REVIEW: ‘Titans’ Issue #8

Titans #8 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom Taylor, art by Stephen Segovia, colors by Annette Kwok and letters by Wes Abbott. In the aftermath of Titans: Beast World, the Titans must navigate their new relationship with the public.

This issue is quieter and slightly slower. It’s something of a hangover issue, recovering from all of the chaos while stitching the consequences into the fabric of the next arc. Raven’s evil side has taken over and stored her good half in the Soul Stone. Whilst in Titans Tower, Beast Boy is in pieces. What he unleashed caused a lot of death, destruction and misery.  The fear that regular people have is justified but heartbreaking. The slow pace is necessary after the big event, establishing the glum mood within the issue. But the series must also progress forward, and there is much excitement and expansion with the Titans. Cyborg introduces new technology, which comes in handy for the next mission.

The Titans are called into action for a situation similar to the events occurring throughout Taylor’s run on the comic, with a particular emphasis on environmental catastrophes and natural disasters. Along with the event’s ramifications, there is a general fear and dislike building towards heroes. Characters from other books also make cameos. The tension and unease within the comic make the ending somewhat predictable, but the execution is fantastic.

Many characters within Titans #8 are subdued and reeling. Their usual closeness is strained after their ordeals, and they are especially quiet. Beast Boy is distraught and confused. Usually, his rock and support comes from Raven, but she is detached for much of the book. The issue is bookended by Raven speaking to a figure that calls to her dark side. The one person who is optimistic and excited is Cyborg, who tries to use that enthusiasm to rally the troops. The uncertainty around the group is fascinating for a team who have known each other for so long. Whilst the team leader is Nightwing, he is comfortable enough with the wisdom and strategies of Starfire, Donna Troy and the other heroes to let them make decisions on their own.

The art is fantastic. Segovia superbly captures the murkiness of the issue, with all the untapped emotions and secrets being kept in the Tower. Even with the flashy costumes and new technology being unveiled, the shadows are thick and threaten to envelop the book. The team is big, but the artist makes them fit the page and gives each member their own space. Segovia’s character designs lean into large, expressive eyes. It could be easy to discover manga influences within the style. One of the most impressive characters within this issue is Beast Boy. There is an excellent balance between him being gentle and bestial, with subtle changes to his transformations showing how different he becomes. It seems to make civilians fearful of him, especially after the events of Beast World.

The colors work well with the shadows. The book still has the vibrancy that the Titans cannot avoid. There are so many bright colors in that roster, with each hero bringing a different one altogether. But the shades are darker and gloomier, especially towards the latter stages of the issue. It represents the new world the Titans live in, where they aren’t trusted or supported. The lettering is very dynamic yet easy to read throughout the issue.

Titans #8 focuses on consequences. The book ensures that what came before does not simply blow over. Titans: Beast World was incredibly damaging for communities, and the Titans’ attempt to move on from that won’t be easy. The nervous and frayed emotions signal that the heroes are exhausted and want to recuperate, but that can’t happen when people need saving. The switch in Raven’s personality means there is no safety for the Titans, not even inside their home. The new artist visually alters the mood of the book. Doubt seeps its way into Earth’s foremost superhero team, suggesting greater, imminent danger.

Titans #8 is available where comics are sold.