Teen Titans v.1
One of the major changes with the new 52 was what happened with the sidekicks. Have characters like Batman and Flash around for five years isn’t a lot of time for things to develop. Teen Titans is the book that takes some of those characters (some Titan mainstays, some new and a few surprising) and give them a common threat to bond over.
Red Robin is the deface leader of the group. Being Batman’s third sidekick, he has the knowledge and skills to detect a group called N.O.W.H.E.R.E hunting down and experimenting on super-powered teens. While Red Robin seeks out the likes of Kid Flash and Wonder Girl he happens to “run into” the new characters Bunker and Skitter. N.O.W.H.E.R.E, having a super powered teen of their own, sends Superboy after them. In a very one sided battle the team gets taken out very easily but makes Superboy realize he’s being used. (the story continues in his own title) Gaining two other members, Solstice and a mystery character, they set out to destroy N.O.W.H.E.R.E and save super teens everywhere.
Scott Lobdell made a big name for himself in the 90’s. He was huge. He’s come back in a big way with multiple books as part of the new 52. Teen Titans gloriously feels like a fun book from the 90’s. While sometimes the dialogue or coincidences can get a big silly or contrived the overall feel of the book works. I’m willing to bet the coincidences all add up to something, because there are quite a few hints at further plots. Lobdell knows how to write teens and it does show. He is good at creating the start of a family with these characters and seeing them bond. It’s fun to watch the relationships grow, especially ones like Bunker and Skitter.
Having artist Brett Booth on the book is a stroke of genius. His art is gorgeous and while also reminiscent of the 90’s has a very updated edge to it. Some of the costume designs can get a bit much, Red Robin’s in particular, but beyond that, there are absolutely no complaints regarding Booth’s beautiful pencils.
Teen Titans is an enjoyable, fun read. It’s not the biggest or best thing to come from the new DC 52, but it certainly is one of the most colorful; art and story. We can nitpick things in it or just sit back and enjoy it. The cliffhanger ending of the first graphic novel is interesting enough to bring one back to find out what happens and see where they’re going to go with it.
