The New Teen Titans #38
Published and © by DC, January 1984
Title: “Who Is Donna Troy?”
Synopsis: In preparation for her wedding, Robin attempts to help Donna (Wonder Girl) Troy learn who she really is.
Writers (co-plotters): Marv Wolfman and George Pérez
Writer (script): Wolfman
Penciler: Pérez
Inker: Romeo Tanghal
Review: Much like the Claremont/Byrne team did on X-Men, Marv Wolfman and George Pérez made their bones on The New Teen Titans by developing a roster of characters readers could really care about. With “Who Is Donna Troy?,” the Titans creative team takes it to another level. Wolfman’s script is tight and emotionally charged, and Pérez’s visual pacing of the story is near perfect. The story not only fleshes out Wonder Girl’s origin, but also marks another step in Robin’s journey to adulthood – and out from under the Batman’s shadow. It’s powerful material that holds up well. A classic.
Grade: A+
Second opinion: “There are no super-villains, fight scenes and very few in-costume scenes. This is just a great story, pure and simple.” – William Allred, Comic Effect #7, Autumn 1994 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: The cinematic approach of the opening and closing sequences is particularly striking.
Not-so-cool factor: Later efforts to revisit this story would really muck up the Donna Troy character.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 95¢ Canadian variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “It may be a little late, Donna – but welcome home.” – Hank Evans, one understanding dude
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on February 9, 2009.
