REVIEW: ‘Titans’ Issue #9

Titans #9 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom Taylor, art by Lucas Meyer, colors by Adriano Lucas and letters by Wes Abbott. As Beast Boy shrinks from his guilt, Raven continues her takeover of the Titans.

The book brilliantly manages multiple stories simultaneously, primarily because they all head in the same direction. Beast Boy’s insecurity, Raven’s dark side, and Amanda Waller all seem to converge at some point. The feel-good factor from helping civilians in the wake of Titans #8 quickly fades as a melancholy attitude hangs over the rest of the book. The elephant in the room is Raven, who controls the whole team and plays them like a ventriloquist.

Taylor’s machinations within the book tie all of the storylines together in a previously mysterious way, and the reveal is a huge surprise. The first segment is almost a facade; what comes after is the reality, threatening to tear the team apart. The influence of Triton and Hell is spreading further. This is not an issue rife with action, but there are so many moving parts that a fight scene is unnecessary. Around the Titans are forces that highlight the ramifications of what Raven is planning, which we see on both a universal and domestic level.

The tensions in the previous issue continue into Titans #9. The group’s closeness continues to fracture through external forces, but it is also starting to break of its own accord. Cyborg and Flash are bickering, and Beast Boy’s depression is only getting worse by the issue. Raven fuels and manipulates all of this. Her true power is terrifying, presented through conversations with her other personality. At the same time, the strength and resilience of her teammates, from Nightwing to Donna Troy, are noted. But all Taylor is doing is lining up targets for Raven to knock down again.

The art is fantastic. A sense of scale is implemented, and the newer characters represent that elevated importance. They are massive, powerful, and imposing, and they have phenomenal designs by Meyer. Triton is literally the Devil, and he can change his size at will. In his own realm, he is massive and all-mighty. The scale is matched by other beings in the book’s first part, all with godlike powers and stature within the DC Universe. Raven is also scary when Meyer illustrates her. She is always at the back during the group shots with her hood up and her face completely obscured. When you do see her face, there is a toothy grin or nefarious smirk. That darkness affects Beast Boy. A man filled with so much light and warmth slumps his shoulders, and his bestial side shows more often.

The colors are glorious. Darkness and shadows touch the typical vibrancy of the team. But the red of Triton and demons threatens to take over. That unnatural shade looks incredible when placed in more natural settings on Earth. There is one page in particular where the purple energy of Raven explodes. The color is intense and electrifying, dazzling among the heavy shadows. The lettering is very easy to read, coming from a highly experienced letterer.

Titans #9 drenches the team in darkness. Having already proven that they can save the world, the Titans’ next challenge could be even more significant. The most powerful beings in the universe are starting to pay attention to their adversaries. And yet, the bulk of the group are oblivious. The espionage unfolding is blatant and severe. The fact that none of the other Titans are aware makes it even more exciting. The book is theatrical and emotional, with a sudden influx of demons and denizens of Hell to stir up the pot.

Titans #9 is available where comics are sold.