REVIEW: Batman: Detective Comics #983

What happens when the DC Universe“s supreme vigilante is stalked by an unknown, media-savvy, vigilante? We don“t know yet, but the “On the Outside”“ arc of Batman: Detective Comics is putting readers on the case. One of the most exciting developments over the course of the history of DC“s Batman books has been the introduction and sometimes the tragic plight of an endless stream of Batman sidekicks. The construction of the “Robin”“ figure has become such a staple of popular American culture that when say you are “playing”“ Robin to someone“s Batman it is almost clichÃ©. Creators who work across the Batman titles for DC comics understand the mythological allure of the sidekick who needs to be mentored in the mortally high-stakes game of vigilante justice.

Recently, Batman“s team or family of sidekicks has become more crystallized across the Batman corner of the DC universe. The Signal is one of the standout figures amongst this current crop of Batman“s acolytes and he is featured in this opening story of “On the Outside.” Black Lightning is also along for this ride as Batman considers the critical distinctions between being a mentor and being a teacher. He is an ok mentor ”“ depending on which storyline and which Robin/sidekick is in question, but he identifies Jefferson Pierce, school principal, English teacher, and the Black Lightning, as an ideal pedagogical influence for his team of young sidekicks.

“On the Outside”“ part one, Detective Comics issue #983, is a powerful opening to what looks to be an intriguing and innovative arc for one of comics“ longest running titles. It reminds us that being a part of Batman“s inner circle or even being a fan of Batman and his inner circle comes with unexpected consequences ”“ particularly in the age of social media and super fandom. This issue is at once a commentary on the pitfalls of too-eager fan bases as well as the tough challenges of teaching young people in the digital age.

The vigilante who stalks Batman and company claims that his young acolytes make him (the Batman) weaker. He seems hell bent on making sure that his claim is realized. And maybe it already is. Readers don“t need any more clues ”“ or any more detective work to figure out (or understand) that Batman is made more vulnerable by those he chooses to join him on his impossible mission. Sadly we have seen this fact play out in more ways than some readers want to recall whenever excitement peaks around the introduction of a new Bat acolyte. Batman“s world is a dark place ”“where there is an endless supply of criminals preying on the most vulnerable populations. “On the Outside”“ seems to be set to remind us of Batman“s primary predicament as a vigilante superhero: there never really is an inside track for justice in a world where evil lurks around every dark city corner. 4/5.

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(W) Bryan Hill (A) Miguel Mendonca (CA) Mark Brooks