Batman & The Outsiders #1: “Wars Ended, Wars Begun!”

Batman needs help from the Justice League of America! But they refuse! Causing Batman to take matters into his own hands! Can Batman tame the two wars he’s about to confront…?

Creative Team

Mike W. Barr (Writer), Jim Aparo (Artist/Letterer/Cover), Adrienne Roy (Colorist)

Dick Giordano (Executive Editor), Len Wein (Editor), Nicola Cuti (Assistant Editor)

Published: August 1983 by DC Comics

“Wars Ended, Wars Begun!”

Batman & The Outsiders #1: “Wars Ended, Wars Begun,” written by Mike W. Barr, is the start of a new story arc released in 1983. This story starts off with a celebration for Lucius Fox and Batman on a case that he arrived too late to solve. Lucius is departing on a business trip to Markovia on behalf of Wayne Enterprises. But it only takes forty-eight hours for things to go astray.

Lucius is taken hostage, and Batman becomes furious! So enraged that he summons the entire Justice League of America (JLA) for help. Once Batman explains the situation, Superman and Wonder Woman break the news to him. Superman informed the Government that no member of the JLA would intervene in Markovia. Batman instantly sees red and quits the JLA!

Batman enlists the help of some minor-level heroes to assist him on his mission. Along the way, Batman comes across a fallen woman. But something is interesting about this woman, she has a yellow aura around her entire body. After an initial scare, Batman recruits her (Halo) to aid in his mission. Which turns out to be problematic.

Batman is overtaken and taken to the same holding cell as Lucius. The arrival of Batman is not as welcoming as one might expect from Lucius. He (Lucius) was very adamant about Bruce Wayne not sending Batman to Markovia to rescue him. It is at this point that our first issue of this story concludes with the entrance and introduction to the first villain of this arc, Baron Bedlam.

Artwork

The art in this story is what I like to call “classic” comic art. It is rough yet defined. It has a distinct look, just as modern era comic art does. The accent shadowing mixed with the iconic action verbiage helps to bring this comic to life. With this being a book from 1983 and featuring that classic style, it makes the story entertaining to read.

My Thoughts

Personally, being a Batman fan, I love this book! Now, to take my bias out of the equation. This is an entertaining read. The amount of emotion and passion within the dialogue when Batman wants to rescue Lucius is typical of Batman. The panels bring you along on a fluid ride through action and adventure, sprinkling in suspense. As an avid collector of classic titles, I encourage you to add this title to your collection. Modern comics are fun and exciting, but there is something about having a comic that is older in your hands. Feeling the texture of the old style of paper and getting entranced in the aura of what was popular in its time.

Grade:9/10

The Complete Series: Batman & The Outsiders (1983-1986)

Previous DC Comics Review of Mine: The New Titans #86

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