Titans has consistently weaved in small details that may connect to the bigger story and how the Watchmen storyline has rejiggered the universe. That adds value to the book, but it’s also consistently good at the superhero fight comic experience. Is it good?
Titans #4 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The DC summary reads:
“The return of Wally West” part four! Wally receives an impossible choice from Linda’s kidnapper: save the Titans…or lose the love of his life forever!
Why does this book matter?
Dan Abnett has been my favorite writer at DC Comics for good reason. The guy can write great dialogue, weave in action at opportune times, and pace a book like a boss. Brett Booth draws in hyper detail (and a killer Flash to boot) and together they have the ability to create a book that’s forever memorable.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Deep breaths Flash…
The pace of this issue is stellar; it never bores or moves too quickly. You’ll feel satisfied with the story once it’s all done. That’s because it raises the stakes for Flash as Kadabra reveals his plan to the damsel (Flash’s girlfriend from the previous universe), but gives all the Titans something to do. Once again, Abnett brings in the copies of the heroes to fight, but this time ramps up their power (why didn’t he do that in the first place?) so there’s lots of fighting to be had. This has always been Flash’s book more than a team book though and Abnett does well to make this all about Flash and his journey. It all ends with a clever bit of “What could happen next” that I’m sure folks will want to see.
Booth continues to draw in his high detailed, askew panel style that makes the book feel kinetic and filled with energy. The last page does a neat trick with the panels in fact, with the panels falling down the page as if shards of glass, only for the last panel to be sketched a little more loosely as if Flash is running the panel into shreds. The action is easy to follow and Kadabra has plenty of time to ham up for the reader as Booth gives him a delectably classic villain looks and poses.
It can’t be perfect can it?
The issue opens with Flash as we left him and it’s a bit melodramatic to say the least. As Kadabra taunts him he freaks out, losing his marbles over the thought of his girlfriend being kidnapped. It’s a bit much, and made worse when the team shows up and he appears to be having a mental breakdown. I think Booth maybe needed to dial back his fear and anguish as it makes him look weak and out of control. This seemingly unhinged moment for Flash further reminds us this book doesn’t have much character work to speak of and instead is a fight comic through and through. That’s all fine and well, but does make the reading experience a bit flat and unfulfilling.
I think he’s going to lose it!
Is It Good?
Another good installment of one of the better fight comics on the stands. Kadabra goes full twirling-mustache-villain and sets up Flash for possibly a life changing (and maybe even death) experience.
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