Written by Mike W. Barr.
Art by Irv Novick; Dave Hunt; Albert De Guzman; & Gene D’Angelo.
Cover Art by Jim Aparo.
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Shadow of the Outsider!,” DC Comics released this issue for July 1985. Below the Wayne Foundation Building, a freak accident renders Alfred Pennyworth unconscious, releasing his villainous Outsider for the fourth time (originally dating back to Detective Comics # 356).
Even Batman’s Outsiders (Black Lightning, Metamorpho, Katana, Halo, & Geo-Force) can not thwart the Outsider’s considerable mental, transmutation, and elemental firepower. Further challenging the Man of Steel, the dastardly Outsider confounds Superman in the tornado-stricken Midwest.
Seeking clues in the Batcave, Black Lightning and Geo-Force team with Superman against the Outsider’s control of various Bat-properties being used against them. Meanwhile, Batman leads Katana, Halo, and Metamorpho in a counter-strike against the obscure villain taking advantage of the Outsider’s latest rampage (including knowledge of Batman’s secret identity).
REVIEW:
As typically formulaic and kid-friendly for that era’s DC Comics, Issue # 83 does not disappoint. Both Mike Barr’s tame storytelling and the art squad’s good visuals deliver a rare opportunity to see Superman interact with Batman’s original Outsiders.
Including a welcome final page, DC Comics Presents # 83 is by no means a must-have, but, in the best nostalgic sense, it is a fun read.
Note: As this issue points out, Superman had previously fought Geo-Force in Batman and the Outsiders # 19.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page “Pair Mail” letters-and-answers column. Appearing on the back inside cover, Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column reprints a British fan’s insights.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
