Outsiders #11

[Fazhoul]

Outsiders #11
DC Comics
$2.50
Judd Winnick
Will Conrad
Sean Parsons

This issue of the Outsiders deals with Arsenal's recovery and rehab from his shooting several issues ago. It's not just his physical recovery but his mental recovery too. As Roy states in the story, for the first time in a long time he's afraid of what could happen to him and what would become of his daughter Lian if he dies. These are very real fears that a lot of law enforcement officers that deal with these fears every day and it was good to see the issue addressed in the super-hero world.

It was appropriate that Dick would be the one to help him get over his fears. Although I sort of fealt that the whole thing was wrapped up a little too quickly. On the other hand, I wouldn't have wanted to see it drag on for an entire six issue story arc so maybe this one issue story was a good thing.

I thought that the art by Will Conrad & Sean Parsons was at least as good if not better than Tom Raney's work. It's always nice when you can find substitute artists of such high quality.

While Outsiders isn't my favorite team book it has proven to be an enjoyable read almost every month. Final grade for this issue: B+.

[MatthewSmith]

Originally posted by Fazhoul
It was appropriate that Dick would be the one to help him get over his fears. Although I sort of fealt that the whole thing was wrapped up a little too quickly. On the other hand, I wouldn't have wanted to see it drag on for an entire six issue story arc so maybe this one issue story was a good thing.

Well, I don't hink things are wrapped up here. Arsenal may being going back intot he field again, but I can't believe that this fear of guns that he has now isn't going to come again in the near future.

I thought this was a good issue. I keep teetering back and forth on whether I should keep reading Outsiders and this issue made me what to keep going with it at least for a little while longer.

I give it a B.

[Caramuru]

I thought it was a really good story. Winnick's characterization of Arsenal and the trouble he's having after being shot rang true and human. His relationship with Grace was refreshingly unsentimental and allowed room for Winnick to show other depths of feeling besides the expected team romantic relationship cliche. One of the best aspects of the book is the friendly banter. The dialogue is getting better and better and it's always fun to read. I'm thinking that, overall, this is shaping up to be possibly one of the most mature super-hero books around while still remaining teenager-friendly.

I give it a B+

[Wulfkin]

This issue was a bit of an awkward read for me.I enjoyed the dialogue with Nightwing and the "fight or f*ck" bit with Grace was very strong but the pacing of the story seemed a bit off.Overall it was a good read and i'd give it a B rating too.

[Xaraan]

I liked this issue. It was kinda nice to get inside of Aresenal a little and see him react realistically to getting shot up.

I liked Nightwing's help and their dialogue at the end was hilarious.

I didn't think it was wrapped up in this issue though. To me it just looked like Nightwing said come on back and we will work on it as we go, and that Aresenal did not get over his fear of guns then.

I would give this issue an A.

[COREMARK]

I also thought this was a pretty good issue. I do enjoy these more character driven stories as some characters tend to get lost on some team books. I would also like to say that I am also really liking the way Winick is handling the Grace/Arsenal relationship. My only real complaint bout the issue is that I miss Raney's pencils, but Conrad did do a pretty good job filling in.

Book Grade: B+

[yorick]

This is one of those titles that has done nothing but get better by the issue. In this inparticular issue Winnick gives an interesting look into the post shot Arsenal. He brings up, what seem to be, realistic reactions to getting shot the way he did. The interaction between him and Nightwing was very well done.

Overall this issue gets a B+

cheers'

- yorick

[Ryan Grant]

I was put off a little bit by the sex scene, frankly. We've seen it in this series before, but if they keep it up I think it needs a Mature Readers label.

That said, great characterization on Arsenal. The dialogue between him and Dick was spot on, and I'm very curious to see how this gun phobia manifests itself later on. Winnick's doing a great job on this book!

--Ryan--

[Cayman]

This was the first Outsiders issue I've bought since 4. I was lured back by the Sienkiewicz cover and by my curiosity over what Will Conrad's art looked like. Overall, I thought it was very impressive. Judd seems to shine on one-shot character spotlights, like the one he did with Arsenal and Connor Hawke a few issues back in Green Arrow. Honestly, I'd almost rather have him writing an Arsenal solo series than there being an Outsiders book. I'd give the book a B+.

Cay