The New Teen Titans #21
Published and © by DC, July 1982
Title: “Beware the Wrath of … Brother Blood!”
Synopsis: A desperate call from Cyborg’s ex-girlfriend puts the Teen Titans and Brother Blood in each other’s sights.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: George Pérez
Embellisher: Romeo Tanghal
Review: The Titans sure do seem to come up against a lot of cult-like elements during their adventures: Raven’s origin. The science-worshiping H.I.V.E. And, of course, the Church of Blood. It’s unclear why anyone would choose to follow Brother Blood, but Marv Wolfman and George Pérez have earned a little faith.
•••
Title: Untitled
Synopsis: The mysterious Baron Winters pulls together an eclectic team of eccentrics to serve as his Night Force.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: Gene Colan
Inker: Bob Smith
Review: The classic Tomb of Dracula team reunites. Marv Wolfman deftly introduces the new cast; Gene Colan’s art isn’t as sharp.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: “What a mess.” – Matt Denn, talking about the Night Force preview, in Comics Coast to Coast #2, 1982
Cool factor: George Pérez draws cool cult villains, with Brother Blood and the Church of Blood being no exception.
Notable: Includes a 16-page Night Force preview with an interior cover by Gene Colon and Bob Smith. … First appearance of Brother Blood, Mother Mayhem and Night Force. … First cameo appearance of the Monitor.
Character quotable: “Your only salvation is complete obsequiousness to the demands of your god, Brother Blood.” – Brother Blood, master of subtlety
A word from the writer/co-creator: “By its nature, Tomb of Dracula dealt with supreme evil and control over people, including those in demon and dark religious cults. I wanted to further explore this concept, this time in the guise of the superhero book, yet I wanted to go just as dark and just as twisted as before.” – Marv Wolfman, discussing the creation of Brother Blood, from the “Introduction” to “The New Teen Titans Archives: Volume 4,” May 2008
Editor’s note: This review was written Nov. 17, 2023.
