Teen Titans Games
"The game is afoot"
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by George Perez
Published by DC Comics
My love for comic books has waned greatly from the days when I was devouring almost anything published by the big two. I have found myself reading less mainstream graphic novels than before, but when I discovered this book at the library I quickly decided to check it out. I finished this in one sitting because it brought back those childhood memories of what a great superhero comic can be when done properly. It also brought back a team that I have loved since I was a wee lad. This book had been sitting around on the shelves for twenty years, but finally Wolfman and Perez decided to finish it. I am glad they did since it was published only shortly before the New 52 was launched.
This original graphic novel brings the fan favorite team of Titans together for an adventure against an adversary named "The Game Master". Each character feels like they serve a purpose on this team instead of feeling forced together like some lesser team books. Wolfman knows how to write this grouping perfectly focusing just enough on each character, but also making certain characters feel like they have more of a place in this particular book. Nightwing uses his detective skills masterfully here, which showcases how well Wolfman understands that character and what he should be doing on a team. Starfire is using her sexuality and also being the muscle that is needed. Each individual character serves a function. Why isn't Wolfman writing more team books? Heck if I know, but he is obviously very good at them. (If you can't tell I do not want to give away details of the plot)
The artwork is done by the awesome George Perez. I can't say one negative thing about this master of comic book art. He knows how to draw and he does it will. He never slacks off either. Some artists get swelled heads and as a result let certain elements of their art go, but in every single panel Perez creates the images exactly as they should be. You never have to question which character is which. You never have to try to look past distorted images of characters faces or bodies. Perez truly seamlessly creates the DC Universe here. It feels like you are watching a television program instead of reading a comic book.
The last thing I want to say about this volume is that it contains several pages of original script, which adds a certain fun element to this book since it was put on the backburner for so many years. The only thing I disliked as a Donna Troy fan Wolfman states in his synopsis "whatever-her-new-name-is"for her code name. This depressed me to read right now since Donna has still not appeared in the New 52. I hope that this is remedied one day, but if you are trying to get a Donna Troy fix this would be a great volume to read. Be aware though that she is in her Troia outfit. I know some fans do not like that version of her, but I love it. She serves her purpose here and I think Wolfman did her justice overall, even though I get that he doesn't necessarily like her himself. It is great when a writer can still work with a character that they may not like, so thank you Wolfman for creating one last adventure for a character dear to my heart.
Until next time... Stay Optimistic!!!
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