Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Cliff Richards & Ian Hannin
Cover Art by Shane Davis & Barbara Ciardo
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Outside Looking In,” this one-shot was published by DC Comics for December 2010. Wearing stealth armor, Bruce Wayne scouts the chemistry between Dick Grayson’s Batman and his son Damian Wayne (as Robin) in action vs. the Hangmen gang. Working with Tim Drake’s Red Robin, Bruce determines a new assignment for Tim. Meanwhile, Vicki Vale senses a career-altering scoop, as she is dangerously close to exposing the Bat-Family. Bruce Wayne’s nefarious impersonator (Dr. Tommy Elliot, aka Hush) is another threat to Vicki’s immediate safety.
REVIEW:
The visuals are solid (including its Kim Basinger-like Vicki Vale with a blonde bob haircut) from artists Cliff Richards & Ian Hannin. However, this art duo misfires on Bruce Wayne’s age. Instead of his mid-to-late thirties, their Bruce Wayne appears maybe thirty years old. Seeing this inexplicably younger Bruce without his armored helmet is just confusing, as the artwork makes him look too much like Dick Grayson.
In a clever gimmick, Bruce’s private comments on lined notebook paper occasionally mirror Vicki Vale’s own observations. Better yet, writer Fabian Nicieza believably portrays Vicki Vale as a far savvier photojournalist than her character normally is. Lastly, these supposedly secret ‘tests’ that all-knowing Bruce Wayne is conducting on his own most trusted associates seem too pretentiously vain and heavy-handed, even for him. Still, this story is a decent enough Bat-read (particularly, Vicki Vale’s sub-plot). Its premise just isn’t all that satisfying, as Vicki Vale vs. Tommy Eliot is better-played than Bruce Wayne’s condescending games.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A five-page color excerpt from Teen Titans # 88 is included as a preview. DC Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler hypes some upcoming projects in the single-page DC Nation column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
