Hannah's Words: Teen Titans

Teen Titans

The Rise of Aqualad

DC Universe Rebirth

Story by: Benjamin Percy

Art by: Khoi Pham, Wade Von Grawbadger, Phil Hester, Trevor Scott, Pop Mhan

issues #6-7, #9-11 and #13-14

Story: Jackson Hyde is tired of hiding who he really is, he tired of hiding his powers and of his Mom not telling him the truth of who his Dad is and why he can control water the way he does, being gay doesn't make it any easier. Jackson goes to the only place he thinks he will be welcomed, Titan Tower. It started with a prison break out an entire section of inmates went missing soon afterwards people started to go missing all disappearing in and around the ocean. When Beast Boy is giving an interview out in front of Titan Tower and the reporter disappears into the water right in front of him shortly after that King Shark comes on T.V. announcing his wicked intentions. Jackson shows up and proves his worth with the Titans when he helps take down King Shark. But the story is far from over when Jackson's Mom shows with the truth about who he really is and why she hit it from him. King Shark was only the beginning.

Art: The art is pretty much what I expect when reading a comic.

It's well done, nice lines, and great action sequences. I liked that each of the conversation bubbles for the characters were unique to them so you knew who was talking and when.

Review: Overall, it was a good read. I love the Titans and each unique quality lends to the group and makes them stronger as a group. Starfire, as long as she's been on Earth still is naive and her innocence in that aspect lets her believe in the good of everyone. It was also nice to see her take charge when Damian was acting like a brat. Beast Boy who loves attention and getting famous in Hollywood only made it worse, and it has been hinted that it will lead to something bad. Raven keeps her distance because her empathy, but she gives great insight when needed. Her understanding of having a horrible father connects her to Kid Flash and that gives them a bond with romantic inclinations. And Beast Boy with Starfire, yeah I don't see that. And then there is Damian, he was raised to lead but being taught by R'as and then Batman he doesn't always understand working with the team and leading them. I like where this is going and I like Jackson.

Teen Titans vol. 1: Damian Knows Best

DC Universe Rebirth

Issues #1-5 and Rebirth

Story by Benjamin Percy

Art by: Khoi Pham, Jonboy Meyers, Diogenes Neves

Story: With the death (wink wink) of Tim Drake the Teen Titans pretty much disbanded, they each went their separate ways. One by one Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and the new Kid Flash are all taken but it’s not by some nefarious mastermind…ok well they are but Damian ultimately had a good purpose for it. Damian Wayne wants the Teen Titans to get back together again with him in charge. As Robin, Damian is ready to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors he’s thirteen now and ready to prove to his father that he can do this. Damian’s Grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul, has plans of his own and unless Robin can convince the other Titans to work together again with him they are doomed.

Art: This probably has some of my favorite art in it, Jonboy Meyers working both story and illustrations did a fantastic job at both. Khoi Pham, Diogenes Neves and all the colorist… everyone, I loved it. The art was clear, detailed, the coloring was bold. I had to go back and just look at the art without reading the story.

Characters: Damian Wayne/ Robin, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven, Kid Flash, Ra’s al Ghul, League of Assassins, The Demon’s Fist, Alfred and Batman.

Review: Damian Wayne, that’s the little shit I know and love. Damian tracks down, stalks, and masterminds the kidnapping of the new Kid Flash, Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy all to prove they need him. Didn’t even occur to him that they might find it offensive and not too keen on working with someone who basically insulted each and every one of them and then asked for a favor. You really see the dual sided nature that Damian is struggling with, being trained by Ra’s but trying to live up the standards of Batman and prove that he is up to the task that is being the leader of the Teen Titans. As they fight the Demon Fist, the villainous teen group that Ra’s created for the League of Assassins, the Titans learn that Damian is more like his father then they all thought. And seriously Starfire is STILL a teenager?