The New Teen Titans #4
Published and © by DC, February 1981
Title: “Against All Friends!”
Synopsis: Under the control of the Fearsome Five, the Titans set off to destroy their mentors – the Justice League!
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: George Pérez
Inker: Romeo Tanghal
Review: Too many characters – and too much mind control – sap the dramatic energy from the new Titans showdown with their older counterparts in the Justice League. Writer Marv Wolfman manages to find a few good character moments – the panel with Batman confronting Robin is particularly nice – but this issue largely feels like a convoluted excuse to see the teams battle. (Of course, with George Pérez drawing said battle, there’s still much to enjoy!) Also falling short is über-villain Trigon: One part ’70s-Demonic-cult cliché, one part poor-man’s Galactus, he’s a character in need of an original twist.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: George Pérez already-strong artwork gets better every issue.
Not-so-cool factor: The Titans rogue gallery is going to need an upgrade, stat!
Notable: Origin of Trigon.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a 15p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “It is time, my friends, for you to know of Trigon the Terrible – and to learn at last why the Titans have been formed.” – Raven, because “trust me” only goes so far
A word from the writer/co-creator: “Several of you mentioned our challenging Marvel’s X-Men. … We happen to be friends and fans of Chris Claremont and John Byrne, and we hope our book will be as good as theirs.” – Marv Wolfman, from this issue’s “Tell It to the Titans” letters page
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Sequential Reaction (Vol. 1) on Jan. 26, 2016.
