DC Comics reviews 6/20/23 – Titans #2, Nightwing #105, Wonder Woman #800

Titans #2

Titans reads like a comic that’s been highly successful for years. There’s a confidence to the approach to the characters, the artwork has few remotely close peers and it’s a fun read.

The latter shouldn’t be surprised. Writer Tom Taylor isn’t interested in creating these bleak, depressing examinations of what it means to be a hero. Taylor gets that the fun in comics stems from engaging, likable characters playing off each other tackling threats of various levels.  The Titans are childhood friends and Taylor writes them as such with various closer pairings than others but all having a family bond. If a “family member” — in this case Tempest — doesn’t want to return to the fold, some of that family is upset and are determined to reach out to him.

And on the art front, Nicola Scott specializes in breathtaking, amazing work. There’s such obvious care in her details from the flow of character’s hairstyles to posture that’s befitting the character’s personalities and an overall lifelike presentation. In terms of DC artists regularly producing monthly content, Scott is on the elite level alongside Bruno Redondo, Fernando Pasarin, Dan Mora and Jamal Campbell.

Check out the little details like giving Wally freckles — a common trait of redheads — or the intricacies of Cyborg’s mechanics, Gar’s sideburns and Raven being most comfortable wearing hoodies similar to her costume. Colorist Annette Kwok is doing some stunning work with mesmerizing combinations and vibrant color choices. This artwork is at a top tier, best of the best level.

This issue the Titans are trying to figure out who killed Wally West — kinda. Wally’s body might be on the ground, but The Flash is still very much alive and kicking. While the team deciphers that mystery they’ve got some ecological threats to contend with that might have a connection to Starfire and the return of Brother Blood.

Taylor takes some shots at organized religion through Blood, which would read better with a counterbalance religious character who was honorable and decent. Much like any other aspect of life involving people, religion is not black or white. Yes, there’s some bad and people weaponizing scripture to hide behind their hatred, but there’s others who are legitimately loving as well. Comics probably needs more positive religious characters who are just as much in the minority as Black, Asian, Hispanic and LGBTQ+ characters.

The issue ends with a crazy cliffhanger that definitely has me excited about what’s in store for next issue for one of DC’s already elite titles.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10