REVIEW: ‘Outsiders’ #4

Outsiders #4 is published by DC Comics, written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, art by Robert Carey, colors by Valentina Taddeo and letters by Tom Napolitano. The Outsiders try to help an extremely dangerous metahuman whose emotions can change the entire world.

The concept of this issues plot is amazing. A young woman, Jenny, has the uncontrollable power to affect the planet with her feelings. When she is happy, miracles and good luck emerge. When she is upset, disasters happen and people die. The level of her abilities is immediately noted, so it becomes imperative that someone intervenes. The Outsiders take a backseat for the first part of the comic, allowing a linear description of Jenny’s life to reach adulthood. Then comes the briefing between Batwing, Batwoman and the Drummer. But even in a book with another metahuman, the idea of being a superhero is questioned.

The book’s theme deals with anxiety and how it can feel like the whole world is against you. Except in this instance, the anxiety of this woman can crash planes or break bridges. There is some pressure and tension within the story, but actually, it is calm and composed. The panic stems from the presence of the heroes, specifically the Bat symbol, which is emblematic of its oppressive status.

The small cast allows for streamlined storytelling. Batwoman has been the main character for the first three issues, but Outsiders #4 utilises Drummer for more than just her gifts. She represents the opposite of what Batwoman is. Drummer has a distinct dislike for heroes and their abrasiveness, considering them figures of aggression. When Batwoman gets close to Jenny, everything gets too intense and the danger of catastrophe increases.

The ongoing argument between Batwoman and Drummer demonstrates their different viewpoints. As for Batwing, he is somewhat in the middle. Luke is not a combat-heavy member of the Bat Family. He is more willing to talk than fight. But the Bat Symbol on his chest is representative of something much more dangerous than he is. The three sides of the spectrum generate interesting discussions and moral standpoints.

Jenny is a fascinating character. The powers are potentially devastating. Linking it to her emotions creates both fantastic character development and tentative situations within the story. Whilst the mood swings may be inevitable and predictable, what they subsequently cause can be totally random. Lanzing and Kelly have created one of the most powerful metahumans. The level of control Jenny has over what specifically happens is daunting. Both the dialogue and the narration are scripted beautifully, capturing the scale of what Jenny can accomplish.

The art is also interesting as Outsiders #4 is particularly pedestrian and static. The things that Jenny influences happen across the planet and subsequently don’t appear visually. The design of characters is more than enough to draw attention. When the powers are in effect, there is an explosion of energy. It’s a sprawling, violent cloud of consequences, with thick, black tendrils within it. Carey excellently makes a seemingly normal person radiate power. Jenny lands in London, and the British capital looks terrific. It captures the important features of the city whilst maintaining the style of the artist.

The colors are stunning. A different set of shades is used for each page, constantly making it interesting and switching the visuals up. The combination of the dark blue sky with the warm lighting is gorgeous. The display of Jennie’s power, which is an extremely powerful red and black mixture, is phenomenal. It’s a terrific display of the relationship this comic has built between darkness and light. The lettering is extremely clear and easy to read.

Outsiders #4 tells another brand-new story. Every single chapter of this series introduces a whole new adventure and investigation. The latest issue may be the closest to a superhero comic so far, and veering near that is the whole premise of the plot. It explores how else situations can be handled without having a fistfight or supervillains. There are entirely different parameters for each issue that conclude with a satisfying ending whilst leaving the door open for them to return. It’s a book about curiosity, not criminality.

Outsiders #4 is available where comics are sold.