DC Comics 2015
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Paulo Siqueira
Coloured by Hi-Fi
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual
With each issue of this story that comes out i’m more and more into it. Not only are the original Titans, okay sans Wally and the west coast Titans, back but Dan’s managed to keep them true to who they are as well as who they were. Not an easy feat either to keep all these characters in the present but making me feel like i’m reading the 60’s/70’s version. This really is a continuation of that first run to me.
Now we’ve seen Mister Twister and the Mad Mod could DD really be a version of Ding Dong Daddy? With a tricked out car that has Omega Beam headlights? Is Diablo like the HIVE? Is Andre Le Blanc around too? If so please bring back Red Star and the Ant while you are at! Enough with the youthful wishing and onto what we see here.
I kind of like that Hawk and Dove run off to fight Daddy while Honeybun stays behind to deal with the others. While seeing them all fight as one team would’ve been cool as get all out it makes sense for who they are to have taken their fight away. Now it would seem Lilith has had a power upgrade here and instead of being a precog she’s a telepath now if what we see here is any indication. I could be wrong and maybe she’s doing something else but I don’t see that as happening and it’s a shame I kind of liked her original powers or even her Omen persona.
Ah Karen. Yes i’m thrilled she and Mal are married and she’s expecting a baby. But it would seem Lilith isn’t the only one to get a power upgrade. What happened to her being that scientist who built her own suit showcasing her mind as well as her mettle? I guess the cartoon has forever changed that woman unless now she’s able to do this because of the baby but I think she was a Teen Titan, the last to join probably. Meaning that’s the cut off for those appearing though seriously with Flamebird having been already established yeah could use her too.
Okay so while Dick, Donna and Garth are doing there thing and they end this issue by actually Mal was truly an Oh Sweet Baby Jane kind of moment! For all the nitpicking you could do this is the kind of book that DC needs. It brings back the Original Teen Titans and gives fans what we’ve been clamoring for since Marv and George’s run. Friends, family, teammates an homage to the past and yet firmly planted in the present. What Dan’s doing is beyond exciting, fresh and brings back elements i’ve been missing from DC, not to mention a fun and interesting way of showcasing an eclectic team.
Paulo’s interiors are perfectly suited for this book. I mean it has all the feel and emotion of the work we’ve loved and associated with these characters. His eye for how the pages and panels are used to keep the story’s flow is wonderful. Backgrounds are fully used and I love and appreciate that. This really embodies the clean, crisp and superhero look and style the characters deserve.
DC’s best, brightest and strongest book on shelves right here.