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Teen Titans (2016)
Teen Titans, Vol. 2: The Rise of Aqualad
The Teen Titans are settling into their new lives in Titans Tower in San Francisco...even if answering to Damian Wayne takes a lot of getting used to. But Beast Boy, Raven, Starfire and Kid Flash soon have a lot more than an overbearing Robin to worry about—a prison breakout has led to a string of disappearances, and some of them hit close to home.
Now, to rescue the kidnapped, the Titans will have to go toe-to-fin with King Shark, and the Titans are out of their depth...literally!
But a new teen hero named Jackson Hyde has seen the Titans in action, and he's headed to Titans Tower to try to join the team. Will Aqualad be enough to turn the tide for the Teen Titans...or will the mystery of his powers unleash an even deadlier threat to the team?
Writer Benjamin Percy (Green Arrow) and artist Khoi Pham (X-Force) continue the adventures of the heroes of tomorrow, today!
Collects TEEN TITANS #6-7 and #9-11
Now, to rescue the kidnapped, the Titans will have to go toe-to-fin with King Shark, and the Titans are out of their depth...literally!
But a new teen hero named Jackson Hyde has seen the Titans in action, and he's headed to Titans Tower to try to join the team. Will Aqualad be enough to turn the tide for the Teen Titans...or will the mystery of his powers unleash an even deadlier threat to the team?
Writer Benjamin Percy (Green Arrow) and artist Khoi Pham (X-Force) continue the adventures of the heroes of tomorrow, today!
Collects TEEN TITANS #6-7 and #9-11
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2018
149 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Percy
797 books1,194 followersBenjamin Percy is the author of seven novels -- most recently The Sky Vault (William Morrow) -- three short fiction collections, and a book of essays, Thrill Me, that is widely taught in creative writing classrooms. He writes Wolverine, X-Force, and Ghost Rider for Marvel Comics. His fiction and nonfiction have been published in Esquire (where he is a contributing editor), GQ, Time, Men's Journal, Outside, the Wall Street Journal, Tin House, and the Paris Review. His honors include an NEA fellowship, the Whiting Writer's Award, the Plimpton Prize, two Pushcart Prizes, the iHeart Radio Award for Best Scripted Podcast, and inclusion in Best American Short Stories and Best American Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 26, 2021
This one was a better read for than the first volume. 3.5 Stars
Okay, so first of all I'm not as well versed as I thought I was in terms of characters in the DC Universe. I met Jackson for the first time during Infinite Frontier and assumed he was this new character unless I am completely wrong. But, it was great seeing Aqualad as a Black, queer teenager! Talk about great representation. Honestly, he was the highlight of this volume because it felt as though the rest of the Teen Titans were having serious interpersonal conflicts. What pissed me off the most about this volume is the fact that a major event (issue #8) is completely left out of this trade. I was so confused when I saw something happen and couldn't for the life of me figure out how we transitioned from one point in the story to that point and it's because an issue was left out. Watching Aqualad develop was more intriguing than the ongoing conflict between Damian, Gar, and Kid Flash. A lot of that conflict felt as though it came from the fact that Damian is trying to figure who he wants to be as leader of Teen Titans. Whereas, I loved watching Jackson explore more of his history and origins. It was definitely sad in some parts, but I think it was important for Jackson to confront those elements straight on to find confidence in who he was as himself and as Aqualad. This was an intriguing volume albeit there were some sections that I didn't necessarily care for, but I will be continuing the series. I definitely dug the art style a lot in this one especially in the water scenes related to Jackson. They especially shined through when readers came into contact with Black Manta. I'm not as familiar with him as a DC villian but he had this darkness about him that was disgustingly cut throat. I wouldn't mind reading more about him in the future.
Okay, so first of all I'm not as well versed as I thought I was in terms of characters in the DC Universe. I met Jackson for the first time during Infinite Frontier and assumed he was this new character unless I am completely wrong. But, it was great seeing Aqualad as a Black, queer teenager! Talk about great representation. Honestly, he was the highlight of this volume because it felt as though the rest of the Teen Titans were having serious interpersonal conflicts. What pissed me off the most about this volume is the fact that a major event (issue #8) is completely left out of this trade. I was so confused when I saw something happen and couldn't for the life of me figure out how we transitioned from one point in the story to that point and it's because an issue was left out. Watching Aqualad develop was more intriguing than the ongoing conflict between Damian, Gar, and Kid Flash. A lot of that conflict felt as though it came from the fact that Damian is trying to figure who he wants to be as leader of Teen Titans. Whereas, I loved watching Jackson explore more of his history and origins. It was definitely sad in some parts, but I think it was important for Jackson to confront those elements straight on to find confidence in who he was as himself and as Aqualad. This was an intriguing volume albeit there were some sections that I didn't necessarily care for, but I will be continuing the series. I definitely dug the art style a lot in this one especially in the water scenes related to Jackson. They especially shined through when readers came into contact with Black Manta. I'm not as familiar with him as a DC villian but he had this darkness about him that was disgustingly cut throat. I wouldn't mind reading more about him in the future.
July 11, 2018
Now, this was a reasonably good volume (maybe not quite as good as Vol. 1 Damian Knows Best, but still . . .) though something seemed a little off. Where did Kid Flash go after his early appearance?
Then I read the back cover and see this has issues# 6-7 and 9-11. I'm guessing #8 has the answers.
Anyway, it was still a pretty good team adventure, with the introduction of the new Aqualad and the sudden and refeshing take-charge attitude of Starfire ("The time has come to listen!") at the climax.
3.5 stars
Then I read the back cover and see this has issues# 6-7 and 9-11. I'm guessing #8 has the answers.
Anyway, it was still a pretty good team adventure, with the introduction of the new Aqualad and the sudden and refeshing take-charge attitude of Starfire ("The time has come to listen!") at the climax.
3.5 stars
August 18, 2021
I really liked the team dynamic in this book and how the rest started to revolt against Damian and his totalitarian ways. The King Shark arc was kind of hokey. Both his plan and the fact that a shark with appendages all of a sudden could use technology was pretty outlandish. The Black Manta issues were much better. Black Manta is one of my favorite DC villains. I liked seeing his use outside of Aquaman. The book is starting to feel very much like the Young Justice cartoon which is a good thing.
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars
March 3, 2025
Not that good.
January 18, 2022
This was pretty entertaining read for sure.
We see the Teen Titans fight King shark and his monstrous men and well they have taken a reporter hostage and so the team must rescue her and well its a fun read and also we see the origin of Jackson and how he comes into the team and becomes a member.
And finally the big story where we see Lucia, Jackson's mother come in and she is attacked by Black Manta and we learn the origin of Aqualad and how he came to be and what Manta wants aka the Black Pearl and how Jackson factors into it and will the TT be able to save their new friend and what secrets will they discover about this pearl and what will be the fate of Jackson?
Its such a good volume and I love how this has Atlantean chronicles and is one of the best origin stories in DC and gives Jackson his own unique challenges and well moments that lead him to become his own man and some pretty cool throwbacks to previous continuities and that fight with Manta was awesome and the new team coming together was great too, one of the better books of DC Rebirth! And the art is just too good! <3
We see the Teen Titans fight King shark and his monstrous men and well they have taken a reporter hostage and so the team must rescue her and well its a fun read and also we see the origin of Jackson and how he comes into the team and becomes a member.
And finally the big story where we see Lucia, Jackson's mother come in and she is attacked by Black Manta and we learn the origin of Aqualad and how he came to be and what Manta wants aka the Black Pearl and how Jackson factors into it and will the TT be able to save their new friend and what secrets will they discover about this pearl and what will be the fate of Jackson?
Its such a good volume and I love how this has Atlantean chronicles and is one of the best origin stories in DC and gives Jackson his own unique challenges and well moments that lead him to become his own man and some pretty cool throwbacks to previous continuities and that fight with Manta was awesome and the new team coming together was great too, one of the better books of DC Rebirth! And the art is just too good! <3
October 10, 2018
This was pretty decent. I wish Teen Titans blew me away but this was good. I really do got to go back and try out Johns run.
ANYWAY this starts off with Damien trying to work better with the team. It's fun, cheerful, good old times. Then the event came in and Flash is kicked out of the group for saving Deathstroke. So now the group is at a loss, missing a key member, so Aqualad (Before he gets his name) wants to join the team. Damien takes him under his wing and they begin to train when Black Manta comes to get what he believes is owed to him.
Good: The art is solid enough. Some really cool fight scenes too for that. Black Manta is still pretty cool villain. I also think Damien trying to become a team leader but unable to at the moment is pretty interesting. Aqualad's power is cool too.
Bad: Aqualad's name is fucking stupid. I also disliked how the vent shifted this book completely and made the dynamic change. Luckily I read Lazarus's contract (Or unlucky because it kind of sucked) but you'd be lost here.
Overall it's a pretty decent, fun, teen titans book. Nothing amazing but the dynamic of the team works good enough. A 2.5-3 out of 5.
ANYWAY this starts off with Damien trying to work better with the team. It's fun, cheerful, good old times. Then the event came in and Flash is kicked out of the group for saving Deathstroke. So now the group is at a loss, missing a key member, so Aqualad (Before he gets his name) wants to join the team. Damien takes him under his wing and they begin to train when Black Manta comes to get what he believes is owed to him.
Good: The art is solid enough. Some really cool fight scenes too for that. Black Manta is still pretty cool villain. I also think Damien trying to become a team leader but unable to at the moment is pretty interesting. Aqualad's power is cool too.
Bad: Aqualad's name is fucking stupid. I also disliked how the vent shifted this book completely and made the dynamic change. Luckily I read Lazarus's contract (Or unlucky because it kind of sucked) but you'd be lost here.
Overall it's a pretty decent, fun, teen titans book. Nothing amazing but the dynamic of the team works good enough. A 2.5-3 out of 5.
December 26, 2018
A decent take on the Titans, but something seems to not QUITE gel. Maybe it's because I'm not a regular Titans or DC or DC reboot reader. (e-galley from NetGalley)
January 8, 2018
It's getting better!
World: The art was solid and the splash pages were pretty good but I wish the artist rotation was not happening so often. This series really needs consistent art. The world building was very solid with pieces drawn from the DCU that were fun and also building character origins to serve the team. The stuff with Aqualad was expected but still solid.
Story: Much better paces and written than the last arc. A lot more focused on the character interactions this time around and Tue quiet moments between fights really shone. Where the first arc was hollow of emotions and chemistry it is starting to blossom here. The banter and the moments between Damien and Raven, Gar and Starfire, Aqualad and the others were great little moments. More is needed still as it's still a bit choppy and the relationships need more work. It was God to focus on this for the arcs. The Aqualad stuff was done well but also clichéd and expected but that's fine, I just wish the pacing was a bit better to really hit harder with the emotions. Manta was fine but he was here just enough to matter but not enough to give us a satisfying family drama finale. Oh well. The Wally stuff is way better. I've felt that since Williamson has been writing Flash that New52 Wally has been poorly written and it seems that since Lazarus he's finally getting a turnaround and it is the case here. Wally's arc here in much better and the story makes better sense. It's rushed but still a lot better.
Characters: The team dynamic is much better. The emotions are starting to be earned. It's not perfect but it's getting there. I am seeing that Damien will still be doing the second arc but it's fun when he's a jerk and has to learn to play well with others. I like this new Wally, I don't mind a naive and flawed hero I kind a stupid and selfish hero and Williamson and Percy in this book seems to have gotten the memo to steer him better. The rest of the group is good and I hope we get more character driven stories for each soon. Emi was awesome!!!!
A much better second arc which kept it simple, contained and character driven.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: The art was solid and the splash pages were pretty good but I wish the artist rotation was not happening so often. This series really needs consistent art. The world building was very solid with pieces drawn from the DCU that were fun and also building character origins to serve the team. The stuff with Aqualad was expected but still solid.
Story: Much better paces and written than the last arc. A lot more focused on the character interactions this time around and Tue quiet moments between fights really shone. Where the first arc was hollow of emotions and chemistry it is starting to blossom here. The banter and the moments between Damien and Raven, Gar and Starfire, Aqualad and the others were great little moments. More is needed still as it's still a bit choppy and the relationships need more work. It was God to focus on this for the arcs. The Aqualad stuff was done well but also clichéd and expected but that's fine, I just wish the pacing was a bit better to really hit harder with the emotions. Manta was fine but he was here just enough to matter but not enough to give us a satisfying family drama finale. Oh well. The Wally stuff is way better. I've felt that since Williamson has been writing Flash that New52 Wally has been poorly written and it seems that since Lazarus he's finally getting a turnaround and it is the case here. Wally's arc here in much better and the story makes better sense. It's rushed but still a lot better.
Characters: The team dynamic is much better. The emotions are starting to be earned. It's not perfect but it's getting there. I am seeing that Damien will still be doing the second arc but it's fun when he's a jerk and has to learn to play well with others. I like this new Wally, I don't mind a naive and flawed hero I kind a stupid and selfish hero and Williamson and Percy in this book seems to have gotten the memo to steer him better. The rest of the group is good and I hope we get more character driven stories for each soon. Emi was awesome!!!!
A much better second arc which kept it simple, contained and character driven.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
April 21, 2019
The second volume is not as stellar as the first installment, but I love the addition of Aqualad. He's Black American, is gay and from my state. I love this content, I can't wait to see more of this characters.
September 25, 2019
rep: gay Black mc, poc mcs
I LOVE MY KIDS SO MUCH SHUT UP
I LOVE MY KIDS SO MUCH SHUT UP
December 30, 2019
This was enjoyable to a point. Beast Boy was my least favorite part of this volume, I must say.
Again, Rebirth brought some great things (Super Sons) and some awful things (retcons for backstories and personalities for Cass, Dick, Babs, etc). It also brought some baffling things: why the hell is Starfire not leading the Teen Titans? I mean, I can understand that they decided to keep her on TT instead of moving her to Titans with everyone else in her age group but having Robin lead (make no mistake, I love my son) makes kind of no sense to me?
That being said, Gar’s constant digs at Damian’s leadership were endlessly annoying. This comes off the tail end of Lazarus Contract but Gar’s attitude just felt repetitive. And when he wasn’t being rude to Damian, he was making gross comments about Starfire so... what was there to love about him here? He didn’t even have the character moments that made the 1980s version somewhat loveable.
Anyway, there wasn’t a lot of Damian here that felt in line with what I read in Super Sons. Possibly because they regressed his personality a bit. He gets some significant moments with Jackson but I just felt like Percy used Raven to tell the audience Damian was secretly worried about Jackson and the others instead of showing any sign of that. Which was odd because we got a moment where Damin admits to being uncertain in the first volume. So... it’s regressive one terms of this series too? Why?
Anyway, I like Jackson as a character. I like his story and I like that Damian took an interest in him. I’ll have to go back and check out the Rebirth Lazarus Contract. I like that Jackson bonds with Damian. That was what I enjoyed the most about this volume.
Again, Rebirth brought some great things (Super Sons) and some awful things (retcons for backstories and personalities for Cass, Dick, Babs, etc). It also brought some baffling things: why the hell is Starfire not leading the Teen Titans? I mean, I can understand that they decided to keep her on TT instead of moving her to Titans with everyone else in her age group but having Robin lead (make no mistake, I love my son) makes kind of no sense to me?
That being said, Gar’s constant digs at Damian’s leadership were endlessly annoying. This comes off the tail end of Lazarus Contract but Gar’s attitude just felt repetitive. And when he wasn’t being rude to Damian, he was making gross comments about Starfire so... what was there to love about him here? He didn’t even have the character moments that made the 1980s version somewhat loveable.
Anyway, there wasn’t a lot of Damian here that felt in line with what I read in Super Sons. Possibly because they regressed his personality a bit. He gets some significant moments with Jackson but I just felt like Percy used Raven to tell the audience Damian was secretly worried about Jackson and the others instead of showing any sign of that. Which was odd because we got a moment where Damin admits to being uncertain in the first volume. So... it’s regressive one terms of this series too? Why?
Anyway, I like Jackson as a character. I like his story and I like that Damian took an interest in him. I’ll have to go back and check out the Rebirth Lazarus Contract. I like that Jackson bonds with Damian. That was what I enjoyed the most about this volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2019
'Teen Titans Vol. 2: The Rise of Aqualad' by Benjamin Percy tells an origin story of sorts as well as having lots more going on.
Jackson Hyde is a young man with some secrets. He has super powers and a crush on another young man. He wants to use his powers for good, so when he sees an interview with Beast Boy at Titans headquarters, he knows where to go. Which is good, because Beast Boy's interview goes badly when the reporter disappears into the water and the Teen Titans have to fight King Shark. It also turns out that Black Mantis has an interest in Jackson as well.
This collects issues 9-11 and 13-14 of Teen Titans, but somewhere in the story, Kid Flash gets ousted from the team, and it's hard to figure out why. The art style is fairly consistent over the run, but I just had a hard time caring much for these characters, including the new team member.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Jackson Hyde is a young man with some secrets. He has super powers and a crush on another young man. He wants to use his powers for good, so when he sees an interview with Beast Boy at Titans headquarters, he knows where to go. Which is good, because Beast Boy's interview goes badly when the reporter disappears into the water and the Teen Titans have to fight King Shark. It also turns out that Black Mantis has an interest in Jackson as well.
This collects issues 9-11 and 13-14 of Teen Titans, but somewhere in the story, Kid Flash gets ousted from the team, and it's hard to figure out why. The art style is fairly consistent over the run, but I just had a hard time caring much for these characters, including the new team member.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
August 27, 2018
Rise of Aqualad (#6-7). The best part of this short two-issue arc is the interactions between the characters (as well as their general characterizations). The new Aqualad is also a nice addition. As for the King Shark plot? It's OK, but mainly being used as a setup for what's next ... [3+/5]
As usual, DC doesn't bother telling its readers what happened in missing crossover issues, this time around #8 in "The Lazarus Project", which is too bad because it's critically important with Kid Flash getting fired and all. Thanks, DC.
Blood of Manta (#9-11). The Titans dive right back in, with a deep look at who the new Aqualad is. It's a nice reveal, with a nice focus on the villain in question too. Percy has done a good job of introducing a strong new hero to the Titans mythos [4/5].
As usual, DC doesn't bother telling its readers what happened in missing crossover issues, this time around #8 in "The Lazarus Project", which is too bad because it's critically important with Kid Flash getting fired and all. Thanks, DC.
Blood of Manta (#9-11). The Titans dive right back in, with a deep look at who the new Aqualad is. It's a nice reveal, with a nice focus on the villain in question too. Percy has done a good job of introducing a strong new hero to the Titans mythos [4/5].
August 4, 2023
This was a great introduction to Jackson Hyde aka Aqualad, Black Manta's son! The team dynamic of teen titans show that there is a bit of sizzling energy towards Damian and his team decisions, that the others don't quite agree with. He will have to work on his leadership skills. As always, I really liked the colourful graphics of Teen Titans and this was overall well written!
June 3, 2018
This volume was aaall about Aqualad, which I was into because Aqualad is queer and a cool character.
There were some scenes that reminded me how much I miss the Teen Titans show (Beast Boy being vegan/vegetarian?)
For some reason, this collection is missing #8.
There were some scenes that reminded me how much I miss the Teen Titans show (Beast Boy being vegan/vegetarian?)
For some reason, this collection is missing #8.
November 9, 2018
I'm impressed. Now this is Teen Titans at its best. The roster may change, but this is what their good stories were always about: deep personal matters, growing up, friendship, and bonding.
This book is finally finding it's heart after a rather awful start.
This book is finally finding it's heart after a rather awful start.
June 8, 2020
5 🌟
Aqualad goes to find the Teen Titans to join them because of his powers. He is kidnapped by his father, stops him, and is made a member of the Teen Titans.
Aqualad goes to find the Teen Titans to join them because of his powers. He is kidnapped by his father, stops him, and is made a member of the Teen Titans.
July 12, 2020
No more of this for me I guess
December 15, 2018
Once again DC sells out story for cheap jokes and social propaganda, and in doing so undermines what was the basis for a great story. In better hands and without an agenda, the story about a hidden child who is the key to recovering a lost treasure, lied to by his mother who is either a villain herself or a descendant of criminals (entirely ignored in the actual book), searching for answers on his own would be a good tale.
February 10, 2022
4.75/5 💚
March 12, 2018
DRC REVIEW
Story: Jackson Hyde is tired of hiding who he really is, he tired of hiding his powers and of his Mom not telling him the truth of who his Dad is and why he can control water the way he does, being gay doesn't make it any easier. Jackson goes to the only place he thinks he will be welcomed, Titan Tower. It started with a prison break out an entire section of inmates went missing soon afterwards people started to go missing all disappearing in and around the ocean. When Beast Boy is giving an interview out in front of Titan Tower and the reporter disappears into the water right in front of him shortly after that King Shark comes on T.V. announcing his wicked intentions. Jackson shows up and proves his worth with the Titans when he helps take down King Shark. But the story is far from over when Jackson's Mom shows with the truth about who he really is and why she hit it from him. King Shark was only the beginning.
Art: The art is pretty much what I expect when reading a comic.
It's well done, nice lines, and great action sequences. I liked that each of the conversation bubbles for the characters were unique to them so you knew who was talking and when.
Review: Overall, it was a good read. I love the Titans and each unique quality lends to the group and makes them stronger as a group. Starfire, as long as she's been on Earth still is naive and her innocence in that aspect lets her believe in the good of everyone. It was also nice to see her take charge when Damian was acting like a brat. Beast Boy who loves attention and getting famous in Hollywood only made it worse, and it has been hinted that it will lead to something bad. Raven keeps her distance because her empathy, but she gives great insight when needed. Her understanding of having a horrible father connects her to Kid Flash and that gives them a bond with romantic inclinations. And Beast Boy with Starfire, yeah I don't see that. And then there is Damian, he was raised to lead but being taught by R'as and then Batman he doesn't always understand working with the team and leading them. I like where this is going and I like Jackson.
Story: Jackson Hyde is tired of hiding who he really is, he tired of hiding his powers and of his Mom not telling him the truth of who his Dad is and why he can control water the way he does, being gay doesn't make it any easier. Jackson goes to the only place he thinks he will be welcomed, Titan Tower. It started with a prison break out an entire section of inmates went missing soon afterwards people started to go missing all disappearing in and around the ocean. When Beast Boy is giving an interview out in front of Titan Tower and the reporter disappears into the water right in front of him shortly after that King Shark comes on T.V. announcing his wicked intentions. Jackson shows up and proves his worth with the Titans when he helps take down King Shark. But the story is far from over when Jackson's Mom shows with the truth about who he really is and why she hit it from him. King Shark was only the beginning.
Art: The art is pretty much what I expect when reading a comic.
It's well done, nice lines, and great action sequences. I liked that each of the conversation bubbles for the characters were unique to them so you knew who was talking and when.
Review: Overall, it was a good read. I love the Titans and each unique quality lends to the group and makes them stronger as a group. Starfire, as long as she's been on Earth still is naive and her innocence in that aspect lets her believe in the good of everyone. It was also nice to see her take charge when Damian was acting like a brat. Beast Boy who loves attention and getting famous in Hollywood only made it worse, and it has been hinted that it will lead to something bad. Raven keeps her distance because her empathy, but she gives great insight when needed. Her understanding of having a horrible father connects her to Kid Flash and that gives them a bond with romantic inclinations. And Beast Boy with Starfire, yeah I don't see that. And then there is Damian, he was raised to lead but being taught by R'as and then Batman he doesn't always understand working with the team and leading them. I like where this is going and I like Jackson.
February 24, 2018
[Read as single issues]
There's a new Titan in town, and just in time too! Aqualad makes the scene in time to help the team deal with King Shark, before his father, Black Manta, turns up and stirs up all kinds of family drama. Then, after being kicked out of the team by Damian, Kid Flash is back!
You'd think this volume would feel a bit more disjointed than it does, since it skips two issues for tie-ins to both Dark Nights: Metal and The Lazarus Contract, but the first two Aqualad stories flow pretty much seamlessly together. If you've seen the Young Justice TV show, or read some of Brightest Day, then these stories don't feel too far different to those as Aqualad joins the team and deals with his daddy issues. They're pretty important stories in terms of reintroducing the character though, so I'll forgive them, and there are some nice twists that make them different from just complete rehashes.
The Return of Kid Flash story is a bit more on the forgettable side. Kid Flash has bounced around teams lately, with a short run on Deathstroke's Defiance team in between his Teen Titans memberships, and his bickering with Damian doesn't really make his reunion with the team that interesting. Plus the fact that he only really left the team a few issues ago means his absence isn't felt that much either. It's an okay story, but not anything particularly special.
Khoi Pham continues an almost unbroken run on the title here, with some layout assists from Phil Hester. Pham's art is reliably good, and he has a good graps on all of the different character types on display. His Beast Boy is pretty adorable, too.
A bit of a hodge podge collection, but one that's worth a look, especially if you're an Aqualad fan.
There's a new Titan in town, and just in time too! Aqualad makes the scene in time to help the team deal with King Shark, before his father, Black Manta, turns up and stirs up all kinds of family drama. Then, after being kicked out of the team by Damian, Kid Flash is back!
You'd think this volume would feel a bit more disjointed than it does, since it skips two issues for tie-ins to both Dark Nights: Metal and The Lazarus Contract, but the first two Aqualad stories flow pretty much seamlessly together. If you've seen the Young Justice TV show, or read some of Brightest Day, then these stories don't feel too far different to those as Aqualad joins the team and deals with his daddy issues. They're pretty important stories in terms of reintroducing the character though, so I'll forgive them, and there are some nice twists that make them different from just complete rehashes.
The Return of Kid Flash story is a bit more on the forgettable side. Kid Flash has bounced around teams lately, with a short run on Deathstroke's Defiance team in between his Teen Titans memberships, and his bickering with Damian doesn't really make his reunion with the team that interesting. Plus the fact that he only really left the team a few issues ago means his absence isn't felt that much either. It's an okay story, but not anything particularly special.
Khoi Pham continues an almost unbroken run on the title here, with some layout assists from Phil Hester. Pham's art is reliably good, and he has a good graps on all of the different character types on display. His Beast Boy is pretty adorable, too.
A bit of a hodge podge collection, but one that's worth a look, especially if you're an Aqualad fan.
July 21, 2025
i really liked jackson, and i'm glad this volume was so focused on him, but good lord i cannot stand the way damian is written in these. kinda almost glad i mostly skipped his time with the titans back then.
June 29, 2025
Daję 2,5. Sądzę, że pierwsza część komiksu była o wiele lepsza – druga jest totalnie na odwal. Wszystko wydaje się być za szybkie, jakby twórcy chcieli jak najszybciej to zakończyć, bez większego zaangażowania. No i ta grafika… dramatycznie słabsza niż na początku. A okładka? Jeszcze gorsza.
March 21, 2018
It's all about Aqualad! A great intro to the character. LOVED the shade Black Manta throws when his son tries to come out.
July 23, 2018
This book is split into two arcs, the first very brief and entirely forgettable, followed by a missing issue that, instead of being collected here was collected in the Titans/Teen Titans/Deathstroke crossover The Lazarus Contract, and then finishing with a much stronger three issue arc that truly lived up to the volume's title billing vis-à-vis the new Aqualad.
I honestly can't say much more about the first two issues than that they were forgettable, as I literally remember only that Aqualad (Jackson Hyde) arrives, and that they fight and defeat King Shark and a group of escaped criminals turned into variations on King Shark himself.
The second arc truly brings Aqualad to the fore by giving us his full background and having him and the team face off with Black Manta. Manta's been well-handled with rebirth, and he makes a great villain here, especially in the manner he brings Aqualad into his own.
I also really liked that the team started to stand up to Damian--who's been caricatured as a borderline neurotic version of himself in these first two volumes. Damian's good. Quite good. Granted. But in this book he's acting not just arrogant but like a whiny spoiled dictator. Seeing him get a bit of comeuppance was good. In addition, the only way it makes sense for Gar and Firestar and Raven to be in this book is in a leadership/mentorship role for their much younger teammates. Otherwise they really should be with their contemporaries over in Titans. I'd still like to see them there. However, at least this time Gar, Firestar and Raven start to act their age and refuse to be pushed around by Damian.
I honestly can't say much more about the first two issues than that they were forgettable, as I literally remember only that Aqualad (Jackson Hyde) arrives, and that they fight and defeat King Shark and a group of escaped criminals turned into variations on King Shark himself.
The second arc truly brings Aqualad to the fore by giving us his full background and having him and the team face off with Black Manta. Manta's been well-handled with rebirth, and he makes a great villain here, especially in the manner he brings Aqualad into his own.
I also really liked that the team started to stand up to Damian--who's been caricatured as a borderline neurotic version of himself in these first two volumes. Damian's good. Quite good. Granted. But in this book he's acting not just arrogant but like a whiny spoiled dictator. Seeing him get a bit of comeuppance was good. In addition, the only way it makes sense for Gar and Firestar and Raven to be in this book is in a leadership/mentorship role for their much younger teammates. Otherwise they really should be with their contemporaries over in Titans. I'd still like to see them there. However, at least this time Gar, Firestar and Raven start to act their age and refuse to be pushed around by Damian.
February 26, 2024
Rep: non-white characters, Black gay mc
July 4, 2018
This was a solid read, though I did have a couple of problems with it: (1) I still don't love the relationship DC is creating between Batman and Robin. Like I said in my review of the first Teen Titans, I don't think a man who literally went to Apokolips so that his son could live again would be so distant. Again, I'm giving some benefit of the doubt because I haven't read "Justice League," "Batman," or "Detective Comics" in Rebirth yet, but still... I really liked the father/son relationship in the New 52 (one of the few things I liked in the New 52--in hindsight, that is). But again, that falls into the category of: No real opinion, until I read more of the character. My other problem was: (2) I'm not a fan of Aqualad being gay. Now, I have NO PROBLEM WITH GAY CHARACTERS. THERE ARE A LOT OF GAY CHARACTERS I REALLY LIKE--ARE EVEN FAVORITES--IN COMICS AND IN OTHER MEDIA. I'm going to say it one more time, for the people in the back: I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH GAY CHARACTERS. But I was introduced to this version of Aqualad--as Kaldur'ahm--in "Young Justice." I really liked his relationship (and, later, unrequited love) with Tula. I liked him knowing his Atlantean roots. Really... I liked everything about him. He was a darn perfect character. But even more important, for me, is that making him gay seemed more like adding diversity because they "needed to," not because it was an organic part of the story/character development. And honestly, I think diversity is too beautiful a thing to be treated like a check list. But those, really, were minor problems in a comic that was overall, a pretty solid read. Though, while reading this, I realized I have to read "The Judas Contract," too... apparently. Man, comics are a black hole. You think you just need to read a certain title, but... nope. In order to understand everything, you need to read these other two titles, too, plus these special events. *Sigh* It's like in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," in divination class, when Ron says, "So you're going to suffer... but you're going to be happy about it." Comics. In. A. Nutshell. I'm also not entirely loving how they're writing Damian. Sometimes his arrogance is coming across a bit annoying, but then they temper it with some insight into the weight he puts on himself. So, I guess it works--I'm still enjoying his character--but they're also playing with fire. It would be very easy to make him downright unlikable, and not just going through adolescence in a Damian-way. I think I'd really like to read some Rebirth that focuses on the Bat Family; perhaps that will shed a little more light on Damian and Bruce's characters and their interaction. Still, over all, I really enjoyed this graphic novel. There were a lot of funny parts, some solid action--though I'm really hoping that Kid Flash comes back. I really like this Wally West. Not as much as the first one because, well... again, "Young Justice." But still, I like this character and his unique conflicts, as well as his sense of humor. Though I'm undecided on the whole Kid Flash/Raven relationship. In short, this comic has a lot going on, but it still manages to be one of DC's more fun titles--which is important. You've got "Batman" and other titles to be darker; let's have some that are more fun. But it doesn't worry so much about "fun," that it totally forgets to still have solid characters and plot. Basically, in many ways, it's the perfect comic read, and I'm excited what's going to be happening next for the Teen Titans.
March 10, 2018
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
In trying to figure out why I didn't enjoy reading Teen Titans-Volume 2, The Rise of Aqualad, I eventually reached the conclusion that I didn't like any of the characters. It was as if the nuances and personality traits had been beaten down to an archetype (Robin: annoying, Beastboy: crass, Raven: distracted, Starfire: bimbo) that made them all shallow and unlikable. E.g., Beastboy's exuberance and Starfire's cluelessness are typically comic relief but both were so one dimensional as to appear just plain stupid. Raven's edginess was completely missing and Damien-Robin was a petulant child. Faring the worst was Aqualad - spending most of the book 'finding himself' instead of being the capable and assured person that we would have assumed from the backstory his mother would have raised.Story: Jackson Hyde lives in the boonies of New Mexico - a boy who can control water where there is little water. When he sees videos of the Teen Titans, he decides it is time to leave his mother and instead try to become a Teen Titan himself. The Titans, meanwhile, have to deal with Beast Boy wanting to become famous through interviews and Vlogs. It annoys Robin and all comes to a head when a reporter interviewing Beast Boy suddenly goes missing right in the middle of the interview. In tracking her down, they come across a plot by King Shark to use prison inmates as soldiers. At the same time, Aqualad is spotted by Black Manta - and Aqualad has something Manta wants. When Jackson's mother comes to San Francisco to protect Aqualad, she will tell him more about Black Manta - and his connection to the criminal mastermind.
The story is two parts: the first having to do with beast Boy, fame, and King Shark's plot. The second half having to deal with the team not being able to deal with Damien-Robin leading the Teen Titans and Black Manta's search for the ultimate weapon. Both were kind of silly and more than a bit eye rolling in the logic holes category. Even my 14 year old felt the stories were rather inane; kids are much more sophisticated these days yet these stories felt egregiously juvenile.
The panel layouts were confusing in places; e.g., in one scene the reporter is standing next to Beast Boy and the next she's underwater - like someone wouldn't notice the splash a bit more? The artwork is fine but I can't say that I was impressed by it either. It served the purpose but felt as lackluster as the story in many places (especially with Raven).
Perhaps the most unforgivable aspect of the story was the bad humor - not 'funny bad' just really poor attempts at making Beast Boy amusing or Starfire doing her misquoting. E.g., Starfire saying "Come on, the sock is ticking!" instead of the clock is ticking just made me wince painfully. There could have been so many cute moments in there that just weren't.
In all, it was nicely colored. I think that's probably what I liked best about this volume 2. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
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