Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: Child’s Play
Written by: Geoff Johns
Penciled by: Mike McKone
Inked by: Marlo Alquiza
Colored by: Jeromy Cox
Lettered by: Comiccraft
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
I’m one of those guys who blame Teen Titans for the demise of Young Justice. Which isn’t to say that I can’t judge this book on it’s own merits, but I am aware of it’s predecessor.
This issue begins with Deathstroke (which is generally a bad omen for a book with the word “Titans†in the title.) We also get to see Superboy and Robin discuss last issue’s revelation. Superboy asks Robin to let it lie, but since Robin was trained by the Bat…
From there we get to see Impulse and Beast Boy battle for manhood, 21st century style. Believe me when I say it ends in disaster. Wonder Girl attempts to leave the tower, but Impulse’s confession may have caused a change of heart. However an emergency at Alcatraz requires the team’s attention. There is a struggle for leadership (it’s only issue #2), Wonder Girl’s still hearing voices, and Cyborg makes an appearance. Oh yeah Deathstroke wants Impulse to deliver a message to the Titans. He’s even careful to follow the old adage about not killing the messenger.
A lot happens this issue, and it’s to Johns’ credit that it doesn’t feel cramped. Just as he does in JSA, Johns is planting seeds. Practically every member of the team has a subplot. Johns writes Robin as Batman Jr, and I have no problem with that. While some writers play up Impulse’s naiveté, Johns conveys it more as earnestness. As a Young Justice fan, I have nothing to complain about.
I have been a fan of McKone’s since his days with the JLI. Whereas Johns captures character in how they speak, McKone captures their essence visually. Check out suspicious Robin on page #5, or Starfire’s fierceness on page #8. Alquiza’s inks really compliment McKone’s pencils. On the DC message boards a lot has been made about artistic inconsistencies and coloring errors. I have no real qualms about how Impulse is drawn or colored. I think the art is spectacular. The last page will leave you in agony.
It’s not too late to get onto this book. Again as a Young Justice fan, I give the book a firm vote of confidence.
