Batman and the Outsiders: The Snare

Despite an OK start the 2008 incarnation of the Outsiders was an unlovable mess dragged down by frequent changes in creators and direction. No one seemed to know what do with the book or why it even existed. And things start to fall apart here.After their first case the Outsiders now investigate a mysterious space station, the only problem is none of them can fly in space. So they decide to hijack a Chinese space shuttle.???Which makes no sense. Half the team are/were members of the Justice League so why not ask Superman or Green Lantern to check it out? Why not borrow a ship from them or from the Martian Manhunter who just on the team? Why bring China into it?Predictably things go awry with the team captured in China. Then the space station, the laser, the zombies and the whole plot is forgotten in the next issue with a new creative team and new direction as Batman is temporary killed and everyone, characters and writers both flounders around looking for direction.The 2008 Outsiders were a train wreck from start to finish, skip it.

"The Snare" contains five issues of a "Batman and the Outsiders" run which focus on a mission in China, action on the moon and events in Gotham City. It's a fairly motley collection of heroes, all gathered by Batman though there are a few mainstays from previous and future incarnations of the group (namely Katana, Geoforce and Metaphisto with a brief appearance from Looker). While the series has its following, the Outsiders goes through phases faster than most groups or comics so be warned. This incarnation of the group is a transitional one. It's not a bad lineup by any means but DC had other plans and reshuffled the deck--yet again. The art is solid, the plot is rushed but fun but characters could have been fleshed out and developed a tad better. This version of the group certainly had its strengths and had some potential--but DC went in another direction.

I've come across a few bad reviews of these books when they were being printed monthly (Batman and the Outsiders 6-10). I don't know what's not to like. This is a cool story with a ton cool characters. Metamorpho, Grace, Katana, Thunder, Batman, Batgirl, Green Arrow, and Geo-Force. From the "Great Ten" Angry Wizard, Barefoot Tiger, and Dragonfire. All those and a few surprise cameos.Chuck Dixon writes great stories and this is no exception. I for one am sorry to see him off the book, but I'm liking Peter Tomasi's work so far.An Outsider's fan will find much to love here.

Looks like half a story and feels like half a story, because it is half a story. Not a strong outing for the outsiders i fail to understand how and why that during this eras run of graphic novels releases they only release a small amount of issues and ridiculously uncompleted story lines. This picks up from the previous graphic novel immediately starting in the middle of a story and finishes in the middle of a story with no conclusion and missing characters etc.The main arc itself is ok. Theres plenty of conspiracy theories to sink your teeth into and a few tense moments as the group once again enter forbidden international areas. The addition of Green Arrow is another positive as his brand of humour and quips make for entertainment and some great team dialogue and dynamics. Despite these few strong points im afraid it doesn't make up for the unorganised structure of this half a novel, the unrealistic portrayal of Batman as he constantly stands watching the computer monitors. it would be far more realistic and epic to watch Batman coordinate his team while he himself is out doing his solo crime fighting in Gotham. Batman after all doesn't have time to stand around scratching his cape, especially of an evening.Overall not a must read. This is one for the collectors and chronology buffs.

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Great