Teen Titans #20
Writer: Tony Bedard
Pencils: Ian Churchill
Inks: Norm Rapmund
Colors: Tony Avina
Letters: Corey Breen
Cover: Mike McKone & Rod Reis
Assistant Editor: Brittany Holzherr
Editor: Alex Antone
Tony Bedard takes over writing for Teen Titans #20. The story begins at LexCorp where Lex is made aware of a blog called, “The Legion of Dumb,” Through the site, an internet troll named Metatroll93, pokes fun at super villains. Lex takes the jokes in stride, claiming thick skin as a prerequisite for business success.
Elsewhere, however, Monsieur Mallah, (Gorilla Guérilla) does not take the online jabs too kindly, as the blogger goes after his disembodied love, The Brain.
Still in Greece, the Titans are training after their recent run-in with Cassandra in Teen Titans #19. Tim Drake (Red Robin) faces off against the Titans and lays the entire team to waste, capitalizing on their vulnerabilities. Here, we get some character development as Raven confronts Tim saying the “training” is really about dealing with his perceived failures.
Soon, Tim finds himself on the “Legion of Dumb” website. Batman interjects and gives Tim an ultimatum.
The Titans transport to New York City, hot on the trail of Metatroll93. Cassie and Tim drop into the apartment where the website is hosted, and are ambushed by Monsieur Mallah and The Brain. Readers are left with a tease of things to come, which may or may not make for interesting reading.
The issue itself is visually appealing with wonderful lines. The colors pop and move the action along. Different fonts are used to for The Brain’s electronic voice. Little, yet often overlooked, details like this make comics more enjoyable. Lettering can add depth and help move the story along. In comics, everything tells a story!
The real challenge with Teen Titans #20 is the story. I find Monsieur Mallah and The Brain unusual choices for villains in this issue. Frankly, these two are some of my least favorite rogues in the DCU. While key villains in Doom Patrol, I found their inclusion in Titans lacking and underdeveloped. Emotional responses to an internet troll is what triggers the primary conflict in this issue? Is this where Teen Titans has gone?
Typically, any inclusion of Batman in Teen Titans or any other title is exciting. Here, however, it feels contrived. The Titans are still on the lam as criminals, which is why Batman intervenes. But, why is he just now concerned? Because of a post on the internet?! And, to what end?
To be fair, Teen Titans #20 is the start of another arch and readers should give Bedard’s story a chance to develop further. However, I cannot help but wonder if it’s merely a placeholder as we await Rebirth.
Teen Titans has traditionally been a seminal title at DC. It has tackled youthful issues unique to its moniker – identity, coming of age, becoming more than just sidekicks, working on a team – with all the challenges those brings. I am hopeful the Rebirth narrative will move Titans back toward the spotlight and give it something meaningful to say.
