The New Teen Titans #16
Published and © by DC, February 1982
Title: “Starfire Unleashed”
Synopsis: Starfire gets involved in a whirlwind romance – one that takes a tragic turn thanks to The H.I.V.E.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: George Pérez
Inker: Romeo Tanghal
Review: Much like the legendary “A Day in the Lives …” (see review of New Teen Titans #8), this done-in-one issue focuses almost exclusively on character-driven moments. The main story arc – a whirlwind romance featuring Starfire – feels rushed, but the Titans creative team generally excels at superhero soap opera.
•••
Title: “This Bunny Unbound!”
Synopsis: A strange ray is devolving the citizens of two worlds, while a strange meteor imbues anthropomorphic animals with superpowers.
Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciler: Scott Shaw and Ross Andru
Inker: Bob Smith
Review: While not awful, this silly story is hard to swallow when wedged between the mature themes of the lead feature.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Captain Carrot might be cool …
Not-so-cool factor: … but not in the middle of The New Teen Titans, please.
Notable: Includes a 16-page Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew with an interior cover by Scott Shaw and Ross Andru. … First appearance of Captain Carrot and the Amazing Zoo Crew.
Character quotable: “He’ll see how terrible my power is, Dick.”– Starfire, unleashed
A word from the writer/co-creator: “As far as I know, this issue has never been a big fan favorite, but it’s always been one of mine.” – Marv Wolfman, from the “Foreword” to “The New Teen Titans Archives: Volume 2,” November 2004
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Sequential Reaction (Vol. 1) on Oct. 25, 2016.
