After the tragedy that befell the recently disbanded Teen Titans, (i.e. not the current Teen Titans) Nightwing spent some time working solo until he was approached by Arsenal to start a new group. So Nightwing and Arsenal assembled the Outsiders from a selection of both new and old heroes, a brand spankin new Metamorpho, and one blue android by the name of Indigo that was only recently beating the hell out of them. So things were proceeding as normal for this band of young intrepid heroes (and by normal I mean a constantly shape-shifting elemental, i.e. Metamorpho, and a socially inept blue robot, i.e. Indigo, were getting it on) when a computer virus gained access to their H.Q. (a huge, renovated bomb shelter) and assembled himself with miscellaneous electronics. He was then promptly eradicated by Indigo. The interesting thing is that when Indigo was checking the wiring to see how the virus gained access, she found that it was all supplied by Optitron. Well, being a super efficient android, she checked up on this company and found that they were the ones actually funding the Outsiders, and Interestingly enough, Optitron is owned by Wayne Industries. As in, Bruce Wayne. What a coincidence!

Issue #21 opens with Arsenal admitting to Nightwing that not only is Batman funding their operation, but that all of their intel is coming from his regular meetings with the informed crusader. Of course the always temperate Nightwing accepts this information with screaming rage and death threats, and he proceeds to storm out in search of his former mentor. Meanwhile, Arsenal gets a scolding from Starfire, which her outfit destroys all hope of remembering. At Wayne Manor, Nightwing is met by Alfred who escorts him to the Batcave and leaves the two costumed tough guys to sort things out, but not before he says a few hilarious lines. The following conversation is incredibly cool and involves a lot of shouting from Nightwing, and Batman’s standard stony silence. But then something unexpected happens. Bruce apologizes. It seems that something has happened to break through Batman’s icy exterior, and Bruce further confuses Nightwing by telling him not to trust anyone, not even him. Just when it seems we might find out what is up with Batman, Arsenal give Nightwing a call. Yes it seems that Arsenal went to meet with Batman to let him know that the Jig is up, but if Nightwing is with the real Batman, then who exactly is it that Arsenal is talking to? BUM BUM BUM!!!

As Outsiders fans will know, this has been a really good series so far, and it looks like things are only getting better. Judd Winick (writer) has written an interesting story that has both intriguing plots and an awesome and developing cast. Trust me on this one; this series is going to be a classic. The current artist is Carlos D’Anda, whose style is more lined and shaded that most current mainstream titles, which is refreshing and only more so because it is executed with such obvious talent. (Notice when you first see Batman in the Batcave). I am also thankful to both Winick and D’Anda for putting Starfire in this issue even though she really didn’t have to be. Man, D’Anda draws a good Starfire. Where was I? Oh yeah! Nope, can’t remember. Stupid Starfire.