Jeff Lemire and Terry Dodson’s “Teen Titans: Earth One” Volume 1 is an utter joy that can be fully appreciated by long time Teen Titans fans and new ones alike. The whole team dynamic is changed up in new and inventive ways. This excitingly fresh take on the Titans grounds them a bit more in reality while connecting them in an entirely new and exciting way.
WRITTEN BY: Jeff Lemire
ART BY: Terry Dodson
PUBLISHER: DC Comics
PRICE: $22.99
RELEASE: November 19, 2014
Reviewed By: Torin Chambers
The main Titans this book deals with are Raven, Terra, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Jericho and a mysterious final character. The mystery one will become obvious to long time fans almost immediately but that still doesn’t undercut their reveal near the end of the story. Raven has been reinvented as a Navajo Indian, a change that fits her character and powers so well I almost can’t believe it hasn’t been this way the whole time.
She’s separate from the others for most of the book but does have a sort of spiritual connection to them. Besides the mystery member, all the other Titans go to High School together. Terra’s being raised by a neglectful single mother who enjoys drinking her days away. Cyborg’s mother isn’t much better, she just envelopes herself in her work and has no time for her son. Terra and Cyborg are also dating and have been for some time before the book even starts. Beast Boy and Jericho are both incredibly mentally gifted and new to the school as the story begins.
The way Lemire brings them all together is outstanding; creating a team that has a much more tangible reason for them to be together, other than just being a Justice League Junior. All the different moving parts are key to the story, there are no offhand red herrings here. Also as far as I can tell there are no connections to Superman or Batman Earth One, so there’s no necessary reading to get into Teen Titans.
One of the most exciting things about the book, and just a Teen Titans team in general, is there’s no Nightwing/Robin to take the leadership role. This instantly and drastically changes up the teams dynamic. While they don’t do that much as a team this volume there are hints at what it could be like. They all sort of work together when solving their problems, each equally contributing to the group at large.
Teen Titans Earth One Vol 1 is a damn fine read that anyone can jump right into and have a blast. Long time fans will also find a lot to enjoy here too, seeing how classic characters have been fundamentally changed up while still retaining the essence of their character. It also ends on a huge cliffhanger that has me desperately clamoring for more. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
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Torin Chambers is a rad dude from the nineties who does film stuff or something. Thomas the Tank Engine is his favorite transformer. Find him on Twitter @TorinsChambers