REVIEW: ‘Titans’ Issue #16

Titans #16 is published by DC Comics, written by John Layman, with art and colors by Pete Woods and letters by Wes Abbott. This issue is part of DC’s All-In initiative. A new era for the Tiants leads to significant roster changes as their past catches up to them.

A new creative team enters the book just as the Titans enter an uncertain era. The new Justice League has enlisted almost every hero, including the Titans. But as a group, they are free to go off and do their own thing, considering they’ve long been the world’s last line of defense. However, uncertainty is a theme that runs throughout Titans #16. Over the team’s new role, over the new lineup, and over the plot itself.

As the group returns to Titans Tower, there are glimpses into the past, which becomes more integral and ingrained within the story. The pace alternates between moments of intensity and calmer periods to contemplate the changes. As the next arc kicks into gear, the villain’s identity is shocking, leading up to a considerably one-sided fight.

The lineup also alters dramatically as Tom Taylor bows out and Layman steps in. Flash and Tempest take a step away, and Arsenal enters the fray. This freshens the team up and also resets the chemistry. Tempest and Donna Troy have a history, causing friction when they step into the book. Elsewhere, Nightwing makes a decision that will further change the team dynamics.

Layman’s dialogue has more tension, grit, and complications in Titans #16. Aboard the Justice League Watchtower, some more of the new framework of the new system is explained, with a host of guest stars available. But like with other parts of the comic, the gathering of heroes isn’t entirely rosy.

Woods maintains high energy and enthusiasm in the art. When the action explodes, it is a fun and frantic battle that captures the characters’ powers and the excitement of their issues. Arsenal has a superb design as he joins the team. Always looking dashing and rebellious, he is an excellent fit for the team.

The most interesting visual aspect of Titans #16 is the peek into the past, from which Arsenal also benefits. Those brief moments send the characters back in time, redesigning them to put them in their classic costumes. It is incredible to see how things have changed, and Woods illustrates those old outfits beautifully. It is even more interesting for Nightwing and Arsenal, who were entirely different identities back then.

The colors, also provided by Woods, keep the vibrancy alive within Titans #16. The bright colors are stunning, with a shiny quality to them. Some phenomenal tiny details are almost invisible at first glance. The most prominent example of that is Raven. As she flies, a faint purple glow surrounds her, and in her wake. This is a minor feature that adds so much to the page. The lettering is simple and straightforward. The captions follow Donna Troy’s narration, matching her black-and-white color scheme.

Titans #16 rings the changes. The whole new creative team may have altered the team’s chemistry, but the Titans’ spirit remains. The Flash was not one to stir the pot, and Tempest didn’t make much of a splash either. It’s a book filled with beauty and an intriguing first issue in the All-In era. One of the biggest questions surrounding the return of the Justice League was, “What happens to the Titans?”. It is rewarding and comforting to see that the characters are also pondering that because it means we will get the answers.

Titans #16 is available now wherever comics are sold.