymake a guest appearance. They are now "ghost detectives", and seem able to possess people in a method similar to that ofDeadman.Dr. Francine Langstrom (wife of Dr. Kirk Langstrom, a.k.a. theMan-Bat) serves as the team's technical advisor, and her assistant Salah Miandad operates the "blank" OMAC drone known asReMAC.In issue #9, Batman calls on former team member Looker to assist in an interrogation.
The first main storyline of the title involves Batman sending the team to investigate the mysterious Mr. Jardine, who is organizing a convoluted plot to populate a subterranean lake onthe Moonwith alien lifeforms. While trying to stop Jardine's unauthorized space-shot in South America, Metamorpho is blasted into space and is forced to escape from theInternational Space Station(where seemingly-brainwashed astronauts from around the world are building a giant weapon). Seeking a shuttle to hijack, the rest of the team infiltrates a Chinese space facility (only to be captured by members of theGreat Ten). The timely intervention of Batgirl and ReMAC saves the team from execution. Metamorpho steals a shuttle back to Earth, escapes from theEuropean Space Agencyand rejoins the team.
During theBatman R.I.P.events, an assembly of the Outsiders (including Thunder) receives a message from the missing Batman. It asks them to feed a secret code into the cybernetic mind of ReMAC, allowing it to track the Caped Crusader and the Black Glove organization and help him in his fight. As they comply (against Batgirl's advice), the code reveals itself as a cybernetic booby-trap coming fromSimon Hurt(the mastermind behind Batman's downfall) and ReMAC explodes. Several Outsiders are wounded, and Thunder suffers brain injuries severe enough to knock her into a seemingly-irreversible coma. However, her in-costume appearance in theFinal Crisis: Submitstory contradicts this; the events of thatFinal Crisisstoryline occur after the events inBatman R.I.P.,suggesting a continuity error.[33]When Black Lightning rejoins the team after the events ofBatman R.I.P.andFinal Crisis,he is shown visiting Thunder (who is still hospitalized in a coma).
Outsiders(vol. 4)
editAs a result ofBatman R.I.P.andFinal Crisis(where Batman apparently died), the series was renamedOutsiders(vol. 4) and featured a new team roster. The change occurred when a new creative team took over, withPeter Tomasiwriting andLee Garbetton art duty. Tomasi began withBatman and the Outsiders Special(vol. 2) #1 and the retitled series began with issue #15.[34]
One night, after going to visit the graves of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Alfred awakens in Wayne Manor to a giant door opening in his room. He walks through it, where he sees a pod with a chair inside. He takes a seat, as a hologram of Batman activates. Batman explains that, because he has not entered a special code into the Bat-Computer (or any of its subsidiaries) for a certain length of time, this recording is playing (meaning he is probably dead). He tells Alfred of a very important mission the latter must undertake on his behalf (since Batman is unable to do so), but gives him a choice to accept or decline. Alfred promptly accepts; Batman explains what Alfred has meant to him throughout his life, saying to him what he did not have a chance to say at his death: "Goodbye, Dad."
With this, Batman charges Alfred to assemble a new team of Outsiders. Alfred travels around the planet, recruitingRoy Raymond Jr.,Black Lightning, Geo-Force (leader), Halo, Katana, theCreeperand Metamorpho. As a member of the team, each must become a true "outsider," living away from their families and the public eye for months at a time. Each member fills a role once filled by Batman, making this team a composite. This story arc ended with issue #25, and the series ended after 40 issues.
Post–Final Crisis
editDan DiDioandPhillip Tanbegan a new run ofOutsidersin January 2010, in which Geo-Force appears to be acting more irrationally since his battle withDeathstroke.Without consulting the rest of the team (or Alfred), Geo-Force enters into a non-aggression pact withNew Krypton(offering Markovia as a haven for all Kryptonians). TheEradicatoris New Krypton's representative.
The New 52
editIn 2011, "The New 52"rebooted the DC universe.
Batman Inc.(2011–2013)
editIn he pages of the 2011Batman Inc.series byGrant Morrison,Batman assembles a new team of Outsiders which acts as a black-ops wing of Batman Incorporated. The team consists of Metamorpho, Katana, Looker, Halo and Freight Train, and is led by theRed Robin.[35]This incarnation of the team proved short-lived, as all of its members (except the Red Robin) were caught in an explosion caused by Lord Death Man in the 2011Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikesone-shot issue. The survivors were revealed in issue #1 of (vol. two) (2012). Metamorpho had kept everyone alive via his powers.
InGreen Arrow(vol. 5) (2013–2016)
editBeginning withJeff Lemire's run ofGreen Arrow(vol. 5), a new version of the 'Outsiders' was introduced. This is explained as being an ancient secret society dedicated to the elimination of corruption, but which itself has grown corrupt. Its membership is formed from the leaders of various clans centred around totemic weapons: the Mask, the Fist, the Arrow, the Axe, the Spear, the Shield, the Sword. A literal Green Arrow was the totemic weapon of the 'Arrow Clan', but this was destroyed by the Green Arrow as part of his symbolic rejection of the group. The Soultaker sword owned byKatanais the Sword Totem, making her the leader of the Sword Clan. The weapon totems supposedly grant immortality and enlightenment on the wielder, but the Green Arrow doubts such claims.
The leader of the Arrow Clan was onceRobert Queen,the Green Arrow's father. With his apparent death, it passed toKomodo (Simon Lacroix),an evil archer. It would later be passed toShado,Robert Queen's former lover and another master archer. Katana heads the Sword Clan. An unkillable shapeshifter namedMagusheads the Mask Clan. A physically intimidating man known as the Butcher leads the Axe Clan. Golgotha, leader of the Spear Clan, for a time led the Outsiders overall.Onyxleads the Fist Clan. The Shield Clan is led by Kodiak, who in addition to his mastery of the shield, wears a terrifying skull mask.
DC Rebirth
editThe original Outsiders are reintroduced inDark Days: The Forge#1 (2017), a prelude to DC'sDark Nights: Metalcrossover, in anexpositoryscene which explains that Batman formed the Outsiders (Black Lightning, Metamorpho, Geo-Force, Katana, and Halo) to investigate a mystery concerning theDC Universewhich connects the strangeness of the Multiverse to the amazing properties of metals—like Nth metal, theCourt of Owls' resurrection metal,Aquaman's trident, andDoctor Fate's helmet— tometahumansand to mystical lands likeNanda Parbat,Skartaris,Atlantis,andThemiscyra,and much more. He assembled the team to operate outside the knowledge of the government, the Justice League, or theBatman family.[36]
In theWatchmensequelDoomsday Clock,Geo-Force took advantage of the metahuman arms race in light of the "Superman Theory" and assembled Markovia's version of the Outsiders. The group consists of Baroness Bedlam,Eradicator,Knightfall,Terra,and Wylde.[37]
TheDetective Comicsstory arcOn the Outside(July 2018) had Batman and Black Lightning come together to defeat a villain known as Karma. In the aftermath of the battle, Batman told Black Lightning that he wanted him to lead a new team of Outsiders consisting of himself,Cassandra Cain,Duke Thomas,andKatana,who had fought as their allies in the fight against Karma. An ongoing comic book featuring this team, titledBatman and the Outsiders(vol. 3), was set to release in December 2018.[38]The series was abruptly cancelled[39]before finally releasing in May the following year.
Later,Black Lightningassembles a new "modular" iteration of the team with himself, Duke, Katana, and Metamorpho, plus a "rotating fifth chair" for other superheroes like Robin, Green Arrow, orMister Miracle.In the set-up to the new series inBatman: Urban Legends,Batman formally asks to join the team as the fifth chair to help Duke track down the location of his mother.[40]
Enemies
editThis sectionneeds expansion.You can help byadding to it.(October 2019) |
The following are enemies of the Outsiders:
- Bad Samaritan- A master technician.[41]
- Baron Bedlam- A Markovian baron.[42]
- Cryonic Man- A scientist who frozen himself, armed with ice-technology.[43]
- Doctor Moon- A mad scientist.[44]
- Duke of Oil- Acyborgwho can control nearby nuclear devices.[43]
- The Force of July- A group of patriotic metahumans that was established by theA.S.A.[45]
- Major Victory- William Vickers is the team leader. He has enhanced strength, flight and energy blasts due to his government designed power suit. Killed byEclipso.
- Abraham Lincoln Carlyle- Government liaison. Suffered a heart attack during aSuicide Squadattack.
- B. Eric Blairman- Government liaison for the A.S.A. who had thePsycho Pirate's Medusa Mask.
- Lady Liberty- Projects energy blasts from her torch and flight. Killed in an explosion aboard Kobra's satellite during the climax of theJanus Directive.
- The Mayflower- Ability to control and grow plant life.GarottedbyRavanof the Suicide Squad.
- The Silent Majority- Power of self duplication. All of his duplicates were killed in battle aboard Kobra's satellite when he attempts to destroy a device that would kill billions.
- The Sparkler- Powers consisting of flight and the ability to project light as beams or even fireworks. Later slain byDoctor Light,who had severe mental problems concerning young superheroes.
- Ishmael- A former experiment of the Ark Project that became a member of the League of Assassins.[46]
- Kobra- The leader of the Kobra organization.[43]
- TheMasters of Disaster- A group of elemental metahumans.[47]
- The New Olympians- The New Olympians areMaxie Zeus' group of mercenaries selected to represent Greek and Roman gods to disrupt the 1984 Olympics.[48]
- AntaeusI- Member of the New Olympians. He had powers similar to the actualAntaeuswhere he drew his strength from the ground. Antaeus was defeated in combat by Geo-Force.[48]
- Argus- Member of the New Olympians. He can telepathically see events unfold from great distances. Argus is also a poor fighter since he was easily defeated by Batman. His abilities make him similar to the actualArgus Panoptes.[48]
- Diana- Member of the New Olympians. She is a superb archer and swordswoman who also commands fierce dogs. Diana was defeated by Katana in a sword fight. Her talents make her similar to the actualArtemis.[48]
- Nox- Member of the New Olympians. She controls a mysterious dark force that enables her to fly and can manipulate it to take on different shapes. Nox was defeated in a gymnastics match against Halo. Her abilities make her similar to the actualNyx.[48]
- Proteus- A shape-shifting member of the New Olympians. Besides shape-shifting, he can also elongate his limbs. Proteus first used his shape-shifting powers to make himself look handsome (since he disliked his previous appearance) and even grow bird-like wings. He and Vulcanus were defeated in a deadly soccer match against Black Lightning and Metamorpho. His abilities are similar to the actualProteus.[48]
- Vulcanus- Member of the New Olympians. He wields a powerful hammer and can hurl high-temperature fireballs. Vulcanus and Proteus were defeated in a deadly soccer match against Black Lightning and Metamorpho. His abilities are similar to the actualHephaestus.[48]
- TheNuclear Family- A group of androids whose appearances are modeled after their deceased creator and his deceased family.[49]
- Strike Force Kobra- A group of villains whose powers are similar to some of Batman's enemies. They were created by Kobra.[50]
- Syonide- A female assassin.[44]
- Tobias Whale- AnAfrican Americanalbinocrime lord.[44]
- Velocity- A clone of theFlashthat was created by the Brotherhood of Evil and sold to a Malinese dictator named Ratu Bennin. While he possesses the Flash's speed, he does not possess his memories. Velocity was defeated by the Outsiders and taken into custody by Checkmate's White KingAlan Scott.[51]
Collected editions
editBatman and the Outsiders(vol. 1)
edit| Title | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase Presents: Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 1 | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 1) #1–19,The Brave and the Bold#200,New Teen Titans#37 | September 2007 | 978-1401215460 |
| Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 1 | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 1) #1–13,The Brave and the Bold#200,New Teen Titans#37 | February 2017 | 978-1401268121 |
| Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 2 | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 1) #14–23,Annual#1 | February 2018 | 978-1401277536 |
| Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 3 | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 1) #24–32,Annual#2,DC Comics Presents#83 and material fromWho's Who#12-15 | April 2019 | 978-1401287641 |
Outsiders(vol. 3)
edit| Title | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looking for Trouble | Outsiders(vol. 3) #1–7 | February 2004 | 978-1401202118 |
| Sum of all Evil | Outsiders(vol. 3) #8–15 | December 2004 | 978-1401202439 |
| Wanted | Outsiders(vol. 3) #16–23 | November 2005 | 978-1401204600 |
| Teen Titans/Outsiders: The Insiders | Outsiders(vol. 3) #24–25, 28,Teen Titans#24–26 | January 2006 | 978-1401209261 |
| Crisis Intervention | Outsiders(vol. 3) #29–33 | April 2006 | 978-1401209735 |
| The Good Fight | Outsiders(vol. 3) #34–41 | January 2007 | 978-1401211950 |
| Pay As You Go | Outsiders(vol. 3) #42–46,Annual#1 | July 2007 | 978-1401213664 |
| Outsiders/Checkmate: CheckOut | Outsiders(vol. 3) #47–49,Checkmate#13-15 | January 2008 | 978-1401216238 |
| Five of a Kind | Outsiders(vol. 3) #50,Outsiders: Five of a Kind#1–5 | March 2008 | 978-1401216726 |
| The Outsiders by Judd Winick Book One | Outsiders(vol. 3) #1-7,Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day#1-3,Teen Titans/Outsiders Secret Files#1 | May 2019 | 978-1401288518 |
Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 2) /Outsiders(vol. 4)
edit| Title | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Chrysalis | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 2) #1–5 | October 2008 | 978-1401219314 |
| The Snare | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 2) #6–10 | February 2009 | 978-1401221997 |
| The Deep | Batman and the Outsiders Special(vol. 2) #1,Outsiders(vol. 4) #15–20 | November 2009 | 978-1401225025 |
| The Hunt | Outsiders(vol. 4) #21–25 | May 2010 | 978-1401227166 |
| The Road to Hell | Outsiders(vol. 4) #26–31 | November 2010 | 978-1401229030 |
| The Great Divide | Outsiders(vol. 4) #32–39,Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 2) #40 | August 2011 | 978-1401231613 |
Batman and the Outsiders (vol. 3)
edit| Title | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 1: Lesser Gods | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 3) #1-7 | December 2019 | 978-1401291785 |
| Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 2: A League of Their Own | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 3) #8-12,Annual#1 | August 2020 | 978-1779502865 |
| Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 3: The Demon's Fire | Batman and the Outsiders(vol. 3) #13-17 | March 2021 | 978-1779506962 |
Outsiders (vol. 5)
edit| Title | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outsiders Vol. 1: Planet of the Bat | Outsiders(vol. 5) #1-6 | November 2024 | 978-1779528391 |
| Outsiders Vol. 2: Never the End | Outsiders(vol. 5) #7-11 | May 2025 | 978-1799501244 |
Other versions
editIn theJLA: The Nailminiseries, the Outsiders were formed by Black Canary to helpOliver Queenhave his own team to focus on after becoming paralyzed and losing an arm after a disastrous battle withAmazo,but who quickly dismissed them feeling like a "sidekick." The team consists of Black Canary, Black Lightning, Geo-Force, Katana, Metamorpho, andShade, the Changing Man.
In theBatman: Earth Oneseries of graphic novels, the Outsiders appear in Volume 3 as an alliance of Gotham crimefighters brought together by Batman. The team consists of Batman,Robin,Batgirl,the Cat,Killer Croc,andRagman,with Alfred Pennyworth and Lucas Fox supporting them in a subway version of the Batcave.
In other media
edit
- The Outsiders appear inBatman: The Brave and the Bold,initially consisting of teenage versions of Black Lightning, Katana, and Metamorpho. Introduced in the episode "Enter the Outsiders!", the crime lord Slug brainwashes the trio into serving him. With Batman andWildcat's help, the Outsiders break free of Slug's control, defeat him, and begin training under Wildcat's tutelage.[52]Later, in "Requiem for a Scarlet Speedster!", Geo-Force and Halo have joined the Outsiders and work with Batman to stopKobraand his cultists.[53]
- A team loosely based on the Outsiders appears inBeware the Batman,consisting of Batman, Katana, Metamorpho,Oracle,andMan-Bat.According to producerGlen Murakami,the planned second season would have addedCyborgandRed Arrowto the team while Oracle becomes Robin and Katana becomesNightwing.
- Two groups based on the Outsiders appear inYoung Justice: Outsiders:
- The first version is a loose, unnamed quartet of outcasts and exiles formed from the aftermath of a mission to shut down ametahumantrafficking ring. Consisting of Halo, Geo-Force,Forager,and Cyborg, they are brought together byNightwing,Black Lightning,Superboy,andTigress,who train them to become members of theTeam,and covertly work for theJustice League.Halo and Forager later join the Team while Geo-Force goes on to join the Outsiders (see below).
- In the episode "First Impression",Beast Boyforms the Outsiders with Geo-Force,Wonder Girl,Blue Beetle,Kid Flash,andStaticto serve as a public version of the Team and operate independently of the Justice League while secretly answering to them. In "Early Warning",El Doradojoins the team to inspire metahuman teenagers and children at the Meta-Human Youth Center to gain confidence in their abilities. In "Into the Breach", Cyborg joins them to help them find Halo after she is kidnapped byGranny Goodness.In "Nevermore",Markovianambassador and Light memberZviad Baazovisecretly manipulates Geo-Force into killing his uncle,Baron Frederick DeLamb,and overthrowing his brother Gregor Markov as king of Markovia. As a result, the Outsiders oust him from the group and are joined by his sisterTerra,Superboy, and Forager. The Outsiders later merge with the Justice League, Team, andBatman Inc.to form one group under Black Lightning's leadership. As ofYoung Justice: Phantoms,Robin,Windfall,Stargirl,Looker,andLivewirehave joined the Outsiders while Cyborg transferred to the League.
- The Outsiders appear in theBlack Lightningin two forms.
- In thefirst seasonepisode "LaWanda: The Book of Burial",Grace Choicarries anOutsiderscomic whichAnissa Piercenotices while conducting research in a bookstore.[54]
- In thethird seasonepisode "The Book of Markovia: Chapter Four: Grab the Strap",Black Lightning,Anissa, Choi,Lightning,Brandon / Geo,Painkiller,TC,A.S.AagentGardner Grayle,and detained A.S.A. metahuman Erica Moran form a team loosely based on the Outsiders to battle Markovian forces.
References
edit- ^Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016).The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe.DK Publishing. p. 225.ISBN978-1-4654-5357-0.
- ^Tomasi, Peter (w).Batman and the Outsiders Special,vol. 1, no. 1 (Feb. 2009). DC Comics.
- ^Manning, Matthew K. (2010). "1980s". In Dolan, Hannah (ed.).DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle.Dorling Kindersley.p. 202.ISBN978-0-7566-6742-9.
Despite being the final issue of this particular series, the book wasn't closed on Batman's team-ups. Although Batman was through working with partners, it was time to think bigger, and in a special sixteen-page preview insert written by Barr and with art by Jim Aparo, the Outsiders debuted. A super-hero team of Batman's own creation, the Outsiders would soon star alongside Batman in the new monthly seriesBatman and the Outsiders.
- ^Batman & the Outsiders#1. DC Comics.
- ^Batman & the Outsiders#3. DC Comics.
- ^The New Teen Titans#37 andBatman & the Outsiders#5. DC Comics.
- ^Batman & the Outsiders#6-7. DC Comics.
- ^Greenberger, Robert(2008). "Fearsome Five". In Dougall, Alastair (ed.).The DC Comics Encyclopedia.New York:Dorling Kindersley.p. 120.ISBN978-0-7566-4119-1.OCLC213309017.
- ^Batman & the OutsidersAnnual #1. DC Comics.
- ^Tales of the Teen TitansAnnual #3. DC Comics.
- ^Batman & the Outsiders#13. DC Comics.
- ^Batman & the Outsiders#32. DC Comics.
- ^Adventures of the Outsiders#35. DC Comics.
- ^Adventures of the Outsiders#36. DC Comics.
- ^Manning "1980s" in Dolan, p. 215: "[The Outsiders] saw the popular team given the enhanced quality of a Baxter-format series...written by Mike W. Barr and drawn by Jim Aparo. "
- ^The Outsiders#3-4. DC Comics.
- ^The Outsiders#6-7. DC Comics.
- ^The Outsiders#10. DC Comics.
- ^The Outsiders#13. DC Comics.
- ^The Outsiders#14. DC Comics.
- ^The Outsiders#17-18. DC Comics.
- ^The Outsiders#19-20. DC Comics.
- ^The OutsidersSpecial #1. DC Comics.
- ^Englehart, Steve(w). "The Arrival"Millennium,no. 1, p. 22/3 (Jan. 1988). DC Comics.
- ^Barr, Mike W. (w),Larsen, Erik(a). "Robot Tyrants of Kadeyland"The Outsiders,no. 27, p. 6/6 (January 1988). DC Comics.
- ^Barr, Mike W. (w), Larsen, Erik (a). "Robot Tyrants of Kadeyland"The Outsiders,no. 27, p. 24 (January 1988). DC Comics.
- ^Barr, Mike W. (w), Larsen, Erik (p),Farmer, Mark(i). "...A Land Down Under..."The Outsiders,no. 28, p. 23-24 (February 1988). DC Comics.
- ^abBarr, Mike W. (w), Larsen, Erik (p), Farmer, Mark (i). "...A Land Down Under..."The Outsiders,no. 28 (February 1988). DC Comics.
- ^Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 261: "The Outsiders made their return in a new series courtesy of writer Mike W. Barr and artist Paul Pelletier."
- ^Chuck Dixon named as new "Batman and the Outsiders" writerArchived2010-03-05 at theWayback Machine,Newsarama,November 16, 2007
- ^Dixon shakes up "Outsiders" right off the bat,Comic Book Resources,November 13, 2007
- ^Outsiders#50. DC Comics.
- ^Morrison, Grant (w).Final Crisis: Submit(Oct. 2008). DC Comics.
- ^Life without Batman: Peter Tomasi talks the Outsiders,Newsarama, December 16, 2008
- ^Batman Inc.#6 (May 2011)
- ^Dark Days: The Forge,no. 1 (2017). DC Comics.
- ^Doomsday Clock#5 (May 2018). DC Comics.
- ^"DC Comics launching Batman and the Outsiders in December".Archived fromthe originalon 2018-08-23.
- ^"DC Cancels 'Batman and the Outsiders'".DC.29 November 2018.Retrieved2022-09-09.
- ^Batman: Urban Legends#18 (2022). DC Comics.
- ^Outsiders#3. DC Comics.
- ^Batman and the Outsiders#1. DC Comics.
- ^abcOutsiders#6. DC Comics.
- ^abcBatman and the Outsiders#20. DC Comics.
- ^Batman and the Outsiders Annual#1. DC Comics.
- ^Batman and the OutsidersVol. 3 #1. DC Comics.
- ^Batman and the Outsiders#9. DC Comics.
- ^abcdefgBatman and the Outsiders#14. DC Comics.
- ^Outsiders#1. DC Comics.
- ^Outsiders#21. DC Comics.
- ^Outsiders(vol. 3) #36-37. DC Comics.
- ^"Enter the Outsiders!".Batman: The Brave and the Bold.Season 1. Episode 6. January 9, 2009.Cartoon Network.
- ^"Requiem for a Scarlet Speedster!".Batman: The Brave and the Bold.Season 2. Episode 39. Cartoon Network.
- ^"'Black Lightning' Outsiders Comic Easter Egg: What It Might Mean ".31 January 2018.
External links
edit- Cosmic Teams: Outsiders Index
- DCU Guide: Outsiders IIArchived2015-05-18 at theWayback Machine
- DCU Guide: Outsiders IIIArchived2016-03-03 at theWayback Machine
- OutsidersatDon Markstein's Toonopedia.Archivedfrom the original on September 7, 2015.