Titans #12 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom Taylor, art by Lucas Meyer, colors by Adriano Lucas and letters by Wes Abbott. Whilst the Titans struggle against the ruthless and manipulated Vanadia, Raven returns with a vengeance.
Continuing straight after the previous issue, the action returns and the pace is instantly ramped up. The battle grows increasingly violent as Vanadia gains the upper hand. Within the book is a heart and a soul, seen through a flashback about Vanadia’s connection to the Titans. However, there is a ruthlessness to Taylor’s storytelling, unflinching when delivering emotional damage. It’s an ending that helps depict the savagery surrounding the team, which is not sitting well with any of them. There are multiple endings to the book. While some can be seen coming, they all leave a feeling of dread in the pit of the stomach.
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This arc is threatening to tear the team apart at its seams. Raven is barely hiding her severity and brutality now, making many of the Titans dubious. Not only are others still convinced she is a friend, but her extreme power makes it difficult to formulate plans against her. Alongside the main cast, the true gem in Titans #12 is Vanadia, who has been transformed into a tragic figure.
A lifelong superfan of the Titans, young Vanessa was tricked into becoming a test subject for Dr. T. O. Morrow. Her ferocity and untapped power make her a terrifying threat, whilst that backstory is devastating. She can potentially be a part of the DC Universe in the future. But if she is only destined for this two-issue story, the ending is powerful enough to be conclusive.
The art is fantastic, and the fight scene is remarkable, with the team trapped with the cyborg in close quarters. Even powerhouses such as Donna struggle against their adversary. The damage done looks brutal without being too much for younger readers. The movement of the characters is incredible, with every individual member of the team getting a moment to shine. Raven’s transformation is unnerving, with the demonic eyes visible within the shadows of her hood. The pivotal event of the issue happens just out of view, but the suggestion of what happened is perhaps more startling than actually seeing it.
The colors are intrinsically linked to the storytelling. The power of Raven radiates from her with a passionate purple. Once a beacon of positivity, it is now an ominous threat. Similarly, Starfire and Beast Boy have prominent color associations. The lettering is clean and clear, with some phenomenal uses of SFX towards the issue’s climax.
Titans #12 is a transformative moment in the series. As Raven gets more brazen and brutal, it’s also drawing attention to herself and making enemies out of those who meant to be her friends. Taylor writes a concise and terrific two-issue story that fits brilliantly among the more expansive threads of the arc. The loss of innocence is a central theme to the story as Vanaden’s fanaticism of the Titans is manipulated and abused. The emotion within the issue matches the intensity of the action, with an art team that achieves great moments in both aspects.
Titans #12 is available where comics are sold.
Titans #12
TL;DR
Titans #12 is a transformative moment in the series. As Raven gets more brazen and brutal, it’s also drawing attention to herself and making enemies out of those who meant to be her friends. Taylor writes a concise and terrific two-issue story that fits brilliantly among the more expansive threads of the arc.
