Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Teen Titans #15 Review

By J. Skyler
January 4, 2013 - 01:32

Tim Drake and Barbara Gordon have each been labeled as the most intelligent members of the Batman Family by writers Fabian Nicieza and Gail Simone respectively. Both, like Bruce Wayne, are certifiable geniuses who have routinely demonstrated the potential to surpass him (with Barbara Gordon actually accomplishing this feat in certain capacities in her incarnation as Oracle). In "Teen Scream" by Scott Lobdell, both characters effectively demonstrate their leadership skills, as well as their deductive and tactical prowess. Everyone is agitated with Batman at the moment, no one is particularly close to Robin or Red Hood (not that either of them care) and Batgirl and Nightwing still share a degree of romantic tension, so the inherent trust between Batgirl and Red Robin represented in this issue is a welcome reprieve in the depictions of strained relations between Batman's allies in this epic crossover arc, Death of the Family.

The opening scene of "Teen Scream" is an absolutely gorgeous rendering of Batgirl by Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund and Andrew Dalhouse. I had assumed Ed Benes was the only person capable of capturing the awe that is Barbara Gordon, but I have to say Booth does exquisite work. Equally impressive is Lobdell's characterization of Batgirl, depicting her as a compelling leader and proficient strategist, with a touch of humor and sass that are the hallmarks of her personality. Such qualities are sorely missed in Duane Swierczynski's run on Birds of Prey and are only beginning to emerge in Gail Simone's slow but sure evolution in Batgirl. It's worth mentioning that the openly gay Miguel Barragan (codenamed Bunker) practically trips over himself after meeting Batgirl face to face, in what I assume is an intentional (and well appreciated) nod to her Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) fanbase. Conversely, Batgirl and Wonder Girl appear to be quite defensive towards one another, a polar opposite depiction of their relationship in the animated series Young Justice.

Despite her name, Batgirl is hardly a child and yet at 21 years of age, is only at the cusp of full fledged adulthood. Given the chaos currently occurring in both Batgirl and Brids of Prey, it's not surprising she'd be less than enthusiastic about taking charge of a group of hyper-active, over-powered teenagers she's never met. Nonetheless, she provides the team with all the resources they need to complete their mission in finding Red Robin's whereabouts and confronting the Joker. Wonder Girl assumes the worst, believing it's more than likely Red Robin is already dead. Batgirl however, suggests if anyone can go toe-to-toe with the Joker and survive, it would be Red Robin.

While Dick Grayson is undoubtedly the iconic Robin (and while there is a certain prestige that comes with being the first to market), Tim Drake is without question the quintessential Robin. He was the protégé who single-handedly deduced the identities of Batman and the original Boy Wonder, the one who even earned the respect of Ra's al Ghul by being referred to as "detective." Tim Drake's character redefined the mantle, evolving beyond the role of side-kick or junior partner to a stand alone hero. For these reasons, it is unfathomable that these key aspects of his publication history would be wiped out in The New 52. In spite of these changes, the Joker still views Red Robin as his biggest threat. He never admits it mind you, but his consistent taunts attempting to decry the young hero's "perfection" are his biggest tell. He doesn't want to believe anyone is capable of surpassing Batman and he'll kill Red Robin just to make sure it never happens. Red Robin reluctantly agrees killing him and the rest of the Family is likely to make Batman more focused, and it will definitely make the ongoing adversarial relationship between Batman and the Joker that much more "fun."

Red Robin doesn't have time for an emotional response to the Joker's madness; he only has time to figure a way out of the Clown Prince of Crime's entrapment, and hopefully, prevent his teammates from dying in the process of their rescue attempt. Unfortunately, thought for thought, the Joker is literally one step ahead of him. If future solicitations of Teen Titans are any indication, Red Robin may be the ultimate casualty in Death of the Family.

Rating: 10 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12