DC Comics 2017
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Minkyu Jung
Coloured by Adriano Lucas
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual
I like this for a number of reason but mainly because it’s nice to see the relationship between the characters and their mentos. With one notable exception and that’s Green Arrow and Arsenal and i’m kind of upset that the pair wasn’t included in this. It makes me wonder if they were mentor/protege or not and where they fit into this whole rebirth mishegas as a former team. It’s almost as bad an oversight as having to retroactively fit Cyborg as a founding member of the League in place of Martian Manhunter.
I love Dan’s writing and that he’s able to give us this look at how the Titans are seen much like they’ve always been, as children and sidekicks, and are too readily discounted in favour of their counterparts being older, wiser and more experienced. Though let’s be honest here if it really were between Aquaman and Nightwing calling the shots on a mission we all know who would be chosen, and hint it isn’t Aquaman. Still I like seeing the way the two sides see each other and themselves here.
The one huge problem I have with the issue is that this is the start of a new Who is Donna Troy fiasco. While I love Dan and what he’s doing so far I really don’t want to go down another road to ongoing carousel of the ever changing origin story. Can we just pick an origin and kind of go with it without all the tweaks and revamps and well nothing from the past is feasible in this new reality so… I love Donna and i’m glad she’s here but really this might be a first for me with what’s revealed about her.
Well I’ll also admit i’m not the biggest fan of Minkyu’s work. The way he doesn’t use backgrounds while still trying to showcase angles and perspective make it look really awkward to me. His faces aren’t sharp or in focus enough for me plus they all have this generic interchangeable quality about them that feels wrong.
I love the use of the Key as the villain we see here. He’s just well known enough that his inclusion makes sense and has been forgotten and unused enough to be fresh and interesting in this light. I’m all for villains like him battling both teams, usually separately, as we saw with Doctor Light it gives them cohesion without all the teaming up. Also that whole revenge against the league by going after the Titans yeah that’ll never grow old so long as it’s done well, and with Dan i’m sure that’ll go smooth as silk.
The origin reveal aside I do like the interaction between the two teams. I absolutely adore seeing in practical use how the two teams are fundamentally different, one founded on mutual respect and combined strength and the other out of friendship and family. That Dan nails this on the head so eloquently is marvelously done.
While i’m thrilled the Titans are back and that they are teaming up with their counterparts this left me not thrilled and not bummed. The art a little sub par to what we have been getting and the story interesting enough with future potential in numerous avenues.