Titans: Burning Rage #2 – Dan Jurgens, Writer; Scot Eaton, Penciller; Wayne Faucher, Inker; Jim Charalampidis, Colorist
Ray – 7/10
Ray: After a promising first issue, this take on the Teen Titans mostly stalls out in Titans Burning Rage #2, as it devotes itself fully to a plot that overrides most of the character interaction. Each chapter of this story is narrated by a different hero, and first it goes to Starfire as the Titans battle against the newly upgraded Fearsome Five and try to protect the civilians caught in the middle.
The choice of these b-list goons as the main threat for the arc is a little questionable, but the addition of the Disruptor as their new leader adds a sense of tension. The Five are organized and have no problems putting civilians in danger, while the Titans seem disorganized. It’s almost frustrating to watch them work, and it makes sense when Tim pulls the plug and orders them to retreat and let the villains get away, focusing on rescuing civilians. The teamwork is good, but it doesn’t feel like there’s a cohesive story behind this series yet.
Too much of Titans: Burning Rage #2 is devoted to the goings-on at HIVE, who are a mostly uninteresting group of mad scientists led by a villain we just met last month. With the Fearsome Five free and plotting a second, deadlier attack, the Titans are left to regroup and come up with a plan, which involves Beast Boy turning into King Kong and leading the attack.
I’m not sure that’s an actual species he could turn into, but I’ll allow it in the name of cool visuals. What doesn’t work, unfortunately, is the building plot of Raven’s powers spiraling out of control and hurting not just villains but her teammates. It’s something we’ve seen many times before and it at times feels like the only plotline she gets to have. I’m sure Trigon is right around the corner. This tight team of four does have a fun dynamic, but they’re up against some of the blandest villains in the DC stable and it’s not letting them live up to their potential. Honestly, I’d have liked to see more of them hanging out at the tower.
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Disclaimer: GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
