REVIEW: ‘Titans’ Issue 28

Titans Issue 28 is published by DC Comics and written by John Layman, art and colors by Pete Woods, and letters by Wes Abbott.

This issue is part of the DC K.O. event. The Titans must try to evacuate everyone from Earth, as the forces of Darkseid and a giant tournament are all incoming.

The plot returns to Earth, where a few heroes are left with an impossible task. The Titans must try to evacuate the planet as unimaginable chaos approaches. This is a strange change from DC K.O. Issue 1, as it seemed that the humans would be kept in arks —immense metal structures that protected them from the brutal, destructive tournament about to begin. But instead, they can fly, taking those inside to safer locations. But there are still billions of people.

The task seems huge, requiring ingenuity, power, and connections. Titans Issue 28 moves across the planet, with the team desperately trying to get as many people off-world as possible. The whole comic is like the moments before a natural disaster. Something is coming, and the Titans know how big it is. The pace is slow, with the structure alternating around multiple storylines that are all coming to the fore.

There are also villains that need protecting just as much as the heroes in Titans Issue 28, and it’s much harder to move them. The story is widespread and somewhat devoid of energy, but that’s because the mood is so melancholy. It would feel inappropriate to be chirpy and comedic in such desperate times.

Though many of the Justice League Unlimited have left Earth, there is still a community of heroes left trying to get everyone else off the planet. The main cast of Titans gathers at the start of the issue before they all have to fulfill their individual tasks. The tone is solemn. The closeness of the members is evident, and how much they hate separating. When they leave, it’s like a goodbye.

Cyborg has gone into space, leaving behind a worldwide message that sets up the exposition. But alongside the main team, other heroes are present and trying to help. Lightning, Jon Kent, Atom, and others are all working on various methods of protecting civilians and evacuating them. It’s interesting to see all the sci-fi elements of the DC Universe being used, not just one tactic, but anything the heroes can get their hands on.

The art is stunning, as Pete Woods continues a fine run of form. There is both a large scale and a small intimacy, which the artist excels at depicting both. When enormous arks in the shape of buildings take off, the technology is exhilarating. In Titans Issue 28, there are multiple panels depicting large groups of people being directed towards portals and other means of high-tech transport.

But there are also many close, quiet moments between the team members. That closeness is what makes the team endearing, with gentle touches. They hug and hold hands, genuine friends and family beyond just teammates. The detail on the faces and costumes is phenomenal, capturing tiny moments that mean so much.

The colors are gorgeous. The panels are incredibly bright and vibrant, with beautiful shades for the sky and surroundings. The tones are vivid and iconic, instantly recognizable for the characters. The lettering is superbly easy to read.

Titans Issue 28 puts the lives of billions in a few hands. It wasn’t long ago, when the Justice League was disbanded, that the Titans were the last line of defense for saving the world. All of a sudden, they have to be that again. The pace may be slow, and the energy is lethargic, but the atmosphere is fantastic. The panels filled with love, admiration, and warmth are crucial when facing the end. All around the issue is a feeling of impending doom. So these periods of quiet may be the last we have for a long time.

Titans Issue 28 is available where comics are sold.