Teen Titans: Earth One Vol 1 Review

"Am Starfire. Need Help"

An interesting twist on the Titans story promising a solid YA tale to come further down the line and new but still familiar interpretations on some old favorites.




Review
Teen Titans: Earth One is a book I’ve been looking forward to for quite awhile as someone who is a fan of the cartoon and comic versions of these characters and overall am looking very forward to this version of the Titans expnading. Here on Earth One, Jeff Lemire and the Dodsons give us a different but mostly still familiar portrayal of the characters from what many are use to. However, altogether it gives us an enjoyable story for fans old, new, or whatever else your experience is with the Teen Titans. Also, the artwork by the Dodsons is gorgeous and expressive, all in all quite fitting for a YA book. There are some minor inconsistencies in the art but nothing overly distracting. The characters all look very unique and if you look closely you can see some nods to their costumes from the comics or even cartoon in their civilian clothes. With some of the re-imaginings done here helps give us a diverse interpretation of the team such as Raven now being Navajo here. Some have had concerns about stereotypes but author Jeff Lemire appears familiar with the subject to be careful like his creation with young Cree heroine Equinox.

One of my slight issues with Batman: Earth One is it didn’t seem to really shake that much up with Batman’s origin, however here in Teen Titans: Earth One quite a bit has changed. Understandable with the goal to connect these characters together in an origin story and to tell a Titans story without sidekicks. Now I’ve seen many want to pass on this book because of “no sidekicks” which is a shame. I was personally looking forward to the book because of that as I love the characters used here and was glad they can have their own story without being upstaged by the characters who have much higher chances of appearing in other works. If I wanted to read about one of the Boy Wonders I got plenty of options but some of the Titans in Earth One? Not so much. Besides the book gives us hints on who else will be joining in the future and a surprise seventh member not many saw coming. I understand as much as anyone how important the sidekicks are to the franchise and vice-versa but it's good to shake it up a bit and again, give other characters a chance to shine. There are quite some intense parts as the kids learn more and more about their past and what their parents are hiding, giving reads some genuine chills and make them feel for the characters.




The only real problem I’d say with the book is the pacing which came off a little rushed here which is understandable. The author has stated he had plans for a trilogy and this book plays it’s part in laying down the series groundwork along with an idea on who these characters are. They don’t get to delve very deep into some of the characters, others benefited a bit more in this volume but hopefully more will be explored in Volume 2. Characters like Raven and Starfire barely get to interact with the other four but that will no doubt change as the story progresses as well as more about the mystery that ties them together. As for now we’re given a couple cliffhangers that leaves you wanting more and worried for the characters later on. And I'll admit the old Titans fan in me is a little disappointed about an obvious choice for traitor but hopefully that characters turns around and gets a better break than they've had in other universes.

 Here’s hoping Volume 2 comes out soon!

Recommendations:
As the title may suggest, this book is a pretty straightforward start to an interesting YA series. There's a couple moments of violence and blood to watch out for but overall its got action and angst that will interest many. 

If you're somewhat familiar with the Titans in any shape or form, this'll be an interesting alternate universe to check out and see some familiar faces in a new setting or in Starfire's case in modest clothing! If you're new to the series this is an enjoyable read still with teens uncovering strange powers, dark secrets, and more adventure to come decked out with the Dodsons' expressive art.

Plus, Given the team's popularity in cartoons such as Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go! and as well as a live-action show hopefully coming soon, stocking more on Titans books can't hurt anyone with a growing interest in DC's top teen team.