Mark Waid proves to be the master of reinvention after introducing the World’s Finest concept with BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST when it debuted back in March 2022. That series has received nearly universal praise for it’s modernization of DC’s most popular characters while staying true to their character development established in the Silver Age. This week, Waid is back with WORLD’S FINEST TEEN TITANS #1 and he delivered another instant classic with everyone’s favorite team of DC teenage superheroes.

Waid, artist Emanuela Lupacchino, and colorist Jordie Bellaire seamlessly integrate classic character dynamics within a modern environment that kept the issue feeling both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Waid had a tall task in writing an entire team’s worth of characters while also including the Titans’s mentor in the first issue. The dialogue and interactions between characters come across authentically, and is most evident in the intertwined conversations between individual Titans and their respective mentor (or training dummy in one case) as they discuss group dynamics.

Robin’s internal and interpersonal conflicts are specifically highlighted throughout the book after he gets into an argument with Roy Harper/Speedy. He’s faced with trying to lead a team with very different personalities and perspectives, while also dealing with becoming his own superhero and stepping out of Batman’s looming shadow. Waid does a phenomenal job creating a palpable sense of weight on Robin’s shoulders that I’m excited to see developed further in subsequent issues. While Robin’s story does take center stage, Waid makes sure to give each Titan time to shine and we get to see each character’s unique personality at some point throughout the book.

While I loved Waid’s story and care for the characters, the work by Lupacchino and Bellaire may have stolen the show for me. I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn’t pulling panl;s from previous Bronze Age Titans issues because it was such a spot-on adaptation of classic looks with a modern interpretation. Costumes had minor updates and looked amazing. Action scenes and dialogue scenes alike were drawn with bountiful details to bring them both to life.

Overall, WORLD’S FINEST TEEN TITANS #1 was an impressive start to this next chapter of World’s Finest storytelling. It introduces the Teen Titans in a way that’s approachable for new and existing readers alike without sacrificing plot or character development. If the writing and art weren’t enough to bring me back for the next issue, the cliffhanger ending sealed the deal.

Rating: 9/10

DC Review: WORLD’S FINEST TEEN TITANS #1

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