What do you think?
Rate this book
The New Teen Titans (Collected Editions) #7
The New Teen Titans, Vol. 7
Now, for the first time, all of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez’s NEW TEEN TITANS tales are available in a comprehensive series of trade paperback editions, featuring the legendary story arc “The Judas Contract”!
The original Teen Titans always stood in the shadows of their larger-than-life mentors—young heroes like Robin, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash saw plenty of action, but it was Batman, Wonder Woman and the Flash who ultimately called the shots.
All that changed, however, with the arrival of THE NEW TEEN TITANS in 1980—and the lives of DC’s adolescent adventurers would never be the same!
Crafted by comics legends Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, this all-new super-title featured greater dangers, fiercer emotions and more tangled relationships than any that had come before. The Titans’ celebrated stories have ensured that the names of Starfire, Cyborg, Raven and Changeling will be passed down through history alongside those famous aliases employed by Dick Grayson, Donna Troy and Wally West.
THE NEW TEEN TITANS VOLUME SEVEN collects issues #42-48 of the classic title as well as the ANNUAL #3, and features the “The Judas Contract”!
The original Teen Titans always stood in the shadows of their larger-than-life mentors—young heroes like Robin, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash saw plenty of action, but it was Batman, Wonder Woman and the Flash who ultimately called the shots.
All that changed, however, with the arrival of THE NEW TEEN TITANS in 1980—and the lives of DC’s adolescent adventurers would never be the same!
Crafted by comics legends Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, this all-new super-title featured greater dangers, fiercer emotions and more tangled relationships than any that had come before. The Titans’ celebrated stories have ensured that the names of Starfire, Cyborg, Raven and Changeling will be passed down through history alongside those famous aliases employed by Dick Grayson, Donna Troy and Wally West.
THE NEW TEEN TITANS VOLUME SEVEN collects issues #42-48 of the classic title as well as the ANNUAL #3, and features the “The Judas Contract”!
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1984
About the author
Marv Wolfman
2,299 books309 followersMarvin A. "Marv" Wolfman is an award-winning American comic book writer. He is best known for lengthy runs on The Tomb of Dracula, creating Blade for Marvel Comics, and The New Teen Titans for DC Comics.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 21, 2019
We're up to one of the Titans classic storylines, The Judas Contract. It still holds up. So much happens over this storyline. We get Deathstroke's origin along with the introduction of longtime Titan, Jericho. Jericho is a great looking character with cool powers. He's a mute who can jump into other people's bodies. There's not many characters that can pull off those muttonchops. Dick finally grows into Nightwing. The team is betrayed. The latter half of the book features the return of Aqualad and Aquagirl. Garth has always been one of my favorite Titans. That probably has to do with my love of Aquaman. The overarching story with H.I.V.E. comes to a finale as well. It's a bit anticlimactic as we never got a real answer about their goals or motivations. Their leader is very strange and laissez faire as well. The last issue is a strange non-crossover with DNAgents.
July 29, 2018
At long last we've arrived at The Judas Contract (#42-44 + A#3), probably the most renowned storyline in all of Wolfman's Titans. Remarkably, it still stands up. Terra's inevitable betrayal remains heartbreaking, for the real relationships that she seemed to form with the Titans, but this story is also great for the fact that it's truly Dick's coming of age story, as he takes up the mantle of Nightwing and truly becomes in own man. Add on to all of that some of the best backstory ever on Deathstroke (and his family), and it's obvious this is Wolfman firing on all cylinders, producing one of his masterpieces.
Of course HIVE has always been at the heart of the Titans' Deathstroke problem, so it's nice that the other major arc in this book is a final battle with HIVE (#45-47). It makes this a particularly coherent volume, and also show Wolfman's increasing desire to tell longer narratives. Mind you, the narrative itself doesn't come close to measuring up to The Judas Contract. Wolfman tries to give HIVE an overarching motive and tries to give them a nice finale, but the motive is weak and wavery and the finale is sudden.
Of course the HIVE book also brings back Aqualad (and Aquagirl). It's terrific that Wolfman's Titans continues to namecheck its Silver Age predecessors. They're also both used quite well in this volume.
And, of course, we get great subplots throughout. For example, even when the HIVE plot isn't upholding Judas' standards, we still get great stories about Raven (problems with his power!), Gar (problems with Terra!), and Donna (an upcoming wedding! though her relationship with Terry has NOT aged very well and looks a lot skeevier now than it did in the early '80s).
The fly in this soup is the Recombantants issue (#48), which is the definition of a throwaway. This was a non-crossover with the DNAgents #14, from small-press Eclipse. Absent that context the majority of the issue is a dull set of fights. It doesn't speak well to what's going to happen to the Titans when George Perez leaves. But, the fact that all of the subplots got jammed into the last six pages (which Perez did work on) may be part of the problem with this issue's pacing.
Still, you have to judge this volume mainly on the Judas Contract, and it's one of the Titans' best.
Of course HIVE has always been at the heart of the Titans' Deathstroke problem, so it's nice that the other major arc in this book is a final battle with HIVE (#45-47). It makes this a particularly coherent volume, and also show Wolfman's increasing desire to tell longer narratives. Mind you, the narrative itself doesn't come close to measuring up to The Judas Contract. Wolfman tries to give HIVE an overarching motive and tries to give them a nice finale, but the motive is weak and wavery and the finale is sudden.
Of course the HIVE book also brings back Aqualad (and Aquagirl). It's terrific that Wolfman's Titans continues to namecheck its Silver Age predecessors. They're also both used quite well in this volume.
And, of course, we get great subplots throughout. For example, even when the HIVE plot isn't upholding Judas' standards, we still get great stories about Raven (problems with his power!), Gar (problems with Terra!), and Donna (an upcoming wedding! though her relationship with Terry has NOT aged very well and looks a lot skeevier now than it did in the early '80s).
The fly in this soup is the Recombantants issue (#48), which is the definition of a throwaway. This was a non-crossover with the DNAgents #14, from small-press Eclipse. Absent that context the majority of the issue is a dull set of fights. It doesn't speak well to what's going to happen to the Titans when George Perez leaves. But, the fact that all of the subplots got jammed into the last six pages (which Perez did work on) may be part of the problem with this issue's pacing.
Still, you have to judge this volume mainly on the Judas Contract, and it's one of the Titans' best.
January 15, 2020
In “The New Teen Titans, Volume 7”: the now-famous “Judas Contract” storyline comes to its shocking conclusion; Aqualad and Aquagirl have been poisoned!; The Changeling is not dealing well with the death of Terra; Cyborg’s grandparents show up and he treats them badly; Dick and Terry spend their time at the bachelor party talking about how lucky they are; Raven is afraid to talk to boys, except for Joseph, but it could be because he’s a mute; the H.I.V.E. is trying to attack Atlantis, led by some villainess with white hair; the Titans face an existential quandary when battling other super-teens who have been born and bred in a lab.
Marv Wolfman and George Perez hit a home-run with the “Judas Contract”. Things just aren’t the same for the Titans, and they never will be. It’s interesting to see the development and evolution of some of these characters. I’ll be honest, though: Raven is getting a bit old with her angsty teen “Woe is me” shit, even if she does have a pretty good reason to be angsty. (Her father is the devil.)
Marv Wolfman and George Perez hit a home-run with the “Judas Contract”. Things just aren’t the same for the Titans, and they never will be. It’s interesting to see the development and evolution of some of these characters. I’ll be honest, though: Raven is getting a bit old with her angsty teen “Woe is me” shit, even if she does have a pretty good reason to be angsty. (Her father is the devil.)
May 11, 2018
This was a good one, with some devastating losses and betrayals, as well as turning Dick from being on the sidelines without a super identy into Nightwing. Reading the notes from Wolfman and Perez, that is also what pushed Jason into becoming Robin. A very influential arc all around.
It was also interesting to see the aftermath of Tara's betrayal, how everyone pretty much forgave her.
Jericho is a great addition, with his unique power and his relationship with Raven, wherever that goes in the future. I like the fact that he does not have thought bubbles either, so everything has to be done by his face and body language.
I am starting to feel like some of the characters friendships are rather forced, as there have been several places in alot of the books where it seams like if they were really friends they would have reacted differently.
Overall, a good comic.
It was also interesting to see the aftermath of Tara's betrayal, how everyone pretty much forgave her.
Jericho is a great addition, with his unique power and his relationship with Raven, wherever that goes in the future. I like the fact that he does not have thought bubbles either, so everything has to be done by his face and body language.
I am starting to feel like some of the characters friendships are rather forced, as there have been several places in alot of the books where it seams like if they were really friends they would have reacted differently.
Overall, a good comic.
November 18, 2025
Slade Wilson: Certified Creep
December 27, 2024
Hands down my favorite volume! It was so well done. We get Slade Wilson’s backstory, Terra’s true colors show, and the Titans are badly caught off guard. It was a well constructed story. The only thing that annoyed me was the heroes service given at the end; it was not deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2017
The New Teen Titans Volume 7 brings the reprint project to the story long-time fans have been waiting for.
“The Judas Contract” brought together threads reaching back to the earliest days of the series. Deathstroke, using information from his spy on the team, finally succeeded in capturing most of the Titans and then handed them over to the mysterious H.I.V.E. Only Dick Grayson, the former Robin, escaped his would-be captor. Dick pieced together how Deathstroke overcame his friends, then garnered some crucial insights into the villain from someone close to him. Dick stepped into his new heroic identity, Nightwing, acquired a new ally in Jericho, a mute young hero with ties to Deathstroke, and rode off to the rescue. The saga of Terra came to a devastating conclusion, leaving the team badly shaken. While they were still reeling, old friends Aqualad and Aquagirl turned up, having barely survived another attack from H.I.V.E. that precipitated a final conflict, with the fate of Atlantis itself hanging in the balance.
“The Judas Contract” is the fondly remembered high point of the original Marv Wolfman/George Pérez New Teen Titans run, and for good reason. It was an intricately plotted, character-driven story that paid off almost four years of storytelling while pushing the cast through some devastating moments of loss and betrayal. More than anything, it stands as a strong example of the canny mix of superhero action and young adult soap opera that the Wolfman/Pérez team assayed so confidently.
Deathstroke had always come across as more than a typical villain and the exploration of his past and motivations here helped shape him into the DCU cornerstone character he’d become. This stretch was a great spotlight for Dick Grayson, showing how far the character had come from his “kid sidekick” days, as Dick emerged into an adult hero with a distinctive persona; three decades later and Nightwing has endured as his primary heroic identity. Jericho proved to be a valuable, fascinating addition to the cast, while the story gave strong moments to Changeling, Raven, Terra and Cyborg. Even the fill-in story that completes this collection was higher quality than the typical inventory issue (with the great Steve Rude contributing guest pencils).
Pérez, working with ace inkers Dick Giordano and Mike DeCarlo and vital colorist Adrienne Roy, produced some of his strongest work during this stretch. He showed off his strength in using the traditional grid approach to page construction in dynamic ways that maximized dramatic impact and enhanced the flow of the action. When Pérez and company were given the chance to go big, they didn’t disappoint, constructing lavish splash pages and big ticket action sequences with aplomb. On the design side, Pérez’s Nightwing was an instant classic, borrowing elements of the traditional Batman color scheme to help usher his one-time junior partner into full-fledged adult hero status with costume elements whose influence is seen even in the character’s modern look. As for Jericho… the color scheme for the character made for an effective contrast with the mix of the cast at the time, but the look itself is one that hasn’t aged well. Pérez had better luck coming up with creative visual ways to portray Jericho’s unique power set.
Volume 7 isn’t really a jumping on point, as the power of the story is enhanced by having read the stories that preceded it. For fans who have absorbed the entire Wolfman/ Pérez New Teen Titans saga up to this point, however, it’s a powerful payoff.
“The Judas Contract” brought together threads reaching back to the earliest days of the series. Deathstroke, using information from his spy on the team, finally succeeded in capturing most of the Titans and then handed them over to the mysterious H.I.V.E. Only Dick Grayson, the former Robin, escaped his would-be captor. Dick pieced together how Deathstroke overcame his friends, then garnered some crucial insights into the villain from someone close to him. Dick stepped into his new heroic identity, Nightwing, acquired a new ally in Jericho, a mute young hero with ties to Deathstroke, and rode off to the rescue. The saga of Terra came to a devastating conclusion, leaving the team badly shaken. While they were still reeling, old friends Aqualad and Aquagirl turned up, having barely survived another attack from H.I.V.E. that precipitated a final conflict, with the fate of Atlantis itself hanging in the balance.
“The Judas Contract” is the fondly remembered high point of the original Marv Wolfman/George Pérez New Teen Titans run, and for good reason. It was an intricately plotted, character-driven story that paid off almost four years of storytelling while pushing the cast through some devastating moments of loss and betrayal. More than anything, it stands as a strong example of the canny mix of superhero action and young adult soap opera that the Wolfman/Pérez team assayed so confidently.
Deathstroke had always come across as more than a typical villain and the exploration of his past and motivations here helped shape him into the DCU cornerstone character he’d become. This stretch was a great spotlight for Dick Grayson, showing how far the character had come from his “kid sidekick” days, as Dick emerged into an adult hero with a distinctive persona; three decades later and Nightwing has endured as his primary heroic identity. Jericho proved to be a valuable, fascinating addition to the cast, while the story gave strong moments to Changeling, Raven, Terra and Cyborg. Even the fill-in story that completes this collection was higher quality than the typical inventory issue (with the great Steve Rude contributing guest pencils).
Pérez, working with ace inkers Dick Giordano and Mike DeCarlo and vital colorist Adrienne Roy, produced some of his strongest work during this stretch. He showed off his strength in using the traditional grid approach to page construction in dynamic ways that maximized dramatic impact and enhanced the flow of the action. When Pérez and company were given the chance to go big, they didn’t disappoint, constructing lavish splash pages and big ticket action sequences with aplomb. On the design side, Pérez’s Nightwing was an instant classic, borrowing elements of the traditional Batman color scheme to help usher his one-time junior partner into full-fledged adult hero status with costume elements whose influence is seen even in the character’s modern look. As for Jericho… the color scheme for the character made for an effective contrast with the mix of the cast at the time, but the look itself is one that hasn’t aged well. Pérez had better luck coming up with creative visual ways to portray Jericho’s unique power set.
Volume 7 isn’t really a jumping on point, as the power of the story is enhanced by having read the stories that preceded it. For fans who have absorbed the entire Wolfman/ Pérez New Teen Titans saga up to this point, however, it’s a powerful payoff.
January 8, 2019
The day has arrived. A phrase that could mean anything, it provokes anticipation and excitement. It can be either good or bad. But in this case, it is bad, well bad for the heroes of this story. It is good for the readers as the epic adventure of the Teen Titans comes to fold in an adventure that will define it for years. That adventure? Teen Titans: The Judas Contract.
New Teen Titans stories continue into its seventh volume. This collection brings the seven-member team of young teenaged superheroes together, but it begins already fractured as two heroes have left, one retires the other attempting to grasp a new identity. While a new member appears to never have been one of them at all... whose phony friendship hides treachery that will be revealed.
Robin and Kid Flash leave the Teen Titans and move on. Robin aka Dick Grayson is tired of being seen as simply the sidekick of Batman and decides to abandon the costume of Robin. He still wants to fight on as a superhero but he needs a new name and look. Kid Flash aka Wally West wants to retire period. His powers are fluctuating and with all the deception that he has gone through and the anguish of having missed out on his life his decision hurts but it makes for a compelling read. While these two signal the end of an era, another seems to be on the horizon as Terra aka Tara Markov is accepted as a member of the Teen Titans. Together these six have come together on adventures that have seen the destruction of Brother Blood and now seems to bring this family of heroes together for good.
But that is simply not so. As Deathstroke the Terminator's plan to destroy the Teen Titans comes to this epic conclusion. Having pursued them since his son Ravager underwent a procedure that gave him the same powers as his idol, unaware that this man was actually his father that abandoned his family. Ravager was granted this power by the HIVE terrorist cult that wanted to destroy any threat to its power and that threat was the Teen Titans. While strong and powerful because of the procedure, it wasn't properly tested and Ravager died in his father's arms, failing HIVE in the process.
Blinded by the death of his son, Deathstroke took his son's contract to make up for being a terrible father. But he wouldn't do it alone. He would do it with the assistance of a violent, twisted sociopath - a young girl named Tara Markov. Known as the metahuman Terra, this girl pretended to be the extorted victim of a terrorist group in an earlier collection. But it is becoming clear, that this girl is hiding things or telling things that conflict with other facts. In the end, Deathstroke sees her as a means to an end, while Terra is only too happy to do such evil.
Deathstroke strikes with information gained from Terra striking down every single member of the Teen Titans in a series of traps that ensnare all but one, Dick Grayson himself. Nevertheless, all hope seems lost as Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven and Wonder Girl are captured as Dick Grayson has no idea how to save his friends.
But helps arrives in the unlikeliest of people - Adeline Kane, the ex-wife of Slade Wilson, the man known to the Teen Titans as Deathstroke the Terminator. From here, the reader gets a great look into the origin story of Deathstroke. Truly this is the best part of the story as you get to learn a great deal in who is basically one of the best antagonists ever written in DC Comics. He will fight the Teen Titans for years but he is the bane of several DC superheroes, from Dick Grayson's mentor Batman to various other heroes as well. To read about his beginnings, one cannot simply just label Deathstroke a villain, he's an incredibly complex individual that makes for a great read.
His story is remarkable and yet tragic. He was a brave soldier but an experiment that was meant to save his life turned him into something much more ferocious than an ordinary man should become. The procedure that amplified and killed his son didn't kill him but made him more of what he already was. As a good man becomes great, a bad man becomes evil. Slade couldn't stop fighting even after his military service was done, a warrior through and through, he became the world's most wanted mercenary. Adeline rightly left this man as she took her sons and spent years trying to put a stop to her husband. Sons because it wasn't just Ravager aka Grant Wilson but another son, Joseph. The procedure that changed Slade somehow changed Joseph's DNA too. While Grant would die, Joseph after being placed in danger no thanks to his father would end up being afflicted with powerful telekinetic abilities. These abilities would turn Joseph into a metahuman called Jericho.
With the truth finally revealed to Dick, he decides to trust Adeline and her son as they unite to stop Deathstroke, Terra, and HIVE from killing his friends as he decides to suit up into a brand new hero. Taking the name of a mythical hero from the stories of his mentor Batman's friend Superman, Dick Grayson is no longer Robin the Boy Wonder but Nightwing.
Together Nightwing and Jericho take the fight to HIVE's hideout in a climactic battle that ends up saving the Teen Titans but at a terrible loss. People die, and hearts are torn in rage and sadness. Making this one of the best stories ever written in the DC Comics Universe. Unfortunately, while there is still plenty of good things to say about this story, it does have several gaping faults.
I criticize the author on several counts. Basically it is his viewpoint on the characters, I've read or watched some of his interviews gushing on how he hated somethings about growing up and his viewpoints on his heroes. He apparently has no problem in depicting statutory sexual relationships and YES I refer to Deathstroke with Terra and Terry Long with Wonder Girl. He seems to love Deathstroke, his appearance as a bearded old man is not too dissimilar from how he looks. He apparently must have a hateful view on childhood as he depicts Terra with such twisted sociopathic tendencies. I would have no problem with this if only he properly explains as to why Terra is so twisted. Sixteen and insane? Hate without reason, without cause, she hates with relish and glee? Reasons don't exist? I cannot believe this. The author was more than willing to give a backstory for Deathstroke but not for Terra? Like I said, a gaping fault.
The story probably should have ended with the destruction of HIVE headquarters and its brief aftermath but this is an anthology collection so the story continues with the Teen Titans getting retribution from Terra's betrayal by destroying the HIVE organization once and for all. Involving an old friend from the original Teen Titans the story ends in triumph but with still plenty of tragedy.
Phenomenal story but flawed. Could have been stronger. C+
New Teen Titans stories continue into its seventh volume. This collection brings the seven-member team of young teenaged superheroes together, but it begins already fractured as two heroes have left, one retires the other attempting to grasp a new identity. While a new member appears to never have been one of them at all... whose phony friendship hides treachery that will be revealed.
Robin and Kid Flash leave the Teen Titans and move on. Robin aka Dick Grayson is tired of being seen as simply the sidekick of Batman and decides to abandon the costume of Robin. He still wants to fight on as a superhero but he needs a new name and look. Kid Flash aka Wally West wants to retire period. His powers are fluctuating and with all the deception that he has gone through and the anguish of having missed out on his life his decision hurts but it makes for a compelling read. While these two signal the end of an era, another seems to be on the horizon as Terra aka Tara Markov is accepted as a member of the Teen Titans. Together these six have come together on adventures that have seen the destruction of Brother Blood and now seems to bring this family of heroes together for good.
But that is simply not so. As Deathstroke the Terminator's plan to destroy the Teen Titans comes to this epic conclusion. Having pursued them since his son Ravager underwent a procedure that gave him the same powers as his idol, unaware that this man was actually his father that abandoned his family. Ravager was granted this power by the HIVE terrorist cult that wanted to destroy any threat to its power and that threat was the Teen Titans. While strong and powerful because of the procedure, it wasn't properly tested and Ravager died in his father's arms, failing HIVE in the process.
Blinded by the death of his son, Deathstroke took his son's contract to make up for being a terrible father. But he wouldn't do it alone. He would do it with the assistance of a violent, twisted sociopath - a young girl named Tara Markov. Known as the metahuman Terra, this girl pretended to be the extorted victim of a terrorist group in an earlier collection. But it is becoming clear, that this girl is hiding things or telling things that conflict with other facts. In the end, Deathstroke sees her as a means to an end, while Terra is only too happy to do such evil.
Deathstroke strikes with information gained from Terra striking down every single member of the Teen Titans in a series of traps that ensnare all but one, Dick Grayson himself. Nevertheless, all hope seems lost as Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven and Wonder Girl are captured as Dick Grayson has no idea how to save his friends.
But helps arrives in the unlikeliest of people - Adeline Kane, the ex-wife of Slade Wilson, the man known to the Teen Titans as Deathstroke the Terminator. From here, the reader gets a great look into the origin story of Deathstroke. Truly this is the best part of the story as you get to learn a great deal in who is basically one of the best antagonists ever written in DC Comics. He will fight the Teen Titans for years but he is the bane of several DC superheroes, from Dick Grayson's mentor Batman to various other heroes as well. To read about his beginnings, one cannot simply just label Deathstroke a villain, he's an incredibly complex individual that makes for a great read.
His story is remarkable and yet tragic. He was a brave soldier but an experiment that was meant to save his life turned him into something much more ferocious than an ordinary man should become. The procedure that amplified and killed his son didn't kill him but made him more of what he already was. As a good man becomes great, a bad man becomes evil. Slade couldn't stop fighting even after his military service was done, a warrior through and through, he became the world's most wanted mercenary. Adeline rightly left this man as she took her sons and spent years trying to put a stop to her husband. Sons because it wasn't just Ravager aka Grant Wilson but another son, Joseph. The procedure that changed Slade somehow changed Joseph's DNA too. While Grant would die, Joseph after being placed in danger no thanks to his father would end up being afflicted with powerful telekinetic abilities. These abilities would turn Joseph into a metahuman called Jericho.
With the truth finally revealed to Dick, he decides to trust Adeline and her son as they unite to stop Deathstroke, Terra, and HIVE from killing his friends as he decides to suit up into a brand new hero. Taking the name of a mythical hero from the stories of his mentor Batman's friend Superman, Dick Grayson is no longer Robin the Boy Wonder but Nightwing.
Together Nightwing and Jericho take the fight to HIVE's hideout in a climactic battle that ends up saving the Teen Titans but at a terrible loss. People die, and hearts are torn in rage and sadness. Making this one of the best stories ever written in the DC Comics Universe. Unfortunately, while there is still plenty of good things to say about this story, it does have several gaping faults.
I criticize the author on several counts. Basically it is his viewpoint on the characters, I've read or watched some of his interviews gushing on how he hated somethings about growing up and his viewpoints on his heroes. He apparently has no problem in depicting statutory sexual relationships and YES I refer to Deathstroke with Terra and Terry Long with Wonder Girl. He seems to love Deathstroke, his appearance as a bearded old man is not too dissimilar from how he looks. He apparently must have a hateful view on childhood as he depicts Terra with such twisted sociopathic tendencies. I would have no problem with this if only he properly explains as to why Terra is so twisted. Sixteen and insane? Hate without reason, without cause, she hates with relish and glee? Reasons don't exist? I cannot believe this. The author was more than willing to give a backstory for Deathstroke but not for Terra? Like I said, a gaping fault.
The story probably should have ended with the destruction of HIVE headquarters and its brief aftermath but this is an anthology collection so the story continues with the Teen Titans getting retribution from Terra's betrayal by destroying the HIVE organization once and for all. Involving an old friend from the original Teen Titans the story ends in triumph but with still plenty of tragedy.
Phenomenal story but flawed. Could have been stronger. C+
February 17, 2021
Solid superheroic storytelling from D.C.'s teen team. "The New Teen Titans" Vol. 7 is well constructed, but it feels a bit dated today. Honestly it felt square when it was published too (especially compared to my all-time favorite, Chris Claremont's X-men run).
The cast is well balanced, encompassing everything from Batman's all-American former sidekick to a tormented magic-using demon-spawn. That first character, Dick Grayson, is probably the highlight here, as he sheds his Boy Wonder role to mature on the page and show what makes him unique, even without powers.
The other Titans aren't at their best, though. Beast Boy comes off like a predatory creep while Cyborg picks up a pair of sassy carnie grandparents. Starfire maintains her status quo, and Raven adds some interest by continuing to fall apart.
The villains aren't great. "The Judas Contract" has a famous betrayal, but there's no nuance to it. Deathstroke is a classic villain, but his "world's best killer/noble assassin" schtick was done better in Daredevil and Wolverine comics of the era. Throw in the incoherent plotting of the secret organization scheming against the Titans, and it's a bit of a mess.
George Perez is a revered artist, but his work always feels a little stiff to me, like action figures frozen mid pose. His work is always crisp and clean, though, covering everything from ice-skating New York City scenes to underwater action in Atlantis.
Despite these quibbles, the storytelling is generally fun. Still, reading it reminds me why I always preferred to "make mine Marvel."
The cast is well balanced, encompassing everything from Batman's all-American former sidekick to a tormented magic-using demon-spawn. That first character, Dick Grayson, is probably the highlight here, as he sheds his Boy Wonder role to mature on the page and show what makes him unique, even without powers.
The other Titans aren't at their best, though. Beast Boy comes off like a predatory creep while Cyborg picks up a pair of sassy carnie grandparents. Starfire maintains her status quo, and Raven adds some interest by continuing to fall apart.
The villains aren't great. "The Judas Contract" has a famous betrayal, but there's no nuance to it. Deathstroke is a classic villain, but his "world's best killer/noble assassin" schtick was done better in Daredevil and Wolverine comics of the era. Throw in the incoherent plotting of the secret organization scheming against the Titans, and it's a bit of a mess.
George Perez is a revered artist, but his work always feels a little stiff to me, like action figures frozen mid pose. His work is always crisp and clean, though, covering everything from ice-skating New York City scenes to underwater action in Atlantis.
Despite these quibbles, the storytelling is generally fun. Still, reading it reminds me why I always preferred to "make mine Marvel."
December 18, 2018
Volume 7 of the trade paper collection of DC's The New Teen Titans collects one of the most important storylines in the title's history.
The four part story "The Judas Contract" finds the members betrayed by one of their own as they are hunted down and captured by Deathstroke the Terminator as he fulfills the contract his son died before completing.
Turning the Titans over to H.I.V.E., the traitor is revealed to the other members who struggle to believe it is true. But disbelief turns to resolve and in the ensuing battle for their lives, tragedy strikes that will affect everyone going forth.
After the battle is settled, time is taken to recover before a "final" battle vs. the H.I.V.E. is undertaken.
Along the way, we learn more about the origin of Deathstroke and we get introduced to a potential new member of the team. Smaller subplots include Cyborg's relationship with his grandparents, Changeling's difficulties dealing with the betrayal he suffered and the debut of Nightwing.
I'd never read this particular storyline before I did enjoy it, despite the somewhat hyper overreaction by one character, leading to their death. Still, the storyline (despite Deathstroke's physical involvement with one character being pretty much swept under the rug) was pretty tightly plotted and was continually entertaining.
The final story in the collection is a done in one tale that illustrates the depths to which science, unchecked, can go to. It's an okay tale with a great moral and surprising ending.
This volume was, as a whole, vastly entertaining. It shows just how sympatico Marv Wolfman's stories and George Perez's art were at this time. And it helps keep me coming back to read The New Teen Titans with each successive volume that is published by DC.
The four part story "The Judas Contract" finds the members betrayed by one of their own as they are hunted down and captured by Deathstroke the Terminator as he fulfills the contract his son died before completing.
Turning the Titans over to H.I.V.E., the traitor is revealed to the other members who struggle to believe it is true. But disbelief turns to resolve and in the ensuing battle for their lives, tragedy strikes that will affect everyone going forth.
After the battle is settled, time is taken to recover before a "final" battle vs. the H.I.V.E. is undertaken.
Along the way, we learn more about the origin of Deathstroke and we get introduced to a potential new member of the team. Smaller subplots include Cyborg's relationship with his grandparents, Changeling's difficulties dealing with the betrayal he suffered and the debut of Nightwing.
I'd never read this particular storyline before I did enjoy it, despite the somewhat hyper overreaction by one character, leading to their death. Still, the storyline (despite Deathstroke's physical involvement with one character being pretty much swept under the rug) was pretty tightly plotted and was continually entertaining.
The final story in the collection is a done in one tale that illustrates the depths to which science, unchecked, can go to. It's an okay tale with a great moral and surprising ending.
This volume was, as a whole, vastly entertaining. It shows just how sympatico Marv Wolfman's stories and George Perez's art were at this time. And it helps keep me coming back to read The New Teen Titans with each successive volume that is published by DC.
January 28, 2020
This is what everyone thinks of when they think of this run of the Teen Titans. Yes, the Donna Troy arc is amazing and possibly superior in how far outside the standard super hero box it's willing to go, and the Raven arc is the long term spine of the book, but it's the Judas Contract everyone remembers.
And with good reason. It's one of the three great climaxes of the book and the one that is most transgressive from a 1984 comics viewpoint.
And with good reason. It's one of the three great climaxes of the book and the one that is most transgressive from a 1984 comics viewpoint.
July 4, 2022
On this one, the Judas Contract kicks in and we have one of the most important storylines on super heroes history.
It's a rereading for me, but it's still very good. Through previous volume, we already know what Tara and Slade were up to, so, thinking right now, i believe that if Wolfman had holded the secret of who the traitor was to be revealed in the end, probably would get even more great. Although, people would easily find out who was.
It's a rereading for me, but it's still very good. Through previous volume, we already know what Tara and Slade were up to, so, thinking right now, i believe that if Wolfman had holded the secret of who the traitor was to be revealed in the end, probably would get even more great. Although, people would easily find out who was.
December 27, 2025
Loved the stuff about Robin becoming Nightwin, and Jericho's introduction, but the rest is really forgettable. I didn't care about HIVE nor Deathstroke nor Terra.
Terra's introduction actually marked the point where the story went downhill, for me. She's so uninteresting and boring. A villain who is just a villain for the sake of it, without a reason, is BORING.
Terra's introduction actually marked the point where the story went downhill, for me. She's so uninteresting and boring. A villain who is just a villain for the sake of it, without a reason, is BORING.
September 9, 2017
I finally got to read the Judas Contract and it was awesome! (And yes, it has the part in the annual too)
November 7, 2017
Wow I forgot how powerful the Judas Contract was and it's introduction of Nightwing. Stellar writing and artwork.
October 23, 2022
O CONTRATO DE JUDAS É MARAVILHOSO
mas depois disso o volume decai bastante, começa a ficar bem chatinho, vamo ver o próximo volume
mas depois disso o volume decai bastante, começa a ficar bem chatinho, vamo ver o próximo volume
September 12, 2022
This one’s for the hall of fame. Every story was pure art. Jericho is a LEGEND. I can’t believe I’m almost done with the entire story :(
August 21, 2024
Starfire should have starbolted Slade's penis off.
I was so excited for this, with the build up from the previous volume, the debut ofDisco-Wing Dickwing Nightwing! My favorite superhero ❤️😭 An average rating 4.30 I expected sooo much...
And then the conclusion of The Judas Contract came... (the conclusion was worse than Fishman Island iykyk)
So in the previous volumes I didn't feel like the Slade/Terra relationship was being portrayed as an okay thing, Slade is an evil villain and a sicko... I saw it as a portrayal of how sexual abuse really messes a person (Terra) up.
I hate how Wolfman has made me dread appearances of Wally... Wally's entire personality revolves around Raven it is exhausting.
The chapter with Nightwing's debut was nice 5 stars really but the pedo stuff ew.
I was so excited for this, with the build up from the previous volume, the debut of
And then the conclusion of The Judas Contract came... (the conclusion was worse than Fishman Island iykyk)
So in the previous volumes I didn't feel like the Slade/Terra relationship was being portrayed as an okay thing, Slade is an evil villain and a sicko... I saw it as a portrayal of how sexual abuse really messes a person (Terra) up.
I hate how Wolfman has made me dread appearances of Wally... Wally's entire personality revolves around Raven it is exhausting.
The chapter with Nightwing's debut was nice 5 stars really but the pedo stuff ew.
December 2, 2017
The Judas Contract is still one of the best stories told at DC pre COIE. Wolfman's dialog is cringeworthy at times but the powerful retelling of the classic traitor-in-our-midst story is still satisfying. Although not the first appearance of Deathstroke, we get some background on his deal and have the intro of his son Jericho as a Titan.
January 28, 2025
this comic introduces a fun new character (jericho!) but shows the tragedy of how tara markov was written. her character is crippled in this by misogyny.
all in all, it is a collection of an iconic storyline that sometimes feels painfully 80s
all in all, it is a collection of an iconic storyline that sometimes feels painfully 80s
March 31, 2022
The classic storyline "The Judas Contract" still holds up, even after all this time. The betrayal of Tara Markov leaves a deep mark on the Titans which is felt for ages to come. This book is all about changing the status quo, and it does so with gusto. The first death of a Titan, Dick leaving Robin behind to become Nightwing, and the alleged end of overarching villain the H.I.V.E all occur within this one volume.
Really loved the character work on Slade Wilson. His cynical, but badass 1920's Hepburn-esque ex-wife, and (suspected) gay love affair with Wintergreen fleshed him out, and watching how easily he goes from (super grossly) manipulating Tara (Propositioning a child is wrong, Slade. C'mon bro. Do better) to risking his life to save Joseph second later paints a morally complicated picture which I'm all here for.
Speaking of which-- Joseph. I love him. He is a smol, sweet boy who needs to be protected. I love everything about him. His big, compassionate heart. How tactile he is with touching others and placing himself, in a non-threatening way- in their space. His desire to do good. His ridiculously tacky outfit. Joe is my new child, and I want the best for him.
Also, three pages with Raven made me 100% more into their dynamic then literally six volumes of interactions between her and Wally. Just saying.
Raven's difficulty containing Trigon is getting to catastrophic levels, and she gets a really terrifying "Dark Phoenix"-y moment toward the end of the volume that legit gave me some chills. There's a wonderfully animated page of Raven letting loose on some H.I.V.E goons. Her text font changes and everything. It was grade-A stuff. Later she also gets a scene with Joseph that made me legit sad for her. I love how melodramatic my queen is, and her character arc has been progressing at a perfect pace.
Dick becoming Nightwing and exploring his new identity is great. He functions the same as Robin, but there's a new sense of individuality to him-- even if he's doing it wearing a really outdated disco suit. I do appreciate the focus he gets, especially during the Judas Contract, because it shows all the reasons Dick is the leader of the Titans.
I have nothing but good things to say about Donna, and nothing but unhappy things to say about her relationship with Terry Long. At this point I'm not sure this relationship can be salvaged in my mind. What's really sad is that Terry gets a genuinely nice moment at his bachelor party, specifically with his interaction with Dick, that makes him likable and fun. But then his next scene is with four hot co-eds basically offering to sleep with him before he gets married and I'm reminded that one.) he has a history of banging his students and two.) for how much I adore Wolfman, Terry is one of the most obvious writer inserts I've ever read outside of 'x Reader' fanfic. Even with making Terry slightly more likable, his complete lack of chemistry with Donna kills anything but the most middling interest in their upcoming nuptials.
Donna's scene with Diana and Hippolyta was A++ though.
Vic is still one of my favorites. Previous attempts to explore his Blackness have been... troubled... but I thought his conversation with his grandmother was more deftly handled. I am saying this as a white dude, so I could be off the mark, but at the very least it didn't have the tone deafness of previous attempts to explore Vic's Blackness. I think a surface level gloss of Vic's racial identity is really the most this author should do. Anything deeper needs to be handled by a writer of color who has a more complete understanding of what being Black in America means.
Gar's been through a lot since the series started, but I feel like the events with Tara are the biggest shake-up he's had to whether and even though he can be annoying as fuck sometimes, it really hurts to see him so subdued and clearly having issues coping. I wish a little more time went between Tara's funeral and his fight with Vic, to really establish the feeling of isolation he was going through, but I still liked what we got. It'll be interesting to see how this affects Gar going forward, because, honestly, his life is pretty damned tragic.
Everyone else is great, though not standout, but I'm always happy to see Frances Kane pop back up. I'm a fan of her. Overall, this was a great read and this series has really come into its own as time has gone on. It's easy to see how this could rival the excellence of rival company's X-Men at the time. And that's coming from a big X-Fan.
Really loved the character work on Slade Wilson. His cynical, but badass 1920's Hepburn-esque ex-wife, and (suspected) gay love affair with Wintergreen fleshed him out, and watching how easily he goes from (super grossly) manipulating Tara (Propositioning a child is wrong, Slade. C'mon bro. Do better) to risking his life to save Joseph second later paints a morally complicated picture which I'm all here for.
Speaking of which-- Joseph. I love him. He is a smol, sweet boy who needs to be protected. I love everything about him. His big, compassionate heart. How tactile he is with touching others and placing himself, in a non-threatening way- in their space. His desire to do good. His ridiculously tacky outfit. Joe is my new child, and I want the best for him.
Also, three pages with Raven made me 100% more into their dynamic then literally six volumes of interactions between her and Wally. Just saying.
Raven's difficulty containing Trigon is getting to catastrophic levels, and she gets a really terrifying "Dark Phoenix"-y moment toward the end of the volume that legit gave me some chills. There's a wonderfully animated page of Raven letting loose on some H.I.V.E goons. Her text font changes and everything. It was grade-A stuff. Later she also gets a scene with Joseph that made me legit sad for her. I love how melodramatic my queen is, and her character arc has been progressing at a perfect pace.
Dick becoming Nightwing and exploring his new identity is great. He functions the same as Robin, but there's a new sense of individuality to him-- even if he's doing it wearing a really outdated disco suit. I do appreciate the focus he gets, especially during the Judas Contract, because it shows all the reasons Dick is the leader of the Titans.
I have nothing but good things to say about Donna, and nothing but unhappy things to say about her relationship with Terry Long. At this point I'm not sure this relationship can be salvaged in my mind. What's really sad is that Terry gets a genuinely nice moment at his bachelor party, specifically with his interaction with Dick, that makes him likable and fun. But then his next scene is with four hot co-eds basically offering to sleep with him before he gets married and I'm reminded that one.) he has a history of banging his students and two.) for how much I adore Wolfman, Terry is one of the most obvious writer inserts I've ever read outside of 'x Reader' fanfic. Even with making Terry slightly more likable, his complete lack of chemistry with Donna kills anything but the most middling interest in their upcoming nuptials.
Donna's scene with Diana and Hippolyta was A++ though.
Vic is still one of my favorites. Previous attempts to explore his Blackness have been... troubled... but I thought his conversation with his grandmother was more deftly handled. I am saying this as a white dude, so I could be off the mark, but at the very least it didn't have the tone deafness of previous attempts to explore Vic's Blackness. I think a surface level gloss of Vic's racial identity is really the most this author should do. Anything deeper needs to be handled by a writer of color who has a more complete understanding of what being Black in America means.
Gar's been through a lot since the series started, but I feel like the events with Tara are the biggest shake-up he's had to whether and even though he can be annoying as fuck sometimes, it really hurts to see him so subdued and clearly having issues coping. I wish a little more time went between Tara's funeral and his fight with Vic, to really establish the feeling of isolation he was going through, but I still liked what we got. It'll be interesting to see how this affects Gar going forward, because, honestly, his life is pretty damned tragic.
Everyone else is great, though not standout, but I'm always happy to see Frances Kane pop back up. I'm a fan of her. Overall, this was a great read and this series has really come into its own as time has gone on. It's easy to see how this could rival the excellence of rival company's X-Men at the time. And that's coming from a big X-Fan.
April 1, 2024
I’ve spent a lot of time wanting to read this storyline and it did not disappoint. For the entirety of the Judas Contract storyline it was non stop action and story beats that kept me interested. This was the culmination of over 40 issues of titans. Which makes sense as to why it’s been so hard to see adapted elsewhere. The characters involved here such as Slade and HIVE have been gunning for the titans since issue 2.
So seeing in book 2 where the titans were so easily taken out with Dick being the last to remain was so terrifying. This storyline and the aftermath was exactly what I wanted it to be. The titans completely vulnerable. They opened themselves up to Tara and were struck down and put in dispowered state on the brink of annihilation. And even more sick was the manipulation that Tara was put through from Slade. It’s obvious that she was not in a good place before she met him, but him seeing that and using it was disgusting. Which ultimately lead to the defeat of Slade and the death of Tara. Tara was filled with so much anger that when she finally let all of it loose it brought the entire world down around her.
Now on a lighter note, it was great seeing Dick transform into nightwing and the introduction of Jericho. One of the funniest moments was in issue 44 when they are going over the entire Slade backstory and then they say they know where the titans are and Dick goes:
“you know? My god - - you wasted all that time and you knew all along?”
It’s like come on, we got to get going!!
But it’s very obvious from Ravens impression of Jericho, and from the way he acts towards others that he is a very kind soul. Which a lot of that does come from his experiences in life, but it also comes from his ability to actually take over people and become them. Talk about talking in someone else’s shoes. But the thing that worries me the most is if the team will be able to accept him. Not only did they just go through all of this turmoil because of a new member they let into the team, but Jericho just so happens to be Slade’s son, a major reason for their pain. I do hope to see more of him in the future.
Speaking of pain, what’s all this business about just not telling Wally anything. This dude has to come to the tower to see what’s going up because no one can shoot him an email. He has super speed if the entirety of the outsiders can come to the funeral he can too.
But that does play into another issue the titans had after this event. And that was actually talking about what happened and how they will be moving forward. They go so far as to not talking about this that they direct all their attention to taking down HIVE because of their envolvente in hiring Slade to go after them. And why did they do it?!? To try and make a name for themselves, to get in the big leagues. And of course the biggest member to get hit by this was Garfield. Although he always has a hard time expressing himself beyond the veil of comedy he did truly like Tara and wanted to get closer with her. And to have another person in his life die, and then have the others around him shun him and basically refuse to talk about it… it’s very disheartening and I hope to see some more discussions about this in the next volume especially with a storyline about the trial of Slade coming up.
Lastly some things I wanted to touch on:
Issue 47: who is Jillian, and why is Garfield and her so close? Is she an actual character from a past comic or just a character to be introduced to help him quickly get over Tara. I hope it won’t because there is some real discussions to be had on that subject.
And a monitor reference at the end? How close was this to crisis on infinite earths?
Issue 48: Love the moment where one of the AI supers uses their power to disguise as Jericho and then starts talking and trying to confuse the others. And Jericho just sits off to the side, smiles, and takes their body over. But I do have to say issue 48 was a bit lack luster. Definitely a story of the week with an interesting premise. It reminds me very much of an episode from the Justice league animated show about the new group of younger heroes who turned out to be robots. I wonder if that’s where the inspiration for that episode came from? But for this issue I felt like they could have gone a lot deeper on what it means to be human and if their lives are worth the same.
So seeing in book 2 where the titans were so easily taken out with Dick being the last to remain was so terrifying. This storyline and the aftermath was exactly what I wanted it to be. The titans completely vulnerable. They opened themselves up to Tara and were struck down and put in dispowered state on the brink of annihilation. And even more sick was the manipulation that Tara was put through from Slade. It’s obvious that she was not in a good place before she met him, but him seeing that and using it was disgusting. Which ultimately lead to the defeat of Slade and the death of Tara. Tara was filled with so much anger that when she finally let all of it loose it brought the entire world down around her.
Now on a lighter note, it was great seeing Dick transform into nightwing and the introduction of Jericho. One of the funniest moments was in issue 44 when they are going over the entire Slade backstory and then they say they know where the titans are and Dick goes:
“you know? My god - - you wasted all that time and you knew all along?”
It’s like come on, we got to get going!!
But it’s very obvious from Ravens impression of Jericho, and from the way he acts towards others that he is a very kind soul. Which a lot of that does come from his experiences in life, but it also comes from his ability to actually take over people and become them. Talk about talking in someone else’s shoes. But the thing that worries me the most is if the team will be able to accept him. Not only did they just go through all of this turmoil because of a new member they let into the team, but Jericho just so happens to be Slade’s son, a major reason for their pain. I do hope to see more of him in the future.
Speaking of pain, what’s all this business about just not telling Wally anything. This dude has to come to the tower to see what’s going up because no one can shoot him an email. He has super speed if the entirety of the outsiders can come to the funeral he can too.
But that does play into another issue the titans had after this event. And that was actually talking about what happened and how they will be moving forward. They go so far as to not talking about this that they direct all their attention to taking down HIVE because of their envolvente in hiring Slade to go after them. And why did they do it?!? To try and make a name for themselves, to get in the big leagues. And of course the biggest member to get hit by this was Garfield. Although he always has a hard time expressing himself beyond the veil of comedy he did truly like Tara and wanted to get closer with her. And to have another person in his life die, and then have the others around him shun him and basically refuse to talk about it… it’s very disheartening and I hope to see some more discussions about this in the next volume especially with a storyline about the trial of Slade coming up.
Lastly some things I wanted to touch on:
Issue 47: who is Jillian, and why is Garfield and her so close? Is she an actual character from a past comic or just a character to be introduced to help him quickly get over Tara. I hope it won’t because there is some real discussions to be had on that subject.
And a monitor reference at the end? How close was this to crisis on infinite earths?
Issue 48: Love the moment where one of the AI supers uses their power to disguise as Jericho and then starts talking and trying to confuse the others. And Jericho just sits off to the side, smiles, and takes their body over. But I do have to say issue 48 was a bit lack luster. Definitely a story of the week with an interesting premise. It reminds me very much of an episode from the Justice league animated show about the new group of younger heroes who turned out to be robots. I wonder if that’s where the inspiration for that episode came from? But for this issue I felt like they could have gone a lot deeper on what it means to be human and if their lives are worth the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
The infamous Judas Contract! Even though I still prefer the Teen Titans (2003) version there are some things I really enjoyed about the original tale:
1) The buildup. Terra was introduced over twenty issues ago and she had to work her way from outsider to trusted Teen Titan. She wasn't a perfect teammate by any means: she was pretty rude and annoying at first, and no one except Garfield really trusted her until the end
2) JERICHO. I love Joseph Wilson. He's such a sweetheart. He is the kindest, purest character in DC (maybe tied with Cass Cain) who's been through hell but still tries to help everyone. I miss when DC didn't feel the need to make him a villain
3) The Recombatants. I was really invested in this team of super experiments and wish they lasted longer than a single issue
4) Slade's backstory. This was actually really well done. I loved Adeline's POV and the Wilson's are a fantastic broken family. My favourite part of Rebirth Deathstroke was also the stories about Slade, Adeline, Grant and Joey. I love how instead of the standard abusive father, docile mother, they made both parents badass and neglectful. I also kind of feel like Slade and Wintergreen were in love, especially when Adeline talks about how Slade was discharged for "caring about a man." This actually adds an interesting facet to Slade's character.
What I had mixed feelings about:
1) How the Titans fell apart after Terra's betrayal. I've always thought of the Titans as this strongly bonded family who always have each other's backs but they really messed this one up. Ignoring Garfield's calls when they know how much he must be hurting is a pretty cruel move, and while I understand they all were hurting they must have known how much harder it was for Gar. And then not telling Wally that A) Terra died and B) she betrayed them? I know they had a lot going on, but Wally was part of the team with Terra and they also bonded. At the very least they could have invited him to the funeral. One of my favourite things about the NTT comics is how flawed the characters are, but I think at this point they're leaning towards "unlikable". I'm hoping they'll come together after this and be more supportive and loving towards one another, maybe at Donna's wedding.
What I didn't like:
1) Terra's motivation behind her betrayal being that she's just... evil. That's it. The animated show did a great job of creating an insecure character who found someone who could "fix her" and fell into his ideologies because of it. I hated Terra for attacking the Titans but I also sympathized with her when she was trying to fit in with them. She also sacrificed herself to save them, which redeemed her a little, whereas Tara Markov just kind of got herself killed.
1) The buildup. Terra was introduced over twenty issues ago and she had to work her way from outsider to trusted Teen Titan. She wasn't a perfect teammate by any means: she was pretty rude and annoying at first, and no one except Garfield really trusted her until the end
2) JERICHO. I love Joseph Wilson. He's such a sweetheart. He is the kindest, purest character in DC (maybe tied with Cass Cain) who's been through hell but still tries to help everyone. I miss when DC didn't feel the need to make him a villain
3) The Recombatants. I was really invested in this team of super experiments and wish they lasted longer than a single issue
4) Slade's backstory. This was actually really well done. I loved Adeline's POV and the Wilson's are a fantastic broken family. My favourite part of Rebirth Deathstroke was also the stories about Slade, Adeline, Grant and Joey. I love how instead of the standard abusive father, docile mother, they made both parents badass and neglectful. I also kind of feel like Slade and Wintergreen were in love, especially when Adeline talks about how Slade was discharged for "caring about a man." This actually adds an interesting facet to Slade's character.
What I had mixed feelings about:
1) How the Titans fell apart after Terra's betrayal. I've always thought of the Titans as this strongly bonded family who always have each other's backs but they really messed this one up. Ignoring Garfield's calls when they know how much he must be hurting is a pretty cruel move, and while I understand they all were hurting they must have known how much harder it was for Gar. And then not telling Wally that A) Terra died and B) she betrayed them? I know they had a lot going on, but Wally was part of the team with Terra and they also bonded. At the very least they could have invited him to the funeral. One of my favourite things about the NTT comics is how flawed the characters are, but I think at this point they're leaning towards "unlikable". I'm hoping they'll come together after this and be more supportive and loving towards one another, maybe at Donna's wedding.
What I didn't like:
1) Terra's motivation behind her betrayal being that she's just... evil. That's it. The animated show did a great job of creating an insecure character who found someone who could "fix her" and fell into his ideologies because of it. I hated Terra for attacking the Titans but I also sympathized with her when she was trying to fit in with them. She also sacrificed herself to save them, which redeemed her a little, whereas Tara Markov just kind of got herself killed.
November 20, 2019
The art certainly got better in this one, especially the last few stories. The colors and shading and framing and overall quality of them were greatly improved since even just the last book.
As for the stories, of course you have the Judas Contract, classic, but very dated. After that, you had a continued fight with HIVE under the sea, which was more confusing as I never knew who the main villain was and they weren't really introduced. You just had to have read some other story where her husband is introduced, so it felt like it was missing something more impactful. Overall, I'm glad they're gone (or at least I hope they are) for good.
The last story I admit wasn't great. It had a good concept, but the story was rushed, especially because they wanted to add those epilogues (which were far better for the progression of character than anything the Recombatants did for the Titans, I think they were going specifically for Cyborg. It just wasn't enough pages to really delve into the topics and so felt pretty lame and forgettable. Still, the art was best in that one, so I'll forgive it.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
As for the stories, of course you have the Judas Contract, classic, but very dated. After that, you had a continued fight with HIVE under the sea, which was more confusing as I never knew who the main villain was and they weren't really introduced. You just had to have read some other story where her husband is introduced, so it felt like it was missing something more impactful. Overall, I'm glad they're gone (or at least I hope they are) for good.
The last story I admit wasn't great. It had a good concept, but the story was rushed, especially because they wanted to add those epilogues (which were far better for the progression of character than anything the Recombatants did for the Titans, I think they were going specifically for Cyborg. It just wasn't enough pages to really delve into the topics and so felt pretty lame and forgettable. Still, the art was best in that one, so I'll forgive it.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
March 8, 2025
This is the next chronological volume in the saga of the revamped 1980's Teen Titan team. Robin may have started out as a sidekick but his personality is really developed here and in these stories he makes a fine nuanced leader for his own group of heroes here. These 80's stories still hold their edge and interest especially if you're seeing them for the first time.
The Judas Contract was a big moment in the original run and reading it again, that punch is still there. I'm not sure if I can say anything more about "The Judas Contract" that others haven't said, and probably said better, but still one of the best stories published. Even if the "traitor in the group" has been done before, and many times since, Wolfman and Perez did it so well and it still holds up to this day! Excellent work by the dream team of Wolfman & Perez.
I read these issues when they first came out. But I haven't reread them until now.. This is definitely “old style” comics. (Thought balloons! Remember those?) I love this stuff. Yes it’s corny and dated, but there’s something here that most modern comics don’t manage to convey. Maybe it’s just nostalgia. Either way, Wolfman and Perez are masters.
The Judas Contract was a big moment in the original run and reading it again, that punch is still there. I'm not sure if I can say anything more about "The Judas Contract" that others haven't said, and probably said better, but still one of the best stories published. Even if the "traitor in the group" has been done before, and many times since, Wolfman and Perez did it so well and it still holds up to this day! Excellent work by the dream team of Wolfman & Perez.
I read these issues when they first came out. But I haven't reread them until now.. This is definitely “old style” comics. (Thought balloons! Remember those?) I love this stuff. Yes it’s corny and dated, but there’s something here that most modern comics don’t manage to convey. Maybe it’s just nostalgia. Either way, Wolfman and Perez are masters.
June 17, 2018
The Judas Contract is easily the most famous story arc in the entire history of Teen Titans. Terra has already been set up for about a year now and has gained the trust of the team only to prove that she’s been secretly working for Slade Wilson. If you’re familiar with the cartoon, you know how this mostly plays out. However, Terra is extremely different in comics. She’s not a misguided teen, she’s an evil, sociopathic, and even borderline sadistic that clearly wanted to kill the Titans, not to mention she was Slade’s lover... at 14... Gross subjects aside, this was a good way to build up a plot and suspense. During the arc, Slade’s son, Jericho joins the team and adds a new power and a new narrative device. More interestingly, is Dick Grayson creating his new alias, Nightwing. Showing how much he progressed as a character. Nothing much else happened here, but man this is very fast paced!
July 1, 2020
This is a book of two stories. One is a classic in the Judas Contract. It is a great story. My sole complaint is that the "Vince Coletta" of the '80's Mike Decarlo inked George Perez art work. It almost always cost some detail when Decarlo inked Perez. Wolfman's story is solid. He does something that Marvel's counterpoint of the same time period had a difficult time doing which was telling a story over a period of time and coming to a conclusion with the that story. The Judas is a good way to end the nearly first fifty issues of the Net Teen Titans series.
Sadly the second story which finishes the storyline for the H.I.V.E is rather lackluster. The leader of the HIVE is a dingy person with a second rate idea to rule the world. It is a pretty lame story to finish off this run and an after thought o the Judas Contract and thus bringing my rating down to a 4. Still all in all a very good read just not a 5 star book.
Sadly the second story which finishes the storyline for the H.I.V.E is rather lackluster. The leader of the HIVE is a dingy person with a second rate idea to rule the world. It is a pretty lame story to finish off this run and an after thought o the Judas Contract and thus bringing my rating down to a 4. Still all in all a very good read just not a 5 star book.
December 13, 2018
The Judas Contract, a story arch contained in this collection, is very likely the most famous story line in the whole Teen Titans run and the subject of a genuinely bad, 2017 DC animated film. The collection vacillates between good and great and even and contains the best artwork from George Perez I've ever seen. A lot of what happens here is the final culmination of an ongoing conflict with Deathstroke the Terminator, a half-ass terrorist group called H.I.V.E. and the Titans that dates back to the series first issues. If anything I wish this collection would be an issue shorter so that the final issue concluded the arch rather than a one off adventure but this is still a fun read and 1980s comics at their near apex.
August 23, 2021
When I was a kid, everyone I grew up with was a big Marvel fan. You were mocked mercilessly if you ever strayed. So I would always sneak the New Teen Titans on the side and when Marv Wolfman was writing, I was almost never disappointed. By volume seven here most of the Titans aren't teens anymore, but don't let that stop your fun.
This volume contains the Judas Contract, my favorite of the old Titan tales, and finally ends the H.I.V.E., a strange organization that seems obsessed with attacking the titular team. We have new heroes, the return of old heroes, and it's all taken with a seriousness not shown very often in modern comics. The art is top notch and, even though I knew the story, I couldn't put the book down. it sucked me back in as much as when it was the first time.
This volume contains the Judas Contract, my favorite of the old Titan tales, and finally ends the H.I.V.E., a strange organization that seems obsessed with attacking the titular team. We have new heroes, the return of old heroes, and it's all taken with a seriousness not shown very often in modern comics. The art is top notch and, even though I knew the story, I couldn't put the book down. it sucked me back in as much as when it was the first time.
November 18, 2025
Collects Tales of the Teen Titans #42-48 (May - November 1984) and Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3 (1984).
The first half of this volume is The Judas Contract storyline which is the best story the New Teen Titans had so far, but which I just finished reading in Omnibus #2. Most of the rest of this collection is the final confrontation with The Hive, which seems rather lame considering they were set-up as the big bad guy against the Titans since the beginning (alongside the pretty silly Brother Blood). Overall an incredibly uneven volume.
Worth it for The Judas Contract (but only if you've read about a year's worth of the stories before this) but the rest can be completely forgotten.
The first half of this volume is The Judas Contract storyline which is the best story the New Teen Titans had so far, but which I just finished reading in Omnibus #2. Most of the rest of this collection is the final confrontation with The Hive, which seems rather lame considering they were set-up as the big bad guy against the Titans since the beginning (alongside the pretty silly Brother Blood). Overall an incredibly uneven volume.
Worth it for The Judas Contract (but only if you've read about a year's worth of the stories before this) but the rest can be completely forgotten.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews