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Comic readers have long considered the Teen Titans one of DC's greatest superhero teams, second only to the Justice League. The group of young heroes has grown in popularity amongst general audiences due to the success of two beloved animated tv shows, two animated films in the DC Animated Movie Universe, and a live-action adaptation on HBO Max.
However, none of that would have been possible without the success of various Titans comics over the years. From a demonic patriarch of seemingly omnipotent power to a super-powered assassin hellbent on revenge, this team has no shortage of iconic and memorable showdowns for fans to enjoy.
10 "The Rise Of Aqualad" Details Jackson Hyde's Origin
Spanning Teen Titans (Vol 2) #6-7 and #9-11 — written by Benjamin Percy with art by Khoi Pham, Wade Von Grawbadger, Phil Hester, Jim Charalampidis, and Corey Breen, "The Rise of Aqualad" arc introduces a new Aqualad to the world. The story follows Jackson Hyde as he runs away from home to join the Teen Titans, thinking he might fit in there. Jackson later learns a shocking family secret.
"The Rise of Aqualad" is action-packed and filled with great character-defining moments for Jackson and the rest of his new teammates. The story also takes an interesting turn by establishing Jackson as one of the few Black LGBTQ+ heroes in the DCU. It's an overall memorable and fun story that establishes Jackson's character and hints toward his later adventures.
9 The Titans' Final Stand In The Last Stories In The DC Universe
As part of their Death Metal event, DC released a one-shot featuring "Together" written by Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV, and Scott Snyder with art by Travis Moore and Tamra Bonvillain and lettering by Deron Bennett. It featured the Titans of the past and present preparing for the impending final battle to save their universe.
"Together" feels like a love letter to the Teen Titans, highlighting creative designs reminiscent of the team's previous iterations and showcasing artwork that enriched heartfelt moments. Featuring the return of Roy Harper and Wally West and ending with a rallying call from Donna Troy, the story charges up the team and the readers for their fight in the next issue.
8 "Family Lost" Brings Raven Back From The Grave
In the second collection of Geoff Johns' Teen Titans (Vol. 3) run — spanning issues #8-12 with art by Tom Grummett, Kevin Conrad, Jeromy Cox, Comicraft, Mike McKone, Marlo Alquiza, Norm Rapmund, and Larry Stucker, Raven resurfaced, and the team tracked her down, fearing the worst. The last time she'd appeared, Raven lost the battle against her father and heritage, and her friends destroyed her, leaving only her soul self behind.
In this arc, the Teen Titans confront a new Brother Blood and his cult as they battle for Raven's life. The Teen Titans also face Deathstroke when he returns with his daughter Rose Wilson, now calling herself Ravager. This story will please Raven fans by bringing a core Titans member back into the fold.
7 Young Justice And The Teen Titans Merge In "A Kids Game"
Accompanied by artwork from Mike McKone, Marlo Alquiza, Jeromy Cox, Comicraft, Tom Grummett, Nelson Conrad, and Kevin Conrad, Geoff Johns brought the Titans back to form. Introducing members from the disbanded Young Justice team, the first 7 issues of Teen Titans (Vol. 3) introduced intriguing plot lines that would unfold throughout the series.
Putting Starfire and other Titans in mentor roles gives the series a sense of familiarity for fans of the previous lineup. With a new team, Deathstroke's reappearance, and new mysteries, Johns' run of the Teen Titans is a must-read.
6 The Justice League, The Titans, And A Global Threat In Technis Imperative
The Teen Titans and the Justice League fighting is an enticing idea, and JLA/Titans: The Technis Imperative is no exception. Featuring art by Phil Jimenez, Andy Lanning, Jason Wright, Paul Pelletier, Mark Buckingham, Dexter Vines, and Wade Von Grawbadger and lettering by Comicraft, Devin Grayson and Jimenez deliver a thrilling story that pits both teams against a danger that threatens the entire planet.
This classic Titans story has remained one of the biggest events in the team's history. The great action sequences, the sincere moments between the core members of the Titans, and the high stakes make this an exciting read from start to finish.
5 "Who Is Donna Troy?" Explores Wonder Girl's Origin
Before 1984, Donna Troy had been a mystery to readers since she hadn't received a proper origin story. However, this was rectified in The New Teen Titans #38 by Marv Wolfman, George Perez, Romeo Tanghal, Adrienne Roy, and Ben Oda. Donna's fiancé, Terry, hired Robin to help discover more about Donna's past.
In the emotional story that follows, Donna reminisces on what she recalls of her childhood and Themyscira, home of the Amazons. The comic also highlights Robin's detective skills as he helps Donna uncover the mysteries surrounding her life.
4 "Titans: Legacy" Challenges The Titans And The Justice League
In Titans Annual (Vol. 3) #1 by Dan Abnett and illustrated by Norm Rapmund, Minkyu Jung, Adriano Lucas, and Carlos M. Mangual, members of the Titans and the Justice League are abducted. When Batman, Aquaman, Barry Allen's Flash, and Wonder Woman meet Nightwing, Tempest, Wally West's Flash, and Donna Troy, the tension heightens and the groups clash.
The course of events forces the mentors and their mentees to reevaluate their relationships with one another and to examine their team dynamics. "Titans: Legacy" proves a fun read features a reveal that has implications for the rest of the Titans' run.
3 Raven's Worst Nightmare Comes True In The "Terror of Trigon"
Illustrated by George Perez, Adrienne Roy, Todd Klein, Bob Lappan, and Romeo Tanghal, the "Terror of Trigon" story arc remains one of the darkest stories from The New Teen Titans series by Marv Wolfman and Perez. The five-issue story revolves around Raven, who slowly succumbs to her father Trigon's evil influence..
From Raven's mother resurfacing to the Titans' psychological torture by their teammate, "Terror of Trigon" gets intense. The underrated epic forces the team to face their inner demons and determine whether they can save their friend. Because of its compelling narrative, this storyline has been adapted into TV and film.
2 The New Teen Titans (Vol. 1) Introduces A New Team
Relaunching after the original Teen Titans series' success, the team made an epic return. New members Starfire, Cyborg, and Changeling (Beast Boy) joined founding members Robin, Wonder Girl, and Kid Flash to help Raven fight the demon lord, Trigon.
The first eight issues proved a thrilling start to a now iconic series, with solid character introductions and an unraveling mystery as the story progressed. This series, spearheaded by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, became an instant classic and established the most well-known and well-received version of the team. It's a great starting point for fans who want to read more about the team.
1 Spies, Betrayal, And A Changing Team In "Judas Contract"
Many consider "Judas Contract" the most iconic Teen Titans' story of all time. George Perez and Marv Wolfman strike gold again with a powerful and personal story, complimented by art from Perez, Dick Giordano, Adrienne Roy, John Costanza, Mike DeCarlo, Ben Oda, and Todd Klein.
"Judas Contract" reveals Terra to be a spy for Deathstroke, who seeks revenge for the death of his son Ravager. Adding to the tension, Kid Flash leaves the team and Dick Grayson retires his Robin mantle. These elements make the arc an exciting read for Titans fans new and old, and it cements Deathstroke's spot as one of the team's most fearsome villains.