| Welcome to The BBxRae Shrine: Forums. We hope you enjoy your visit. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| Titans #18; October 2009 | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 18 2009, 04:35 PM (6,029 Views) | |
| dl316bh | Oct 14 2009, 05:38 AM Post #16 |
![]() ![]()
|
First time I've seen her do it too. I'm not sure whether I care for it or not though; there's way too much of an action hero vibe in those pages. I mean, yeah, they've been pushing Raven as more of a fighter for the past couple of years now (thanks a bunch, Animated Series -_-), but I'm still not used to it and it still feels wrong. On Da Trigon Boyz, weren't they killed off in Titans #6? I could have sworn that was what happened. Of course, I could easily be remembering wrong. With Da Trigon Boyz back, I'm wondering if DC is going to use them as a way to explain away how Raven's been acting lately. It does seem a little convenient that they're back now of all times. |
![]() ![]() Damiens Omens: My review blog | |
![]() |
|
| craZy | Oct 14 2009, 06:19 AM Post #17 |
![]()
Graphics Artist
![]()
|
I wouldn't want to see her become too much, or at all, of an action hero. That's just not her. I rather for just a minimal amount. I just took a look in #6, she just zapped them all out cold, so it really wasn't clear if they were actually dead. I guess the previews confirm they are in fact not dead. |
![]() |
|
| dl316bh | Oct 14 2009, 06:26 AM Post #18 |
![]() ![]()
|
Well, I suppose that's good. Not that Da Trigon Boyz are premier villains, but I'd rather they were at least around in case someone had an idea for them than to just have them killed off. The Titans need more adversaries; I'd prefer new villains not tied to Trigon, but for now I'll take what I can get.
Minimal, I can probably live with. Some situations you get into, you need to get scrappy. I'm just... very iffy on her whupping a group of occultists on her own like a one woman army. I mean, that's not Raven to me; there are plenty of women like that in the Titans, much less the DCU, you know? |
![]() ![]() Damiens Omens: My review blog | |
![]() |
|
| craZy | Oct 14 2009, 07:10 AM Post #19 |
![]()
Graphics Artist
![]()
|
Exactly, we didn't really get much during their first appearence, and since they are Trigon's sons, when it thought Raven was the only surviving offspring, I would like to get lil' something on 'em. I also would like to see those talismen be brought up again, the ones Raven gave to the Titans. I think it would be quite interessting if the team suddenly found themselves requiring those talismen but of course left in the ultimate dilemma of having to actually use them against Raven.
I get what you mean. As I was reading the previews, when Raven showed up I expected her to take down the creeps with her typical abilities. Suddenly I look twice and see her throwin' a hand stand kick. It was cool, to see she can fight, but it was unexpected. |
![]() |
|
| Plissken | Oct 14 2009, 08:55 AM Post #20 |
![]()
Knight Champion
|
It was really stated that they were DEAD, though perhaps since we only saw three get killed and there are six other sins besides her, she could be referring to three other siblings we haven't seen yet. These are comics though, so those three other wimps might still be hanging about. Although, they did betray daddy Trigon and suck out his power, so I can't imagine it is them if only because I'm sure Trigon is ready to give a spankin'. I still don't dig the whole sibling angle, but whatever. Hopefully whomever is behind this gets a better reveal. I honestly half-expect it to be Brother blood, Jr.--if only because we saw him with Raven in the Omens page (the same place where we saw Gar get kissed by Terra), and I think that is one of the only things shown that hasn't happened yet. It might not happen at all, but we do know that Brother Blood is back, he's been a cult leader before, and here we have a Trigon cult wearing the red robes similar to the ones the Blood Cult usually dons. Though it could also be whomever is arming these people; the previous Brother Blood was an arms dealer, but that was the whole reason Blood Jr. killed him in the first place; he felt he had lost sight of what the cult's mission was supposed to be. Well, we'll see where the issue goes. My enthusiasm has been tempered a little, if only because its seven pages in with this preview (that's already 1/3 of the issue) and she's not interacting with anyone from the team yet, which is what the solicit implied. Not that that is the first time a solicit has been completely misleading, but I was hoping the bulk of the book would deal with her personality and relationship with her friends, and sort of bring her back as a peacemaker on the team. There's still 15 pages to go, so this might end quickly and get back to what we really want to see. That said, as I've stated elsewhere, not much of this issue might end up mattering, anyway. Felicia, Teen Titans' new writer, is really the one we have to pay attention to. That's where Raven is ending up, so her portrayal of the character is the one that counts. The events of this issue may also never come up again. So, at the worst, this issue might just be a missed opportunity for us to finally get more of the Raven we enjoy. More of an annoyance than anything tragic, really. I've been hoping to get deep into Raven' head--finally--and get some of her perspective. If that doesn't happen, I'll be more upset at losing the chance to finally get that. |
| |
![]() |
|
| GhettoMac | Oct 14 2009, 11:55 AM Post #21 |
|
Marshal
|
It's down right weird, that's what it is. Not just the fighting, but the way she's using her powers, i.e. teleporting one copper to crash into the other. Granted, these are Trigon's followers, but even so it's not like her to use her powers to destroy.
If they did, it wouldn't be surprising if they were alive. Hell, Trigon and Raven died three times over, and came back, why not these guys. |
| My Deviant Account | |
![]() |
|
| dl316bh | Oct 14 2009, 11:58 AM Post #22 |
![]() ![]()
|
I swear, writers should be chained to a desk and forced to read the comics before they write the Titans. I'm getting real sick of writers coming in and pulling this kind of crap. Comic Raven would not do the same things the animated version might, so why do these people so obviously use the cartoon version as a template? I really hope the rest of the issue redeems this, because as I mentioned, I'm not enamored with the preview. |
![]() ![]() Damiens Omens: My review blog | |
![]() |
|
| dl316bh | Oct 14 2009, 12:41 PM Post #23 |
![]() ![]()
|
Pliskin has the issue. The previews apparently par the course for the issue. Only the last few pages involve the Titans and Gar at all. She tells him he's the most comforting to her, he says he expects her to come around the Teen Titans as he packs up to leave. We're left with Raven looking at pictures of the two of them and wondering what she's going to do about being alone. Sounds like this is one of those cases where the solicit was written up based on an early outline and the issue itself ended up morphing into something else. |
![]() ![]() Damiens Omens: My review blog | |
![]() |
|
| SparkyX | Oct 14 2009, 01:14 PM Post #24 |
|
Co-Owner
![]()
|
Apart from Raven going gung-ho, it's not all that bad actually. Though it's not what we expected as well. 'Cause after the last issue, I'm that surprised anymore. But pliskin thinks that the best case scenario is for Gar and Raven to become best friends? No freaking way that's gonna happen! |
![]() ![]() My Deviant Art | HLFallout Moderator | Main Site | My Facebook | |
![]() |
|
| dl316bh | Oct 15 2009, 01:45 AM Post #25 |
![]() ![]()
|
Worst case scenario, not best. But I agree, no freaking way is that happening. If the relationship was going to be axed, it would have been done a long time ago. Instead, DC's passed on three or four years of opportunities to jettison it. I'm still highly annoyed at, as Pliskin puts it, Street Fighter Raven. This s*** really needs to end. Raven is not a fighter. |
![]() ![]() Damiens Omens: My review blog | |
![]() |
|
| KingoftheBeasts | Oct 15 2009, 02:03 AM Post #26 |
|
Lieutenant Commander
|
I had a number of problems with this issue as well... First off the whole begining part with her and the orphan was just revisiting old subjects (almost word for word in some parts). for example... Spoiler: click to toggle Also, her inner monologue seemed off. And this was what I was really looking forward to, hearing Raven's thoughts and not how she filters them out depending on who she's telling them to. However, she didn't really dwell on any of her thoughts. She more just narrated what was happening in the panels. The only significant thing to happen in her naration was when she contemplated what feelings she was picking up from the other titans (minus gar) which was basically hinting to what was to come for each of them. Then she expressed that it all made her feel alone. However, this issue does have some small hintings towards BB/Rae relationship. I can't overstate how small they are though... Spoiler: click to toggle in all, this particular book didn't really progress anything or even set Raven up for where she was headed. the art was ok, the characterization wasn't as bad as they were in BB's one shot, but the content and the story did absolutely nothing. Not reading this issue wouldn't change your understanding of Raven's appearance in Teen Titans 75 and her return to the team. Rather disappointing.
I certainly wouldn't think so. Even if thats what this writer thought would happen, or if it's what Winick wanted to happen, it simply doesn't matter. The only person involved in writing the characters now is Henderson and in her first issue on the book (and her first time with either of the characters) she right out had Beast Boy say that he loves Raven. If they play the best friend story now, then either Gar needs to get over her (in which case I doubt she would introduce love in the first place) or he would have to hide his feelings from her and pretend. And as Raven is an impath, I don't see that as an option. My bet is they will try to live as friends but will be forced to admit that they love eachother too much to be anything else but lovers. a guy can hope anyways... |
![]() |
|
| Plissken | Oct 15 2009, 02:22 AM Post #27 |
![]()
Knight Champion
|
WORST CASE SCENARIO. Worst. Not best. And actually I think everyone took that the wrong way, because as far as the worst thing that could happen to them right now, that's not by any means terrible, and it still would mean the next writer coming around could elevate it. Basically, I was warning against another upcoming freeze, where we might have to wait another few months before we might get another step forward. That's really been the aggravating thing about this issue--I was expecting them to have some sort of interaction, to actually approach the issue a little more directly. I mean, honestly, this issue accomplishes nothing, not even its intended purpose--to show us, the reader, what Raven's status quo is right now. That was the whole point of these day-in-the-life sets--to give us a look at where the Titans stand, and where they might go. We get nothing. Anyway, here is a play-by-play synopsis/commentary on the issue. I'll begin from right after the preview ends since that's still available to everyone. I'm posting this in part because I don't feel this issue is really worth purchasing. I don't think the way Raven is kicking ass is really at all cool; yeah its fun to think of her doing that once in a while, but she really goes all out, no holds barge in this. Its just a mess. No use of her empathic powers, and the question of why she doesn't just rescue "Angie" and immediately teleport to safety (she's only 3 clicks outside of Gotham City, I just noticed) is never addressed, especially since she states at the beginning of the issue that she's three states away from Titans Tower. Spoiler: click to toggle So, yeah, I feel like its a wasted issue. Especially her battle with Envy. In fact, I can summarize her battle with Envy like this: ENVY: Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict, and bring order to this dimension. RAVEN: I'll never join you! ENVY: If you only knew the power of Trigon. RAVEN: No, still not interested. ENVY: Come on, join us. RAVEN: Nope. ENVY: ... Dammit! Well, fine then. You win this round... but... I'll get you next time Raven--NEXT TIME! CAT: Meeeeeeeeoooooow. Finally, I'm posting in full her interaction with Gar, sans spoiler tag, because honestly its the only thing worth reading in this issue, and you might as well save your cash. Buy if you must, but this is the only meat in the entire thing. Starting from where the above left off, dialogue and all. *Through most of this, Gar is packing away his things in to boxes.* R: (Narrated) And as I push back the whispers of emotion I hear all around me, I feel something--the one sensation that gives me greater pause than any other... The one I can't seem to ever truly escape. I feel alone. R: So this is goodbye, then? R: (Narrated) For whatever reason, I find a measure of comfort in Beast Boy's presence... however fleeting. B: If you're trying to stop me from leaving, Raven-- R: I'm not. I wouldn't. I mean--it isn't my place to do so. Contrary to what you may believe, the Teen Titans need guidance from someone experienced. B: Nice to be needed. Not that you've been delicate about things in the past, but let's not make this any messier than it needs to be. I've already made up my mind. R: And what if the others do, Garfield? What if everyone else leaves, too? B: (After a pause) You're only as alone as you choose to be. R: That was... actually pretty wise. B: What do you expect, right? Now that I'm a mentor and all. R: You'll do well, Garfield. B: Thanks. Though I'd do better if I had some backup. R: I don't know... B: Just don't be a stranger for too long, okay? Me--I get to literally play the "I flew all the way from Titans Island and boy are my arms tired" bit. You? You can teleport, so you've got no excuse not to visit. *Gar doing the Vulcan greeting as he quotes Spock.* B: You are and will always be... my friend. R: That's sweet. B: Its from a movie. R: Which one? B: Maybe you should come to movie night and find out. You know where to find me *Raven picks up a frame with a strip of photos that shows Gar making faces behind an Raven who is trying to remain expressionless. In the last shot, however, she's beginning to smile.* R: (Narrated) Maybe Garfield is right. Perhaps I am only as alone as I choose to be. So then-- *Raven stands alone at Beast Boy's doorway.* R: Where do I go from here? END Yeah, so that's great, the issue literally just ends without answering any questions. Damn solicits. This solicit was just completely wrong on this one. And usually they get something right in it, but not this time. No real life altering decision--as we see in TT#75, she ends up at the Teen Tower because she's injured, not because she made that choice yet--and that whole thing about friends drifting apart isn't really dealt with. She states its happening, but she doesn't do anything to mend it. |
| |
![]() |
|
| dl316bh | Oct 15 2009, 02:30 AM Post #28 |
![]() ![]()
|
In fairness, the solicit things sometimes happens. As I understand it, solicits are sometimes formed based on very rough outlines and not the scripts themselves, which can at times lead to solicits which are way too different from the actual content. It's happened a couple of times before. Two that come off the top of my head is one for Green Lantern Corps where the solicit said Ice was going to propose to Guy. The other is an issue of Batman RIP that was solicited as a team-up between Tim and Damien. Neither happened in the issue. |
![]() ![]() Damiens Omens: My review blog | |
![]() |
|
| craZy | Oct 15 2009, 08:03 AM Post #29 |
![]()
Graphics Artist
![]()
|
My babies, I bring you scans! (Thanks for still offering King ^.^) First and foremost, WHAT THE FUDGE HAVE THE DONE TO RAVEN?! I actually lawled when she Shoryuken-ed Envy. 'Cuz it was so ridiculous! I mean seriously come on! While the issue wasn't all that bad, it was still unsatisfactory. Here are those scans, commentary by yours truly. Spoiler: click to toggle Pretty much all there is to it. Overall, I give this issue a 2.5/5, mostly on the bases of making me laugh and the last few pages which I liked, especially the photos of Gar and Rae. Those were cute. |
![]() |
|
| dl316bh | Oct 15 2009, 09:43 AM Post #30 |
![]() ![]()
|
My god, that had to be a hell of a polarizing issue. The last few pages actually felt like the characters in general. But the rest? What the bloody hell is up with Rachel Norris? I was half expecting her to hurricane kick Envy. What the hell. I'm cutting Bryan Miller some serious slack. He's new. He's been adjusting to comics slowly; though word is his Batgirl series seems to be improving. Even a pro like Gail Simone screwed up the Teen Titans before (a source of embarrassment for her). But god damn.
Thank the animated series. This s*** didn't happen before it. Stuff like this is sometimes why I flip between tolerant of the series and hateful. Plenty to update the GarxRae map with as soon as I feel like I can. I'm still waiting to figure out the timeline in general. Getting a better picture though. The Teen Titans Blackest Night tie-ins should pretty much finally clear up for me where everything fits. One last thing Zai. Let's try to only share important pages from here on. Like the Shoryuken and last few pages would have been important. Respectful and all that; posting a lot tends to get a little too close to posting the majority of an issue. |
![]() ![]() Damiens Omens: My review blog | |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
![]() ZetaBoards gives you all the tools to create a successful discussion community. Learn More · Sign-up Now |
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Teen Titans · Next Topic » |































7:35 PM Jul 10