WARNING: Incorporates potential spoilers for TITANS #19!The most recent version of Titans delivered an epic scene that firmly establishes Crow and Stellar as the perfect greatest associates of the DC Universe. What begins as a heartfelt second between the 2 rapidly evolves right into a jaw-dropping show of twin evil, completely showcasing their bond and synergy. After witnessing this unimaginable dynamic, I'm extra excited than ever to see what DC has deliberate for this duo shifting ahead.
Whereas Raven could formally be the Titans' empath, Starfire comes near rivaling her in empathy.
John Layman and Serg Acuña Titans #19 continues this action-packed run the place the workforce barely has time to catch their breath between epic battles. On this subject, a serious twist unfolds as Killer Frost, just lately launched into the Justice League, returns to her villainous roots.
She launches an assault on the League and the Titans, resulting in a high-stakes battle the place Frost threatens to convey down the whole metropolis of New York. As the whole workforce steps as much as face her, it's Starfire and Raven who actually shine. Their unbreakable friendship turns into the important thing to defeating Killer Frostproving that their bond is as highly effective as any superpower.
DC FINALLY returns Raven and Starfire's friendship to the highlight
Panel comes from Titans #19 (2025) – Artwork by Serg Acuña
Followers of Titans collection You'll do not forget that Tom Taylor's run featured Raven merging together with her darkish half, the Queen of Darkish Wings. Now, in Layman's run, the author investigates the results of this merger. The principle consequence is that Raven's feelings are in chaos, leaving her struggling to manage her empathic skills. This instability causes her to develop into dominated by the feelings of others, paralyzing her with inaction. Raven's vulnerability first emerged in Titans #18 and seems once more in Titans #19 in the course of the combat with Killer Frost.
The workforce desperately wants Raven's assist in the battle towards Frost, however she finds herself paralyzed by concern and doubt, unable to behave. This results in a touching second when Starfire momentarily steps away from the combat to strategy Raven, providing her heartfelt encouragement. “Rachel, you've fought this type of combat 100 occasions or extra. Be assured. I imagine in you", she says, grabbing Raven's fingers. Raven thanks Starfire and collectively they return to the combat. “Come on. We are able to do that TOGETHER,” Starfire declares, and in an epic scene, the pair blast Killer Frost, exhibiting their unimaginable bond and teamwork.
Starfire understands Raven in a means the opposite Titans don't
Panel comes from Titans #19 (2025) – Artwork by Serg Acuña
What I notably cherished about this second between Starfire and Raven is the way it highlights the long-lasting bond between the 2 girls. Whereas Raven could formally be the Titans' empath, Starfire comes near rivaling her in empathy. As a substitute of calling out Rachel for her newfound vulnerability or expressing frustration, as Arsenal has achieved within the final two installments, Kori approaches her buddy with understanding, compassion, and unwavering help. Starfire's reminder that Raven has handled fights like this lots of of occasions earlier than additionally serves as a strong callback to how lengthy these two girls have fought aspect by aspect.
I actually admire the dynamic between Raven and Starfire, as their friendship is likely one of the deepest and healthiest feminine friendships within the DC Universeand serves as a testomony to the significance of impactful feminine bonds. What made this second much more highly effective for me was Acuña's gorgeous artwork. Seeing Raven and Starfire aspect by aspect, unleashing the peak of their energy in a full-page panel, was nothing in need of epic. Their distinct appears and vibrant colours make them one of the vital visually hanging duos within the DCU, and Acuña's emphasis on that visible brilliance elevated the scene, making the second shared between the 2 girls much more memorable.
Layman Titans Working makes me hopeful we'll get extra Starfire/Raven moments
Cowl D 1:25 Card Inventory Variant by Yanick Paquette for Titans #9 (2024)
It's been some time since Raven and Starfire shared a big second within the Titans narrative, making this scene a spotlight for me. Whereas I actually loved the collection from the start, I really feel like their iconic friendship wasn't highlighted sufficient. This second created by Layman and Acuña provides me hope that their bond will obtain extra consideration sooner or later. I'm excited to see Layman's private tackle the Stellar and Crow relationship and hopeful that he'll proceed to develop it in surprising methods.
Titans #19 is now accessible from DC Comics!