Given the loss of the leader to this team it’s a surprise they’ve already got a Rebirth issue out this week. Then again, maybe this is the best time to mine stories with all of the characters unsure and upset. We take a look at this issue and answer the question: is it good?
Teen Titans Rebirth #1 (DC Comics)
Check out our preview for all the details, but the official DC summary reads:
The Teen Titans are farther apart than ever before…until Damian Wayne recruits Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy and the new Kid Flash to join him in a fight against his own grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul! But true leadership is more than just calling the shots—is Robin really up to the task? Or will the Teen Titans dismiss this diminutive dictator?
Why does this book matter?
Writer Ben Percy has been doing some wonderful things with Green Arrow so I’m interested to see what he can do with a team book such as this. It’ll be interesting to see if the series can find new meaning since Red Robin was such a strong part of the previous team.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
That’s creepy dude.
When it comes to first issues, it doesn’t get much better than this. Each character that makes up the new Teen Titans is introduced well with their beliefs, fears, and frustrations all on display. They’re all separated and doing their own thing, but a mysterious force is taking them out one by one and presumably they’ll be brought together begrudgingly. No spoilers here, but if you are like me, you’ll be completely surprised by the cliffhanger.
Readers familiar with the characters should have a fun time with this issue as well. That’s because each character is actually doing something in their section. Just as we start to get inside their head and understand them, a terrible attack takes place. This is a recurring element that will begin to drive you mad as you rack your brain contemplating who or what the threat is, but Percy has the forethought to give us the answer right there at the end.
The art by Jonboy Meyers is detailed and very stylized. There’s a neat cel-shaded look he’s employing that uses an extra layer of color outside the inks on the last page which is a neat neon like trick. The colors by Jim Charalampidis are rich in tone and help lift this up from being a cartoony affair. Beast Boy and his transformations look great, Flash looks fast and sharp, and Starfire looks positively otherworldly. All in all, each character has a unique look and feel due to the sharp art.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Okay, maybe I’m crazy, but Beast Boy gives me the creeps in a couple different ways in this issue. Not only does he look 12 and is macking on an older girl, but he uses his powers to get her in the sack; that’s just weird. Maybe Percy is showing his naivete, but it comes off as strange.
How not to get girls 101.
Is It Good?
A great first issue for new and old readers alike. The story drives you to question what is going on and answers you smashingly on the very last page.
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