The New Teen Titans #33
Published and © by DC, July 1983
Title: “Who Killed Trident?”
Synopsis: Different pairings of Teen Titans lose face-offs with Trident before figuring out the villain’s secret.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist (layouts): George Pérez
Embellisher: Romeo Tanghal
Review: This issue is… okay? To be sure, the Marv Wolfman/George Pérez team always delivers an above-average comic book. But this month’s face-off with yet another new villain lacks gravitas and is bogged down by off-kilter character interactions. Nearly every one of the Titans either has a mad on or is dealing with some other existential crisis. Kid Flash remains the biggest jerk, while readers finally get a clue as to why Robin has been giving him a run for his money. Soap-opera elements are a key part of this title’s success but the characters need to remain likable.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: The Titans solve a mystery without Robin.
Not-so-cool factor: So. Much. Angst.
Notable: Cameo appearance by Aqualad.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 75¢ Canadian variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “Who killed Trident?” – NYPD officer
Editor’s note: This review was written July 19, 2024.
