Outsiders #9 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and published by DC. Artwork is by Robert Carey, colours by Valentina Taddeo and letters by Tom Napolitano. The book is published by DC. Main cover art (left) is by Roger Cruz and Adriano Lucas.
Outsiders #9 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
THE LOST CITY OF CANON The Outsiders’ journey through—and outside of—the multiverse continues! Deep beneath reality, two cities follow diametrically opposed philosophies. One is built from legacy, continuity, and order, and the other is born of innovation, reinvention, and chaos. Between the delicate balance of their narratives sits our story—as well as the key to changing it. To do so could jeopardize the DC Universe as we know it… so who is plotting to do exactly that?
Review
Time to visit “The Lost City of Cannon” as DC’s incredible Outsiders continues its meta journey across the multiverse. With just a handful of issues remaining until the series comes to a close, writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing hit another home run with a story full to the brim with analogy and commentary.
This month picks up on the mind-boggling final image from last month’s Kate-focussed issue #8. The narrative-heavy issue follows Jakita/Drummer, Luke and Lucius Fox as they explore the lost city. Interacting with its very protective residents and exploring concepts of narrative and structure. Kelly and Lanzing weave in a number of familiar faces from the mystical side of DC as their commentary on the comic book industry and its approach to story continues.
What continues to fascinate about Outsiders is its razor sharp storytelling. Each issue features its own singular story which functions on multiple levels. Firstly it has an in the moment, observational style of storytelling as the Outsiders face off the inhabitants on Cannon as well as Nabu, Teekl and Klarion. It’s high concept stuff. But still works as a book which can be picked up, followed and enjoyed. But for those of us looking to burrow beneath the surface, Outsiders has so much more to offer. The concept the cycle of storytelling and how this is presided over by the city of Cannon is brilliant. It feels so simple but at the same time Outsiders can take a couple of reads to fully wrap your head around.
It’s refreshing that Outsiders isn’t afraid to think critically about the idea of cannon. Whilst it never veers in to outright critique. Bringing in the notion of reality becoming “unchecked” and that it is simply a cyclical retelling of the story does ensure the commentary feels well rounded. It also never feels like a history lesson but in reality there’s a lot to learn about the genesis of contemporary comic book storytelling wrapping up in the grand question of whether these conventions should be challenged.
It seems as though the ultimate question which Outsiders is currently positing is whether the idea of the multiverse is outdated or appropriate. Do we choose the order of the multiverse structure over the chaos of a pre-Crisis world? If this is where the series is building then it will be interesting to see which side the book falls on. Or if it will be left up to the reader to decide.
Verdict
Another insightful and imaginative issue of Outsiders. The series’ commentary on the structure of its own storytelling is beguiling and continues to leave so many lingering questions.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
