This is it folks, the last issue in the 24 issue Teen Titans run, as the team is disbanding. If you don’t want to be spoiled I’d advise you to read Detective Comics #940 first! Let’s say goodbye and answer the question, is it good?
Teen Titans #24 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The DC summary reads:
In this climactic issue, the team is forced to make a decision: continue fighting crime as the Teen Titans…or go their separate ways.
Why does this book matter?
Tony Bedard has consistently written a great team book over the last few issues that has hammered home the fact that Tim Drake is a solid leader. At times Drake has been the center of Teen Titans and after reading #24 it’s clear Bedard knew where this story was going.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
One might say Tony Bedard has been writing towards this conclusion for a long time now and for the most part it’s a heartfelt one. The issue cleverly opens with a flashback and memory between Bunker and Tim Drake which makes it harder for readers to stumble across the big spoiler in this issue. Again, if you haven’t read Detective Comics #940 there’s a big spoiler awaiting you with this read! As the story progresses we get inside each of the Teen Titan’s heads as they relate a happy moment they had with Tim Drake over the years.
One of the best pages in the book.
Each story has a nice sentimental tone and it’s clear Bedard is in no way attempting to show us how great Drake was as a fighter. No, instead we see how he was kind, understanding, a good listener, and heroic because of who he is and by showing this Bedard shows a true hero is a good person at heart. Bedard effectively channels each memory and mixes things up; although Beast Boy doesn’t share a story of his own, he instead he makes a point comparing all the Robins and it’s a solid argument. The trick that Bedard pulls off best with this issue is making it loud and clear without Tim Drake the Teen Titans can’t go on, which makes all their choices in the last few pages feel genuine.
Artist Ian Churchill pencils a strong issue with plenty of details and good inks by Norm Rapmund. The characters are sullen and believable in their pain and the art expresses that. The costumes look spot on too, and a sequence showcasing a daring fire rescue is exciting and impactful. There’s also a pretty great full page splash of Tim Drake attending a gay pride parade that feels tasteful and meaningful.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Surprisingly Bedard focuses mostly on sentimental moments rather than delivering much action. It’s all character work here which makes this issue a slow and more introspective sort of read. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but it does make this read less exciting.
Is It Good?
Teen Titans ends with a sentimental and meaningful goodbye. The characters make their peace and a strong statement is made about how Tim Drake might just be the greatest Robin ever.
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