Three cheers for the ladies leading some of the best issues of DC Comics released this week. Tales of The Titans (a follow-up/homage to the original Tales of The Teen Titans) kicks off with a sweet and savory story about Starfire. Hawkgirl’s first lead in years is also a highlight that doesn’t shy away from Kendra’s trauma, while introducing a lot of unfamiliar characters.
Let’s dive in! Light spoilers ahead for the weak.
Tales of The Titans #1 Recap and Review:
Whoever knows me, knows I am a Starfire fangirl. I love her so much and enjoyed the depths this issue goes. It takes on a few things: Kory’s struggle with her place on Earth, being called “princess”, being “overemotional,” and her duty to her people versus to the Titans. It’s a lot to stuff into 36 pages, but it’s handled pretty well by Shannon and Dean Hale.
It starts off pretty standard, not falling into the trap of manufacturing tension between Nightwing and Starfire for drama’s sake. Starfire spends much of the issue helping out her fellow Tamaraneans on a moon colony at the behest of two sisters she sees herself and Blackfire in. (I chuckled at Kardam’om).
I enjoyed the touch of Kory wanting to be closer with Babs. I also enjoyed the constant reminder that Kory is an incredibly passionate person, which often manifests in her being quick to anger, easily loving everyone and stubbornness. She gets some beautiful moments showcasing exactly how powerful she is, with Cyborg having a fun moment to talk her up. A rather sweet and reflective issue that marries a Starfire Teen-Titans-watchers love with a Starfire New-Teen-Titans truthers stand by.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Titans have stepped up to become the DCU’s premier superhero team, and all eyes are on them! Who are Starfire, Raven, Donna Troy, and Beast Boy? Where do they come from, and what do they stand for? All will be revealed in Tales of the Titans, an all-new series of spotlight issues in the spirit of the beloved 1980s classic Tales of the New Teen Titans!
First up is alien princess and warrior Starfire, whose huge heart, huger hair, and fiery fists have made her a fan-favorite member of the team! When a spaceship bearing Tamaranean markings crash-lands on Earth, Starfire goes on a solo mission to uncover its origins. But what awaits her on that journey will bring her back to the earliest days of her youth, to memories of two sisters eternally at war…and perhaps the chance to keep history from repeating itself.
Written by: Shannon Hale, Dean Hale
Art by: Javier Rodriguez
Colors by:
Letters by: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover by: Nicola Scott
Price: $4.99
Hawkgirl #1 Recap and Review:
Kendra Saunders has had a roller coaster of a journey and I’m glad to see her back leading her own book, independent of Hawkman. The issue opens with Hawkgirl fighting off a threat in Metropolis (after we establish a new crossroads demon-like villain) with the not-Justice League, because the team disbanded, remember? (Tales of The Titans also had this reminder.) Black Canary and Superman are concerned, but Hawkgirl is playing them off with sarcasm. However, through clever artwork from Amancay Nahuelpan, memories of trauma peek through.
Full disclosure, I never read Jadzia Axelrod’s previous character, Galaxy, so this was my first time with her. I wasn’t a fan of how she was inserted in this story and I wish we’d waited at least 2 issues before throwing in more characters that Hawkgirl fans are unfamiliar with. That being said, I liked her interactions with Kendra and her powers seem fun. Kendra’s date with an old college friend was very cute and I appreciate the creators letting Kendra be a big, strong, muscular lady.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS AND BATTLING NEW FOES! Kendra Saunders, the winged warrior better known as Hawkgirl, has been one of the DCU’s greatest heroes for a long time, serving as a member of both the Justice League and the Justice Society. But with the Justice League disbanded, Kendra decides she needs a fresh start and heads to Metropolis to begin a new life. That life is quickly interrupted by a mysterious villain with a powerful connection to the Nth metal that makes up Hawkgirl’s wings and weapons. A brand-new adventure with sky-high action, adventure, and intrigue begins here by Jadzia Axelrod (GALAXY: THE PRETTIEST STAR) and Amancay Nahuelpan (WONDER WOMAN, DETECTIVE COMICS, THE FLASH).
Written by: Jadzia Axelrod
Art by: Amancay Nahuelpan
Colors by: Adriano Lucas
Letters by: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover by: Amancay Nahuelpan
Price: $3.99