Not quite redeemed.
Creative Staff:
Story: Dan Abnett
Art: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer: Corey Breen
What They Say:
“Made in Manhattan” part two! The Titans come face-to-face with the Fearsome Five and their newest member…Bumblebee?! Meanwhile, Dick and Wally make a stunning discovery about Meta Solutions!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Titans kicked off some fun stuff recently by bringing the team back to the big city and getting them squared up in their T tower, something that’s undeniably goofy but harkens back to a wonderful time for me. While the bonding time still hasn’t had a chance to really hit there for the team, Abnett has been keeping things moving along nicely for the nine issues so far and it’s a fun ride. With Booth and Rapmund back on this issue as well we get a whole lot that’s covered with a decent bit of exposition that’s laid out in a way that’s interesting to read with how Booth frames it all. While there may be some simpler backgrounds here and there to balance things out I do appreciate the amount of work that goes into a lot of other scenes to make them feel more fully realized, giving the book a lot more impact.
The whole Meta Solutions thing is something that’s certainly interesting and beyond plausible in this kind of world (and done before to varying degrees as well). The team coming across Karen so excited about what she’s able to do as she learns that she’s really aligned with the Fearsome Five is definitely fun as she’s all over the map with it, particularly since Mammoth is part of the group and he did some real damage to Mal before. The confusion only grows with how Psimon tries to get them to believe that they’re all reformed, having redeemed themselves and are trying to do things on the right for those with powers that are struggling with them. It is an idea that really does make a lot of sense but you know the bankroll behind such an operation would have to be huge and complicated with who all is involved. And while Omen does give everyone the all clear on what Psimon is saying, they also all realize that Psimon is one of the more powerful people out there and Omen may not be able to see through things.
Which, of course, is a given that Psimon and the others are working a bigger plan. This only comes into the forefront toward the end after Dick and Wally head into Meta Solutions to scope the place out at night. I do like seeing these two work together as there’s some good banter between them that comes from years working together and an affinity for each other. That segment may lead to familiar story ideas and executions but it also plays against Karen realizing that she has to step up in this situation as well and really make a choice. It is admittedly unclear how she’ll go with it because the desire to have her powers work for her as they are is definitely appealing. And with Psimon telling us but not her that she may be an alpha-class powered person if properly unlocked means we’re looking at a potentially serious upgrade for the character. Which would be welcome as I like how she’s handling things so far with a lot of uncertainty but wanting to do the right thing while a strong sliver of selfishness is in the mix as well.
In Summary:
Titans continues to be a fun book overall and while I do wish it would tighten up its arcs just a bit more, and give us a bit more downtime with the characters to connect with them, I’m enjoying this new arc as it gets underway. Karen and Mal are characters I’m less familiar with and after a whole lot of Wally time it’s good to focus on eithers. Poor Garth is just written as someone who wants to punch things, which is admittedly amusing. I doubt anyone is surprised by the truth behind events here but it’s made fun and engaging to read thanks to Booth and Rapmund who continue to turn in some top notch work month after month that’s full of energy and excitement.
Grade: B
Age Rating: 12+
Released By: DC Comics via ComiXology
Release Date: March 8th, 2017
MSRP: $2.99
