COMIC BOOK REVIEW - Teen Titans: The Culling
As we wait for most TV shows to return to filming, rumours are that “Titans” may be breaking off into two separate shows, one focusing on the older Titans, and the other focusing on the Teen Titans. Personally, I’m all here for it, the more shows to watch the better. But until then, let’s return to the comics, where Red Robin, aka Tim Drake, was attempting to recruit metahumans to his temporary cause.
‘The Culling’ is a two-story novel, the first of which involves the Teen Titans attempting to break into N.O.W.H.E.R.E. to rescue all the captured metahumans, including Superboy. With some assistance from the Legion of Superheroes, a team of young heroes from the 31st Century, the Teen Titans are able to escape, but at what cost? As they come to terms with the consequence of that battle, a familiar face in Wonder Girl’s past returns in order to take back the mystical armour that is giving her her powers. When her armour is stolen, she, along with Red Robin and Superboy rush to Cambodia in to retrieve what is rightfully hers.
This novel has moments which I really enjoyed, especially during the latter part of it. The dynamic between Red Robin, Wonder Girl and Superboy, and the dynamic between Solstice, Kid Flash and Bunker is so fun to read. That being said, given that the novel doesn’t just have one clear storyline, its easy for readers to get confused as to what is happening, especially during the first half of the novel.
In terms of the artwork, I have no complaints. Brett Booth illustrates the majority of the novel and I’m a big fan of his work. Even the last two issues in the novel had a distinct style that I liked. Overall, not as great a novel as I’d hoped but not an awful one either!
Favourite Panel:
Tell me this isn’t hands-down Trinity-style interaction?
Favourite Character:
I think it’s probably Red Robin and Superboy, purely for their interactions!
Rating:
Story Arc: ★★★
Character Development: ★★½
Artwork: ★★★½
Enjoyability: ★★★
Re-readability: ★★½
Level: Intermediate