New Titans #35 is the third issue of Tate Brombal’s run on this series. The debut issue by Brombal was not the strongest but he did show signs of recovering with the second issue. While not perfect the full inclusion of the new class of Titans joining in on this cyber adventure Cyborg put the team on was very much needed. Now, hopefully Brombal can stick the landing with the finale of his first story arc. Let’s find out with New Titans #35.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Tate Brombal
Artists: Sami Basri, Jordi Tarragona, Vicente Cifuentes
Inkers: Jordi Tarragona and Vicente Cifuentes
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
NEW TITANS #35 SOLICITATION
“THE FALLOUT OF DC K.O. HITS THE TITANS! Everything is not as it seems! As reality falls apart at the seams, the Titans come face-to-face with an Omega Energy-upgraded Cyborg — one without Victor Stone’s humanity!
Their only hope is a mysterious new hero, and the solution may only be found deep within the rampaging Omega Cyborg himself! Will the Titans survive the trappings of their nostalgic Nightmare, or will they survive to see the New Titans rise defiantly into the future?” – DC Comics
REVIEW
Like much of Tate Brombal’s opening story arc, New Titans #35 is far from perfect, but it is easily the strongest of his first three issues of this new creative run. That is encouraging because it allows “The Future is Tomorrow” to end on a solid note while also showing real promise in the direction Brombal appears to have planned for New Titans going forward.
New Titans Shine
The strongest element of New Titans #35 is how well Brombal handles the team’s new team members. Jon Kent, Yara Flor, Stephanie Brown, Red Devil, and Eva each get a chance to stand out, whether through their personalities or the specific skills they bring to the table. In doing so, Brombal makes a convincing case for the potential of this lineup and why this version of the team is worth investing in.
At the same time, the new Titans are not portrayed as a polished unit right away. They are capable enough to hold their own, but this story arc makes clear that there is a lot of room for growth. They have not yet learned how to balance each other’s strengths, but Brombal shows enough hints the team chemistry and individual strengths will come the more time they spend together.
Cyborg Big Plans
Across his first story arc, Brombal makes it clear that he has major plans for Cyborg. The entire storyline is built around Cyborg’s role in the post-DC K.O. world. That is a natural connection point given his ties to the Mother Box and how he would be impacted by the fallout of Darkseid’s actions. By centering the arc on Cyborg, Brombal also gives New Titans a stronger sense of importance within the larger DC Universe.
That focus becomes even more compelling when considering what this arc may be building toward for Cyborg. Although his human side ultimately wins out here, this issue suggests that may not always be the case. Stories like JLA/Titans have already shown how powerful Cyborg’s struggle between man and machine can be. The aftermath of DC K.O. may push that internal conflict further than ever before, with consequences that could impact things beyond this Titans series.
Stephanie Brown Gets to Shine
Of all the new members who appear in New Titans #35, Stephanie Brown stands out the most. Brombal gives her a different kind of spotlight than the rest of the new cast. While he highlights her strengths in the same way he does for the others, Stephanie’s role feels more clearly defined as signs point to her possibly stepping into a leadership role.
What makes that spotlight work is how Brombal frames Stephanie’s background and recent training under Oracle as preparation for a leadership role. Compared to the other members of the new Titans, she feels the most comfortable working as part of a team. Just as importantly, Brombal does not present her as a leader simply because of her Batman Family connections. Instead, her potential comes across as something she has earned through experience and skill.
What’s Next for Original Titans
For everything New Titans #35 sets up, the biggest question may be what comes next for the original Titans. Brombal wasted little time restoring Nightwing to the leadership role, which Donna Troy had filled before this run. New Titans #35 also suggests that most of the veteran cast may be stepping aside to make room for the newer lineup, with Cyborg and Nightwing as the only ones sticking with the team.
That may ultimately be the right move for the long-term health of the title. Brombal showed some signs of slipping into familiar Titans habits, from revisiting well-worn stories to leaning on Nightwing and Starfire’s history for nostalgia. A stronger focus on the newer team members could help New Titans carve out a fresher direction. Ideally, the approach will be a balance of new and original Titans working together without falling back on recycled storylines and tropes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
New Titans #35 delivers a solid conclusion to Tate Brombal’s first story arc on the series, highlighting new team members along with further elevating Cyborg’s character post-DC K.O. It all helped to show there is a lot of potential with this series going forward. That said, with the conclusion of this arc we are left with the lingering question is what the team dynamic will ultimately look like. What the balance will be between the new and original Titans is hopefully answered in the next issue.
Story Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
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