OUTSIDERS #2 – THE UNKNOWN CHALLENGES

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re following along a trio of individuals that strive to know the unknown. Luke Fox. Kate Kane. Drummer. This unlikely group blazed its’ own trail in their debut issue. Now the question becomes what secret will they unlock in the DC Universe now?

OUTSIDERS #2 by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Robert Carey, Valentina Taddeo and Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) brings forth a new expedition into the hidden world of DC Comics. Let’s follow along as the trio takes another plunge into mystery!

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins with the trio conversing in their offices in London, England. Kate Kane takes the lead and starts describing an experience she had while at West Point. Kane breaks down an expedition to the Enlil triangle, investigating a unique storm. While out at sea, a creature emerged and took out the fleet researching the area for rescue.

Kane tries selling the point of investigating the creature and the storm. Knowing the area has been a mystery for 25 years, Kane feels this is Outsiders business 101.

However, the rest of the team shown some hesitance. After some deliberation, the group heads into the Enlil Island Chain to unlock the secret of the storm.

Once they arrive, they come across something that readers won’t see coming. Blocking their path of discovery is a long-standing DC Comics team that knows a thing or two about “Challenging Unknown” obstacles. The Outsiders cross paths with the new CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN!

What happens when the two units are in search of the same answers? Readers find out fast that the Challengers are not the same group they remember.

The new dynamic plays into an unforeseen hurdle on the search for the truth. The drama heightens as the search goes further into the sea. The resolution leaves much to ponder as the ending presents a new thought. The final moment closes out the story on a solid note, while giving some inklings of where this team is heading as their story has just begun.

The HiveMind further play into the mysteries of the DCU by re-envisioning one of DC’s classic teams. The writing walks readers through their history just enough to sense their impact on the story. The breakout character thus far has to be Kate Kane. Seeing the tension building with conversation with Fox challenge how this tea can co-exist.

Meanwhile, the mission at hand showed various layers before drawing its’ conclusion. The personalities clash just enough to give readers a different sense of teamwork. This point is highlighted in the closing act. It gives its’ payoff to the brooding internal conflict and continues to move the latest chapter forward.

The closing moments leave readers on an optimistic note as the writing reflects the new team is still finding their footing. All the while, the writing juggles many points on the road to leave the readers well invested at this ambitious story.

Carey and Taddeo leaves readers with many different looks on this team’s latest quest. There is an excellent two page spread welcoming the creature from Kate’s past into the current story.

The conversation panels show Kane’s frustration in getting the team invested in her. This does taper off once the rival characters make their appearance.

The Challengers make a grand entrance with a stand-out fill page panel. Their introduction panels are presented in an easy-to-follow style which makes an easy transition once the drama begins to ramp up. The closing image will give readers pause to what’s next. It’s a great full page parting shot mirroring the prime driver of a solid driven story.

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The latest challenge for DC’s newest super-team displays an emotional driven tale. The HiveMind balance the drama and excitement with fantastic writing. Carey, Taddeo and Napolitano construct huge moments with driven reactions to continue making this a book not to be missed on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Outsiders #2. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative!