Jun
15
2016
0

Titans: Rebirth #1 Review

Written by: Dan Abnett

Art by: Norm Rapmund, Brett Booth

Publisher: DC Comics

It’s clear DC didn’t give a strict set of rules for their writers regarding what to do with their Rebirth issues. Some Rebirth books tied up past loose ends, some jumped straight into their new plots, while others just served as introductions to their characters. Titans ends up falling into all three categories. There are connections and references to Titans Hunt, there are hints of what’s coming next for the Titans, and the book spends the majority of its pages introducing us to the team and reminding us of the relationships between Wally and the other Titans. It sounds like a good enough plan to please all readers of this book, but sadly the book just ends up feeling rushed and unnecessary.

First of all, Dan Abnett takes the easy way out as far as setting up the team goes. Everyone suddenly remembers who Wally is when he touches them. It’s all explained away with a dose of speedforce magic and a hint of friendship magic. If all it takes is a bond with Wally and the speedforce to remember the pre-New 52 universe, why doesn’t Wally just go touch Linda. In every single comic Wally has appeared in since Rebirth, he has expressed regret about losing Linda. I mean, if she married him, there should more of a bond there between them than with Wally and Garth. If it works on Garth, it shouldn’t be problem with Linda.

The worst part of making it so easy for everyone to remember their past is that it takes away from the special moment Barry and Wally shared in DC Universe Rebirth.

Rushing and bungling the past remembrance aspect isn’t the only problem with this book. One of the most important part of a team book is making each character feel different. Almost every dialogue in this book is bland exposition, leaving the characters all feeling the same. The flashbacks add a little bit of character, but it would’ve been better if these character interactions were in the present. It’s a bit jarring to see an emotional and special moment between Wally and Lilith in a flashback, and then have Lilith not say anything to him in the present. Actually the only dialogue Lilith has with Wally is repeating what Wally said in the form of a question so Wally can continue on with his exposition.  The exposition isn’t even interesting to the reader, this is the third time you’re hearing all of this if you’ve already read Flash: Rebirth and DC Universe Rebirth.

Titans: Rebirth is an unnecessary book. It does nothing to move forward or even show the current relationship dynamics of the team. It repeats exposition you’ve read many times before without adding any new information. The one bit of plot it does move forward is rushed and done terribly. Rebirth has brought along some of the best DC books in a long time. Titans: Rebirth is not one of them.