REVIEW: ‘Titans’ Issue 19

Titans Issue 19 is published by DC Comics. Written by John Layman, art by Serg Acuña, colors by Matt Herms and letters by Wes Abbott.

The Titans are sent into action when a member of the League turns rogue. This issue is the latest in an arc centered on the formation of a new Crime Syndicate led by Deathstroke. This group of villains, with new members revealed in each issue, are barely having to appear. Instead, their work happens behind the scenes. The story in Titans Issue 19 focuses on the division between The Justice League and the Titans themselves. Killer Frost, a villain turned hero, is so infuriated with feeling mistreated in the League that it leads to a conflict with the Titans.

Layman writes with a terrific pace. Early in the comic, there is a bubbling unease across both teams. But then there’s a sudden burst of action, erupting without warning. This makes the action more captivating, threatening to engulf the team in ice. Nothing is comfortable in this new run, and the rising tensions are causing friction everywhere. The ending answers many questions and raises the stakes even further.

There is conflict around every corner since Layman took over writing on Titans. There are disagreements and discontent between the Justice League and the Titans. The group of heroes is under the umbrella of the new Justice League but has the license to be independent. But when their League allies give them assignments, things can get frosty. Things aren’t much rosier within the ranks of the Titans, either. The characters bicker and snipe at each other, with even the slightest comment leading to confrontation.

Arsenal has doubts over Raven’s ability to work in the field with her emotional state so damaged, which reaches a tragic peak. Nightwing can’t say anything to Donna Troy without it looking like he is questioning or undermining her. Someone is influencing the villains and manipulating them. But the team tension is fraught even without the manipulation. All of this stress and agitation could be happening naturally. The speculation around this tension magnifies it further and enthralls the series.

A change in art still captures many of the key elements that Pete Woods established at the start of this arc. Titans Issue 19 tackles extreme and fractured emotions. Acuña focuses on both the faces and the body language of the characters. When they are insecure, their whole posture slumps. When the Titans argue, there are minor snarls and frowns that were never present before. When the team first finds Killer Frost, Starfire’s reaction of hurt and disbelief is fantastic. But those panels shine in moments of happiness, hope, and love.

Acuna excellently illustrates Killer Frost, too. At the book’s opening, she looks so out of place and uncomfortable. For the rest of the issue, there is an outburst of rage that has chilling consequences. This is a cold, wintery comic. The issue is set in freezing New York, which also incites a lot of fractious remarks.

The colors see the vibrancy of the Titans face off against the stark blue and white of Killer Frost. As the ice and snow spreads over New York, the Titans fight against it. Starfire and Raven look particularly phenomenal. Kory’s hair looks like a burning fire, spreading and flowing down her back, which is tremendous against the freezing backdrop. The lettering features some dynamic word balloons that add energy to the book.

Titans Issue 19 sees tensions rise and temperatures drop. A fitting January issue, the latest chapter explores the fraying emotions within multiple teams. The Titans have always been a family; now, that family is falling apart. There aren’t shouting matches, but these quieter arguments damage the team’s soul more. Each villain they face is just a symptom of a much larger plan by Deathstroke and his new Crime Syndicate. And while someone else is stoking the fire, the heroes also fan the flames.

Titans Issue 19 is available where comics are sold.