Titans Annual #1 Review

Titans Annual #1

Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Minkyu Jung
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual
Publisher: DC Comics

A review by Christoph Staffl

Previously on Titans: We had a spectacularly return of Wally West in the Rebirth one-shot and the reunion of the team. The first opponent of the Titans was Kadabra (he is responsible for Wally’s imprisonment in the Speed Force) and their former selves. The best issue was the one where Wally had to run an insanely long distance in an insanely short amount of time. This was just amazing and the series is one of my favourites from the new line-up. And now we have come to our first annual.

This oversized issue acts as a kind of prologue to the new upcoming storyline. But it’s only relevant at the end of the issue and until that it reads like a self contained story – which is very refreshing. We start right in the middle of the story, as the heroes (those on the cover) are teleported to an unknown location. They don’t just have to find a way out, but they also have to face some of their older foes. Behind it all is a greater plan but don’t worry, I won’t give away who is really behind it (and to be honest, I couldn’t, even if I wanted to).

The whole issue does contains action, but it really focuses on the relationships and the interactions between the characters. Therefore it is much more focused on the dialogue between them. They are very personal and we learn something new about each one of them. Which is really good and the issue doesn’t feel crowded or unnecessary lengthy. In an one-shot adventure like this, you have to give everyone at least one small moment where they can prove themselves and also evolve. This is especially important with this kind of constellation. They do not just interact with their counterparts, but also their own team members and the others.

Their relationships, their status within the teams and how they function as a team are the most interesting parts of the story. They’re not just members of the Titans (Nightwing, Garth, Wally Flash and Donna) or the Justice League (Aquaman, Flash, Batman and Wonder Woman). No, they are also friends or allies, mentors or protégés, kings, leaders, and so much more. The story is really about their roles within the teams and how those teams are working together. It raises important questions: What is the best foundation for a team? How should they deal with a situation like this – who is the leader? The good thing is, we don’t really get an answer. Not because there is non, but because there are so many.

It’s also interesting to see, who of those involved first raises suspicions against their friends. All of them have been transported to this location, but are all of them who they think they are? What if someone is an imposter? One person in particular is very suspicious of the others and I don’t know how I feel about Dan Abnett’s choice. I think this particular part of the story could have ended a few pages earlier, but in this way we also learn a lot more about two particular characters. I am not really sure what to make of it? I don’t want to spoil you, so I’ll leave it at that.

Batman has of course his own suspicions, which are surprisingly funny. The way he speaks and works with Nightwing is cute and at times, heartbreaking. Wally and Barry have the best foundation, based on what happened in the Rebirth Special. Garth and (King) Arthur have more of a professional relationship between each other. To see all the different kinds of dynamics isn’t something we get to see very often and I am thankful to be reminded of them.

I enjoyed very much when the Justice League and the Titans (or Teen Titans for that matter) are together. Their differences are their strength and at the same time, they are very entertaining for us readers. I hope they are working together against an upcoming threat. After the Justice League / Suicide Squad team-up it is time to see the League with the Titans.

One last thing at the end: Wally returned with the Rebirth event and since then it felt like everyone just accepted it. The suspicions against him are just a brief moment in the whole issue, but it’s good to see the small consequences of such an event. This is far more believable than some ultimate world changing and relationship shattering repercussions. Because they wouldn’t last anyway. But trust issues and stuff like that are welcome and a good basis for suspenseful stories.

The Verdict
Buy it! As I said, this issue can be seen as a stand alone issue but also as a prologue for upcoming storylines. The colourist Adriano Lucas uses different themes for different situations, which looks great. The action sequences are easy to follow, but Minkyu Jung also knows how to set up intense conversations about trust and relationships. A well-deserved and well-crafted annual issue.