Batman and the Outsiders (1983) 19

The title may be Batman and the Outsiders, but, as the cover depicts, it’s Superman who does the heavy lifting this issue.

Batman and the Outsiders (1983) 19

Batman and the Outsiders premiered in the 200th – and final – issue of Brave and the Bold before receiving its own imprint in August 1983. Batman was mentor to team members Geo-Force, Katana, Halo and Looker with Black Lightning and Metamorpho appearing as non-cast members throughout the book’s run. Batman eventually left the title, by issue 32, which limped along until cancellation with issue 46.

At least the book was festive for the 1984 Christmas season with “Who’s Afraid of the Big Red S?”

The casual reader may find the book confusing as regulars make guest appearances to discuss current events in the title. Still, the snow and tinsel brings the Christmas season to the forefront. And, what says Christmas more than an attempted suicide plot device? Maybe Superman and Geo-Force slugging it out?

Well, maybe not. Let’s just go with the holiday cover.

At least the fight scene is good. Writer Mike W. Barr rigs the slugfest so Geo-Force appears to have a chance against the Big Blue Boy Scout.

Thanks to Batman’s detective skills the villain is brought to justice and all is well within the DC Universe for another Christmas season.