Batman and the Outsiders, Volume 2: Featuring Katana

Batman and the Outsiders (Collected Editions)

by Mike W. Barr, Jim Aparo (Illustrator), Alan Davis (Illustrator)

Collecting the stories that established Batman's own super-team in color for the first time.

In these tales from the 1980s, Batman splits off from the Justice League of America to form his own super-team known as the Outsiders. Including established heroes Black Lightning and Metamorpho as well as dynamic new heroes Katana, Geo-Force and Halo, the team fought for justice on an international stage. Combining superhero action with espionage, the Outsiders faced the threat of the delusional Maxie Zeus, who believes himself to be a Roman god, at the 1984 Olympics, plus an adventure into ancient Egypt, Geo-Force's run-in with Superman and more.

Collects stories from BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #13-23 and BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS ANNUAL #1.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Science Fiction

310 pages, Hardcover

First published April 3, 1985

About the author

Mike W. Barr is an American writer of comic books, and mystery, and science fiction novels. Barr's debut as a comics professional came in DC Comics' Detective Comics #444 (Dec. 1974-Jan. 1975), for which he wrote an 8-page back-up mystery feature starring the Elongated Man. Another Elongated Man story followed in Detective Comics #453 (November 1975). He wrote text articles and editorial replies in letter columns for the next few years. By mid-1980 he was writing regularly for both DC and Marvel, including stories for Marvel Team-Up, Mystery in Space, Green Lantern, and various Batman titles.

Legion of Super-Heroes #277 (July 1981) saw him take on editorial duties at DC, while writing issues of DC's Star Trek comic, for whom he created the native American character Ensign Bearclaw and a pacifist Klingon named Konom. In December 1982, he and artist Brian Bolland began Camelot 3000, a 12 issue limited series that was one of DC Comics' first direct market projects. In August 1983, Barr created what may well be his most enduring work, the monthly title Batman and the Outsiders with art by Jim Aparo. Barr wrote every issue of the original series, and its Baxter paper spinoff, The Outsiders.

His other comics work includes Mantra and Maze Agency as well as the 1987 OGN hardcover book Batman: Son of the Demon (with art by Jerry Bingham), proceeds from which reputedly "restored DC Comics to first place in sales after fifteen years." This title, and Barr's work on Batman with artist Alan Davis have been cited by Grant Morrison as key inspirations for his recent (2006) run on the Batman title.

In 2007, he wrote a two-part story for the pages of DC's JLA: Classified (#47-48, Jan-Feb 2008), returned to the Outsiders with Outsiders: Five of a Kind—Katana/Shazam #1 (Oct 2007), contributed to Tokyopop's Star Trek: The Manga, and relaunched Maze Agency at IDW Publishing. He has also scripted many of Bongo Comics' Simpsons titles, including a Christmas story for 2010.

In May 2010, the Invisible College Press published Barr's science fiction/fantasy novel, Majician/51, about the discoveries of a scientist working at Area 51.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very surprised that Mike Barr tackles similar social issues we still face today in a 30+ year old comic book. Whether it's a would be despot General (Replace the Force of July with the Space Force and the despot the book starts out with might as well be Donald Trump. There's even a "Make America great again" reference.) or the #MeToo movement. (A college dean tries to force himself upon a student.) Plus, Halo's origin is revealed.



Jim Aparo is my Batman artist. I still love how he draws him along with the other Outsiders. Plus some very early Alan Davis DC work.

[Dr Rashmit Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to the first volume, I enjoyed this significantly more. There are varied reasons for that ofcourse , for one the first story involved subject matter that although was written in 1980 , are still relevant in the present and not just in America , world wide . Secondly much of the story line was pretty dark and gritty despite incorporating all the campiness of 80s . We also learned almost all that there is to learn about Rex and Halo and the Halo storyline in particular was very engrossing (except for her romance with GF and then deciding that she'd rather be his sister . Eww!)

Overall i enjoyed this quite a lot and despite it's time it's a fun read and has aged quite well

[Katherine (Kat) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 Stars

Individual issues rated below -

Batman and the Outsiders Annual #1: 2.5/5

Batman and the Outsiders #13: 2.5/5
Batman and the Outsiders #14: 1.5/5
Batman and the Outsiders #15: 2.5/5
Batman and the Outsiders #16: 3/5
Batman and the Outsiders #17: 2.5/5
Batman and the Outsiders #18: 1.5/5
Batman and the Outsiders #19: 2/5
Batman and the Outsiders #20: 3/5
Batman and the Outsiders #21: 1.5/5
Batman and the Outsiders #22: 3/5
Batman and the Outsiders #23: 2.5/5

*TW some issues contain sexual assault.*

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different types of superheroes lend themselves to different tones when it comes to telling their adventures. When on his own, Batman works best in a dark and moody setting, with storytelling to match. However, when adventuring with the super-team he formed, the Outsiders--see volume one of this series for that tale--he and his teammates seem much more at home with bright, fast-paced, larger-than-life adventures. Creators Mike W. Barr and legendary Batman artist Jim Aparo combine those kinds of classic, fun, colorful exploits with some nuanced character stories. They don't ground the stories in the gritty realism of a dark, urban, humorless environment; they ground the characters by portraying them as genuine, three-dimensional personalities who run the full gamut of emotions and feelings. Juxtaposed against storylines that pit them against opponents like the Force of July or ancient Egyptian sorcerers, or would-be Greek gods, the stakes feel real, because the characters feel real. This has long been one of my favorite comics because of the skill of the creators and the compelling characters they tell us about, and it totally holds up. While most of the art is by Aparo, we get some guest appearances by greats like Trevor Von Eeden, Jerome K. Moore, Alex Saviuk, Jan Duursema, Bill Willingham, and a couple of stories from one of my other all-time favorites, Alan Davis. Davis took over the series from Aparo, and we get his first two stories here. Hopefully, we will get future volumes that contain the rest of Davis's work, plus the rest of Jim Aparo's work on the comic that spun off from this one: The Outsiders (sans Batman). In the meantime, the first volume and this one deserve to be read as great examples of a great superhero team from the mid-1980s.

[Nate]

The second Batman and the Outsiders volume follows the first’s model of exciting storytelling and strong character development. By now the group of six is more comfortable with each other, and even count themselves as friends. But as they battle nationalistic espionage agents, an ancient Egyptian priest, a drug kingpin, and sentient light beings, Batman’s team of heroes is put to the test.

I didn’t enjoy this volume quite as much as the first, but it’s not because of the characters. Each member of the Outsiders is interesting, their struggles palpable. Whether it’s Jefferson (Black Lighting) coming into his own as a high school teacher, Metamorpho dealing with his unduly protective father-in-law, or Geo-Force controlling his rage, the team always keeps me invested.

One of the best parts of this book is Halo discovering who she is and how she got her powers. I like that clues to her past have been sprinkled throughout the series since the first issue, instead of info-dumped in a matter of pages. Here, she reunites with her parents and re-learns a dark episode in her past, before confronting the origin of her powers in issues 22-23. It’s not at all what I was excepting, but the reveal is expertly handled by Mike W. Barr and Alan Davis, not to mention Adrienne Roy’s eye-popping colors.

Another highlight for me is how the Outsiders increasingly clash with Batman, especially Geo-Force. He’s very much the strongman of the group, rushing in and performing a beatdown before properly thinking out a plan. Naturally, this disagrees with Batman’s meticulous and obsessive ways, coming to a head in issue 19 where Geo-Force almost kills someone. Katana also butts heads with her leader, specifically over Halo’s situation. She’s a mother figure to Halo, but when Batman tracks down Halo’s real parents for her to then live with, Katana resists. In a great moment that’s perfectly in character, Batman, says, “A child belongs with his parents, Tatsu. I’ll hear no more about it.”

Other storylines aren’t as strong. I didn’t care for the Annual issue, where the Outsiders battle the Force of July (you read that right) – it’s dated in a really bad way. Metamorpho’s arc didn’t wow me either, even if he had some good moments. There’s also a two-parter featuring Maxie Zeus that was goofy and forgettable.

Still, I had fun with this book. I love the idea of Batman shepherding his own team. It makes sense for him, a loner by nature, to surround himself with other heroes. The Justice League is behind him, Dick Grayson is grown up and doing his thing with the Teen Titans, and Jason Todd is still training as Robin. But Batman will never stop warring on crime. Why not gather these heroes to help, and teach them in the process?

[Cybernex007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Issue 14

“This trash receptacle will server my purpose admirably”

I think that quote sums up this issue quite nicely as I was confused the entire time.

Geoforce and halo becoming a thing after a bit of witty stopping each others dates!l?? Ewww, where did this come from?

It also feels like we went back to issue #1 with how the characters are just being shoved from place to place to get the story completed.

And Batman was just chilling at the Olympics with his mask off? One of the most highly documented events?

And the art was drastically different and not in a good way this issue, and who forced Regan to be included? The annual for this run was so anti Regan, someone must have put a gun to Mike Barr’s head

Also I do like Maxie Zues, and I want to know more about the villain. But geez this was rough for him, and at this point has the monitor not been fully explained?? Because I am fairly certain the way they are using the monitor to give Zeus a group of villains, that also happen to all fit in one helicopter, is not the intended use of the character. Unless this is a completely different monitor, also created by Marv, from the one we see in crisis on infinite earths.



Issue #15

Just another head scratching issue. I enjoyed the guest artist for this issue quite a bit more than the last, but the characters just seem like they were written by someone who has never heard of them.

And the entire time all of the games kept going in a back and forth fashion, right until the point the characters were needed again, which they were then able to wrap it up without issue.

Batman: “I’ll apologize to the LA police later but is their own fault for putting the buildings so far apart”

Oh and that Olympian is just cool with the whole hijacking the Olympics and kidnapping her, just because Maxie was trying to get her to take care of hit daughter? Do you not see the red flags??


Issue #16

Glad we are back into the swing of things.

I loved the quick cameo from Jason Bard to really tie together Halo’s past. Bruce’s investigative lap dog to do all the grunt work he doesn’t have time to do.

But what I loved even more than that was the giant grin on Batman’s face while being able to tell Halo the good news that they found her parents and real identity, and it really leaves me itching for more of Halo’s story. Especially after the trippy start of the issue with Halo’s nightmare about her identity.

All though that scene also adds a bit of solace to how Katana is feeling after acting as a mother figure to Halo for this entire run. I see where she is coming from when she has a hard time with this revelation.

And it does also appear that they are continuing the relationship sub story between geo force and halo. I’m still quite conflicted about how quick their relationship came together and what that means for the team dynamic, especially with how much Halo is still trying to figure out. It just ends up seeming like a team love to have a team love.

Lastly, metamorpho, don’t get me wrong I love him, but where did I miss the origin story? It’s very obvious Barr hates origins and just wants to get to the good parts. He has shown that we Halo and Geo-Force’s relationship and the entire formation of the team, but where do I have to go to found out what those orbs are??



Issue #17

“I don’t entirely understand the metaphysical ramifications myself…”

I guess some of those metaphysical ramifications also refers to the question of why everyone in ancient Egypt can speak English.

But it turns out I only had to wait one issue more to find out more about Rex’s past and transformation to metamorpho, as they completely covered it this issue.

Through metamorpho being controlled, this issue also showed how OP metamorpho can be if he used the full extent of his powers. They had to perform a full retreat to get out of this situation.

Also I just want to say I absolutely love the hieroglyphic cover art. Looks clean.


Issue #18

OKAY what side story have I been missing the entire time with the student desperately needing to get a scholarship. For the last few issues I’ve been reading it, but it’s been so short and I don’t know who the character is that I’ve sorta just overlooked it. BUT it looks like I’ll never know because that story took quite a turn. The teacher tried to manipulate Denise into “favors” for the scholarship and not willing to give up on her morality not being able to live with the defeat she took her life. OMG what is happening while our kooky characters are stuck in the past.

Speaking of which, turns out they can also just send our heroes back to the future at any point, so that was convenient.

But I did love the use of Batman’s strategy to get metamorpho into a position where he turns into a gas antibiotic to counter act the mind control. Oh also they used his cape to catch someone, that was hilarious.

Lastly, glad to see that Rex is finally able to be with the one he loves, Stagg isn’t holding that back any longer.



Issue #19

What an absolute back and forth issue when it comes to pacing. On one hand, I only just now remembered the girl who attempted suicide is a friend to geo force and so I did feel it was a little odd how fast she was able to just explain the entire situation to him, while overdosing.

But the emotional impact of the fight between Superman and geo force really held its own and really set geo force apart morally from other superheroes. Also it was fun to see how OP they made his abilities this issue to rival even Superman.

Also super glad they ditched the halo + geo force love arc and then both just decided they didn’t love each other and were just using each other as an outlet for their family issues. lol.

Going back to the main story, big emotional impact about murder between supes and geo force and then the fight is over and how do we wrap it up? BOOM, Batman comes in with an entire folder of allegations to lock the teacher up. The system works when we have a master detective working on overtime.



Issue #20

Tobias Whale vs Black lightning official round 2 when??? I need it now, I am so happy for the reintroduction of Tobias whale and the chance for him to face against BL again.

But to the main point of this issue. The elusive origin of Halo. We got a lot of details about Halo’s origin, but it still seems like it is shrouded in mystery. But a lot of the facts keep adding up, her connection to the boy who died, her apparent known photographic memory. But still we see that Halo is still having dreams with the fear about not knowing her past and who she is. I think this is leading to a point where we won’t fully know her past and instead accept her identity as who she is now.


And ending it off, Halo Bruce should be providing you with a welcome package to the watching your parents die club. Geez syonide really just shot them both and ran away with all of them there?

Also, Pierce you aren’t slick, just causally reading hamlet. As if, you are just trying to look cool, or Pierce may just be preparing his mind for the mind machine that whale just has on hand lol.



Issue #21

Somehow whenever there are guest writers the story itself plummets into mediocrity. And that goes 2 fold when the stories are condensed to fit 3 into 1 issue.

We got a short story for Katana, geo-force, and Black Lightning. And they got worse as they went along, but Katana’s was the best for sure.

Katana’s story was an everyday helping the police transport an artifact to a museum so it won’t get stolen. But it had this really creative touch of 0 dialogue with the characters and instead the entire thing was being narrated as a football game, with the characters in one way or another matching with the game being described.

It was very creative and well done, although did have a few things that shouldn’t go over well like Katana throwing the priceless vase to the museum curator to keep it away from the guys trying to steal it. That seems like the type of thing where the police don’t call you again for heroing.

In an odd way each of these stories had some odd quirk world element that just shouldn’t make sense to happen that way. Like with the police relying so much on calling Katana up, or everyone knowing who geo force is, even though he is part of a group called the outsiders. Or Pierce ditching the Afro plus mask helmet and just growing an Afro. What the heck that was so cool. Kidding on that last one. But legitimately for Pierce’s story the ghetto blaster, with how dumb of a name that is, was doing the correct thing by tearing down those abandoned buildings to make way for new housing. But then they slap some stupid story that he lost where he stashed money so he is going to destroy every building to find it. COME ON, at least let him destroy all the abandoned ones first. Also this dude was a common robber but somehow has a suit capable of storing energy and shooting it back out. I can think of a few military industrial complexes that would love to have the schematics for that.



Issue #22


Absolutely what just happened. I actually really like this idea for an origin for Halo. 2 identities with different origins. More origins for our buck. A past life for the human body, a an infinite life for the life that now inhabits it.

But upon learning this and being faced with these beings of immortality and complete unity the outsiders immediate reaction is to learn ways to kill them lol.

Also geoforce and the others getting thrown into space, the worst possible thing they could have done was hold their breaths. Their lungs would explode, so obviously a book on surviving space was not picked up while making this issue

Also it appears that without Jim Aparo everyone in this issue has somehow gained a better sense of smell.

Lastly, what did I miss with the watch tower did that happen in a JL book? Because the start of this run has Batman in the watch tower.


Issue #23

My heart longs for Tatsu and Halo’s relationship to go back to normal but I really do love how it isn’t. This is a hard thing for Halo to deal with, she took a body that was dead but not her own.

I now completely understand where the storyline for Halo in young Justice tv show came from. Before this comic and before that show the only exposure to Halo I had was as a side character in crisis on infinite earths, but wow her story is so much deeper.

I do love the trickery the outsiders had to take to take on these beings. Using katana’s sword to take one of the Aurakle hostage and do their bidding after she killed it with the soul taker last issue.

Then suing metamorpho as a copper wire to boost Black Lightning’s electricity to bring their entire species to a halt. Good stuff and it worked quite well in getting them off the hook and freeing Halo.

Also o loved Katana’s smirk as she denied the request of freedom from the other soul, of the man who killed her husband, in the sword. That was quite satisfying.



Overall this was a quicker read compared to the first volume. Started off on a really rough note, but as we explored more character origins it got a lot better. But as this volume continues to showcase is that Mike NEEDS to stay on the correct path. As once he starts going off the trail then it goes downhill quick.

[Richard Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. This is a decent selection of comics that goes crazy toward the end. The racist stuff in the book is pretty surprising (Black Thunder gets called "boy" a few times), but this was the '80s after all. Also, there's a character just like Donald Trump (Who even says that he'll make America great again), so that was pretty prescient. Overall, an okay read, but nothing special.

[JD Comics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batman and the Outsiders, Vol. 2 continues Mike Barr’s Outsiders run. However, the book is not perfect. It features some campy moments, such as the contest between the Outsiders and Maxie Zeus’ New Olympians. It's understandable, though, considering it was released in 1984, the year when the United States hosted the Summer Olympics.

Nevertheless, despite the campy stories, I prefer this volume over the first because a lot of important things happened in this book. Geo-Force is still grappling with the aftermath of his sister's actions (see New Teen Titans: The Judas Contract). The Outsiders arrive at his place to offer support. This is one aspect I appreciate about this team—they are like a supportive family. Geo-Force contemplates leaving the team, unable to bear wearing the same costume as his sister. Batman, foreseeing this, steps in and provides Geo-Force with his gold and green costume.

Katana and Black Lightning took center stage in the first volume, but Barr skillfully shifts the spotlight to other team members in this book. A budding romance is developing between Geo-Force and Halo. Meanwhile, Katana gradually distances herself from Halo as she realizes that Halo needs to be with her real family. It's a shame because Katana and Halo share a mother-and-daughter-like relationship.

Meanwhile, Metamorpho continues to request Dr. Jace to find a cure for his current condition. This request sets the stage for a storyline where the team is transported back in time to ancient Egypt. Here, we catch a glimpse of Metamorpho as a villain, showcasing the full extent of his powers.

There's a mature plot point involving a dean attempting to take advantage of his student, who coincidentally is a friend of Geo-Force. The traumatic incident leads her to attempt suicide. In the aftermath, Geo-Force is consumed by rage and desires to take matters into his own hands. Batman seeks Superman's assistance to prevent Geo-Force from seeking revenge. Geo-Force confronts Superman, questioning why he's defending someone as reprehensible as the dean. This is such a powerful scene.

This book’s focal point is the revelation of Halo's identity, and it's quite wild. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the reveal. I would have preferred a simpler backstory for Halo. Overwhelmed, Halo informs the team that she needs to take a temporary leave.

The art is primarily illustrated by Jim Aparo, with a few guest artists making appearances. However, starting from issue 22, Alan Davis permanently takes over as the artist of the series.

My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second volume of Batman and the Outsiders unfortunately starts off with a tiresome annual that's a long fight with the character-less Force of July for no apparent reason and with no subplots. There's also one dull issue filled with solo stories (#21). Fortunately, the rest of the volume is up to the standards of the first volume of Batman & The Outsiders. We get a strong story about Metamorpho that plays with his Egyptian origins and we also get a weird story about Zeus and a bunch of Olympiads, which is a bit weaker, but still interesting.

The heart of the volume, though, is the Secret Origin of Halo, which is spread out across the whole volume. The first two parts are really delightful, as Gabby finds her parents and also finds some of the dark secrets that she once harbored. There's some great drama and character development there.

The last two issues are a bit weirder, as it turns out that Gabby is really an entity made of light who possessed the body of a dead girl. I really don't love it, but on the other hand it's taken in a great direction at the end, as Gabby both realized what she's given up and what she's done, offering a great twist on her character.

The strength of the New Teen Titans was always in its character stories, and that continues to be duplicated in this second volume of Batman & The Outsiders, where unsurprisingly the best stories are the character-focused ones.

[Anthony Wendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume really breaks out with the discovery into Halo's origin. Speaking of Halo, the interaction between here and Katana continues to remain a great bit of character interaction which goes underappreached. They have a great adopted mother/daughter vibe which really makes the reader feel for them. Also, the 1984 annual is a great reminder how politcal discourse has been a part of comics for decades.

[Simon Belfast · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine continuation of the series. Not only it is much better than the previous one, but also it examines subjects I wasn't expecting. Chemistry between characters are also better in this one and they have good dramatic aspects this time. Some of the moments are still dull, but overally it's better than average. - 6/10

[Martin Maenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continued down my BATO memory lane trip. This volume features revelations to Halo's background, a memorable Christmas issue and an Annual whose storyline is still as relevant today in 2019 as it was back in 1984.

[Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent volume of the first Outsiders series. The Summer Olympics arc was pretty dumb but Halo's storyline was really interesting. We also got some character development from Metamorpho too. I really enjoy Katana's maternal bond with Halo, it was so cute.

[Tom Maseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume collects BATO 14 - 23 and Annual #1. It covers the years 1984 and 1985. The story of Halo's origin is featured. The series was well-written by Mike W. Barr and illustrated by the late great but underappreciated artist Jim Aparo.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An underrated but excellent example of what was great about superhero comics in the early 1980s.

[Dylan Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read. The origins of Halo was a bit odd...but fun. Weird, but not too weird in the way that I care. Love Katana. And Rex. And even Geo-Force.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Outsiders excellence from Mike W. Barr, Jim Aparo, and Alan Davis.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite series when I was a kid. Still fun to read.