***Contains Spoilers***
The New Titans issues #50–84 span a transitional period for the team, marked by shifting dynamics, personal tragedies, and bold creative risks. Following yet another series name change, this run sees the group grapple with internal and external threats, including Wildebeest’s shocking leadership twist, the growing fallout from Azarath’s corruption, and the personal struggles of individual Titans. The overarching tone is heavy, with the series embracing a more mature and sometimes unsettling narrative approach as the Titans face devastating losses.
What I enjoyed most about this run was how the creative team kept me invested in its twists and emotional stakes. Wildebeest’s reveal as Joey was jaw-dropping—completely blindsided me. That twist, combined with Slade’s heartbreaking decision to kill his own son, made for one of the most impactful storylines in the series. It was haunting and tragic, but it also solidified Slade as a deeply complex figure. Donna’s transformation into Troia, complete with her new look and mythology-inspired reboot, brought a fresh take to Wonder Girl’s role. And as much as Danny Chase had polarized me early on, his eventual death (and transformation into Phantasm) gave him a bittersweet sense of closure. These moments weren’t just shocking—they were meaningful and character-driven.
That said, this stretch of New Titans has its share of flaws. While I appreciated the ambitious storytelling, the sheer amount of tragedy—Golden Eagle’s death, Joey’s possession and demise, Raven and her mother dying in the finale, and Cyborg’s destruction and mind-wiping—felt relentless. By the end, it almost bordered on overkill. The pacing also faltered in places, with subplots like Beast Boy leaving to improve his grades or Speedy temporarily filling in for Dick feeling underdeveloped compared to the weightier arcs. Dick Grayson’s limited presence was particularly frustrating, though his crossover with A Lonely Place of Dying helped soften the blow. And while the series aimed for maturity, some of the dialogue and character interactions leaned melodramatic, undercutting the otherwise grounded tone.
Overall, this period of New Titans is one I’m glad to have read, even if I’m not eager to revisit it frequently. The emotional stakes, shocking twists, and exploration of legacy are all commendable, but the relentless gloom and uneven storytelling make it hard to fully love. I’d give this run a solid 3 stars—a memorable experience, but not quite one for the ages.
Feature Image The New Titans #75 cover art by Al Vey and Tom Grummett
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