Teen Titans/ Outsiders Secret Files 2005 DC Comics WRITERS: Geoff Johns, Marc Andreyko, Greg Rucka, others ARTISTS: Phil Jimenez, Ian Churchill, others COVER: Tony Daniel
This special is more substantial than the usual SECRET FILES books which often contain mostly filler material. This one focuses on the inner conflicts still brewing within the Teen Titans and the Outsiders. The tale is set before the return of Donna Troy and the betrayal of Indigo so the events in the story have a certain irony. There are references to previous betrayals by Terra and Jericho and even the smaller betrayals by Raven, Arsenal and the others and how this has left lasting scars on both groups. This is an interesting change from the days when we kept on hearing how "the Titans are a family," that stay together because they need each other. Sadly, for all the references to the past, there is a marked lack of footnotes, as if the editor just expected the reader to know the history of these characters. There are also amusing back-up stories that recall the previous incarnations of the Titans as well as the YOUNG JUSTICE era. The art is of high-quality all throughout even though the art styles are rather varied. Perhaps the weakest point of this issue are the information pages which give a brief bio-data on key characters. In fact, this has been a weak point in many of the SECRET FILES books. These info pages end up as nothing but glorified pin-ups with only the sketchiest information on their subjects. Properly written, they could serve as reference both to fans and creators, to be compiled on the DC website and in future editions of DC encyclopedias.
Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…