WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Titans #17!
It’s been a while since fans saw Stellar villainous sister, Blackfire, in the comics. That’s why his blink-and-you’ll-miss-it comeback on the continuum Titans series is more than welcome – especially since she’s wearing one of her best outfits yet. If this cameo proves anything, it’s that Blackfire is long overdue for a proper Titans return.
The reintroduction of Blackfire would also shift the spotlight to Starfire, who seems overdue…
Titans #17 marks the second chapter in the journey of John Layman and Pete Woods, and the creative duo wastes no time in shaking up the team dynamics and diving straight into the action. In issue #16, Layman and Woods released big bombshells: Wally West (Flash) left the team, Roy Harper (Arsenal) joined the cast and Nightwing stepped down as leader, passing the torch to Donna Troy.
The issue also introduced the arc’s main antagonist – Clock King. However, Clock King isn’t the only villain to steal the spotlight in Titans #17, as Blackfire makes her return in a way that no one expected.
Black Fire returns Titans #17, wearing his iconic horned helmet
Starfire and Blackfire art by Stjepan Šejić
Issue #17 reveals that the Clock King the Titans are facing isn’t the D-list villain fans might expect. The events of Absolute power left Tockman with powers that allow him to manipulate time perception and memories. When he attacks the Titans, he traps them in several memories from their past. In Starfire’s case, she remembers fighting her sister, Blackfire. Although this iconic Titans villain returns in a dream sequence rather than reality, even this fleeting appearance by Komand’r is a welcome surprise – especially with Woods illustrating her in one of her most impressive costumes to date.
Although Blackfire’s appearance in Titans #17 is not shown in greater detail due to the dreamlike nature of the sequence, Fans can immediately recognize his iconic look thanks to his distinctive horned helmet. Closer examination reveals that she is wearing a swimsuit-style swimsuit paired with thigh-high boots – a design that has appeared in several stories. This costume was most famously portrayed through the brilliant art of Stjepan Šejić and also appeared in Justice League Odyssey. As one of Komand’r’s best designs, it’s exciting to see him return, even in a less detailed capacity.
Blackfire deserves a permanent place in Titans Narrative
Blackfire cameo in Titans #17 may be teasing a return of the main continuity
If Blackfire’s cameo comes in Titans #17 proves one thing, it’s that it needs a more permanent place in the current narrative. Komand’r’s impressive character design alone is reason enough to bring her back, but her complex relationship with Starfire makes her one of the Titans’ most compelling villains. The reintroduction of Blackfire would also shift the spotlight to Starfire, which seems overdue considering Tom Taylor’s case. Titans is heavily focused on Beast Boy, Raven, and Nightwing. Selling Stellar and Black Fire Taking on a more prominent role in the series would be epic – and with Komand’r’s cameo potentially hinting at a bigger return, that possibility seems more likely than ever.
Titans #17 is now available from DC Comics!