I thought I prepared myself for this. I thought I was ready. I thought my emotions wouldn't get the better of me. But good stories get you when you least expected it. Good stories leave you rapt with anticipation. Good stories leave you wanting more.

If you're not caught up, then do so now.

After Dick Grayson (Nightwing once more) was rescued by Wally West (the not so Kid Flash) from Jon Stewart (Green Lantern 2814.3) he was brought to the secret base of The Titans; the superpowered resistance to the world he helped create. He is met by a cast of familiar faces: Garfield Logan (Beast Boy caught mid transformation), Lois Lane (wife of deceased Superman, ex-reporter, now Blue Lantern), Vic Stone (Cyborg, mostly unchanged), and Koriand’r (Starfire, former wife to Dick Grayson and mother of Jake).

This meeting is twinge with every single kind of emotion imaginable, and everyone has a right to be angry. Dick killed Lois’ husband. He betrayed Wally and those like him. Garfield is stuck between two worlds. Kori abandoned Dick and their son. Yet they all must come together despite their greivences to try to save Jake from Kate Kane (not Batwoman). Good thing Cyborg has an inside man (woman) and they can figure out where Jake is being kept and why. He’s got the possible cure inside of him for bringing back people’s superpowers.

The rebuilt Titans storm the secret facility where Jake is being kept, and even manage to break him out of his cell, but a surprise is waiting for them. Seems that Kate has been keeping Mr. Freeze on payroll and he’s not about to let these heroes leave.

What Kyle Higgins’ manages to successfully do is very hard. He makes everyone situation sympathetic to the reader. Despite affiliation, criminal status, or relationship status we can all empathize with everyone in this book. That’s not easy to do.

While we all know the justifications of “I’m just following orders,” or the “this wouldn’t have happened unless the people wanted it,” or the even better “she wouldn’t have this job unless she is qualified;” are tell tale signals of fascist regimes… We never see it until it’s too late.  

The art styling can still be hit or miss for some readers, but do enjoy Trevor McCarthy’s take on an aging Titans. Something about seeing “Saint” Lois Lane feels right as well. I mean, the “S” stands for “Hope,” right?

This is still a great series that is getting better. Don’t miss out.

 

Rating: 9/10