wessaari's Teen Titans #16 - Gotham Runs Red! review

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    Teen Titans #16

    PREFACE

    The Titans/Outlaws team up comes to an end, as well as the tie ins to Death of the Family. Lobdell has finished up with the Titans and Outlaws mission in the pages of Red Hood and the Outlaws, but now it is time for Red Robin and Red Hood to take center stage. What challenges will they face, and is it so significant that these two wayward brothers will fight to the death?! The Joker's plan all ends in Batman 17, but on to the review.

    PLOT:

    Tim Drake and Jason Todd are in the grasps of the Joker, and are shown that they must rescue their respective fathers?! Meanwhile, the Titans and the Outlaws finish up their mission in Gotham, with Solstice realizing Kurt Lance's influence. Kurt is attacked by Grey Lora, but is also blasted by an unseen attacker. Flashback/Flash-forward/ or just plain flash to Trigon's lair, and the comeback of the one and only RAVEN! Jason and Tim are pitted against each other, to save their respective fathers, though Tim is surprised at Jason's willingness to fight. The fight comes to ahead when Red Robin is presented the opportunity to kill Jason, but then Tim calls out and the two tear down the walls of mirrors and Jason apparently kills the Joker with one in the head and two in the chest. Both of the fathers were reduced to being nothing more than a trick by Tim's quick thinking, and Jason's willingness to play along long enough to fool Joker. The body Jason shot turns out to be a fake as well, as gas starts pouring out and knocking both of the brothers out cold. They wake up to two blood riddled silver trays.

    THE GOOD:

    First off, a lot better than RHTO's 16th issue. Although it was unexpected, the fight between Jason and Tim was very entertaining, but had me worried with Jason being so ready to fight Tim, as Tim had just classified Jason as the closest thing he had to a brother. Lobdell actually fooled me into believing Jason's ruse, and that the two daddies were fake daddies. Kurt's appearance makes a little bit more sense, even with my negligence to past issues. The scene with Raven, though expected, was done really well and has me really excited as to what her participation will be in the future. If Lobdell can set up a really good Raven/Trigon story, than that really is the definitive way to make yourself a memorable Teen Titans story. I am also glad that this issue had only 1 page meant for the Titans/Outlaws team up, because last week that is all we got. I almost got mad at Lobdell, seeing Jason's portrayal in the Titans book, but thankfully this wasn't the case. I also liked the fact that Joker played a more overcast role in this issue. Last issue he was all in Tim's face, but now I think it was smart for him to be in his little control room. The fight, was one of the best I have seen from Lobdell featuring Red Hood. I have some new suspicions concerning Joker's platter, as it appears that every Bat-family member is receiving their own dish. I'm so pumped for Batman issue 17.

    BEST STORY MOMENT: The fight between Red Robin and Red Hood, scared me at first, but ended up as being a big plus for this issue.

    Booth, damn. Just damn. I can only say that, he did awesome. I did notice a few hiccups from time to time, but overall this is one of the best drawn issues I have seen from him. I love his rendition of Jason's helmet, and Kori's new outfit is sublime. Though, I do have an issue with something, I won't drag it out here. But I will say that once again, Booth you are a champ.

    BEST ART MOMENT: Well with Booth, it is hard to pick one. But I narrowed it down to Raven's debut, and right when the epic fight began.

    THE BAD:

    First off, what was the point of changing Tim into his old Robin get-up, to just changing him back to his Red Robin get up. It was utterly pointless, and dragged down the past issue. Second, and this one is probably one of the most important things I have noticed. How many freaking times does Joker need to knock out these two. Jason was gassed/knocked out 4 different times in the span of two issues. Tim was gassed/knocked out 3 times in the span of 3 issues. What was the point, and how after 2 times for each of these bozos did they not see this coming from a mile away. Honestly, this last time should have been the only time they needed to be gassed, because like my earlier point, it detracts from the previous issues and makes it pretty pointless. Jason's reasoning for fighting for his father, whom he has stated numerous times that he hated, almost got in this list, but thankfully it turned out to be a ruse. I was so mad, I almost threw away the issue, (I didn't even buy it yet). But again, I somewhat underestimated Jason, just like Tim did. The funny thing is, he said that he shouldn't underestimate Tim, but Tim does the same thing and even mentions it. I just thought Tim had his thoughts racing way too much in this issue. I get that he is very calculating, especially since the new 52 started, but it is getting to be really obnoxious. I almost started to dislike Tim in the issue, because he kept rambling on. Though I did appreciate his uncertainty with Jason, even though he literally contradicts himself with saying that Jason was the closest thing he has to a brother, which disappoints me greatly, as Dick and Tim used to be close, but now appears that relationship is not as strong as it was in past continuity. Speaking of which, Jason had not one thought bubble or no insight to what his thinking or motivations were, eh disappointing :/

    WORST STORY MOMENT: Tim's excessive need to explain everything at all times.

    Booth, I love your artwork, but the panels were just all over the freaking place. I almost got dizzy because I didn't know where to look. Its like, ya well this is all gorgeous, but I don't follow. It got distracting at times, but my main little problem is....

    WORST ART MOMENT: Booth gave Starfire pupils, this is unacceptable.... UNACCEPTABLE!!!! (Adventure Time quote fyi)

    OVERALL:

    Alot better than the previous Titans/Outlaws tie in, and the most significant out of the two series in my opinion. I just felt that I could judge this issue better, and harder, especially since it did not focus on the Titans like the previous issue. Booth's art, though overwhelming, was top notch, and Raven's little feature has spelled out good things to come. This was just not the greatest issue out there, though it does give alot to be grateful for and brings alot to look forward to. I would recommend this, to those who were disappointed with last issue of RHTO, and any Titans fans that want to catch a glimpse of what has happened to Tim Drake and the future for the Teen Titans.

    ART: 4.5/5

    STORY: 3.5/5

    OVERALL: 4/5

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