[DC Comics] Titans: Rebirth #1

[DC Comics] Titans: Rebirth #1

Friends. Teammates. Titans. Donna Troy, Arsenal, Garth, Lilith and Nightwing were all that and more until a mysterious force erased their memories, forcing them to forget what they could accomplish together. Reunited with their memories returned, the Titans must destroy the interdimensional demon that broke them apart and threatens reality itself.

In “Titans: Rebirth” #1, Dan Abnett, Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund take the Titans back to one of their oldest and most meaningful themes: friendship. This issue is a classic cape comic, with detailed, house-style art, contrived fights between allies, on-the-nose dialogue and just a little deus ex machine to save the day. The most important ingredient, though, is heart; all the formulaic elements wouldn’t work without it, and Abnett’s script has warmth and feeling in spades. Admittedly, the lighter plot and frequent flashbacks may not win over new readers, but — all told — “Titans: Rebirth” #1 is a satisfying reunion for these characters.

As a prologue to the upcoming series, “Titans: Rebirth” #1 does an excellent job setting up the themes and goals of a team book. Wally West has come back to restore his friends’ memories, but this seemingly central problem is solved pretty easily. Indeed, the solution is so out-of-the-blue that it’s clear it’s subsidiary to the real focus of the story: establishing these characters’ connections. As he fights the other Titans, Wally doesn’t narrate tactics or events. Instead, he says, “In their attacks, I see the very qualities that made them my friends.” As each Titan gets his or her memories restored, they flash back to an ordinary, intimate moment of joy or solidarity from their friendship with Wally.