Batman is getting some major exposure recently. A lot of comics, a new movie coming out — and the recent rumor about Bruce Wayne’s death and raising to godlike status — and this week a new comic book was released: Batman and the Outsiders.

This is more of a re-release. There was an Outsiders series from 1985-1988, 1993-1995 and also 2003-2007. Why is it being relaunched? Probably because DC wants the sales boost from a new #1 issue, and also because Batman took over the team. Batman has stated the intention of making the Outsiders a “black-ops” Justice League . . . to do the missions and take the fall where the League can’t.

As a second issue, it doesn’t do the job as well as it could; the story is picked up in the middle instead of the beginning. We need a recap page in case we missed issue #1. One thing that is well done is that the characters are introduced well. You meet Metamorpho, Katana, Thunder, Grace, Martian Manhunter and Batgirl in varied situations that show off the relative power levels pretty well. Catwoman and Batman are also in the mix, but they are more well-known than the others.

All in all, it’s worth another look next month. And if you’re curious, then it’s worth reading through.