Written by Judd Winick
Art by Joe Benitez; Victor Llamas; Oliver Nome; Edgar Delgado; & Travis Lanham
Cover Art by Joe Benitez; Oliver Nome; & Edgar Delgado
SUMMARY:
DC Comics released this issue for April 2008. Concluding a story arc, it’s entitled “Family Affair, Part 3: Daddy’s Little Boys.” The team (Nightwing; Starfire; Flash; Beast Boy; Raven; Donna Troy; & Arsenal) faces off versus Trigon’s three demonic sons, who unleash their own hellacious firepower. Could the presence of Trigon himself be the Titans’ only hope?
REVIEW:
Though this issue’s premise has some potential, Judd Winick’s scripting proves utterly unremarkable. For instance, short of these Titans merely celebrating survival (let alone the likelihood of a future rematch), it’s hard to fathom this arc’s upbeat finish. As creative compensation, the art squad’s high-caliber visuals try hard to compensate for Winick being off his game.
However, the artists push too much. Resorting to eye candy close-ups of Starfire, Donna Troy, and even a demonic Wonder Woman impersonator, such imagery serves as a blatant diversion from Winick’s mediocre excuse for a plot. There really isn’t creative necessity for some of Starfire & Donna Troy’s chosen angles — especially, as the male Titans aren’t afforded comparable close-ups. Squandering some otherwise terrific artwork, Titans # 4 is a forgettable read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler’s “DC Nation” column talks to JSA Editor Mike Siglain. Thumbnail cover reveals are for: Final Crisis: Requiem # 1; Joker’s Asylum: Penguin # 1; Booster Gold # 1,000,000; & Titans # 5.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4½ Stars
