The Dark Crisis is over, and the Justice League is no more. Now, a new team must rise and protect the Earth… Titans, go!
The Teen Titans are ready to grow up. Each member joined as a much younger hero, certain that one day they’d be invited to join the Justice League. But the time has come for them not to join the League… but to replace it!
Are the no-longer-teen heroes ready for the big leagues? Danger lurks around every corner as heroes and villains alike challenge the new team before they’ve even begun. Will the DCU ever be the same?
Find out in this landmark first issue brought you by the all-star creative team of Tom Taylor (Nightwing, DCeased) and Nicola Scott (Wonder Woman Historia, Earth 2)!
Publication Date
Publisher
Format
Kindle Edition
Print Lenght
28 pages
Language
English
Price
$3.99
Amazon ASIN
B0C2W1VDJ2
Author
Artist
Colorist
Cover Artists
Variant Cover Artists
Letterer
25 Critic Ratings & Reviews from:
- 100
AIPT
It’s an even bigger New Comic Book Day than normal. Marvel is kicking off a new Avengers series by Jed MacKay, Carlos Villa, and Federico Blee. DC, meanwhile, is offering Batman: The Brave and the Bold by Tom King and a murders’ row of talent, and the comic we’re here to talk about today: Titans #1 by Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott. If you read Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, you’ve seen how much impact, drama, and legacy the Titans team has in their adventures; combine that with Tom Taylor’s writing on Nightwing and you know you’ve got a fantastic comic series in store. Nicola Scott has previously worked with Tom Taylor on the New 52 series, Earth 2. Their time on that series proved they could handle an extensive roster of heroes by giving each character a moment to shine and creating scripts with a spectacle and pages of art that show how the characters can save the day with astounding feats. Right from the get-go in Titans #1, you can see that they have resumed their fantastic chemistry. Annette Kwok joins in on the fun as the colorist for this issue and gives a lovely shine to Scott’s art that provides the Titans a glow, showing their celebrity and heroic status. We get some great scenes that showcase the team in action as they are called upon to stop Titano from destroying a nuclear power plant. I like this device as it is an excellent way for newer readers to see how the team comes together in the face of danger and how cool they are since they’ve been doing work like this since their teen years. It is a subtle way of showing their abilities and teamwork without using a flashback to remind us of their chemistry. We are fortunate as the chemistry of the characters and the creative team are in sync with each other, and we are reaping some awesome, entertaining rewards. Speaking of devices that make the issue enjoyable, using The Flash like Tom Taylor does is exciting and quite the hook. Wally West is a hot character right now with his “rebirth” in Joshua Adams’ Flash run, so to take Wally and put him in danger will get some notice from fans. Taylor has also been fantastic with characters on his Nightwing series, so the increase in character roster amplifies that. This issue has my interest in looking at Beast Boy and Raven to see how they are growing and maturing through the trauma suffered in Dark Crisis. This issue is a character “dramedy” wrapped up in a mysterious death with a side of action. Family can usually beat most teams, and the Titans will give Batman and the Avengers a run this week as they continue saving the world and looking good while they do it. - 100
Lyles Movie Files
Taylor gets the characters and knows how they should sound. There’s no weird new voice to characters that have been around for decades and Taylor raises the threat level from a ‘Titans’ problem to a Justice League-level. Scott has largely been away from DC beyond a few short stories and cover work since helping to launch the DC Rebirth era of Wonder Woman with Greg Rucka. Scott is far too talented to not be on any book she wants and DC’s premier superhero team is a fitting spotlight for her art. It’s the small details in facial structures and expressions that make Scott’s art so appealing. Colorist Annette Kwok and letterer Wes Abbott provide welcome contributions to firm up an already stellar presentation. Titans fans should get hyped for this relaunch as this feels like one that should thrive so long as this creative team is in place. - 100
Dark Knight News
Titans #1 continues on the perfect path, one that DC needs to follow. We have Nightwing and Tom Taylor leading the rest of the heroes out of the shadows! Magic… even with the painful cliffhanger ending. - 100
Fortress of Solitude
- 100
Kabooooom
If you are a Teen Titans fan, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. If you aren’t a Teen Titans fan, this book will make you into one. This is the best first issue of a Titans comic since Wolfman and Perez worked their magic over forty years ago. - 100
Get Your Comic On
A five-star debut for the returning Titans. Taylor takes all the sensibilities which have made Nightwing the #1 DC title and applies that to a group of characters who have been crying out for a blockbuster title of their own. There’s a tough road ahead and the Titans have big shoes to fill. But under this creative team I have no doubt that Titans will be a huge success. - 100
First Comics News
The Justice League has disbanded due to the events of “Dark Crisis On Infinite Earth”, so now it’s time for the Titans to take their place as the premier superteam for the DC Universe. There’s so much to unpack such as the battle with Titano, the appearance of Peacemaker (No doubt brought in to cause havoc for the team), and the blooming romance between Raven and Beast Boy, Tom Taylor manages to juggle all of these plot threads with ease to where the readers won’t get confused but he also succeeds in bringing these timeless characters together while putting some much-needed emphasis on their stored history that I feel is the heart and soul for this title. Taylor and Nicola Scott prove that they work well as a team but I’m going to see what they have in store with the next few issues because the one positive thing I can say is that at least they’re not recycling any of the storylines Marv Wolfman and George Perez (R.I.P.) perfected decades ago. - 100
ComicsOnline
Titans is a wonderful jumping on point for new readers, uniting a line-up that is reminiscent of the hit Teen Titans cartoon along with fan-favorites Donna Troy and Wally West. I’m confident that Roy and Garth will join later on, but this is an A-List Titans team for their prominent new role in the DC Universe. The creative team quickly shows us just how much fun they can have with these super friends, taking us on a fun ride in their launch issue. The artwork and coloring help to showcase the vibrant world of the Titans, expertly complimenting the excitement of this opening adventure. The Titans are destined to make a major impact in the DC Universe, and they couldn’t be in better hands with this team of talented creators. - 96
You Don't Read Comics
Titans #1 is brilliant. There are a lot of naysayers out there, but they should give this book a try, even if it is just to look at the gorgeous art from Scott and Kwok. Dawn of DC has been wonderful, and with this comic as the flagship team of the new DC Universe, things look to be in great hands. - 90
Geek Dad
Tom Taylor has been building to the launch of his new super-team for months over in Nightwing, and it’s finally here—as Nightwing and his old friends take over as the premiere super-team of the DCU. With the always-popular Nicola Scott on art, this is definitely the most well-done attempt to revive this particular group—but it’s not without some in-story bumps. We’ve been told one member of the team will die, and the opening segment reveals it’s Wally West, seemingly cut down by a bullet and racing against time to pull something off before his time runs out. With Wally having his own title AND having just had a fake-out death a few years back, it’s clear this won’t stick, but it’s also an effective mystery to kick things off. Wally isn’t the only one facing… challenges at the beginning. Beast Boy has his eye back (the secrets of which will be revealed later) but is haunted by PTSD, despite Raven’s best attempts to help him. The two are now an official couple, and it’s pretty clear Scott has taken some major cues from the animated Raven in her design. Dick is trying to get the whole crew back together, including Cyborg, Donna Troy, and Starfire, but there’s one hold-out—Tempest, who seems more concerned with the state of the oceans and is sounding a big Namor-esque when he refuses to join up. But this missing figure isn’t keeping the group from having a big move-in day celebration—one that’s rudely interrupted by a giant ape. When Titano attacks a nuclear plant with the apparent intention of causing a meltdown, the Titans spring into action—with Beast Boy getting the starring role. It’s clear Taylor gets how fun these characters can be when they’re in sync, but not everyone is enjoying it—Peacemaker shows up, representing the government, and kicks off what’s sure to be an antagonistic relationship. There have been a lot of failed starts for the Titans in the past few years, but this one actually seems to get the big things right—it views the Titans as a family, shows them both having fun and supporting each other, and has some big threats and big mysteries as it kicks off a new era of DC teams. - 90
But Why Tho?
Titans #1 is a cool read with heroes you can relate to, who look out for each other 24/7, not just during the next weekly meeting. This feels like character growth, not to mention growth for the DCU all around. Our original teen heroes get the promotion we’ve waited decades for, and it’s making all the right moves under a brilliant team. I really hope you’ll get this. If you’ve been loving Nightwing, then this should be a no-brainer. If you love team comics, you’ll find this a bit familial, but it contains the usual stuff a fan of such books craves: big action, team dynamics, and revelations of threats to come. So good. - 90
Henchman-4-Hire
It’s almost funny that this came out the same day as Avengers #1. Both are said to be the premiere superhero team in their respective superhero universe. This issue does a lot of the same, and it’s really good. We have a core of team banter and relationships as they head into battle against a giant threat. Seriously, both issues feature a battle against a titanic-sized foe, while character-based stuff happens around it. Funny how that works. Anyway, this issue is pretty much just as good as Avengers #1. The Titans have a comfortability with each other that can’t be matched, and Taylor already nailed it in his Nightwing comics, so it’s an easy transition into a comic of its own. The characters mesh really well together. The battle is excellent. I love the joke where Beast Boy turns into a giant lizard kaiju to battle this giant ape kaiju. And there’s no doubting Nicola Scott’s talent. They are a perfect choice for this series. Their artwork is crisp and clear, with a wonderful splash of color from Annette Kwok. Top tier creative team behind this book. If I had any nitpicks, as to why perhaps I chose Avengers #1 over Titans #1 for Comic Book of the Week, it’s that the Peacemaker scene felt a little heavy handed. He comes out of nowhere pushing a weird government agenda that really clashes with the rest of the comic. Plus he feels like a forced choice to tie-in with the TV show. Also, not every team member gets a chance to stand out. Obviously the Titans didn’t need scenes of roster-building, but at least the Avengers each got some reason for joining. Not all the Titans get a signature moment this issue. Also, while I love that Taylor is embracing it to tell his story, the idea that the Titans will be the world’s premiere superhero team feels so impermanent. Like everyone is fooling themselves, especially when you consider all classic members of the Justice League are still around, right? Hopefully I’m wrong and this status quo will have some degree of permanence. Stellar first team issue has a lot of great character moments, some top tier artwork and plenty of groundwork to kick off several good storylines. - 90
Comic Book Revolution
Titans #1 does everything you want from a first issue of a superhero team series to do. The chemistry of the entire team shines through while several major storylines are established. All that is done as the Titans are immediately put over as DC Comics premiere superhero team. This is a must-have for DC Comics fans. - 89
The Super Powered Fancast
The Story: Taylor delivers a great first issue filled with great world building and character relationships. Whether you’ve been a fan of the Titans for years or are picking up a Titans comic for the first time, you will instantly feel like a part of the story. Taylor does a fantastic job of crafting not only a great team book, but a great mystery at its heart and I love that it centers on Wally. I’m definitely invested in where this book goes next. The Art: Scott offers some bright, beautifully detailed art throughout the issue. From the dramatic first panels to the awesome action, the issue looks fantastic from start to finish. - 88
The Comicbook Dispatch
Readers familiar with Taylor will find the issue’s story beats and themes recognizable. This issue isn’t particularly deep. But it is a good introduction to the team, their mission statement, and the first arc. The art uplifts the book considerably. And while TITANS #1 isn’t an exceptional first issue, it does offer a lot of potential for the future. - 87
Multiversity Comics
“Titans” #1 is a genuinely great comic. The Titans are an interesting, fun team and it’s refreshing to see their dynamic in DC’s spotlight. With a strong creative team, an intriguing mystery, and a new direction like this for DC as a whole, it’s impossible not to be excited for what’s coming next. A strong debut issue proves that the Titans are ready to be DC’s premier superhero team - 80
COMICON
A solid debut issue that delivers in some respects but leaves quite a bit on the table in other areas. Big bold colorful superhero antics infused with that beloved family aspect, it’s good to see the Titans back in play. - 80
Comic Watch
The Titans are again together in their title after four years! They’ve been a part of four years’ worth of events and storylines, just without their book. Now, it’s time for these heroes to make a home for themselves in Bludhaven, Nightwing’s turf. So, what’s the deal? Tom Taylor, the current writer on Nightwing, takes the helm of this debut issue and gives readers some fun moments that were only elevated by the fantastic linework of Nicola Scott. A Beast Boy kaiju smackdown with Titano was an absolute highlight. Nightwing and Peacemaker had a lovely little standoff. But… Sadly, fun moments weren’t enough to impress with this re-introduction of The Titans into the book lineup. While the issue did set up future storylines, the actual contents of the issue, as well as some of the stuff it set up, were just a little… lackluster. It all felt very safe. This isn’t necessarily bad, but when you’re propping the Titans up as the replacement for the Justice League, a murder mystery with such obviously low stakes (c’mon, who actually thinks [REDACTED] is actually dead?) isn’t the best way to go about it. The biggest thing this initial arc will have to do is show that the Titans can do what the Justice League could—and more. Here’s hoping the payoff is more impressive than the setup, because out the gate, the book stumbles. As mentioned prior, the art is a highlight. Scott’s work is bombastic and weighty. Annette Kwok’s colors add a warm feeling to it all during the moments when warmth needs to be felt, which works perfectly against the moments when the colors are cold and unfeeling. The colors done by Kwok are just as dynamic as the bodywork done by Scott. What can be said about Wes Abbott’s lettering that hasn’t already been said? Frequent Nightwing readers will easily recognize his work, which feels very much at home with The Titans—following along with its leader from his solo book. The book has a stellar creative team, so one can be optimistically excited to see where the story goes! Overall, the issue looks fantastic, but the story didn’t capture like a debut issue should. Setting up a murder mystery with a character who’s died so many times they probably get a free sundae this time around doesn't instill a great sense of high stakes - but the character beats, along with the creators' track records, are enough to bolster hope that bigger things are in store. - 80
DC Comics News
There’s a lot of heart in this issue as Scott communicates it through the characters faces and body language and Taylor wisely plays off the established history of these characters. It began way back in Brave and the Bold #54 with Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash, the sidekick proteges of the Justice League of America. It then started again with the New Teen Titans in 1980 by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Titans #1 begins the latest series to feature these friends who’ve grown up together. Certainly the journey will be fun and exciting, but the heart of this issue as well as the popularity of this group of characters is their friendship and shared experiences that continue on just like real life. - 80
Comics Nexus by Inside Pulse
A pretty solid debut issue with amazing art, characterization and action. I’m not a fan of implausible cliffhangers since Wally West will star in The Flash #800 and the relaunch of a Dawn of DC The Flash #1. It also appears this issue takes place before the Flahs #798 (full spoilers here) as Flash only said “good bye” to two of his three kids and wife. Nonetheless, I’m intrigued to see where this plot point goes. - 75
Zona Negativa
- 73
Major Spoilers
All in all, Titans #1 feels like a graduation day moment, even though these heroes are all well-versed in big league world-saving already, with simply wonderful art and a story that coheres even in the face of a couple of wobbly moments. It’s not a world-shattering crisis, but that’s actually a nice change of pace in recent years, so I’m willing to give this creative team some time to put it all together. - 70
ComicBook.com
Structurally, Taylor's script for this debut works because the ensemble is filled with characters most readers have known for years. Titans readers should know the stakes of the story at hand and the character arcs, allowing Taylor and Scott to use most of the paper to explore story ideas rather than character work. Still, it's missing the spark found in Taylor and Bruno Redondo's Nightwing series, with Titans #1 feeling hollow and incomplete at times. It's a solid start with one of DC's more beloved groups, it just feels like a lot was left in the bullpen. - 65
Weird Science DC Comics
Titans #1 begins a new era for the former sidekicks and B-Team as they move into the new Titans Tower and assume their new role as taking over for the Justice League. The writing execution is technically fine, and things happen, but the basic premise is flawed, and both the writing and art lack drama or emotional weight. - 60
Batman-News
The new Titans book unwittingly inherits the baggage of several previous stories. Despite the squeaky clean redesign, the characters and story feel like a rehash of old patterns. On a positive note, the book has a good tone regardless of the sickeningly upbeat cast. Overall, Titans #1 lays the groundwork for the next phase of DC storytelling synergy. Readers can probably expect more teases of Peacemaker, Amanda Waller, and whatever Garth is up to in the future. Although, Taylor is directly teeing up Brother Blood as their first foe suspiciously following his appearance in the Titans series finale on HBOMAX. In the meantime, the Titans will continue to strive to surpass the Justice League by seemingly doing exactly what they’ve always done.
