Titans Vol. 1: The Return of Wally West Review
Executive Highlights
- Writer: Dan Abnett
- Artist: Brett Booth & Norm Rapmund
- Format: Trade Paperback (TPB) / Digital
- Collects: Titans: Rebirth #1, Titans #1-6
- Key Characters: Wally West (The Flash), Nightwing, Donna Troy, Arsenal, Garth, Lilith
- Market Status: Essential reading for DC Rebirth canon.
The Heart of DC Rebirth
If you felt the New 52 era lacked emotional connection, this book fixes that immediately. Titans Vol. 1: The Return of Wally West is not just a superhero team-up. It is a restoration of history.
Wally West was erased from reality. He was forgotten by his friends, his family, and the world. This volume chronicles his desperate escape from the Speed Force.
The narrative centers on memory. Wally must reconnect with the original Teen Titans to anchor himself back in reality. The stakes are personal.
Dan Abnett understands these characters better than almost anyone. He writes their interactions with genuine warmth. You believe these people grew up together.
This isn’t just about punching bad guys. It is about friendship overcoming universal rewrites. It sets the tone for the entire DC Rebirth initiative.
Script and Pacing: Abnett’s Mastery
Dan Abnett constructs a script that moves fast. He balances a team of six lead characters without making the pages feel crowded.
Wally West is the clear protagonist. His internal monologue drives the story forward. We feel his panic and his relief.
The villain, Abra Kadabra, serves a specific purpose. He is a meta-commentary on the publishers erasing Wally from the previous continuity.
Abnett uses Kadabra to mock the “grim and gritty” era. The Titans defeat him by embracing their history and hope. This is classic comic book storytelling done right.
The dialogue snaps. Nightwing and Flash banter like old brothers. Arsenal provides the necessary edge without being annoying.
Every issue in this Trade Paperback builds tension. The mystery of who erased time looms in the background. It keeps you turning pages.
Visual Identity: Booth’s Polarizing Style
Brett Booth handles the pencils here. His style is distinct. It often divides the comic book community.
Booth favors elongated limbs and extreme poses. It screams “90s energy.” For a book about speedsters, this actually works very well.
The panels are dynamic. Booth breaks traditional grid layouts frequently. He uses slanted panels to simulate speed and motion.
Norm Rapmund’s inks are clean and precise. Andrew Dalhouse’s colors are vibrant, heavy on blues and reds. The Speed Force lightning pops off the page.
Some readers might find the faces repetitive. Characters often grit their teeth in every panel. It can look a bit exaggerated during quiet moments.
However, during action sequences, the art shines. The fight with Kadabra’s constructs looks chaotic in the best way possible. It fits the high-octane tone Abnett is going for.
Why This Run Matters
Collectors and lore-hunters need this volume. It contains the first major clues regarding the Watchmen integration into the DC Universe.
Specific dialogue hints at Dr. Manhattan’s interference. If you plan to read Doomsday Clock, this is required reading.
It also re-establishes the Titans as the premier team of the generation. They are no longer sidekicks. They are the adults in the room.
For those investing in the Titans (2016) run, this sets up the “Lazarus Contract” crossover later on.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wally West is back: The character work is phenomenal.
- Emotional Weight: The reunion scenes hit hard.
- Canon Importance: Crucial for understanding the Rebirth mystery.
- Fast Paced: Never a dull moment.
Cons:
- Art Style: Brett Booth’s anatomy can be distracting for some.
- Villain: Abra Kadabra is a bit one-dimensional compared to modern villains.
Verdict: Buy or Skip?
This is a definitive BUY. If you love the Flash or the original Teen Titans, this book was written for you.
It captures everything that makes DC Comics special: legacy, family, and hope. The Trade Paperback is a fantastic value for the story contained within.
Even if you are new to DC, the recap explains enough context. You won’t feel lost. It serves as a perfect jumping-on point for the modern era.
Expert Tip
Collector’s Note: If you enjoy this volume, look for the Titans: The Lazarus Contract hardcover next. It crosses over with Deathstroke and follows up directly on the plot threads started here. Also, check out other reviews on Hero and Villain World for more context.
Conclusion: Titans Vol. 1: The Return of Wally West Review
Titans Vol. 1: The Return of Wally West successfully reintroduces a fan-favorite character. It corrects the mistakes of the New 52 with style and heart.
Dan Abnett proves that these characters work best when they are together. The chemistry is undeniable. The stakes feel real.
While the art might not please everyone, it matches the kinetic energy of the script. This book reminds us why we read superhero comics.
Get this book. It is a celebration of what came before and a promise of what comes next.
FAQ
Yes, it is highly recommended. That single issue sets up Wally’s escape. This volume picks up immediately after those events.
Mostly, yes. Abnett does a good job explaining the backstory. You might miss some nuance, but the main plot is accessible.
No. This book focuses on the original, ginger-haired Wally West. The younger Wallace West appears in the main The Flash title.
Yes. This Trade Paperback collects the one-shot Titans: Rebirth #1 and issues #1-6, forming the complete “Return of Wally West” storyline.
It was originally released in softcover (TPB), but you can find it in the Titans: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 1, which collects more issues.
