DC Comics reviews for the week of 1/23/19

Teen Titans #26

Teen Titans has been a tough book to get into since the new creative team came onboard. Characters like Damian Wayne and Red Arrow sound totally different from every other portrayal. I like the more proactive tone Adam Glass has established and the new characters are a lot of fun, but when the focus shifts to Robin and Red Arrow, Teen Titans always reads a little off.

This issue, Robin has the team break into the Batcave to hack the system. That’s a pretty ludicrous premise alone. Batman is easily the most paranoid hero in the DC Universe. Even with Robin having some insider information, it’s doubtful Roundhouse would be able to crack Batman’s defenses.

But it’s not just intel Robin wants — he’s after something more personal to help him take down Red Hood. To do that, he’ll have to get through Alfred while the Titans have to contend with another inhabitant in the Batcave. This would all play out better if Robin sounded more in character instead of hating Batman for some weakly-defined reason or gunning for Red Hood instead of the other slew of villains running around.

Bernard Chang’s artwork is such a great fit for the book. He’s created distinct looks for each team member and it gives them such a terrific visual personality. That’s not always the case with artists on team books, but Chang shows why unique looks for the various characters is so important. Colorist Marcelo Maiolo infuses this book with such a bright and cheery color palette to fully take advantage of the bold costumes.

Teen Titans hasn’t quite settled into a solid groove yet, but there’s enough here to suggest it’s just a few creative decisions away from being a strong and highly entertaining team book.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics