With the events of DC K.O. over, it’s time for the Titans to get back to basics. These friends have been through a lot, and recent events really tested their limits, but hopefully things can get back to normal for them. Surely the Fearsome Five breaking into Titans Tower is the worst of it for them, right? After all, they’re a lean mean fighting machine. They can handle anything! Right? Well, I guess that depends. Which Titans are we talking about? The Teen Titans? New Teen Titans? New Titans? The Titans? The New 52 Teen Titans? The Outlaws? Titans Hunt? Titans: Rebirth? Titans (2023)? No! That would be crazy! Tate Brombal and Sam Basri take over New Titans. Let’s get into it.
DC
I must confess, I have never read any of Tate Brombal’s work before, so I had absolutely no clue what to expect coming into this issue. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. The Titans have been in a funk for quite a while, in my opinion. Just as Tom Taylor’s run was ramping up, it felt like the rug was pulled under from it recently and it lost a bit of steam. Maybe it’s just me, but I just wasn’t vibing with it recently, and the relocation of the Titans again made things feel more confusing. But here, despite the drastic shift, this felt like the perfect reset for the title – not only in name, but in premise. Here, Brombal takes a big swing off the bat, and it really pays off. This issue is a walking fever dream and I love that. The issue may start simple in premise, but it quickly becomes something far more. I can truthfully say I have absolutely no clue what direction this series is going, and I couldn’t be more excited. This feels new, different, and completely refreshing.
There’s so many interesting lore pulls that Basri takes from and sprinkles them all together to deliver Nightwing’s most confusing night at the Tower. This is where I think the artwork really pays off. The paneling done by Basri helps to allow each moment to make various references to each version of a character’s history. While these references help make the story both jarring and intriguing, it’s also due to Adriano Lucas’ colors helping each era of these characters to feel distinct. Additionally, the two help turn several scenes into something right out of a horror story. The occasional tonal shift is perfectly translated thanks to the pair’s creativity.
DC
This issue is jam-packed with references, mystery, and excitement. I really love how creative this story was. Rather than starting things with a slow buildup towards the Titans’ next threat, it feels like we’ve caught them right in the middle of it. This works very well as a jumping on point for new readers, or readers who may have taken a little break and want to check out this new team’s work. New Titans #33 is an amazing story that finds its success from the creative team’s willingness to break the fourth wall a couple of times, and does so in a way that conveys their excitement to embrace all of these characters’ histories.
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