DC Comics reviews 5/21/24 – Nightwing #114, Titans #11

Titans #11

As all roads begin leading to Absolute Power, the Titans silent war continues to play out. Silent as the Titans don’t truly comprehend how determined Amanda Waller is to put them down once and for all.

The idea that Waller has become Darkseid/Lex Luthor/Anti-Monitor all in one villain remains a bit much. Writer Tom Taylor is doing his part to place some foundational blocks so Waller as the ultimate big bad doesn’t sound completely ludicrous.

This issue Waller’s diabolical plan involves Vanadia, a young woman who grew up idolizing the Titans. Vanadia dreamed of one day standing alongside Starfire and Donna Troy. She trained and thought she had an opportunity, but it was with the wrong people. Put on ice for years, Vanadia is awakened and convinced that the Titans are monstrous versions of her heroes. But she can stop them courtesy of some major upgrades.

Nightwing, meanwhile, has started acting on his suspicions of Raven. This is a welcome aspect to the Dark-Winged Queen arc and shows Nightwing isn’t a passive, reactionary leader. Taylor continues to creatively show the influence of the Titans’ mentors as the team emerges as the main group in the DCU.

Lucas Meyer’s art is so clean and smooth yet there’s a strong sense of movement with the characters. They don’t look frozen on the pages. Taylor gave Meyer a bit more to work with in terms of action sequences this issue allowing for some more dynamic layouts. Adriano Lucas’ color work, particularly in the Nightwing scene, is stellar with a strong mix of complementary colors. Letterer Wes Abbott keeps the dialogue and sound effects easy to follow.

Of the four installments, this was the strongest issue of this arc. Ironically since it featured the least amount of Dark Raven’s manipulations and more of a focused story tying into Absolute Power.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics