[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Artists: Khoi Pham, Wade Von Grawbadger & Jim Charalampidis
Summary
Continuing where issue #4 left off, Damian is prisoner of the League of Shadows, in shackles on Infinity Island. In this issue we see Damian mature really fast in the face of the challenge that lies ahead of him. Starfire, Beast Boy, Raven, and Kid Flash have burst into his cell and, without knowing it, represent the biggest challenge to him. They’ve come to save him and in so doing, shown him how childish and immature he really is.
We get to see the teens take on the roles that they will serve within the group, in a small way at least. Especially Starfire, who really takes on a guiding, almost parental role. Mara also has a moment of maturity thrust upon her, as do the Demon’s Fist when confronted by the teens.
Positives
Khoi Pham’s art has seriously grown on me! I’m not seeing the face pinching that I was noticing earlier, in fact I think the faces are becoming very proportional and look great! Pham makes incredible use of the lines in a character’s face, especially when it comes to the make-up or scars a character might have.
The inks and colors of Grawbadger and Charalampids also look fantastic and really pop. Each character is colored in a very distinct way which creates a lot of color dynamics within the issue.
On top of the beautiful art work, the writing of Percy is solid. Each character sounds normal with none of the dialogue coming off as campy. Further, what the characters don’t say to each other and where they end lines create a great dynamic.
There is a scene after the battle when the team realizes they have bonded and it is full of funny moments. The scene does a great job at making the Teen Titans feel whole without being too cliché.
Verdict
From awkward hugs, to a little bit of star struck faces, and of course, the Teen Titans, this issue is great!
