Posted in: Comics, DC Comics | Tagged: arsenal, barry allen, Batman, Bumblebee, dan abnett, dc comics, Donna Troy, HRL, justice league, nightwing, omen, Paul Pelletier, superheroes, superman, tempest, The Flash, Titans, wally west, wonder woman
Titans #19 Review: Judgement Day for the Titans
In light of the chaos with Troia, the Justice League are unsure if the Titans are capable of operating as a team. Wally West has had troubles with his powers, and Donna Troy has dealt with a lot of startling revelations about her identity in recent weeks. As such, the Justice League is unsure if the team should go on without some investigation into its members.
Later, Arsenal digs into a drug trafficking ring with some powerful backing.
Titans #19 is a good cool-down and reflection issue after the lengthy saga that was Troia's attack on the team. The group is shaken from what they've learned about themselves. It would make sense that the team needs some time to reevaluate.
Using the Justice League reiterates the "young ones versus old guard" dynamic of the team. It does make the Justice League look a bit douche-y, but it does make sense. These guys still look at the Titans as their teenaged partners. As such, it does make sense that the League would be inclined towards overprotective behavior.
There is a lot of good drama in this comic, and it's balanced well with Arsenal's action-packed yet precarious mission against the drug dealers. This is made unsure due to Troia's prediction of Roy's return to drug use. Elsewhere, Wally feels betrayed by Barry, Nightwing feels that Batman has lost faith in him, Bumblebee is still dealing with the loss and return of her memories, and Donna Troy doesn't even know who or what she is anymore. This comic handles the emotion very well, and you can't help but feel for the team.
This all makes for good internal drama. The dialogue does lend the comic towards the realm of melodrama at times. Thankfully, Dan Abnett manages to avoid that for the most part, though.
Paul Pelletier takes over the art for this comic, and Titans #19 looks great for it. Mr. Pelletier has always been really skilled at displaying emotional expression, and his overall style looks great. The characters look imposing and epic, and the costumes look good as ever. Andrew Hennessy's inking work is top notch too, and Adriano Lucas's color work is bright and eye-catching, too.
Titans #19 functions as an excellent follow-up to the arc with Troia. It is emotionally weighty, the drama as palpable, and the art is great. This one gets a recommendation. Give it a read.