Tag Archives: the outsiders

Batman: Urban Legends Dives Into the World of Gotham Spotlighting, Jason Todd, Grifter, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, the Outsiders, and more

Posted on by

Explore the world of Gotham in a brand new anthology series, Batman: Urban Legends which launches in March 2021 from DC Comics. Batman may be the biggest name in Gotham City, but there are lots of other heroes—and villains—who will get a turn to shine in a brand-new monthly anthology series highlighting top talent and a mix of new voices making their mark on the city the Dark Knight calls home.

The first six issues are anchored by a Batman/Red Hood thriller from writer Chip Zdarsky and fan-favorite artist Eddy Barrows. Renegade vigilante Jason Todd, a.k.a. Red Hood is investigating a new and lethal drug sweeping through Gotham City. In the course of one night, this investigation will change his life forever – and put him in Batman’s crosshairs.

Future State: Grifters writer Matthew Rosenberg and artist Ryan Benjamin continue from the pages of Batman #101, as gun-for-hire Cole Cash is still in Gotham, on the trail of the true motives of the Halo Corporation…and yes, Batman and Grifter go head-to-head again!

In a story set before the launch of the new ongoing Harley Quinn series, writer Stephanie Phillips and Future State: The Next Batman artist Laura Braga team up to help Harley sort out her complicated history with Poison Ivy – but first she’ll have to find her!

This debut issue also launches a three-part tale of the Outsiders, courtesy of Future State: Outsiders writer Brandon Thomas with art by Max Dunbar. This saga reunites team members Black Lightning, Katana, and Metamorpho, but this reunion quickly turns into a confrontation with the appearance of a figure from Katana’s past!

Batman: Urban Legends #1 is a $7.99 prestige format series, debuting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 with covers by Hicham Habchi (main), David Finch (variant), and Kael Ngu (variant).

Update: S. E. Hinton Insults Comics and Graphic Novels While Dismissing an adaptation of The Outsiders

Posted on by

It’s been a bit since an author has really insulted comics and graphic novels as an entertainment and reading medium but yesterday, author S. E. Hinton went all in.

When asked if she would consider a graphic novel version of her modern classic novel The Outsiders, the author dismissed the idea. Hinton bluntly stated you read a book while you just turn pages on graphic novels.

A beyond insulting statement, it’s also a hypocritical one as The Outsiders has been turned from a book into both stage and screen as well as an audio adaptation. It can be enjoyed and consumed beyond the printed page, so, Hinton’s statement that there’s some special aspect to the book, that it has to be read, is betrayed by her past willingness to see it elsewhere. It’s possible she has since changed her mind about that.

There also seems to be a lack of understanding or acknowledgement of what graphic novels are today. Hinton absolutely helped continue to pave the way for young adult literature with The Outsiders and today, graphic novels are playing a similar role for a whole new generation of readers (and more).

The fact, in general, that a creator would look so down on an art form, something she herself experienced with her debut book, is at this point sad and beyond out of touch. Ironically, Hinton has released comic books having worked with Bluewater who later was re-branded Tidalwave Productions.

Hinton interestingly enough has since retweeted numerous individuals who disagree with her take on graphic novels and praising the medium and at times calling out Hinton. But, as of this article Hinton herself has not clarified her position or thoughts further.

Update: S. E. Hinton has rethought her opinion and apologized.