Teen Talk

In the 1980s, I was a HUGE New Teen Titans fan.  In fact, it was my picking up an early issue of New Teen Titans in a 7-11 convenience store that totally got me hooked on the gang, as well as on comics in general.  Marv Wolfman's writing/storylines drew me into the world of DC Comics' teenaged superheroes.  George Perez's drawings made me really appreciate comics as an art form.  When Terra was introduced in 1982 as the latest New Teen Titan, I was fascinated by this new character.  She was sweet, innocent, and served as a great potential girlfriend for the otherwise silly and awkward Changeling/Beast Boy.  By the time "The Judas Contract" storyline came around in 1984 and Terra was exposed as a traitor, I was shocked...but thrilled.  Not only was her betrayal startling, but it was also risque that a 15-year-old girl was in a romance with Slade Wilson (Deathstroke the Terminator), probably at least 25 years her senior! [Gasp!]  It was then that I realized that comic books were not just for kids...and I had to have more of this amazing world.  Every Friday, I would get my new batch of comics for the week and read them all over the weekend.  Weeks that included the latest issue of The New Teen Titans were my favorite.

In 2007, I won an auction on eBay featuring the first 30 or so issues of the latest Teen Titans series (which began in 2003).  Wow.  The characters and storylines hearkened back to the day of Marv Wolfman and George Perez' original "new" team.   "Who was this Geoff Johns guy?  He's a great writer for the Teen Titans," I thought.  "He really knows the characters well and gets into their personal lives."  I was also pleasantly surprised by the new Superboy and Wonder Girl.  They really complemented the team and weren't just teenage offshoots of their adult namesakes.  Plus, Geoff added cool nostalgic touches like bringing onboard Wendy and Marvin from the old TV Super Friends days.   

I caught myself up to the series' current issue and still craved more.  I went out and started purchasing other comic book series to see what had happened to my favorite characters over the years.  I also started buying more comic book series sets on eBay.  Once again, twenty-five years after the first time, the Teen Titans led me into the world of comic books.   

While I'm still reading and collecting comics again, I have to admit that, unfortunately, since Geoff Johns left The Teen Titans, no writer has been able to share or equal the love and attention to detail he showed the teens.  Sean McKeever focused so much on Ravager (Deathstroke's daughter) and some new supervillain group called the Terror Titans that I forgot which comic book I was reading.  Where were the Teen Titans?  Why weren't they in their own comic book anymore?  And why did this book become so Ravager-centric?  The team was whittled down to nothing (goodbye Robin, Superboy, Red Devil, and Miss Martian!).  When new team members were finally added, we got Kid Eternity, the new clutzy Blue Beetle, and Static?  Thanks, but no. 

I was excited to hear that a new writer would be taking over the scripting reins with Teen Titans #75.  Also, many characters were being brought back and/or added to the mix.  Someone must have been equally unenthusiastic with the downward spiral the Teen Titans had taken.  To add to the intrigue and my enthusiasm, the new writer was female.  Felicia D. Henderson, a TV series writer, was given The Teen Titans as her first comic book series assignment ever.  I was excited about the possibilities and what she might do with the female characters in the group:  Wonder Girl, the reinstated Miss Martian, new Aquagirl, and Bombshell.  Sadly, I've just read issue #81 and, seven issues later, my question is still unanswered.  Instead of giving us the female perspective or delving into interpersonal relationships, the book has become Static-centric (yes, we get that you really, really want people to like this former Milestone character) and features a Ravager story as the "second feature" in every issue (still written by Sean McKeever).  Yawn to both. 

Writers mustn't forget that these characters are, above all else, TEENAGERS.  They have different emotions, feelings, worries, and interpersonal relationships than the adult superheroes.  Most of all, they like to have fun.  Geoff Johns was very cognizant of these traits when he brought the characters (and the series) back to life in 2003.  I wish someone else would remember that before we're all having to say goodbye again to the Teen Titans. 

Built for Speed

I've always liked the concept of The Flash (the Barry Allen version), but as a kid, I never got into reading his comic.  I think I tried on a few occasions but never got into his storylines or his gang of enemies, the "Rogues."  Or maybe it was because I didn't feel like he had much personality. 

After the Barry Allen Flash died during Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985, I was relieved when Wally West (formerly Kid Flash) picked up the mantle and received his own comic book.  This, I liked.  Wally was/is kind of cocky (unlike Barry) and, being a huge Teen Titans fan, I was excited for one of the founding members to get their own comic book.  I enjoyed following Wally through his escapades. 

Flash forward (pun intended) to 2007 when I started reading comics again after a 15-year hiatus, I find that there is now such a thing known as the "Speed Force."  The Speed Force is, according to Wikipedia, "an energy source that served as a pseudo-scientific explanation for his powers and that of other fictional speedsters within the DC Universe."   Sounds pretty cheesy to me, and almost as annoying to hear it constantly used.  (I'm reminded of the former series Young Justice where Superboy talks incessantly about his power of "tactile telekinesis," thereby annoying his teammates.)

With Barry Allen being brought back to life 25 years later in Geoff Johns' The Flash: Rebirth, I decided to give the Flash (specifically Barry Allen) another try.  Unfortunately, I felt a little letdown by the "Rebirth" storyline, mostly because -- again -- I was so tired of the overuse of the "Speed Force."  Plus, now there were SO many Flashes.  Here a Flash, there a Flash, everywhere a Flash, Flash.  There's the Jay Garrick Golden-Age Flash, still alive and running; the Wally West Flash; and now the returning Barry Allen Flash.  Not to mention many others in between who have assumed the mantle of "The Flash" over the years.  Can't they pick different names?  Are all superhero names used up?  How confusing is it when the Justice League says "Call the Flash!" and they have to respond with, "Which one?"  I'm waiting for a Flash Corps comic book to come out next, in the tradition of the Green Lantern Corps.  And, naturally, all of the Flashes are all connected to the ever-present and overused Speed Force. 

I know, I know...enough with the Flash-bashing, you say!  I'm getting to that, don't worry.

Being a glutton for punishment, I picked up Flash Secret Files and Origins 2010 #1 and the follow-up, The Flash #1, the start of a new ongoing, monthly series written (for now) by Geoff Johns.  To my surprise, Secret Files and Origins intrigued me so much that I had to read Flash #1 immediately following.  I loved the direction in which Johns is taking Barry now that we've gotten past the Rebirth stage, loved that his minor characters are given personalities and storylines of their own, and loved that there's some mystery.  I truly look forward to following his new adventures.  (But would love to hear a bit less about the Speed Force and also see some Flashes get different names!)

Cloak & Dagger: Monthly Series, Please.

The recent Cloak and Dagger one-shot from Marvel Comics reminded me why I love these two characters. Although they've been unsuccessful in holding their own in a monthly series, given the proper writer, artist, and storylines, I bet they could surely succeed where they've failed in the past. The dynamic between them is unlike any other. Dagger is an extrovert and full of light, life, and spirit; Cloak is an introvert full of darkness, dread, and despair. They're platonic friends who feed off one another; Dagger gives Cloak her light to keep his "hunger" satiated.

In the past, they've dealt with drug dealers and drug addicted youth a lot, so the storylines were heavy and not always -- for lack of a better term -- "superheroic." The latest one-shot release by Marvel (April 2010) really delves into the personalities of each character and introduces them (hopefully) to a new generation of readers. The two have their individual storylines and then come together again at the end. Dagger undergoes testing to see if she's really a mutant (and, therefore, could become an X-Man). For her, it was comparable to finding out your pregnancy or paternity test results. Sadly, the results are negative and we feel sympathetic right along with her. Cloak, on the other hand, is caught up in a romance with an old flame and ignores Dagger's efforts to reach him. Unfortunately, his old flame is up to no good and he gets into trouble over his head. In the end, both Cloak and Dagger realize that they need one another and the readers notice the ongoing sexual tension between the two. Cloak becomes a little jealous seeing Dagger with Anole (of Young X-Men fame) to which Anole replies, "Uh, hello. Gay." I appreciated the fact that there was such a casual reference to Anole's sexuality.

For readers unfamiliar with Cloak and Dagger, as well as those of us who haven't read about them in many, many years; the writer, Stuart Moore, also offers flashbacks to Cloak and Dagger's origin. It's not a cheerful one, but it sets the tone for the rest of their lives.

I give this comic 5 stars (out of 5). The writing was superb, the art was beautiful, and the storyline was absorbing. Now if only Marvel would give writer Stuart Moore and artist Mark Brooks a monthly comic starring Cloak and Dagger.

p.s. I guess Dagger's more revealing costume is now trying to compete with the likes of Emma Frost or Power Girl? See for yourself:

The Rise of Arsenal

I've always liked Roy Harper (Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow), formerly of the original Teen Titans group. Why? I guess because he's always been "real." The stories involving him have always been real and hard-hitting. Nothing is ever sugar-coated with him.

As the teen superhero Speedy, sidekick to Green Arrow, he joined the Teen Titans and was drawn to the only female on the team, Wonder Girl. Roy was cocky -- a "total guy" and a womanizer -- and screwed up the relationship time and time again. Later, he became the poster boy for drug addiction, something unheard of for superheroes who were supposed to be role models for kids. Roy was addicted to heroin and unable to stop using. He eventually did stop, went through withdrawal, and came out clean. Thankfully, DC Comics still references this ugly part of his past instead of just sweeping it under the rug. It's a part of who he is, and it has made him stronger for it. It also establishes him as a superhero with flaws. It makes him...real, in a sense.

As an adult, Roy was known to bed many superwomen...and a villain or two. His charm, confidence, and good looks go a long way. He's had flings/relationships with Hawkgirl and Huntress, and fathered a child with the Titans villainess Cheshire. Unable to care for the child as an assassin, Cheshire gave Roy custody of their daughter. Having a daughter in his life has made Roy grow as a person. He's matured and become a great father to his daughter Lian and a big brother figure to Green Arrow's son Connor Hawke and new sidekick Mia Dearden, the new Speedy. (Who, by the way, has her own tragic beginnings coming from the world of teenage prostitution and now living with HIV.)

Now with the Justice League mini-series Cry for Justice, Roy has lost an arm AND the daughter he loved and cherished. The storyline itself wasn't that great, but its significance in Roy's life is major. (See my review here.)

DC Comics' new mini-series, The Rise of Arsenal, gives center stage to Roy and follows him through the "what's next?" stage of his life. I've only read the first issue so far...but I am already hooked. In it, Roy wakes up in recovery and tries to deal with the loss of one of his arms (that was severed by Prometheus). Next, he's given the blow that Prometheus also killed his daughter. Ouch. Roy is angry, hurt, and lashes out. His superhero friends try to calm him down, but it's to no avail. J.T. Krul writes the story with superb realism. He deals with the tragic emotion of loss and even...addiction. Yes, folks, Roy Harper is heading down that road again. Gone are the heydays of heroin. In today's modern world, it's prescription pain killers. And Roy has plenty of them, having just lost an arm and dealing with the pain.

Throughout the issue, I kept feeling so many emotions swirling around inside me. Sadness. Empathy. Anger. Frustration. I felt SO bad for Roy. The amputation I can deal with. The loss of Lian was devastating because you could tell how much Roy loved his little girl and wanted to provide a safe environment for her.

I can't wait to see where this mini-series is going, but I hope it's eventually to an ongoing solo series featuring my favorite red-headed, muscled womanizer.

Miscarriage of Justice

What happens when you push a superhero too far? DC Comics' seven-issue mini-series Cry for Justice answers that question. So as to not give away any spoilers (as if you probably already haven't heard), I won't go into detail about the story's content. However, I will tell you that the book leads into a new roster for the Justice League of America and into some major character changes in the Green Arrow family.

While the series ended on a powerful note, the entire story throughout felt a little bit convoluted and pieced together without much thought of cohesion. I felt that the writer, James Robinson, wasn't quite sure what the story was, how to develop the characters, how to have the characters interact with each other, or how to get the characters from Point A to Point B. And I'm sure "scheduling delays" with the release of the comic didn't help with my waning interest either. The first five issues were issued monthly and then the second two every other month after that. Hopefully, the graphic novel as a whole reads better. But most likely, it doesn't, since the story doesn't naturally flow.

Anyway, besides the "shocking" finale, the best part about this series was the amazing artwork. AMAZING. And when I say "artwork," I literally mean works of art. Each panel by Mauro Cascioli felt like a well-crafted painting. I only wish the story was as well-crafted. This book's artwork is worth the purchase alone.