Teen Titans Academy #7
Recap
Gorilla Grodd vs. Gorilla Gregg! A fun, light outing to upstate New York for the students of Titans Academy becomes a nightmare when an entire town turns on them. But as Gorilla City expat Gorilla Gregg fights to save his friends, the young primate discovers, the threat leads him to his own uncle—Gorilla Grodd.
Review
Sheridan picks up the pace fast with the team thrown into the middle of a literal mob of people with pitchforks. Unlike a goofy Simpsons mob, we see a mind controlled group that is ran by Gorilla Grodd. For a period of time we still see the point of view of some of the kids, until Grodd might control them. This switches to Gregg who can feel the weight on his shoulders to make a decision that is right.
What I appreciate most about this issue is how relatable the toxic dynamic can be between family members. Gorilla Gregg is the type of hero who wants to do better than his family. We see the complicated issues he faces as he feels the pull of having to help your family even when you know they are in the wrong. It is the rough type of relationship that really pushes Gorilla Gregg to understand that he has a healthier sense of family with the Titans. Just because someone is related to you doesn’t mean they are your family. Gregg made the decision clear to support the Titans and not let his connection to Gorilla Grodd define his destiny.
This breaking away from a family figure or mentor concept has always been a running theme through the Titans books. I could see strong parallels between this and Raven’s origin. I love seeing a creative team being able to continue this theme with newer Teen Titans.
The art for me in this series is something that always draws my attention. One moment that caught my attention is how Sandoval and Sinclair were able to the psychic projection of Grodd and Gregg fighting. That was breathtakingly beautiful. By far one of the prettiest moments of this series.
Final Thoughts
This is a fun issue that has Gorilla Gregg fighting between choosing his relation to Grodd or his relationship to the Titans. Having an issue that drives a character to solidify their connection to their chosen family is a great way to build the character, and their connection to other members.
Teen Titans Academy #7 Gorillas In Our Midst
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 7/107/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 7/107/10