Teen Titans #23
Recap
***WARNING: This review contains major spoilers!***
Police Commissioner James Gordon is shot by a sniper (one that Red Hood told Robin is associated with The Other), and elsewhere, Wally confronts Roundhouse about not telling the team that he survived the nuclear blast. After they settle down, they head to the scene of the shooting. Luckily, it’s Djinn and not Gordon who appears to be shot, but it’s really just a masterful illusion. Meanwhile, Crush, Robin and Red Arrow are surveying Lady Vic, the assassin that thinks she’d just killed Gordon. Kid Flash and Roundhouse arrive and though the team is glad to see he’s alive, their powwow alerts Lady Vic and they have to pursue. Use of force almost brings her down, but a few explosive tricks allow Vic to escape into a nearby building.
Once Djinn and Red enter the top, Red chews Djinn out for allowing Robin to be distracted by their budding relationship. On the ground level, Robin lectures Crush for causing collateral damage while pursuing Vic and for being a poor team player. They all meet up outside a room where they think they have Vic cornered, only to find her claw-marked body stapled to the wall with hooked blades, and the word “BOOM” written out in her blood. The team questions its meaning right before the building explodes.
Review
Art: Emotionally engaging and colorful, the artwork is well executed and formatted. As always, Chang’s facial detail and expressions are on point and excellent.
Writing: I am not a big fan of the return of Roundhouse. I felt it cheapened the last two issues and was unnecessary. The rest of the issue is great, I even enjoy Roundhouse’s presence in it, but I’m pretty disappointed. Crash continues to be off the hook and I really love the sweet relationship budding between Damian and Djinn. Red Arrow is focused and Kid Flash is neurotic; simply put, the characters are consistent, likable and the run is a joy to read. The Teen Titans feel like teenagers, complete with their numerous insecurities and overconfidence. Damian and Red have their more mature hands full having to mold the more impetuous members, and The Other seems to always be one step ahead; as it should be.
Final Thoughts
Notwithstanding the fact Roundhouse should’ve stayed dead, Teen Titans should continue to be a mainstay in your hold list if you like the characters.
Teen Titans #23: It’s Like That, Huh?
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 8/108/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 7/107/10