The New Teen Titans #20
Published and © by DC, June 1982
Title: “Dear Mom and Dad”
Synopsis: Kid Flash writes a letter home to his mom and dad recapping the Titans’ recent battle with the Disruptor.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: George Pérez
Embellisher: Romeo Tanghal
Review: One thing that sets the best Bronze Age superteam books apart is the ability to deliver the character-driven change up. Of course, Marv Wolfman and George Pérez thrive on these quieter tales. And the fact that this interlude foreshadows several big stories to come grants it greater power in hindsight.
•••
Title: “A Titanic Tale of Titans’ Tomfoolery!”
Synopsis: Igor Igorigorigorivich’s bid to become the New Teen Titans arch-nemesis leads him to abduct Marv Wolfman and George Pérez.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: George Pérez
Embellisher: Romeo Tanghal
Review: This slight, silly story with no dramatic intentions provides a nice showcase for the creative team’s comedic chops.
Grade (for the entire issue): A-
Cool factor: Some earlier awkward characterization for Kid Flash (see review of The New Teen Titans #18) pays off as the use of Wally Wood as a point-of-view narrators works well this issue.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Good heavens, man – he’s got terminal normalcy!” – Wally West, Midwestern white guy
Editor’s note: This review was written May 12, 2023.
