‘Titans’ #11 is a heartbreaking story

Titans #11 is one of the series’ best issues to date.

May 21, 2024

Donna Troy and Starfire have been at the forefront of Tom Taylor’s Titans run. The duo got an extra spotlight in Titans: Beast World. But they haven’t always had this much spotlight. The New 52 and DC: Rebirth saw the two were depicted rather differently than their traditional origins. However, this Titans run has returned a lot of their history and character to their norms. For years, the two have inspired generations of readers, while acting as beacons of courage and empowerment. This issue gives an interesting retrospective on their inspiration while creating a new foe for them to unfortunately battle. Additionally, the story also sheds light on Raven’s nefarious plans and gives insight into who her greatest foe to date may be.

DC Comics

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

The story marks one of the more heartbreaking foes in recent Titans history; one who adored the Titans forced to turn against them. At a time when the Titans have been heavily scrutinized while being under the public’s eye, a story about a fan of them feels well suited. The story opens up in the past, during a time where things where things were simpler for them, fighting aliens and saving the day while being a continuous beacon of hope. That’s where the new antagonist comes in. Like many readers, these heroes inspired her to want to be the best.

Yet, in perfect Tom Taylor fashion, this is a story of heartbreak so deep that it pulls at the heartstrings in all the right ways. As Vanessa grows into the hero she always dreamed of being, things seem to be going well, even great. However, things aren’t always what they seem. In a story about how hard it can be to live up to the standards we often set for ourselves, this issue is filled with great parallels to everyday life for readers. In many ways, this is the series’ strongest issue to date, showing how great the Titans are at being a parallel to daily life struggles.

DC Comics

Additionally, the story offers great insight into what’s being set up for Raven and her secret plans. While things have seemingly gone her way thus far, it doesn’t seem that will last forever. While her greatest threat has become more obvious in this issue, it’s clear that this person has been planning for quite a while. Through this issue, Taylor has done a great job displaying various of the Titans’ tenacity, intelligence, and creativity under duress. Altogether, this issue does a great job balancing the two stories that work well together to deliver a riveting issue that’s hard to put down. Altogether, part of what makes this story so captivating is its ability to interconnect several narratives together to deliver an issue that shows how many threats the Titans will have to overcome to remain on top.

DC Comics

Additionally, Lucas Meyer has once again delivered a spectacular story that comes to life through his partnership with Adriano Lucas. While Meyer continues to deliver sleek and sharp line work, this issue also gives him one of his most creative works yet. There are two pages of work where Nightwing is attempting to assess the threats at hand, and how he analyzes the situation is one of the most creative works that show how brilliant comics are as a medium for depicting emotion and conveying intensity. This is where Adriano Lucas continues to shine as well. While Lucas has been lighting up the lamp time and time again with astounding work, these two pages may be some of the best, with deep thick colors that contrast brilliantly to increase the severity of the situation. Altogether, this issue is beautiful from cover to cover.

Titans #11 is one of the series’ best issues to date, and shows how great the Titans as an idea is for conveying themes and emotions to readers through heartfelt storytelling. Tom Taylor has done a great job utilizing each of the members of the team, ensuring they all get the spotlight in their own right without diminishing the greatness of the others, and this issue is a true testament to that ability. Additionally, the story sets up the next act of Raven’s plans at an accelerated rate. This issue is surely a can’t-miss.