With Flashpoint: The Outsider #2 I still don’t feel as though I know the purpose or intent behind the series. It has only been vaguely tied to the greater Flashpoint events and it stars a character that we’ve never seen before. I’m not sure of the reasons behind this book but one thing is for certain, I really love the series.

In Michael Desai, writer James Robinson has given us a violent yet complex villain whose unlimited intelligence and resources can only be conquered by his insatiable self-absorption. He’s a vicious and unrepentant powermonger who craves and feeds off information. Last issue we were introduced to Michael. This issue we get a bigger look into his past as well as his current preoccupation with who wants him dead. Robinson uses all of these circumstances to give us bigger looks into the complexity of the man. While we still don’t know how he fits in the world of Flashpoint, he comes across as someone who should carry alot of weight.

Javi Fernandez’s sketchy art style normally wouldn’t be my cup of tea but the gritty look of the art is strikingly fitting for this book. Not all of the characters look quite right especially Black Adam who makes a brief appearance. But the art does help set a tone for the book that works incredibly well with Robinson’s story.

I’m hoping we’re going to see more of the Outsider after DC’s September relaunch. James Robinson has introduced a smart and compelling character that’s really sparked my interest. This is a well written book with a great final page that sets things up nicely and I can’t wait for the next issue.