REVIEW: ‘Future State: Teen Titans,’ Issue #2

After the events of Dark Knight: Death Metal, which saw a new start (again) for the DC Multiverse, Future State: Teen Titans #1 showed longtime and new Titans fans where our favorite heroes have ended up in this new era, and the apocalyptic challenges they have to face. Future State: Teen Titans #2 continues gearing up for their seemingly final battle against the Four Riders of the Apocalypse. Future State: Teen Titans #2 is written by Tim Sheridan, with pencils by Rafa Sandoval, colors Alejandro Sanchez, inks by Jordi Tarragona, and Rob Leigh is the letterer.

Sheridan continues to write the Titans with a keen understanding of their core dynamic. They’ve been through a tremendous amount of heartbreak and understandably have their internal conflicts. But Sheridan does a great job of showing how they’ll always gel together as a team, regardless of that internal strife. They’ve suffered heavy losses in this new reality. They disagree on how to best go about defeating the apocalyptic villains. But in the end, it’s still “Titans Together,” and you can feel that sentiment as a reader.

Sheridan and his team also have this issue action-packed to the brim, and it works incredibly well. As a result of the main battle, it’s a thrilling issue to read. The stakes are dramatic and feel earned, and the core of what makes the Titans a team is consistently present. There is a  going on in this issue, but its storytelling seldom bogs it down, especially as each page is incredibly engaging. The panels and dialogue let you feel you’re in the middle of an action scene. It’s incredibly immersive and will have you feeling excited, anxious, and overall amazed.

The art by Sandoval and Sanchez continues to be exceptional, especially in this action-packed issue. There’s an incredible amount of variation in the panels showing different viewpoints of the battle. The colors and shading also have a huge variety. The use of light and shadows are impeccable and contribute to the great sense of depth virtually all the panels have. Of the Future State issues I’ve read so far, the Teen Titans books have had some of the best art among them all. It’s truly a visual, as well as storywise, a delight to read.

Leigh’s letter-game also continues to be strong in this issue. He places every speech clearly and precisely, allowing the action to jump out at you from every page. He also does some innovative things related to characters and the storyline, and it’s intriguing to read as well. Overall, his lettering is the cherry on top of this great issue.

Future State: Teen Titans #2 is a thrilling and immersive read. In telling what could potentially be the Titans’ final battle, the team on this comic fires on all cylinders, bringing action, drama, superb artwork, and a roaring conclusion to the page. While I know this is the final part of two issues, I can’t wait to read another story with this incarnation of the Titans.

Future State: Teen Titans #2 is available wherever comics are sold.