This month’s installment will be a tad different. DC Pride will be hosting a month long discussion featuring Aqualad as he joins the Teen Titans. Luckily, February has an extra day this year. I hope you’re able to join us!
I was thinking maybe some Kaldur episodes, probably the ones with Wyynde. I would say maybe Doom Patrol episodes, but a watch-along group already watches them.
New flair is a good idea! BTW you were our 100th member
I chuckled at the maneuver X part. Damian was so surprised they didn’t study. I’m wondering if they ever even practiced it or if Damian just handed them a playbook
In this story, he’s okay. I tend to prefer the Kaldur from the Young Justice cartoon, I find him to be way more compelling.
Do you think Jackson is a good pair with the Teen Titans?
Sure – having a character in a team book who’s new to it all usually adds something to the table.
Which moments stuck out to you?
I think Jackson revealing his powers to his…partner? Boyfriend? What would they even call themselves when they’re both apparently deep in the closet? Anyway, that moment was pretty memorable. I think it was a good catalyst to get him to run away to SF to try and find a place where he can truly be himself.
I also liked the moment at the end where Damian lets Jackson on the team, even if it’s on a probationary way. Damian’s a really great, complex character and it’s great to see the moments where he lets his armor down and acts more human to those around him.
Well, we do have a lot more time with Kaldur in Young Justice, so that makes sense. He’s got a really compelling journey and arc on that show. Have you ever read anything with Jackson before? I think it’s my first time reading a story with him (not counting the YJ tie-in comics).
You’re right! New members definitely add a dynamic that’s worth exploring. This team is still new though as evidenced by their lack or teamwork in the field. Jackson coming in at this time still allows for him to feel like an essential part of the team, whereas other times when a new character joins a team book, you’re just counting down the issues until they get replaced or something.
I didn’t get that feeling from Jackson as we know his mom knows at least.
Damian was great fun in this book. I really only know him from animated films and this is definitely the most enjoyable version of him I have come across yet. It still feels weird that Starfire wouldn’t be team leader though. Wasn’t she an Outlaw and also had her own solo book. It’s strange to see her back with the Teen team and not as a senior member with rank. Maybe this was discussed in previous issues, I just would have to go back and read them
Hes at that point in his life where hes trying to figure out who and what (his powers) he is, and joining the titans in a new city is part of that journey.
Damian’s a really great, complex character and it’s great to see the moments where he lets his armor down and acts more human to those around him
Lol yes, that was a good moment. Like father like son.
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He was a part of Brightest Day, the bi-weekly title that was going after Blackest Night, but in terms of the Aqua-family stuff, his story I felt was tiny compared to the bigger revelations that was there with Mera.
Fair enough – I guess I assumed that because both of them were out in the middle of nowhere to be together, but that could definitely be more for Kenny’s sake than Jackson’s.
It definitely is addressed. Basically the only reason the team is still together is that Starfire kept them together. She believes that there is potential for good leadership in Damian, he just has to learn from experience.
Okay, I should go back and read those initial issues. I mean, Damian does pay for most, if not everything (technically Bruce does ) so I can see why he’d be team leader and no one would argue. He just comes off very young compared to the others.
I got the feeling it was for Kenny’s sake much more than for both of their’s. Like the screenshot @stefanie.murr7 posted shows, Jackson is trying to let who he is shine through. Maybe it’s a case of that being a meeting ground before Jackson’s coming out. It was a safe place before, but for Jackson it’s now a tether to someone he doesn’t want to be. It actually reminded me of Doom Patrol with Larry and John.
Yeah, I was reminded of that part of Doom Patrol as well, which might have contributed to why I assumed both were in the closet.
I also think I got that idea from mom wanting Jackson to hide everything in general. While I think she was more inherently worried about him using his powers, I thought his mom being so flippant about it may have kept him in the closet for everyone else. Talking it out I think I can see him just being out despite that.
Discussion Questions
Share your thoughts on the reading overall as you read along and let’s discuss
) so I can see why he’d be team leader and no one would argue. He just comes off very young compared to the others.