DC Vs. Vampires: World War V #5 - DC Comics

DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V No. 5, February 2025

There can surely be little doubt that Matthew Rosenberg’s revelation towards the end of this twenty-four page publication’s plot had its readers genuinely gasping in revulsion at “the horrifying secret” behind how the vampires were still defeating the human resistance. In fact, many a bibliophile will probably find themselves unable to move along from Green Arrow’s discovery and its “shocking connection to the Speed Force” without at least re-visiting the disturbing scene a couple more times; “They’re doing something with all that food they grow. If they’re not feeding a large group of people. What are they feeding.?”

Impressively though, this eye-opener isn’t the only surprise Issue Five of “DC Vs Vampires: World War V” has in store for its audience, with the comic’s American author clearly still having a few more trump cards tucked up his sleeves. Foremost of these disclosures is probably Big Barda’s sudden emergence from out of a dark, winter night’s sky to absolutely clobber the blood-drinking fiends intent on murdering her husband (and potentially harm their infant baby). To say Jack Kirby’s creation completely annihilates the likes of a heavily-fanged Power Girl and Raven is a massive understatement, and genuinely helps imbue this comic with some truly palpable energy at a time when its other simultaneous story-threads are undeniably dialogue-driven.

Likewise John Constantine’s ill-advised visit upon the convalescing vampire queen, Barbara Gordon, doesn’t pan out quite as some onlookers might have expected – albeit the Hellblazer is seemingly a little too cocksure for his own good when it comes to antagonising Gorilla Grodd. In fact, the anti-hero’s decision to visit the dark heart of the Nosferatu Empire appears suicidally insane straight from the start, largely due to him not actually having anything tangible with which to bargain for his life.

Prodigiously pencilling all these sense-shattering shenanigans is Otto Schmidt, who really imbues Big Barda with all the momentous muscle a member of the New Gods is expected to wield. Furthermore, the Siberian-born artist does an incredible job of capturing Batgirl’s myriad of emotions using just her eyes and mouth - a talent which is particularly impressive considering that the undead creature’s entire body is covered with unsightly burns and blemishes, so it must have been extra hard providing the figure with even the smallest of facial expressions.

The regular cover art of "DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V" #5 by Otto Schmidt

Titans #15 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 15, November 2024

Promising “a major death [which] will shake the DCU” in its solicitation synopsis, Tom Taylor’s narrative for Issue Fifteen of “Titans” probably disappointed the vast majority of its audience in September 2024. Sure, the twenty-two page periodical’s plot does contain poor Dick Grayson’s demise, courtesy of Batman’s former sidekick being crushed to death by a large boulder. But Nightwing’s passing is so very short lived, that its occurrence hardly has any time to impact upon the reader’s mind before the first Boy Wonder is back on his feet fighting alongside his team-mates; “My friends will not be harmed. I will not allow it.”

Furthermore, the “New York Times bestselling author” also frustratingly pens a largely dialogue-driven ending to this title’s long-running “Dark-Winged Queen” storyline, with an emotional Beast Boy spending far too much time talking to the two distinct and physically separate personalities of his beloved Raven. This conversation debatably goes on and on and on, completely killing any of the pulse-pounding pace previously established by a guest-starring Superman getting his clock absolutely cleaned by a blow from the almighty Trigon.

Mercifully, the writing for this book’s final third, which sees a sense-shattering slugfest between the powerful demon and his equally formidable daughter, at least provides some measure of a cataclysmic confrontation to keep the long-term fans slightly happy. Such a fracas would arguably make for an enthralling experience just on its own. However, Taylor doubles-down on its intensity by having the entire Titans’ roster join the conflict, and empower Rachel Roth’s hellish alter-ego with all their special abilities too.

Equally as inconsistent as this publication’s storytelling though, is arguably the artwork by Lucas Meyer. The aforementioned brutalisation of Trigon by Raven is incredibly well pencilled, and really sells the earth-shattering nature of the two giants’ clash as the very ground around them opens up in response to the strength of their strikes. Yet sadly, the same can hardly be said of the Brazilian illustrator’s sketches concerning Garfield Logan yammering on to the love of his life. These layouts, which admittedly contain some slightly humorous transformations by the green-skinned shape-shifter, persistently nullify any sense of momentum generated by the panels depicting the chaos of the frantic battle for survival surrounding them, and resultantly take any onlookers completely out of the fight.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #15 by Lucas Meyer & Marcelo Maiolo

Titans #14 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 14, October 2024

Wonderfully paced and containing the odd misdirection which will surely catch out this comic’s audience, Tom Taylor’s twenty-page plot for Issue Fourteen of “Titans” certainly seems to show just how dangerous Trigon’s daughter could actually be if she were to fully embrace the devilishly dark magic which flows through her veins. In fact, it’s probably difficult for even the most ardent fan of the titular characters to recall Marv Wolfman’s co-creation being quite as all-powerful as she is in this comic; “Broadcasting on emergency channel Omega. This is Nightwing. We need reinforcements. We need every hero on Earth.”

Intriguingly though, the prodigious penmanship on show throughout this book should still convincingly persuade the audience that Dick Grayson’s super-team are about to take the empath down, and if not them, then certainly the “divine entity representing vengeance” himself - The Spectre. For whilst some may well doubt Tempest’s ability to “break the soul gem” and release Rachel Roth from her ruby-red prison, few bibliophiles would surely wager against the nigh omnipotent Ghostly Guardian from defeating the demonic hybrid – especially after he’s quite literally cut her in two with a giant flaming sword.

Also adding a genuinely touching moment to all these nerve-wrenching situations is Beast Boy’s heart-warming concern for his beloved “Rae”, and the shapeshifter’s subsequent horror when he realises a supposedly bested Dark-Winged Queen was actually just fooling with him. Garfield Logan’s emotions are clearly running high for the possessed Azarathian Cambion in this publication, and his concern that she’ll be permanently injured as a result of the Changeling’s comrades-in-arms is evident for all to see - even during the opening when he utters a desperate, tearful plea for Raven not to attack Nightwing in a highly dramatic flashback sequence.

Aiding and abetting Taylor with his storytelling is Lucas Meyer, whose pencils clearly add to the increasing sense of tension permeating this periodical. In addition, the illustrator’s concluding panels do a truly astounding job of depicting Trigon’s apparent victory, and Grayson’s convincing concern that his friends need every helping hand they can get from across the planet (and maybe beyond) if they’re to tackle the two “extinction-level beings” before him and Swamp-Thing.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #14 by Lucas Meyer & Marcelo Maiolo

Titans #13 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 13, September 2024

Essentially comprising of Beast Boy and Cyborg confronting a green-skinned shape-shifter in the Principality of Kravia, Tom Taylor’s storyline for Issue Thirteen of “Titans” probably pleased the majority of its readers by tapping into the pair’s well-established and engaging friendship. Indeed, it’s arguably a pity that the good-natured partnership doesn’t actually last a little longer, as Victor Stone is forced to single-handedly ‘Boom Tube’ Marco Savic to safety whilst Logan battles Apex Ava alone; “Get the President to a hospital. Take his guards with you.”

Of course, the resultant scrap between two walking, emerald-hued menageries is without a doubt the highlight of the twenty-page periodical, particularly as it contains all the sense-shattering shenanigans first seen during Merlin and Madame Mim’s morphing duel in Disney’s 1963 American animated film “The Sword In The Stone”. But many bibliophiles may well have additionally yearned for the Australian author to follow up the comic’s opening sequence, where “Gar” and “Cy” inadvertently stumble upon a demonically-possessed Raven choking Nightwing to death in the very heart of Titans Tower. Instead of simply having that adrenalin-fuelled reality immediately be ret-conned by the magic of Trigon’s daughter. 

However, almost as enthralling as the assassination attempt in Kravia is debatably Hera’s trip down to Hell to speak to the dark domain’s current ruler. This rather furtive trek to visit the extra-dimensional demon Blaze by the Queen of the Gods drips in powerful subterfuge and devilish double-dealing. Plus it contains a seriously surprising cliff-hanger when the Ancient Greek deity suddenly summons the Spirit of Vengeance to help thwart the Dark-Winged Queen from reigning all.

Quite remarkably adding a palpable aura of animation to all these proceedings is the “co-creator of Seven Secrets by Boom! Studios”, Daniele Di Nicuolo. The Italian illustrator’s art style genuinely makes many a panel appear to have been directly lifted from a roll of film stock, and impressively causes a fair few scenes to hark back to the days of Glen Murakami’s 2003 “Teen Titans” cartoon series. In fact, some within this book’s audience will most assuredly hear the show’s iconic theme song performed by Puffy AmiYumi blazing away in the background during certain segments of the action.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #13 by Chris Samnee & Matheus Lopes

Titans #12 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 12, August 2024

For those bibliophiles who like to be emotionally moved by a comic, Tom Taylor’s uber-sad script for Issue Twelve of “Titans” will undoubtedly pull on their heart strings, courtesy of poor Vanadia’s merciless fate. Sure, the homicidal cyborg constructed by S.T.A.R. Labs initially doesn’t appear worthy of any reader’s pity as she savagely strikes down meta human after meta human inside Titans Towers. But by the time the Australian author’s twenty-page plot has dramatically concluded, there arguably won’t be a dry eye in your friendly local book shop; “Everything I’ve done was to be like you. Everything I’ve become was because of you. You… All of you. You’re my heroes.”

Much of this poignancy is generated by the New York Times bestselling writer’s ability to weave into this publication’s high-octane action a clever flashback to a time when as a fourteen year-old girl Vanessa stood up to some school bullies as she felt that would be what Donna Troy would do. This backstory should strike a strong chord of sympathy with the audience, and once associated with the orange-hued mechanical monstrosity pulverising an octopus-shaped Beast Boy, adds an extra element or two to the supposed villain’s motivation – i.e. she is so determined to kill this comic’s central characters because T.O. Morrow’s tricked her into believing they’re evil fakes. Not because the brainwashed young woman is a criminal herself.

Cleverly however, just as everything appears to be about to pan out for the better, Taylor reintroduces the genuinely wicked Dark-Winged Queen into the mix, who wastes absolutely no time in undoing all the good her ‘team-mates’ have just achieved with the Bureau of Sovereignty’s latest walking weapon. The utterly irreprehensible behaviour of Trigon’s daughter should have many an onlooker screaming at the printed page with just the same anguish as Troy does whilst trying to shatter the sorceress’ energy shield, and whilst the likes of a befuddled Garfield Logan might point the finger towards S.T.A.R. Labs, many will still surely see his demonically-possessed lover as being largely responsible for Vanadia’s tragic demise.

Endearingly adding some extra pathos to this book is also Lucas Meyer, whose marvellous menagerie of Beast Boy transformations alone makes this periodical worth its cover price. Furthermore, the artist does a cracking job in showing the entirely innocent realisation upon Vanessa’s face that she’s been duped into fighting her idols, and the barely controlled fury of Wonder Girl following Raven’s aforementioned rash behaviour.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #12 by Chris Samnee & Matheus Lopes

Titans #11 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 11, July 2024

Despite consisting of the ongoing series’ usual twenty-page long plot and featuring a rather savage battle between the comic’s titular characters and a formidably fearsome, cybernetic killing machine, some readers may well feel that this particular issue of “Titans” is a surprisingly quick read. In fact, Tom Taylor’s storytelling is arguably so engrossing that many a bibliophile will just start coming to grips with Dick Grayson matter-of-factly partitioning a part of his mind during the dead of night, before the book suddenly ends with a mortally-wounded Raven returning to Hell so as to instantaneously heal her horrific injuries.

Such an enjoyably absorbing experience is debatably down to this publication’s Australian author quite neatly breaking his tale into three separate sequences, which subsequently then roll into one another. The first of these, focusing upon poor hapless Vanessa’s desperate desire to become a super-heroine, genuinely pulls at the heartstrings, as the young woman disappointingly discovers that after successfully enduring “twisted” Doctor Morrow’s experimental post-human project, her heart simply cannot take the strain of the body’s modifications and catastrophically just stops; “Save the brain.”

This rather sympathetic character then returns, albeit in a nightmarish heavily up-gunned guise, for the comic’s pulse-pounding finale, following Nightwing’s aforementioned summons to mysteriously enter the Safe Room at Titan’s Tower and protect his thoughts from the duplicitous daughter of Trigon. Now equipped with a number of mechanically enhanced powers and vicious-looking bladed attachments, “Vanadia” attempts to eradicate her former role models in the most savage manner possible, after being reprogrammed on Amanda Waller’s instructions to believe Marv Wolfman’s co-creations are actually evil doppelgangers.

Proficiently pencilling all these sense-shattering shenanigans is Brazilian freelancer Lucas Meyer, whose best moment in this entire book arguably comes when he draws a pair of Grayson-shaped layouts which permit the inquisitive audience to quite literally peer inside the former Robin’s head and see his thoughts concerning Raven. The impressively bulked up “ultimate weapon capable of taking down all the Titans” is also reasonably well-designed, with Vanessa’s orange-skinned form appearing to contain elements taken from a number of the “teen” crime-fighters which served as her motivation to agree to Morrow’s terrifying trials at S.T.A.R. Laboratories in the first place.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #11 by Chris Samnee & Matheus Lopes

Titans #10 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 10, June 2024

Knee-deep in demonic double dealing and the duplicity of treacherous team-mates, most bibliophiles buying Issue Ten of “Titans” must surely have enjoyed Tom Taylor’s take on Trigon manipulating his daughter from the murky shadows of his devilish domain. Indeed, Raven’s extra-dimensional daddy is arguably the star of this twenty-page show, courtesy of the Lord of Madness masterfully manipulating the naïve and grossly inexperienced Trilogy into single-handedly attacking the likes of Nightwing, Donna Troy, Starfire, Cyborg, a ‘mentally readjusted’ Beast Boy, and recently recruited Tempest.

Happily however, when the “New York Times bestselling author” does pen this publication’s big fight mid-way through the comic his writing doesn’t pull any punches either, with Rachel Roth’s diabolical alter-ego demonstrating that she is just as adept at generalship as the sorceress is casting limb-severing spells and the occasional “nonviolent response.” Absolutely merciless towards her physically mutilated brother, the Azarathian Cambion genuinely appears to make the most of her comrades' unique abilities by specifically targeting their strengths against her opponent’s few weaknesses. And only appears to make a mistake when her subsequent coldness towards the group’s well-defeated foe clearly causes a suspicious Dick Grayson’s bat-sense to start tingling.

Likewise, the Australian does a good job of bringing a little humour into “Dark Winged Queen” by having the out of favour Garfield Logan save the life of a petrified protestor, who just moments before had been angrily waving a placard in the Changeling’s direction; “George! Swallow you @#$&#$ pride and get on the damn devil horse!” Coupled with an incredibly brief cameo of Amanda Waller covertly acquiring some assassination android with which to kill the Titans, and these intriguing insights manage to maintain the momentum of certain character’s personal development, whilst simultaneously allowing Taylor is thoroughly entertain his readers with a straightforward smackdown.

Somewhat frustratingly though, Lucas Meyer appears much more at home pencilling demons and their black-hearted spawn, than he is the titular cast. The illustrator does a first-rate job imbuing all of the Hell-based antagonists with plenty of evil haughtiness, as well as jaw-droppingly large muscles when they’re armed with a magic staff. But for some reason debatably doesn’t seem able to be quite so convincing when it comes to drawing humanoid-shaped heroes.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #10 by Chris Samnee & Matheus Lopes

Titans #9 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 9, May 2024

Considering the total absence of any action whatsoever within this continuation of Tom Taylor’s “Dark-Winged Queen” saga, the comic still arguably contains plenty of intrigue and double-dealing to hold its audience’s attention throughout. True, much of the twenty-page plot revolves around various cast members simply conversing with one another. But even something like a short-lived sequence depicting Peacemaker inadvertently walking in on Amanda Waller’s secret meeting with the demon Trigon provides the Australian author with an opportunity to demonstrate both Christopher Smith’s unswerving patriotic fervour, as well as the head of the Bureau of Sovereignty’s ruthlessness in immediately deciding to have a new recruit’s memory wiped of her diabolical dealings.

Indeed, the script to Issue Nine of “Titans” is simply packed full of character development, ranging from Beast Boy’s increasing descent into a dark depression on account of recently trying to inadvertently take over the world, through to the Quintessence’s unsuccessful attempt to covertly warn the planet Earth of its imminent destruction utilising the fast-paced skills of the Greek god Hermes, and thus “risk a confrontation with Hell.” So crammed a carousel of word-heavy scenes genuinely could have become incredibly tiresome for many a reader to navigate. However, such are the sticky webs being spun by the competing forces of good, evil and the American way of life, that every time someone opens their mouth another twist to an already engrossing tale is added; “That is a decent carrot. But I’m after actual power, not just the appearance of it. Let’s talk about a better deal, devil…”

Of course, the clear highlight of this publication has to be Raven’s subtle ability to manipulate her team-mates for her own satanic ends. No longer Rachel Roth, the Daughter of Darkness does a terrific job of making the Flash look a fool simply by insinuating the speedster forced Garfield Logan to leave the super-group's rescue mission on the Island of Key West prematurely, before the media could film the vilified shape-shifter once again saving people. Furthermore, the fact Starfire asks her to help Beast Boy recover his understandably lost boyish swagger could well add future legitimacy to the spell-caster’s savage cleansing of her boyfriend’s mental guilt, shame, and self-loathing.

As a result it is probably only new series artist Lucas Meyer’s pencils which take a bit of warming up to. Approached by publisher “DC Comics” to be the ongoing illustrator “about halfway through issue four of Titans: Beast World”, the Brazilian does a fantastic job when it comes to sketching the fiery pits of Hell. Yet his portrayal of the Titans and many of the other figures in this book, especially the likes of Cyborg and Wally West, regrettably look a little stiff and wooden.

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Lucas Meyer, and Colorist: Adriano Lucas

Titans #8 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 8, April 2024

Debatably penning the titular characters as the actual antagonists in Issue Eight of “Titans”, at least in the eyes of “newly established Bureau of Sovereignty” member Sergeant Steel and an utterly ungrateful nameless member of the American public, Tom Taylor’s narrative should most definitely raise the blood pressure of the super-team’s fans. In fact, for some bibliophiles it’s probably difficult to imagine a more enraging tone to a comic as the anti-hero hysteria which permeates this twenty-page-periodical’s plot; “Yeah. I watch the news. We know exactly who you are, and we know exactly what he is. Get the hell away from my kids, Beast!”

Equally as engrossing as this palpable ingratitude towards the group who literally saved the world from the Necrostar’s attack, is the Australian author’s sub-thread depicting Raven as a covert thrall of her utterly evil patriarch, Trigon. This treacherous subterfuge does not bode well for a band of crime-fighting champions already struggling with their public image following the “Beast World” multi-title event, and also hints at some mouth-watering demonically-flavoured fights yet to come should Rachel Roth somehow manage to escape the soul gem within which her horned parent holds her.

Perhaps therefore this book’s sole frustration probably lies in the creation of “the new T-Jet”, which sadly smacks of elements taken from both the Avenger’s Quinjet and the X-Men’s famous Blackbird. Of course the Teen Titans have always been “widely thought of” as DC Comics' “answer to the increasingly popular Uncanny X-Men from Marvel Comics”. But it’s arguably still a little ‘right on the nose’ to see Nightwing piloting so similar a stealth fighter, even if this version can instantaneously travel to its destination via Cyborg’s Boom Box technology.

Ably adding to this publication’s storytelling is Stephen Segovia, whose pencilling of Trigon the Terrible and his dark-hearted daughter is simply ‘spot on’. Sure, the Filipino artist’s somewhat doe-eyed depiction of Sergeant Steel, Melinda Grayson-Lin and their television host somewhat jar the senses. However, such a minor quibble doesn’t long break the book’s overall visual spell, especially once matters move on to Tempest stopping a large flotilla of sea-going vessels from an almighty rogue wave, and the unfounded open hostility etched upon an ungrateful father’s face when a gorilla-shaped Garfield Logan attempts to save his frightened children from a deadly flood.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #8 by Dan Mora

Titans #7 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 7, March 2024

Quite neatly bringing Tempest back into the family fold of the Titans, whilst simultaneously dispatching Brother Eternity rather fittingly to the Phantom Zone, Tom Taylor’s script for “Royal Blood” certainly seems to tick all the boxes needed for a successful comic book. Indeed, the Melbourne-born writer manages to imbue his twenty-page plot with a healthy dose of adrenalin-fuelled action as Batgirl single-handedly battles a horde of humanoid animal creatures, some distinctly dark decision-making on behalf of Raven, and even a smidgeon of tongue-in-cheek fun with the ever-dashing Dick Grayson being temporarily transformed into a red-furred specimen of Vulpes vulpes; “Nightwing is a fox. Of course he is.”

Sadly however, much of this publication’s impact is arguably lessened by just how easily the superhero team defeats its foes, starting with “the first Aqualad” - who is almost entirely dismissed by Rachel Roth’s alter-ego during their confrontation, and quickly laid low courtesy of a “flash dehydration”. Likewise, this long-running narrative’s main protagonist, the treacherous Tamaranean Xand’r, appears to completely fail in his plan to command the technologically-advanced Cyborg into doing his evil bidding, and is unflatteringly clobbered unconscious with a single punch from Starfire.

This sense of underwhelming achievement even debatably extends to the savage, seething mass of monsters who recently broke into the team’s base of operations and appeared to be on the verge of clawing all its occupants into tiny pieces. Rather than generate any lasting threat, at least once Barabara Gordon is shown bravely battling a trio of these nightmarishly fanged creatures in a partially submerged corridor, the audience are simply assured that the Flash has “rounded up all the beast people in the tower and contained them in the sub-basement.”

Ultimately, a lot of this lack of urgency or raw energy, may well lay at the feet of artist Travis Moore and colorist Tamra Bonvillain. There’s little doubt that the pair do a perfectly proficient job in depicting this book’s storyline, with Batgirl’s aforementioned fight whilst being waist-deep in water probably proving its highlight. Yet, there’s just something about the somewhat flat-looking, listless layouts which frustratingly doesn’t appear to imbue the panels with much in the way of palpable dynamism.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #7 by Clayton Henry & Marcelo Maiolo

Titans #6 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 6, February 2024

For those fans either unwilling to fork out for the “Titans: Beast World” multi-issue comic book mini-series and the event's numerous crossover titles, or simply just completely oblivious to the notion of “the people of Earth turning into animals after being exposed to the Beast Boy spores” storyline, Tom Taylor’s narrative for Issue Six of “Titans” may well have proved a bit hard going in places. Sure, some early dialogue from the likes of Starfire, Nightwing and Batgirl provides a little background information as to what is currently occurring inside the "DC Comics" universe. But what this twenty-page periodical arguably really needs is some sort of synopsis for any within its audience who haven’t read the six different tie-ins published before this one; “Detective Chimp and Doctor Clancy are examining Wolf-Batman now.”

Luckily, the “New York Times bestselling author” does still manage to pen an enthralling yarn for those bibliophiles ‘in the dark’, courtesy of Tempest and Brother Eternity penetrating the security of Titans Tower, and allowing the titular characters’ headquarters to be quite literally overrun by beasts. Indeed, this moment generates a palpable sense of urgency within the facility’s inhabitants, thanks largely to Clancy’s children innocently watching cartoons in the Lounge Room whilst a horde of bears, alligators and white-furry bunnies are just a whisker away from ensuring their “vital organs [are] gouged out.”

However, just as engaging is probably this comic’s opening, which focuses upon Princess Koriand’r’s final moments in the presence of her ill-fated mother, just minutes before an alien invasion leads to the destruction of her civilisation. This flashback sequence is both well-written and seemingly connects to the publication’s current main antagonist – Xand’r, providing the storytelling with an exciting pair of bookend-like scenes.

Frustratingly, the same praise probably cannot be directed towards Travis Moore’s illustrations though. The visual artist is clearly a proficient penciller, who does a fine job in helping Taylor deliver an exciting adventure. Yet the American’s style debatably lacks a lot of the detail which this title’s regular contributor, Nicola Scott, definitely delivered, and resultantly, every now and then a panel will potentially ‘jolt’ a reader out of the tale, such as when Garth of Atlantis bursts in upon Dick Grayson and flattens a flailing leopard-person with a small tidal wave.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #6 by Clayton Henry & Marcelo Maiolo

Titans #5 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 5, January 2024

Very much living up to “DC Comics” pre-publication promise of “The Titans are going green” in this twenty-page-periodical, Tom Taylor’s plot for “Out Of The Shadows” still probably dissatisfied a number of its readers with its super-wordy narrative. Indeed, even the titular super-group’s battle against “the new and improved Demolition Team” is resolved via Beast Boy angrily giving one of the villains a considerable tongue-lashing, as opposed to transforming into one of his famously flamboyant animal forms; “Gar. They’re subdued. The town and the people are safe. It’s done.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean for a second that this book’s “New York Times bestselling author” doesn’t later depict Changeling in a multitude of guises as Logan impressively transmutes into a mass of butterflies, dung beetles and then ladybirds in order “to heal the Borneo rainforest”. But these marvellous, multi-bug makeovers are included simply to show the extent of the former Doom Patrol member’s special powers, as opposed to exciting the audience during the aging sidekicks’ stand-off against numerous criminals “with a construction motif”.

Arguably much more involving, though just as dialogue driven, is Nightwing’s last minute deduction that the Flash’s future murderer is actually Wally West’s alien-possessed wife. This well-penned revelation is already known to any bibliophile familiar with the ongoing series. Yet the shock generated by the investigative journalist nonchalantly attempting to detonate a Qwardian Doomsday Weapon inside the Titan trophy room on Mars is still somewhat palpable, due to the reactions of both Dick Grayson and the Scarlet Speedster as Linda impotently taps the neutralised device’s activation button repeatedly.

Perhaps slightly discombobulated by this comic’s inaction is Nicola Scott, whose sketches of Swamp Thing seemingly make the Avatar of the Green appear disconcertingly thin and utterly unimposing. In fact, the protector of plant life is regrettably difficult to spot in many a panel, due to the peaceful yet supposedly powerful giant’s lack-lustre stature, and some of colourist Annette Kwok’s dark-hued palette choices. Happily however, the Australian artist doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Beast Boy’s aforementioned insect-based transformation sequence, with the depiction of the protagonist willingly losing a tiny part of himself whenever one of his green-hued creepy crawlies dies probably being the highlight of the book.

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Nicola Scott, and Colorist: Annette Kwok

Titans #4 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 4, December 2023

Intriguingly treading the line between low-level crime-fighting and international terrorism, Tom Taylor’s narrative for “Out Of The Shadows” certainly seems to start well, courtesy of a touchingly intimate focus upon Beast Boy and Raven as the couple reconcile Garfield Logan’s doubts about the future of humanity by defeating a pair of knife-wielding neighbourhood bullies. But whilst this somewhat tongue-in-cheek transformation into a talking tiger proves entertaining enough, some within this comic’s audience might be left scratching their heads in bemusement at the rest of the book’s plot.

For starters the notion that the Teen Titans should suddenly decide to return to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo at precisely the same location as one of its settlements is being forcibly removed by the gun-toting Demolition Team is arguably a little too manufactured, considering that it appears to occur solely upon Changeling’s whim to “lead a reforestation effort” with the agencies there. Admittedly, the young vigilante has been badly affected by the recent deaths of the area’s wildlife in a mysterious fire. But to immediately convince the rest of his friends to abandon investigating the Flash’s imminent death sadly smacks of the “New York Times bestselling author” sluggishly contriving the super-group’s separation simply so Wally West proves an easier target for his enigmatic assassin.

In addition, the sudden disappearance of both Nightwing and the Scarlet Speedster just when an alien-influenced Tempest arrives at the Titan’s headquarters also appears incredibly fortuitous for the extra-terrestrial invader. Indeed, the pair’s absence, weakly explained as being due to them “being off somewhere” arguing seems unlikely considering Linda Park-West has already made it crystal clear her husband won’t be participating in any adventures for at least the next twenty-four hours; “I wouldn’t say I’m a secret weapon. But you’re going to listen to Donna and Dick…”

Happily however, what this twenty-page periodical debatably lacks in convincing penmanship it makes up for with prodigious pencilling. Whether it be Nicola Scott and colorist Annette Kwok’s awesome-looking regular cover illustration, featuring Beast Boy being surrounded by a veritable menagerie of birds and animals, or a grumpy Peacemaker scrutinising the satellite images of Donna Troy’s battle against the Demolition Team, each and every panel within this comic is incredibly well drawn.

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Nicola Scott, and Colorist: Annette Kwok

Titans #3 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 3, November 2023

Initially depicting a twenty-page plot which strongly suggests that Nightwing’s concerns about Brother Eternity are unfounded and solely based upon the crime-fighter’s prejudicial paranoia, Tom Taylor’s utterly beguiling storyline for Issue Three of “Titans” surely must have lulled a fair few of its readers into a false-sense of security. But whilst Dick Grayson’s dubious infiltration of the Church of Blood certainly seems ill-advised when the trespassing vigilante first penetrates the grand building’s security system. Batman’s former sidekick certainly seems to have been proved right by the comic’s shocking conclusion; “You played your part well in today’s ruse. But I require something more of you. You’re going to visit your friends.”

Intriguingly however, the “New York Times bestselling author” employs a couple of ‘bait-and-switch’ moments involving the cult’s “new telegenic, media-savvy leader” before the super-villain’s true colours and mind-controlling machinations are finally revealed. These ‘ups and downs’ as to whether the book’s central antagonist is truly a victim of those within his shadowy sect who murderously were “a little unsatisfied with the new direction and new management” are convincingly penned, and genuinely make it appear that that the Australian author’s co-creation is trying to make amends for the fanatical organisation’s past offences.

Also well worthy of a ‘shout-out’ is the Melbourne-born playwright’s handling of Beast Boy, who receives plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his insane animal transformation skills during the Titans’ battle against the Church of Blood. Furthermore, Taylor provides Garfield Logan with a palpably moving moment, when he quite literally begs his old-time team-mate Tempest into re-joining the team, only to disappointingly find his plea falling upon deaf ears and be distressingly led away from the emotionally charged confrontation by a softly spoken Raven. 

Perhaps however, a good many of this publication’s considerable accomplishments are also down to the pencilling of Nicola Scott, who somehow manages to imbue many a figure with an almost life-like countenance – even when metamorphosing into a multi-tentacled green-hued octopus. The illustrator is equally as capable of making this comic’s cast come across to the reader as being utterly sincere in whatever they are saying, courtesy of some incredible eyes and heartfelt facial expressions.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #3 by Nicola Scott & Annette Kwok

Titans #2 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 2, August 2023

Despite not containing any notable super-villain action, unless readers count a short-lived flashback to a time when the Justice League of America easily defeated Brother Blood before the Teen Titans could even break through the door of the cult leader’s nefarious church, Tom Taylor’s narrative for “Out Of The Shadows” still probably entranced the majority of its audience with a number of perplexing puzzles. In fact, this entire twenty-page periodical appears to have been penned simply to provide any perusing bibliophile with a plethora of long-running riddles.

Foremost of these canny conundrums is unsurprisingly the murder of Wally West – albeit the bloody corpse littering the floor of the super-group’s new headquarters is thankfully revealed to be a future incarnation of the Scarlet Speedster as opposed to the team’s current lightning-fast member. Such a serious mystery would arguably dominate many a less well-written publication, but the Australian author actually goes a couple of steps better by throwing in a series of criminally caused large-scale ecological disasters into the mix, alongside the potentially treacherous behaviour of Tempest; “Which is why I’m so pleased that a Titan has chosen to join our ranks.”

Similarly as engrossing though is the way Donna Troy is suddenly elevated to group leader whilst Dick Grayson is busy investigating the Flash’s demise. This sequence cleverly provides the comic with both some tense action as the likes of Beast Boy, Raven and Cyborg battle a devasting forest fire in Borneo, as well as potentially fans the flames for some conflict between Wonder Girl and Starfire as to which protagonist is more suited to supervision. For now, the matter appears to be resolved by Koriand'r acknowledging her friend as a “brilliant tactician”. However, the fact the Amazonian felt the need to question the alien princess in the first place debatably suggests that “Troia” has some issues about the situation in her own mind at least.

Just as good as this book’s storyline is Rachel Scott’s pencilling, which does an excellent job of selling the significantly sized cast’s emotions with some wonderfully expressive facial expressions. This ability, most notably demonstrated when Logan helplessly witnesses a family of orangutans burning to death before his eyes, is highly persuasive that the characters in the comic are ‘real people’ with ‘real feelings’, and resultantly adds an additional connection to the heroes as they enter this “new era for the Titans”.

The regular cover art of "TITANS" #2 by Nicola Scott & Annette Kwok

Titans #1 - DC Comics

TITANS No. 1, July 2023

Ingeniously hooking his audience straight from the start by penning Wally West’s mysterious murder, Tom Taylor’s script for Issue One of “Titans” certainly appears to live up to the ongoing series’ prepublication hype of Dick Grayson’s friends being the “new premier superhero team” in the Dawn of DC Comics’ relaunched universe. Indeed, Garfield Logan, Princess Koriand'r and Donna Troy’s impressive dismantling of a King Kong-sized Titano just outside a nuclear power plant, strongly suggests the upcoming protectors of the Earth are more than “ready for the big leagues.”

Happily however, the “New York Times bestselling author” doesn’t simply pit “the no-longer-teen heroes” against a villainous giant gorilla, but also provides them with a worthy adversary who theoretically should be working alongside them for the greater good of Humanity. The Peacemaker has arguably always been something of a controversial character, considering Charlton Comics’ original creation is essentially a “deadly vigilante who would kill at the slightest provocation”. So his presence representing the President of the United States of America immediately grabs the reader’s attention, especially once he starts feuding with Batman’s protégé; “The existence of the Titans is antagonistic. Do you honestly believe we will allow so much unchecked power to operate freely?”

Similarly as beguiling is the aforementioned death of the Flash to an unknown assassin who shot him straight through the heart from behind at point-blank range. Whether the “Fastest Man Alive” is going to be able to recover from such a terminal wound tantalisingly remains rather murky throughout this “landmark” twenty-four-page periodical, courtesy of the Scarlet Speedster desperately attempting to use the Cosmic Treadmill to change his fate before his lifeless corpse is shockingly found in Bludhaven. Yet many a bibliophile will doubtless become ensnared enough to pre-order this title’s subsequent instalment from their local comic bookstore, so as to find out more.

Ably assisting Taylor in his storytelling are Nicola Scott’s extremely lifelike layouts, whose detailed pencilling, particularly when it comes to the cast’s facial features, appears a far cry from the zany cartoon caricatures seen on the small screen as part of the (Teen) Titan’s 2009 American animated television series. In addition, the Sydney-born illustrator does a fantastic job of imbuing Peacemaker with some almost palpable testosterone when he swaggers out from inside a military helicopter to aggressively confront Nightwing and unsuccessfully lay down the law of the land.

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Nicola Scott, and Colorist: Annette Kwok