In Titans #16, there’s a moment where Cyborg tells Starfire that the two things no one has control over is change and time. It feels like he’s speaking directly to the reader as well: though change may be a rarity in superhero universes, when it happens, it’s usually big. In the case of Titans #16, change comes in the form of a new creative team of John Layman, Pete Woods, and Wes Abbott, and a new shakeup to the roster.
That shakeup comes as the Justice League is reformed in the wake of Absolute Power, meaning that the Titans are no longer Earth’s prime methods of defense. But the changes don’t stop there: now that he’s the sole speedster on Earth, Wally West is dedicating himself to the League full-time, with Arsenal stepping in to take his place. And Nightwing, having gone through his own ordeal during his solo book, is passing the reigns of leadership to Donna Troy.
It’s a lot to take in, but to his credit Layman lets it unfurl organically throughout his script. The Titans are shown to be a little out of their depth during an incident on the Justice League Watchtower, but it’s a chance for Arsenal to step in and show his skills. The moment where Wally reveals his decision to stick with the League has a bit of a bittersweet tinge to it. Donna’s acceptance of leadership is shadowed by the reveal of a foe who seeks to break down the Titans. Layman isn’t shying away from the big changes that have happened in the DC Universe, and it looks like he’ll be using them to fuel the title’s momentum going forward.
DC Comics
Another change can be detected in Woods’ work, as it’s taken on a more fluid nature that lends itself well to action sequences. Cyborg summoning a Boom Tube leads to a hell of a credits page, where the team is shown leaping (or flying) into action, bathed by golden light in the process. Explosions send debris – and in some cases, bodies flying at the reader. Where it really has an impact is with Beast Boy; whenever he shifts into an animal form, there’s a flow of green that follows him. It’s a cool visual effect that brings a new light to his shapeshifting powers.
While it might be a slow start, Titans #16 is a solid step forward for the group of twentysomething heroes. Hopefully, Layman and Woods can continue to impress with future issues.
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