REVIEW: ‘Titans’ Issue 31

Titans Issue 31 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. Arsenal and Donna Troy face Grail on Earth while Nightwing and Raven struggle against Jinx on Gemworld.

Titans Issue 31 finds the team of heroes still separated, leaving them at a disadvantage. They are scattered across the universe, fighting to protect the world on their own. It was not too long ago that the Titans became Earth’s last line of defense when the Justice League disbanded, and that has returned with much larger stakes. The level of danger is clear and extensive, with the two parallel stories showing incredibly outmatched heroes.

Grail is Darkseid’s daughter and is incredibly powerful, backed by Parademons. She’s facing a single Amazon and an archer. Jinx is an incredible sorceress in a kingdom where magic is amplified and supreme. She’s tackling Raven and a man with escrima sticks. It gives the battles a terrific tone, turning them into a last stand where the heroes are getting absolutely battered. Layman handles the story’s scattered nature well, keeping the plot easy to follow.

What shines through in Titans Issue 31 is the defiant nature of the heroes. Even against such extreme opposition, the only option the characters have is to keep fighting. Even if it means dying. Arsenal and Nightwing are grossly outgunned, but they have a fierce intensity and bravery that keep them standing. On their own, the personalities are becoming more prominent.

Donna has a warrior’s heart, whilst Raven is willing to deal with anyone in order to save others. Terra is a villain who has betrayed the Titans at every opportunity, and yet Raven still tries to appeal to the good in the geokinetic traitor. She knows better than anyone that everyone has good and evil sides.

The art is fantastic, with multiple worlds on display. Each scenario fills the pages, creating chaotic, supposedly insurmountable threats. Grail stands before Donna and Arsenal, surrounded by seemingly infinite numbers of winged Parademons. It’s an army that can’t simply be swatted away. The two heroes go from looking daunted to defiant, and Woods has the brilliant precision to convey that. In another realm, Nightwing is often in the clutches of huge, crystalline creatures and being targeted by Jinx.

The sense of movement from the heroes is intense, unique to each character. Donna’s strength truly sets her apart, whilst Roy and Dick’s agility is the only thing keeping them alive. The battles are visually breathtaking, and the villains have a delightful confidence, especially Grail. She wears a sadistic smirk permanently etched on her face.

The colors are beautifully vibrant. The battle with Grail deploys a stunning, sunset hue, filling the sky with orange light. It’s a reminder that the atmosphere of the entire planet is changing. In Gemworld, there are frequent uses of powerful tones. But there’s also a wash of pure white light, which intensifies the effect. The lettering is excellent and easy to read. The lack of a border to the word balloons actually helps the text stand out more.

Titans Issue 31 is a superb but desperate scramble. The Titans have been separated for several issues now, and the problems they face just keep getting worse. There’s no backup to call on, no ability to uplift each other. The situations are viscerally overwhelming, battering the Titans and landing some seriously damaging blows. Layman’s villains are terrifying, and Woods’ art is breathtaking. The Titans may not be at the tournament, but they are still heavily involved.

Titans Issue 31 is available where comics are sold.