Titans #28
Recap
***WARNING: This review contains major spoilers!***
The Legion of Doom has sent a beacon into outer space, summoning alien ocean-deity invaders that were anciently banished by Arion, Atlantean Hero and champion of Poseidon. These aliens have now invaded Earth’s airspace and contaminated its ocean waters with floods of transformative molecular fluid, changing any living thing it touches into monstrous, aquatic minions. (Prelude of the Drowned Earth story arc from Justice League #10)
Currently, and against orders, the Titans and Tempest have boarded the invading fleet’s command ship with the intent of bringing it down. The Titans fight (Beast Boy swash-buckles) their way to the engine room where they are ambushed by Commander Drogue. Drogue bats the Titans away with the power of a god, with Tempest’s magic being the only thing that halts his advance. Tempest buys the Titans time to retreat, perhaps with his life, for he is blasted out of the ship from orbit. The team reaches the Boom-Room and blindly teleports right before Drogue can smash it to pieces.
Review
Art: Much like the previous issue, the background detail is minimal but the character forms, faces, and action choreography are very good. I assume the lack of detail is indicative of a bi-weekly time-crunch compounded with the complications of publishing a crossover issue.
Writing: To start, I am most definitely not a fan of the Drowned Earth crossover story-arc. I think it has derailed more than added to current Titans and Aquaman arcs that have taken time and effort to develop into emotional places the reader can care about. For what it is, Abnett did a fine job with the material he was given to work with. I’m glad he stuck with Donna to monologue the story, and his choice to bring in Tempest was excellent. Gar yelling his pirate phrases as the team cut loose against the fishy henchmen was really fun, and Tempest’s sacrifice was heartfelt and noble. I’m just sad that we’ve had to depart from the current, emotionally-potent story for this aquatic alien nonsense. Hopefully, we’ll soon return to our regular programming.
Final Thoughts
Though really well presented, you can skip this issue if the Drowned Earth story arc isn’t your cuppa.
Titans #28: Of Gods and Fish-Men
- Writing - 7/107/10
- Storyline - 5/105/10
- Art - 7/107/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10