Teen Titans #8

By Will Pfeifer, Kenneth Rocafort and Blond

Some people may argue that the last volume of Teen Titans was a mess. It had its ups and downs as a series, but never really connected with an audience. As we reach issue# 8 of the relaunch, things are starting to take shape as we begin to see where Will Pfeifer plans to take this batch of Titans.

The main difference between the last volume of Teen Titans and this one is that Will Pfeifer is really trying to make the team live in the real world and deal with the fact that they are young, good-looking heroes. Social media is a huge deal this issue as members of the team get posted on YouTube or get the chance to host a Saturday Night Live-esque show. Pfeifer’s use of the current technological times as teenager helps this book stay grounded. Even with characters who fly or change shape, this is a book that could pass as a coming of age tale that many kids could relate to. Pfeifer also continues to play with Manchester Black. At this point, we’re still not certain where his loyalties lie and what his overall motivations are. While some characters get shafted for panel time this issue, Pfeifer keeps everyone in character, which is something that has lacked in previous volumes.

The pencils this issue were handled by Kenneth Rocafort with colors by Blond. Rocafort is a top-notch artist, but there were a few panels that seemed to be a little muddy. Some faces were rough in some crowd scenes, but it’s not anything that should take you out of the book. That aside, the rest of the issue looks good, particularly scenes with Raven at the rock concert. Blond uses cool blue colors in the Raven scenes that allow it to feel even more authentic as a rock show. Rocafort gives us some nice fight scenes and some sweet transformations from Beast Boy as well. Overall this is a finely drawn issue, there were a few hiccups, but Rocafort is a top of the line talent and it shouldn’t be a problem.

Teen Titans has really turned around and become an interesting book. Each month we question what is going to happen and what Manchester Black is going to do. Will Pfeifer and Kenneth Rocafort are doing great work on a title that wasn’t too well received a year ago. If the writing and art can keep up, this will be a one of the best volumes in recent memory.