Eric Bradach's The Comixalaxy

Titans #1
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Brett Booth
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Letter: Carlow M. Mangual
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: 07/27/2016

The original Kid Flash, Wally West is back from the events of the DC Rebirth Special, and is now on a journey to round-up his former teammates and find out who is behind the manipulation of the DC Universe. Who wiped him off the timeline and erased 10 years of history from the Titans and our other beloved heroes? Writer Dan Abnett plays his cards and reveals who made Wally disappear with this issues conclusion.

Titans Rebirth #1 saw Wally venture into Dick Grayson's(Nightwing) apartment and like what happened in DC Rebirth, none of them recognized him. However he soon discovered a way to switch the lightbulb in their memory, contact with the Speed Force. The long time friends have a long-awaited reunion and Wally explains every bit of knowledge he has thus far.

This follow-up issue picks up with a quick recap of Wally's sorrow for his lost love Linda Park and his reconcile with Barry Allen. The Titans then go to work and discuss how to go about identifying the culprit behind their dilemma. Lilith Clay(Omen) creates a psionic link between her and Wally to see if she can find a clue to their mystery. Roy Harper(Arsenal) and Donna Troy eventually go to investigate and question someone whom they believe might hold some answers. After some great interactions between the friends, we finally get our closing that may have some people disappointed.

I for one have never read a single Titans or Teen Titans book before the relaunch that was DC Rebirth. So I'm going into this with fresh eyes, no connection to this team, and from what Dan Abnett has done thus far has caught my interest. The moments between the characters are charming and you really get a sense that they've known each other and have been friends for a long time. What's even more appreciated that through them working off one another, you can really get a grasp on their individual personalities. Each one of them is distinct which makes their conversations all the more compelling.

Another enjoyable moment is when Abnett points out that it's Wally West, not Barry Allen that's the fun comedic Flash. Something that irritated numerous fans about the recently released Justice League trailer. His charm is one of the lures of the character and it's great to see it played upon here.

One thing that this series promised, with the addition of Wally West was that much about the structure of the DC Universe will be revealed here. Unfortunately this issue's ending is disappointing as I for one was eager to see something major at play. Maybe long time fans of the Titans will be hooked, but as a relatively new comer to the series, it's kind of a let down.

As far as visual style, artist Brett Booth nailed a solid vibe for this book. He's able to blend a sense of realism with the fun adventures that most Titans fans seem to appreciate. The strong character connections through the dialogue are made even stronger, as Booth simply adds some clever body posturing. Creating a dynamic to the team and bond that can really engage readers. The costume designs for the most part are solid, save for two. One being Garth, not that it's terrible or any of the sort, it's just too bland, generic, and it'd appreciate if something more out of the box was executed. However the real annoyance comes from Roy. The majority of DC fans have expressed their distaste with the backwards trucker hat, so it makes one wonder why it's stuck around for so long. There was the hope that DC Rebirth would fix that irritating choice but it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. The other problem with the artwork with Roy is whenever he's firing his bow and arrow. That weapon isn't designed to be held "gangster style" and it makes him look as if he doesn't know how to use it. It doesn't make him look cool, it makes him look like an incompetent idiot.

Final Verdict

Titans Rebirth had a strong start with the promise of discovery and big reveals, Titans #1 sets more of that up but its closing catch falls short. Fortunately Abnett saves that with some delightful character interactions, creating a powerful team-dynamic that one can't help to become invested in. There are some poor choices made from an art perspective but it could be worse. While the conclusion is disappointing, this issue is still engaging enough for readers to come back for next months issue.

Score: 3.5 out of 5