WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for TITANS #15!Titans’ Raven has officially debuted her ultimate form, making every past iteration of the character look weak in comparison. Along with this immense power-up, the empath has undergone a significant redesign that reflects her monumental identity change, prompting her closest friends to question whether she is “Still Raven.”
Titans #15 suggests that she has reached her purest form by fully accepting herself, including the darkest aspects of her identity.
Tom Taylor, Lucas Meyer, and Adriano Lucas’ Dark-Winged Queen storyline reaches an epic conclusion in Titans #15. In this issue, fans witness Raven and the Titans fighting her father, Trigon, along with her dark counterpart, the Dark-Winged Queen.
However, the story takes a turn when Beast Boy mediates a discussion between the two Ravens, leading them to settle their differences and agree to merge, forming a more complete version of themselves. This merging results in a complete redesign of the character and a major power boost, as her power is no longer split between her two halves but rather united.
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Raven’s new look reintroduces the design of her classic costume, albeit with several twists. This new appearance stays true to her classic suit in its general design, featuring her signature cloak and a long slit dress. Key details that are also included are her iconic starburst earrings, and the raven brooches that pin her cloak to her suit. The costume also features elbow-length gloves that leave her thumbs and pointer fingers exposed. However, where it departs from the classic design is that the new costume is predominantly white and includes leggings under the dress, making it distinctly different.
This new look reflects the substantial power upgrade Raven has experienced by merging with the Dark-Winged Queen. Now united, she has access to her own powers and those of her darker half, whom she had previously rejected and kept locked away within her soul gem. Raven is at her most powerful now that she is “whole.” This power increase is further amplified when she temporarily forges the Titans into gemstones for her crowngiving her the strength needed to defeat Trigon. After his defeat, Raven releases her teammates, but the possibility of them uniting again suggests this power-up could be semi-permanent for the empath.
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Raven’s New Look Combines Her Most Classic Costume With Her ‘Purest’ Form
Cover From Tales of the New Teen Titans #2 (1996)
Raven’s new costume most closely resembles her classic look from the 80s and 90s, notably mirroring the cover of Tales of the New Teen Titans #2 (1996). This revamp serves as a strong tribute to her past. The shift from purple to white in her costume is also significant; and although it is rare, it’s not unheard of. Throughout her character history, Raven has been depicted in white versions of her costumes, which typically represent her being at her “purest form.” This transformation usually occurs when she frees herself from Trigon and her demonic heritage.
As such, fans can interpret Raven’s white costume as a representation of her current purity. However, the way she achieves this purity is distinctly different from her typical narrative. Traditionally, Raven achieves purity by freeing herself from her father’s influence. However, Titans #15 suggests that she has reached her purest form by fully accepting herself, including the darkest aspects of her identity. It is Raven’s completeness and wholeness—derived from her merging with the Dark-Winged Queen Thus—that allows her to obtain her purest form, rather than any influence from Trigon.
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Raven’s merging with the Dark-Winged Queen brings not only a power boost and a new costume but also a profound redefining of her identity. After the victory over Trigon, Starfire approaches her long-time friend, asking, “Are you… still Raven?” This question reflects Starfire’s concern that the merger has erased the Raven she once knew. However, the empath reassures her, stating, “I am. Just… more so. And I am still your friend.” Thus, Raven has undoubtedly experienced a shift in her identity by claiming that she is now more of herself, yet she remains the friend the Titans have grown to know and love.
Titans #15 is available now from DC Comics!
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