Teen Titans: Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza, Ale Garza, Andrew Dalhouse, Travis Lanham, Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund

Well I had a very special treat this past Sunday. I went to a comic signing in Burbank, where I met the very nice Ale Garza, the artist for this issue and issue #14. He brought with him a very large portfolio of really wonderful artwork. Included in this were the originals for #13 and #14. So I browsed through them and got a very cool sneak-peek at what’s coming in this Wonder Girl origin arc. U Jelly?

I have to say I really like his style, and I kind of wish he were staying on the book after Booth leaves, starting issue #17. Tyler Kirkham is very capable, and I like his work too, but with Garza we get this really neat blend of styles reminiscent of J. Scott Campbell and Ig Guara. I’m into that style. Garza’s work reminds me a lot of “Danger Girl” and “Tomb Raider.” He’s got that Top Cow look.

The story begins with Cassie explaining how she met Diesel, the d-bag from issue #12, in China while she was practicing her thievery. I guess I never understood why she turned to thievery. It’s not like she was poor or anything, her mother was a very successful archaeologist. Perhaps it was more of a thrill thing (though I’d find foreign countries and dig sites way totally fascinating). Anyway, she meets Diesel and “he completes her,” so to speak, and they start humping like rabbits.

Meanwhile, Tim and Superboy are quite disgusted, which is hilarious. I love Tim’s pouty look as he sits there despising Diesel and being completely jealous. It’s fun when they’re able to mix in that teen drama to the book. What’s even better is Nicieza scripted this issue, and he handles the characters quite well. I kind of wish this whole team setup stayed with the book. Oh well.

So the story of the Silent Armor is that Cassie and Diesel go into a dig sit tunnel alone and Diesel’s face is attacked by a living metal mask. Cassie finds the bracers and puts them on hoping they’ll help her get the mask off. Because…bracers do that. Totally good for boosting your own strength, or leverage on another object. Really does make sense. No, what actually makes sense is her just finding them and putting them on because we’ve already established that she’s a thief, right?

There’s some really great dialog in this issue, and I really enjoyed the scene where Amanda Waller gets Kurt Lance to agree to track down the Teen Titans and bring them in to her. This will be interesting…as she’s now in charge of liaising with the Justice League. Hark, finally an opportunity for Bart to meet Barry? Why yes, I think I’ll take one of those.

Though, why Lance is taking a gun on a mission to bring the Titans in alive is beyond me.

Teen Titans #13, the verdict: It has that hint of fun again, and I’m starting to enjoy more. I think Fabian’s words really helped…because it doesn’t feel as clunky and ridiculous. It feels natural, instead of as-much-dialog-stuffed-into-a-page-as-possible. I’m a bit bummed out about why the Silent Armor is called the Silent Armor. Cassie explains it’s because it “sneaks up on you” in how it eats at your soul. I think that’s totally lame. It made more sense in how it talks to the wearer, whispering to them. Y’know, quiet-like. Almost, how do you say, silent?

(Photo Source: Blue Raven Comics)