Written by (See Credits Below)
Art by (See Credits Below)
Cover Art by George Pérez & Romeo Tanghal
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for November 1981, this 98-page digest-size volume features the fledging New Teen Titans in action followed by four reprints (three of which form a Silver Age Teen Titans epic).
- “Reunion!”: Written by Marv Wolfman, with art by Carmine Infantino & Romeo Tanghal. Speedy is saved by Aqualad from certain death by an international drug smuggling cartel. Recruiting the New Teen Titans (Starfire; Cyborg; Robin; Wonder Girl; and Kid Flash), a squad of seven Titans go into battle in this short anti-drug message.
- “Titans Fight the Battle of Jericho” [Part I] (from 1969’s Teen Titans # 20): Writing & Art Credits Aren’t Provided. A costumed crusader dubbed ‘Joshua’ draws the Silver Age Teen Titans (Robin; Wonder Girl; Speedy; & Kid Flash) into an effort to thwart a terrorist group’s recruitment of some local teenage boys.
- “The Citadel of Fear” [Part II] (from 1969’s Teen Titans # 21): Writing & Art Credits Aren’t Provided. In a tenuous alliance with Hawk (Hank Hall) and Dove (Don Hall), the Titans find themselves the targets of an extradimensional alien conspiracy threatening Earth.
- “Halfway to Holocaust” [Part III] (from 1969’s Teen Titans # 22): Writing & Art Credits Aren’t Provided. With Robin and Kid Flash held captive, the remaining Titans need an unexpected ally to rescue them from the ominous Dimension X.
- “Skis of Death” (from 1969’s Teen Titans # 24): Script by Bob Haney, with art by Gil Kane & Nick Cardy. The Titans’ scenic ski trip vacation is upended by a ruthless criminal gang.
Note: Despite their presence on the cover, neither Raven nor Changeling/Beast Boy appear in this issue.
REVIEW:
Despite the opener’s primitive artwork (not to mention, the script’s heavy-handed approach), “Reunion!” is an entertaining short ride for Titans fans. Offering better artwork than the opener, the reprinted three-part epic has some thrills, Yet, a forgettable Moon Knight look-alike early on and an excessive helping of hippie lingo aren’t endearing. Suffice to say, the over-inflated “Dimension X” plot co-starring a secret terrorist cell isn’t a keeper.
The trilogy’s best part (including the artwork) proves the middle segment guest-starring Hawk & Dove. Living up to a mildly amusing title, “Skis of Death” is a good Titans one-shot adventure, complete with Scooby-Doo-style plot twists late in the game. While none of the tales are gems, DC Blue Ribbon Digest # 18 is still a time warp to a refreshingly less complicated era with the original Teen Titans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None, as images of the original covers aren’t included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
