Written by Geoff Johns
Co-Writers (for the crossover): Geoff Johns & Mark Waid
Art by (See Below)
- Teen Titans/Legion Special & Issue # 16: Mike McKone; Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Marlo Alquiza; Mark Campos; Comicraft; Rob Leigh; Jeromy Cox; & Snow Cone. Cover Artists: Mike McKone & Marlo Alquisa (Issue # 16) and Phil Jimenez & Andy Lanning [Teen Titans/Legion Special)
- Issues # 17-19 – “Titans Tomorrow: “ Mike McKone; Marlo Alquiza; Comicraft & Jeromy Cox. Cover Artists: McKone & Alquiza.
- Issues # 20-21 – “Hiding:” Tom Grummett; Nelson Conrad; Comicraft; & Jeromy Cox. Cover Artists: Duncan Rouleau (Issue # 20) and McKone & Alquiza (Issue # 21).
- Issues # 22-23 – “Lights Out:” Mike McKone; Marlo Alquiza; Comicraft; & Jeromy Cox. Cover Artists: McKone & Alquiza.
Compilation Cover Art by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics in 2005, this 224-page compilation consists of: the Teen Titans/Legion of Super-Heroes Special and Teen Titans # 16-23 (all from 2004-2005). The roster consists of: team veterans Starfire; Cyborg; Raven; and Beast Boy, along with Tim Drake’s Robin; Cassie Sandsmark’s Wonder Girl; Conner Kent’s Superboy; Bart Allen’s Kid Flash; and eventually Mia Dearden’s Speedy (replacing Starfire). Guest stars include this alternate future’s Titans East, and a reunion of virtually all the present-day Titan alumni.
Conner & Cassie’s awkward dinner date at the San Francisco pier is interrupted by a temporal flux from the 31st Century. Instantly returning (though five months older), Conner recruits the team to aid the Legion of Super-Heroes in the far future. Awaiting them is a Fatal Five now multiplied one hundred-fold into the Fatal Five-Hundred.
Returning to the 21st Century leaves the Legion to an unknown fate, as the Titans face an alternate future ten years after their initial departure. Alluding to a fateful ‘crisis,’ their fascistic Titans West counterparts (Batman; Superman; Wonder Woman; Animal Man; Flash; & Raven; plus Aquawoman) have declared war on their perceived enemies. Even with a double-agent’s help and the rival Titans East, a showdown between the Titans’ present and future selves climaxes in the Batcave. It’s ambiguous, if this alternate future will be revisited.
Back at their own Titans Tower, the next two storylines are unofficial Identity Crisis crossovers. Mia Dearden joins the squad soon after Starfire departs for Nightwing’s Outsiders. Tracking down Lex Luthor’s stolen power-suit, the Titans face the mercenary Electrocutioner. A grieving Tim reveals to his teammates the recent homicide of his father.
Holding an abducted Green Arrow hostage, a demented Doctor Light demands an epic showdown in Philadelphia vs. the Titans. Ultimately, the Titans appear in force to stand any chance against the ultra-powerful Light. As the JLA’s dark secrets surface from Identity Crisis, a twist finish is still coming.
REVIEW:
After the first few pages, don’t expect any charm exploring The Future is Now. Considering its recurring themes (i.e. mass murder, torture, and mayhem), Volume 4 isn’t a particularly fun read. Still, a combination of capable storytelling and top-caliber visuals delivers plenty for fans, ages 15 and up. The franchise’s die-hards should further appreciate the presence of nearly every Titan, as well as the terrific Legion crossover, in this book’s impressive page count.
Geoff Johns’ plotting bridges numerous sub-plots remarkably well, as he begins shifting the team towards its imminent role in Infinite Crisis. To his credit, Johns also tantalizingly baits readers into possibly seeking out Brad Meltzer’s Identity Crisis and the Nightwing-led Outsiders, let alone his own underrated masterpiece: JLA: Crisis of Conscience.
The grim Teen Titans, Volume 4: The Future is Now, by comparison, isn’t a must-have read. Yet, it’s still easily superior to the ultra-muddled and gratuitously violent trash Johns peddles in the disappointing Infinite Crisis.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a two-page synopsis describing the current Teen Titans roster (including mentors Cyborg & Starfire). The covers appear in a full-page gallery format. A two-page black-and-white gallery displays costume sketches for some of the alternate-future Titans.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
