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Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re checking out the start of a major event happening in DC Comics. Since the “Dawn Of DC” has been in full effect, the premier super hero team hasn’t been the Justice League. It’s been the Titans.
Emerging from the “Teen” moniker, the heroes have finally stepped into the spotlight. With a brand new series started in 2023, Nightwing and company have been making some noise at the comic shops. Now poised to be the center of a DCU event, fans are excited to see how things fare.
TITANS: BEAST WORLD #1 by Tom Taylor, Ivan Reis, Danny Miki, Brad Anderson, and Wes Abbott ushers in a monster challenge for DC’s standout superhero team. Let’s check out the first chapter and see how things are going.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story begins with a figure known as Brother Eternity addressing a mass audience watching world wide. His message is that of despair and dire extremes. “The World Is Ending” in his opinion.
Readers see the conversation switches to one of hope as members of the Church Of Eternity have ventured into space. The claim is a discovery of refuge on Titan, the moon of Saturn.
Once landed, the crew (known as “Forevernauts”) discover a temple. Under Brother Eternity’s orders, they proceed with mics open. Eternity speaks in a lost language: ancient Tamaranean! The language is very familiar to one noted on-looker: Starfire!
Readers quickly see that the Forvernauts voyage was doomed from the start. With Eternity watching and smiling, an evil has been unleashed.
Knowing danger at hand, the Titans make their way to Titan. Once they arrive, they see first hand what has been unleashed.
After making a daring escape from the failed rescue mission, Starfire debriefs the DCU heroes on what she witnessed: The Necrostar! Will the united front of the DCU’s most powerful be able to stop the creature?
With every crucial minute passing, the heroes brace for battle. Readers see one hero rise to the occasion as the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance. However, what happens next, no one will see coming.
By the time the final page is viewed, a swift change in direction takes this story into a completely new direction. Brace yourself for impact as the next DCU event has arrived.
Taylor constructs an exhilarating start to the latest DC event. Right from the beginning, the pace moves things along fast enough to impact readers with how dangerous the threat truly is.
Tying the Necrostar to a classic DC character throws a different look to the conflict at hand. Once the story moves to the middle act, Taylor takes a risk and it pays off in spades.
Putting the most unlikely Titan as the focal character opens up many avenues to take the story in. The interactions with Batman alone provide great moments. Readers don’t wait long to see how this unfolds. The creative use of powers is an element that a lasting impression.
Once things roll into the final act, Taylor brings out multiple surprises that will keep readers guessing. This is great modern storytelling and fans will have much to enjoy with the writing.
Reis, Miki and Anderson paint the visions of a true event with the artwork. The Forevernauts’ arrival on Titan feels epic and the tensions readers will sense instantly. This is capped off with a strong two-page spread showcasing the evil unleashed.
The following image of Starfire addressing the DCU heroes makes a big statement as to where the Titans stand with the fellow heroes. The action visuals elevate the scenes up a few levels as they reflect the “event” feel needed.
The emotional impact of the story is another key factor here, especially with Abbott’s lettering. The art team delivers a personal moment between two Titans than amplifies later in the story. With multiple full page panels mixed in, the issue has much that will capture fans attention, right to the shocking final visual.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The premier DC superhero team strongly steps up to embrace the spotlight in DC’s next big event. With Taylor’s creative writing lays a strong foundation while Reis, Miki, Anderson and Abbott give their excellent finishing touches to lock readers in for what looks to be one story that no one will want to miss!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Titans: Beast World #1. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative!
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