We’re halfway through World Finest: Teen Titans, and so far every issue has brought enough action, drama, and romance to make into a multi-season sitcom. In this issue, Mark Waid and Emanuela Lupacchino decide to modernize the Titans. The spotlight has always been a hot topic for the Titans. Most recently, in the real world, there has been observation about the lack of spotlight the team has received. Mark Waid takes this and flips it on its head to show what too much spotlight can do to the team. This makes for a great issue that becomes more of a social commentary on toxic fan culture than a Teen Titans story, which somehow perfectly encapsulates what the Titans represent.
As the story opens, the Teen Titans are headed to their very own convention. Well, most of them. If it isn’t obvious at this point, there is one team member who has a slightly overbearing parent constantly lurking in the shadows. Throughout the issue, we gain a little more insight into what the Titans are like without their fearless leader. It’s a rather entertaining concept that shows how they all try to support each other in various ways.
While this is happening, the most prominent feature of this issue is how Mark Waid is making a social commentary on toxic fandom culture. Comic conventions, as fun as they can be, also have the ability to create an unhealthy environment of objectification. The Titans are, as the name suggests, still teenagers during this story. Thus, an oversaturation of toxic fans at an event catered to them creates an interesting experience for the team. Overall, this becomes a well-suited observation about the ramifications of idolizing celebrities and how that both appears and feels.
Emanuela Lupacchino and Jordie Bellaire do a spectacular job on the issue. The issue is drawn beautifully; one of my favorite parts about Lupacchino’s art is how emotive it can be. When characters are expressive, it can create a more captivating story. Along with that comes the bright and energetic atmosphere. Throughout all of this, the issue is not just visually appealing, but a truly immersive experience.
World’s Finest: Teen Titans #3 is another strong entry in the series. The series has carried the purpose of the Teen Titans by having the story discuss heavy topics, such as roles, identity, and the risks of being infatuated and obsessed with others. Throughout this issue, several seeds are planted for the upcoming threats on the horizon. Altogether, this makes for another great issue in the series.
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