Batman and the Outsiders #14: We are the Outsiders, After All

Batman and the Outsiders #14 seems like a step in the right direction for the series. For one, it wasn’t too Batman dominated. It very much feels like Batman is preparing the team to function without him. For Signal and Orphan, that means to break away from him. Lady Shiva encourages them to follow her and not wait to be told what to do by Batman. Lady Shiva, however, turns out to be in contact with Batman. Early in the issue, Batman says, “Perhaps the chaos she will cause will lead Ra’s to us.” I really liked the reveal that Shiva and Batman were in cahoots. Her response to Orphan and Signal, “We are the Outsiders, after all,” was great. The Outsiders are really starting to feel like a team that operates “on the outside” or on the fringes compared to other teams. I was worried that this was going to stay a team that does whatever Batman says.

That being said, I like the idea of there not being a single leader in the Outsiders. Batman, Black Lightning, and Lady Shiva all do things very differently, and it seems like Batman is making sure the team can be led without him. With Black Lighting’s new and improved powers, Batman may be prepping him to completely lead the team. However, I can also see the powers becoming too powerful, which would not be a bad thing. The power might even go to his head and he will try to take complete control of the group. Like always, Batman would be prepared, and it seems like he has every angle covered with the Outsiders, even if he plans to take a step back.