Op-Ed: Reviewing comic book Titans #32

Over the skies of Philadelphia, Shazam battles Osiris to gauge an answer from him as to why he killed a number of terrorists during a hostage situation. So begins another installment of Slade and his renegade Titans, a comic book both dynamic and snappy.

Below is a review of the comic book Titans #32 written by Eric Wallace, art by Fabrizio Fioerntino. From DC, $2.99, February 2011 THE STORY:

Over the skies of Philadelphia, Shazam battles Osiris to gauge an answer from him as to why he killed a number of terrorists during a hostage situation. “Because the White Light told me too” Orisis says, with the added insinuation that each death will bring his dead sisters back to life – his sister Isis. Meanwhile, over at the Titans compound, Richards has killed Slipknot, avenging his son’s death from this dastardly fiend’s murderous hands, whilst also seemingly redeeming himself from past sins. And on top of that he then decides to leave the Titans, signalling a new beginning for his new life. But what of the life of Shazam over in Philadelphia? As over time, Osiris comes to the realisation that to bring his dead sister back to the land of the living, he does not need to kill mere mortals, but rather a god – or more precisely, Shazam. And so he speaks his magic word – ‘Isis’ – when Shazam comes into contact with him – de-powering the worlds mightiest mortal – whilst at the same time reviving his dead sister who is at the Titan’s compound... to be continued. THE REVIEW: BOOOOM! That is all I like to say about this issue. OK, not just ‘BOOM!’, or else I’d end this review right here and now. But this brash and bold sound-effect does in essence state quite clearly what I think about this issue. As it’s dynamic – full of bravado – bold – snappy – and highlights the underling sentiment that this issue of Titans is trying to convey to the reader. Now I have to say that compared to previous issues, this issue manages to really lay on the line what’s coming up next, setting up the re-emergence of the Marvel Family, whilst teasing what this could possibly be. Bravo Wallace and Florentino, you are both starting to grow on me as creators and storytellers, picking up this title from a somewhat mixed start. Granted, I still think that this current incarnation of this team as a stop-gap for another incarnation, but now I feel that this stop-gap is going to be a more enjoyable experience. All that has to be done next, is to wrap up the dragging storyline of Ryan’s (Atom no. 2) death, and tell us what the f**k is happening with Slade (or his son Jericho), and then it really will be rocking and a rolling. Great issue – earthy art – quick read.