This issue does a great job of ending the arc and of prepping the Titans for whatever comes next. All of the Titans are on site and out to get Light. This issue puts to rest a wildcat that has been loose in the DCU since last year’s Identity Crisis: what will Doctor Light do? Win or lose this fight, however, the very fact that he has brought so many together gives him back the credibility he so earnestly wanted.
We get to meet a lot of Titans. As a new reader I was really glad I had invested in the new DC Encyclopedia. You don’t need one, of course, Johns does a great job of giving many of them their star turns without letting the story lose momentum, but your curiosity will definitely be tweaked. Captain Marvel Junior, Red Star, and many others all get their shot at him — with the new Hawk and Dove getting a lot of time — but it’s the current team that brings things to a conclusion.
The story wraps up with a team building scene that works on its own level, as a part of this story and as an important element for the Titans, but it is also important given the glimpse of the future we have been shown. Things said and not said both play to the strength of this scene.
On top of all this we get a surprise ending that loops this story into both Villains United and Outsiders.
McKone, Alquiza, and Cox do a great job here, but the star is Johns. When I was a kid, way back in the 70s, I was a Marvel maniac. There were only a couple a DC titles that interested me. I liked Batman and I liked the Legion of Super-Heroes. I really enjoyed the camaraderie and adventures of the young heroes. I get the same buzz with this title. I hadn’t any interest in the Titans until I bought the Identity Crisis tie-in, but I have since bought the whole 23 issue run. Johns is doing a great job on more than one comic right now, but this has quickly become my favourite.
