Writer: Adam Glass
Breakdowns: Bernard Chang
Finishes: Scott Hanna
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover: Nick Derington
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: October 17, 2018
It's one of those good news, bad news situations. First, Roundhouse is back... which, ehh, all things considered isn't all that bad a deal. What kinda sucks is that he can't help but to speak like a complete and total douchebag. The good news? At least now Wallace can stop complaining... right? C'mon, he's going to stop whining... right? He's just gotta!
Well... for the most part, yeah... Wallace isn't quite as whiny as usual here. Indeed, after a sorta awkward reunion with his ViewTube pal, he's moderately cool for the rest of the issue.
If you recall, last issue Robin was informed by, of all people, Red Hood... that the next "target" was James Gordon. Well, that could be taken one of two ways... and, since we're certainly not having the Teen Titans take out the Commish, it's pretty obvious which way we're going here.
Not that it really matters. To look at it, the Gordon scenario is really just a convenient backdrop for some wonderful team-building among the all-new Titans. Each member of the team gets a chance to shine... and in dealing with the baddie of the month, the Titans are required to play to their strengths.
This isn't limited to exertion of powers, however... in working together, we get some insight as to how the team members are coming together on a more personal level. There are conflicts, to be sure, and that's part of the fun. The characters are melding in an organic way... things don't feel forced, and the Titans aren't running as hot and cold as they have during prior runs. For instance, I'm pretty sure at no time during this issue did anyone threaten to quit the team!
Damian Wayne has been around for over a decade at this point (and, like many DC writers... I'm still not sure if it's "Damian" or "Damien")... and I'm not sure he's ever been written as being this well-rounded. His decisions as team leader might be informed by a bit of the puppy love he has for Djinn... or, did his wearing her ring put a spell on him? This is the sort of thing we used to call "a subplot", and boy how I've missed them!
And while subplots bubble away in the background, the Titans' main conflict with that nebulous "The Other" takes another step forward. There's some really well-done comics in here! Speaking of well-done... the art continues to dazzle, illustrating (if you'll pardon the pun) that this title is a priority for DC Comics.
Bits and Pieces:
Another impressive issue of the Teen Titans... another one, and I might think we've somehow teleported back to 2003. The Titans haven't been this consistently good in what feels like forever! If you're still on the fence... or have been scared off since The New-52, trust me when I say: it's safe to come home!
9/10
I could agree more with your review Chris. This is my DC issue of the week. Great story, told in character, with great art. I couldn't ask for more. And yet they gave it to me, with the fact that they made me like roundhouse. He's the Asswhole on the team that you love, kinda like an Iron man.
ReplyDelete9/10