Outsiders #5 – Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Writers; Robert Carey, Artist; Annette Taddeo, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: So far every issue of this series seems to be in a different genre, sending our team of three into new and surreal locations. We’ve seen sci-fi, we’ve seen fantasy—and now it’s time to explore horror, as the Outsiders head to the most bizarre location of the series so far. It’s a literal haunted house, run by Nocturna the Vampire (and Kate’s ex, in a strange way). She’s created a refuge for just about every monster, sorcerer, demon, and horror to come, party, and prey on the twisted humans who want to encounter the horrors. Making fun of the wildly popular “Monster****er” subculture? Perhaps. But the Outsiders aren’t just here for leisure—they each have a mission here, and that will mean they’re not just here for a visit. They’ll be descending deep into the house and encountering their own personal horrors. And what could be more horrific than encountering your ex at a party?
Drummer, the most unflappable of the trio, has to track down and cut a deal with one of the most vicious horrors contained within this house. She does—and finds a way to turn it around on the bloodthirsty creature. Luke, meanwhile, is dealing with fallout with his father from the last mission, and is motivated to prove himself—throwing himself into rescuing a small child who doesn’t seem to be there by choice. And Kate is there to parlay with her ex, as Nocturna reveals a shocking change to her biology and the potential for a new threat to humanity. This issue has a lot of twists to it, but also some incredibly creepy visuals and a great sense of moodiness and style. Everything in this issue will be catnip to horror fans, and it’s another great example of how this series can do just about anything. It reminds me of some of the great indie comics in how seamlessly it switches genres.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
