Teen Titans: Scott Lobdell, Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, Andrew Dalhouse, Dezi Sienty, Cliff Chiang

When Dinosaurs Walked the Earth: Fabian Nicieza, Jorge Jimenez, Dezi Sienty, Brad Anderson

Great cover!! I included Cliff Chiang’s name there in the credits because his name appears on the cover with the others, even though he’s not actually listed on the title page inside. Isn’t that weird? That always bugs me, even if Cliff asked not to be credited, because I feel like someone’s not doing their job or something. Like someone should’ve remembered to put his name in the credits, and didn’t.

This is an issue full of great art by Booth and Rapmund, and excellent collors from Dalhouse. Although, I should point out, with this team, when is it not good? That first page tells us a lot. Cassie’s in pain because of the silent armor (I guess that’s what it’s called) that’s breaking through her skin. The mirror’s cracked and broken and she lies on the floor. I can just see the previous page being full of her writhing around, slamming her body against the walls.

Right in the other room, Solstice, Bunker, and Kid Flash are fighting against this blue-skinned monster of a dude. This is Loose Cannon, apparently, and he was part of a failed recruitment process Bunker decided to try out. Unfortunately, this makes me think that the Titans won’t be looking forward to any new team members in the near future.

Now, with Loose Cannon and the Titans making all this noise, it’s a wonder Cassie doesn’t hear it or come do something about it. But, then, I cannot assume that she’s not aware of the fighting. Maybe some action words at the bottom of that first page, like, “Wham! Crash! Bonk!” or something would tell us the noise of their fight is permeating through the walls. Perhaps she was hiding in the bathroom because she didn’t want her armor to come out and take over, or something.

Cassie does come out and fights Loose Cannon, letting the armor take over. He displays a suddenly different ability when he lets out these energy ropes that can suck power from other people. This doesn’t seem to fit his character type of big, hulking, strong, breaking-things. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that combination. I can’t tell whether I like the innovation or if it’s just too ridiculous.

Next we get a hint of things to come - someone hunting Cassie, followed by Bunker and KF sitting among the rubble of their penthouse watching TV. I still can’t believe Bunker wears shirts like he has on here. If he’s supposed to be gay, you’d think he’d have better style. Speaking of style, looks like Superboy is getting closer to his preboot look with the sleeveless version of his NOWHERE suit and jeans (even sunglasses! At night!). Though why sunglasses and a sleeveless shirt equal being into Miley Cyrus, I’ll never understand. This is the comment some bimbo makes to Superboy about his style.

The penthouse is under attack again, and KF and Bunker are quickly downed. There’s this ridiculous moment where Solstice shouts, “My love!” when Bart passes out and she confesses their feelings for each other to Bunker. It’s one of those moments where the dialog just doesn’t sound natural. There are a few others in this ish, which is a disappointment. Solstice has this REALLY cool moment that, honestly, I’ve been waiting for since the Culling. Then Superboy and Red Robin arrive at the penthouse to check out what’s going on, and we find out Solstice’s really cool moment apparently meant nothing. Bummer.

The back-story introduces us to the dino characters we see in DC Universe Presents #12, with Kid Flash. Teryx, Steg, and Dac infiltrate Chinatown and run among the people in the streets…while also worrying about “getting lost in the crowd.” Dac is flying above, and Teryx is wanting her to keep them in her sight. ….Is it hard to see dino-people with tails, weird-colored skin, and anime hair? Jimenez’s art is fantastic, but Nicieza’s writing is uncharacteristically bad.

Teen Titans #11, the verdict: With the refreshing success of last issue, I was hoping this one would continue to deliver on that…but it’s just plain “meh.” Aside from the great artwork by Booth, Rapmund, Dalhouse, Jimenez, and Anderson, it’s just really bland. And that’s odd because you think with an issue where Cassie’s armor takes her over and has her hurting the teammates, it’d be more exciting or feel more dangerous. Also, who cares? Why are all of my comic books doing the in-fighting thing? WHAT HAPPENED TO GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED VILLAINS?!

(Photo Source: Comic Vine)