Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven is available now where all good books are sold.
Synopsis
It seems like years, but it’s only been a few days since Raven Roth recovered her memories; trapped her demon father, Trigon, in her amulet; and had her heart broken for the first time. But she doesn’t have time to think about the past…she has to focus on finding a way to get rid of Trigon for good.
Garfield Logan still can’t believe he has powers that allow him to change into different animals, but the price of knowing that his parents kept this secret hidden from him just feels too high. And what’s more, his difficulty controlling these abilities could have unexpected consequences.
Both are seeking answers from the one person who seems to have them all figured out: Slade Wilson.
When their paths converge in Nashville, Raven and Gar can’t help but feel a connection, despite the secrets they both try to hide. It will take a great amount of trust and courage to overcome the wounds of their pasts. But can they find acceptance for the darkest part of themselves? Or maybe even love?
Review
Finally, after two years, two books and huge anticipation, the first Teen Titans crossover is here! Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo return with the third YA collaboration for DC Comics as Raven and Beast Boy finally cross paths.
The duo’s approach to building the world of Teen Titans has, so-far, proved a sure-fire hit with fans. Starting with Raven’s origin and moving through Gar’s discovery of his own powers, the world building has been steady and consistent. Each character has been crafted with their own set of supporting characters and individual challenges. Both solo books were neatly tied together via a subplot featuring the legendary Titans adversary, Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke.
Here the world of the Titans takes a huge step forwards as both characters venture to Nashville in search of Slade. Both leave – most – of their supporting players behind in search of answers about their powers. But what unfolds in the pages of Beast Boy Loves Raven is still perfectly in-keeping with the series’ grounded tales of teenagers struggling to fit in.
Garcia’s mission statement for the Teen Titans series was to expose how even superpowers teens struggle the way the rest of us do. Using their comic book lives as an analogy for through troubles, hooking in the reader. Here we explore more of both characters romantic lives. A chance meeting brings both Raven and Gar in to each other’s lives and leaves them plenty of time to explore the city before trouble arises.
Both characters look and feel like they have matured from their previous books. Though it’s been two years since Raven, it’s been only days for Rachel Roth. It nicely reflects the fact the YA audience will have grown in the intervening period between books. What also impresses with all three volumes in the series is its ability to appeal to all ages.
With Beast Boy Loves Raven, Gabriel Picolo has the chance to bring real Nashville locations to the comic book world. With his character designs well set, the ability to bring new environments to the story are where the artwork really comes to life. Of course there are new characters, some huge surprises which will please Titans fans and plenty of exciting layouts to keep the book feeling fresh as well.
The story culminates in a race with Slade to rescue Raven and Gar. It opens up the Teen Titans storytelling to allow for a little more fast-paced action and adventure. Something which both previous books have featured, but in measured amounts. Looking at the trio as a whole there is a sense of building momentum which is satisfying and exciting, particularly given the potential for where the story can (and will) go next.
Verdict
Beast Boy Loves Raven is the perfecting melding of the worlds between the characters. Garcia’s grasp on the characters is unparalleled whilst Picolo’s visuals are a masterpiece of YA storytelling.
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