Young Justice: Outsiders Prequel – Greg Weisman, Writer; Christopher Jones, Artist; Kelly Fitzpatrick
Ratings:
Ray – 8.5/10
Corrina: Simon Says
Ray: It’s been years since Young Justice, one of the most popular DC cartoons ever, was canceled after an agonizing cliffhanger that seemingly killed a beloved character and set up a new major villain. Now, the series will be returning with a new season thanks to the DC Universe streaming service. Fans are thrilled, but before that hits in early January, we’re being treated to a digital comic prequel exclusively on the same service. By the same creative team of Greg Weisman and Christopher Jones behind the original tie-in comic, Young Justice: Outsiders Prequel seems to take place shortly after the end of the original two-season run, although it’s not committing to a specific time. Don’t look for answers here about the fate of Wally West or what’s become of the main characters – this story focuses on a select few characters including Miss Martian, Superboy, Beast Boy, and Batgirl, as a routine mission gets out of control.
Taking place in two twenty-page comics done in an unusual square-paged style, the story picks up with the four heroes being called on a mission. Tensions are very high between Superboy and Miss Martian since their breakup over her manipulating his mind. But Batgirl is able to rally them together long enough to go after the psychic villain Psimon. That takes them to a fan convention where the actress who played the mother in “Hello Megan” is appearing. Miss Martian is excited to meet her due to her relationship with the late Marie Logan, but their reunion gets interrupted by Psimon’s attack. Before they know what’s happened, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Beast Boy get hit with a psychic wave – and the next thing they know, they’re waking up in the world of “Hello Megan”
The second issue of the series is definitely the stronger of the two, as Superboy and Beast Boy (stuck in the body of a frog) try to navigate this strange sitcom world and explain their presence as Megan – M’gann, who seems to be completely unaware that she’s in the wrong world – stresses out over her performance at an upcoming talent show. But the issue is actually more about her ongoing guilt over her abuse of her psychic powers in the second season, and this issue works as a great way to sort out some of those issues and leave M’gann and Superboy in a better place before the third season starts. It’s not groundbreaking and definitely feels more like a side story than a big development. But it’s a great way to get back into the Young Justice groove, and I can’t wait to see what the team has in store for season three.
Corrina: Confession: I’ve only watched two episodes of Young Justice. I kept forgetting to DVR it, then I heard about the cliffhanger and decided against watching. However, the reputation of the show has only grown since it was canceled, so I’m looking forward to diving into all three seasons. Well, if I can ever decide whether or not to get DC Universe streaming service.
However, despite being mostly unfamiliar with the M’Gann/Superboy relationship, and a bit confused where everyone fits in the story, I enjoyed these two chapters a great deal. It’s probably the best younger generation story in comics starring characters who are otherwise in the Teen Titans in DC’s regular line. It’s certainly superior in this short sample to the current Titans and Teen Titans books, so I can see why the show is so beloved. (But I also have to ask why DC Comics can’t find someone to write these characters well outside of this tie-in?)
In other words, if you want a quick sample of what the storytelling of the show Young Justice is like, this sample will probably sell you on it. If you’re already a fan, it’s going to make you that much more eager for season 3.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
Disclaimer: GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
