DC Comics 2015
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Paulo Siqueira & Geraldo Borges
Coloured by Hi-Fi
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual
I am in love with this series, I adore that they’ve taken the route of using the original members and are not only updating them for this universe but fleshing them out and making them relevant again. While the current Teen Titans have taken center stage for so long it’s high time those that led the way for them to shine were also given that chance. After the original New Teen Titans run ended many of these characters were used and abused, changed and forgotten so seeing this updated version based on “actual” events has rekindled my joy for the characters. Dan is doing such an exceptional job here it really is a highlight of my month.
Last issue we saw Mal come face to face with Mr. Twister and this issue we see more of that and of their history. I have to say what Dan does here and whom he introduces is utterly fantastic! I like the blending of the original and the New that makes complete sense. The kids originally fought social issues and supernatural forces they never did get a cadre of villains to fight. There was Dr. Light but that was a revenge situation against their mentors much like seeing Two-Face or really many of the others with a few exceptions.
Thank you for having Mal be so important to this story. Very much like that Secret Origins special back in the day only this time around it’s so much intense. I used to love that he felt so unworthy of being a Titan and yet he really was the heart of the team without most of them realizing that. So when we switch back to Dick, Donna and Garth, who needs a haircut thanks, the meet a grown up Eddie Corliss now the Sheriff. I can’t stress enough that first time readers will marvel at the story while older fans who literally grew up with these characters will embrace the nostalgia and instant memories associated with what’s happening. That Dan manages to really embrace that is truly why this series is so well done.
So somehow Dawn knew to take Hank to see Lilith trying to get him help. As fate would have it Gnarrk and Roy arrive then too and all heck breaks loose. Without all their memories and not with the main trio these characters are lost and finding themselves in a place that they don’t understand and it’s amazing to see how their distinct personalities are coming through. Gnarrk was kind of a throwaway character back in the day and once he “smartened” up he wanted nothing to do with heroics but seeing him here as a more complete character in the making it really is something special.
Next up we see Karen at the hospital extremely worried, and pregnant, about her husband. When she’s approached by a familiar figure who seems to remember everything about Mal and his former teammates. Ah this was a surprise and a great one to boot considering his history and what became of him after he deal with the original team. So that he remembers and knows what’s going on well it adds a whole new dimension to this story.
I’m a huge fan of the interiors here as well. They are so sharp, detailed and amazing to see. It really has that blend of George and Phil to it that is dead spot on for what we want in the artwork for these characters.
The past and future of the Original Titans has never looked better!