Warning: Contains potential spoilers for TITANS #16!The current Titans The list has been strengthened by a major shake-up, with a shift in leadership, and two key members stepping away to focus on other responsibilities. But the most impressive change is The arrival of the team’s newest member: Roy Harper. A hero whose complicated past with the new leader of the Titans is already igniting tension and disrupting team dynamics.
The fan favorite Titans Run, now under the fresh direction of John Layman and Pete Woods, begins with issue #16 – a game-changing installment that reshapes the team in profound ways. While the Titans remain an independent force, they have now officially joined the Justice League, expanding their influence and responsibilities.
Along with the new dual membership, the team sags to Wally West, who shifts his focus to his duties in the League, and Tempest, who steps away to aid in the reconstruction of Atlantis. They also welcome rest “Arsenal” Harper as their newest member. But the most significant shake-up is the leadership change: Nightwing steps back, passing the mantle to Donna Troy. With Dana at the helm, Arsenal’s return to the team only complicates the already shifting dynamic even further.
“Raw? Are you a titan again? ”: Arsenal officially rejoins the Titans
Roy Harper confronts Donna Troy about their complicated past
Fans who have been following the Titans Run over Tom Taylor’s tenure will remember that Arsenal was initially invited to rejoin the team but turned it down due to his commitments with the Aero family. However, with the responsibilities now behind him and the Absolute power Crisis resolved, Roy is clearly ready to reunite with the Titans. This becomes clear when Nightwing, in the newly established Watchtower, suggests going back to Titan’s Tower, prompting Roy’s enthusiastic response: “Sounds good to me!” The team is momentarily surprised, as Roy is not officially part of the group.
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Donna, still taking over as leader, expresses her surprise, asking, “Raw? Are you a titan again?” Roy, a little sheepish, confirms and asks if the open invitation he received earlier still stands. Nightwing quickly reassures him, making Arsenal’s return official. While Roy is thrilled to be back, He later pulls Donna aside to ask if she is truly okay with him rejoining the Titans. Donna reassures him that it is and that their previous romantic entanglements are a thing of the past. However, despite her words, the lingering complexity of their relationship is impossible to ignore.
Roy & Donna’s past is already complicating team dynamics
Comic panel from The Titans #9 (1999-) by Devin Grayson
Roy and Donna share a long, complicated history. From the early days of the Teen Titans, Roy’s Speedy was often seen flirting with Donna’s Wonder Girl. As they grew up and took on their adult hero identities – Arsenal and Troy – their relationship became more serious and physical. This was especially prominent in Devin Grayson’s 1999 Titans series where both characters are recovering from major life-changing events. Roy has a child with the supervillain Cheshire, while Donna lost both her ex-husband and son in an accident. During this vulnerable time, they entered into a relationship, further complicating their complex dynamic.
Although Roy and Donna both acknowledge that their on-again, off-again romance is a thing of the past, the lingering effects will undoubtedly affect their future interactions—especially with Donna now leading the Titans. In fact, it already has. When the team votes Donna as their new leader, Roy hesitates to give his approvalImmediately creating tension in the team. Cyborg angrily confronts Roy, defending Dana and pointing out how new Roy is to the team, stressing that he has no idea what they’ve been through together lately. Therefore, Victor makes it clear that he believes Roy is out of line for withholding his support.
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Arsenal does not approve of Donna Troy leading the Titans
The Clock King turns back the clock on Roy’s memories
Shortly after Roy’s refusal to give Donna his approval as the new leader of the Titans, it is revealed that the villain Clock King has tampered with his memories, returning the clock to his mind. While this interference likely played a role in Roy’s hesitation to accept Donna as his new leader, the question remains: How much of his reluctance was due to Clock King’s manipulation, and how much was really Roy’s own hesitation? It will be especially interesting to see how Arsenal Respond to Donna Troy leading the Titans Once he is no longer under the Clock King’s influence.
Titans #16 is available now from DC Comics.