Member Reviews
I squealed when I saw I was approved for this one! I'm a long time fan of Gabriel Picolo and this series! This one did not disappoint. I loved getting to see a more detailed pov about the Titans.
I am an avid fan of Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo so I was super excited to read this new addition! Raven, Beast Boy, and Beast Boy Loves Raven were all amazing graphic novels and this one is just as good. Getting to still see the other characters but introducing Robin, Dick Grayson, in a way that was not all about him was amazing. You get to watch them grow as a group and truly grow to appreciate each other. I loved this book and plan to purchase it to add to my personal collection and my library!
Slade is on the prowl and Raven, Garfield, Maxine, and Damian are on the run. H.I.V.E. wants to do experiments on them and they are not volunteers. Now, Dick wants to know what is going on with Damian since his tracking device stopped working. Where can they go and who can they trust?
Teen Titans: Robin is the fourth book in the Teen Titans graphic novel series. This story picks up shortly after the ending of the third book and this ending leaves readers wanting more (not quite a cliffhanger). This is a very short graphic novel (I read it in 2 sessions of about 30 minutes each) and the graphics give more depth to the story than if it was text only. I wish the next book was already out!
I'm so obsessed with this series!! Teen Titans: Robin did not disappoint. I can't wait to read the next books in the series, hopefully we get one with Starfire and one with Cyborg?
First off, I'm always happy to read more comics with Gabriel Picolo's artwork! I will be frank in saying that is a main reason I continue to read these; his love for the Teen Titans fandom shows through in his work and I love seeing him professionally able to work with DC.
The weaker spot is always Kami Garcia's story pacing, but that is improving in light of being able to build off previous volumes. The building of connections between characters and plot lines are working to her advantage and allowing for a smoother experience than when the volumes focused solely on one title character.
As for this specific volume, I absolutely loved that this focused on Dick and Damian's relationship. I've been a fan of the BatFamily my whole life and love stories that focus on the complexities of the Robins' relationships with each other. I also love that all of these characters are coming from different backgrounds. Foster Care. Adoption. Single Parent. Married Parents. Estranged parent. There is no "one way" to go through adolescence and I'm happy to see so many different representations of how a family is built.
Overall, I'm still interested and excited to see how these stories build up, and very interested in how Kori's story will be developed and adapted for this storyline.
Classic road trip turned beach house drama, with a side of sibling envy (Damien brooding vs Dick pointless optimism, anyone?) and a little super powered training thrown in. Loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc!
I think Gabriel Picolo is becoming one of my favorite illustrators/artists because I've been loving his art style in these Teen Titan books.
Storywise, another great one from Kami Garcia. I'm excited to see what comes next. I'm not privy to the whole dynamic between Dick Grayson (whom I love for reasons) and Damian Wayne aside from there being animosity so I liked the inclusion here. The other kids were of course more background characters since this one was mostly about Dick and Damian but I liked the whole montage of them all training for when they eventually take on Slade which we get a bit of in this book.
A solid continuation of this Teen Titans saga, I await more!
Teen Titans: Robin (Teen Titans #4)
Written by Kami Garcia, Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo
208 pages
ISBN: 9781779512246
Release Date: March 7, 2023 by DC Comics
*An ARC of this title was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Receiving a copy in no way influenced my review*
Having read the first three in this series, Garcia and Picolo continue to slowly unravel the team that will be the Teen Titans while raising the stakes in every book. Now, if you have not read the first three, you need to. While the recap is succinct and helps those who read them to not have to go back and re-read them, it is not enough information (nor could it be at this point!) for a brand new reader to feel confident enough to go on. We have the two couples of Max and Damian/Raven and Garfield traveling to get away from H.I.V.E. and Slade. The only person they can turn to is Max and Raven’s mom to help them hide away from H.I.V.E. But Slade is not the only person who is searching for any of these teens. Dick Grayson, the adopted son of Bruce Wayne (you may know him as Batman) is also searching for his brother, after Damian stormed out of the house and away from his stepbrother and father. But, does Damian want anything to do with his stepbrother?
Kami Garcia’s writing is on par with the rest of the series, entertaining with enough small twists to keep the reader interested. She is still a novelist, and spends too much of the time with training montages and the reaffirmation of feelings, but this seems to be what we are seeing more of in the teen market for graphic novels. Picolo’s illustrations are excellent and help draw the reader in to the action sequences, plus his characters are great examples of what the characters have looked like in the past (you know, for some of us really old comic geeks) while keeping the look fresh and modern enough of a take for the teens out there.
In the end, would I recommend this, yes. It is fun, a good read in an afternoon and provides us with a little more insight on great characters. Plus, while this is labeled for teens, beyond the few kissing moments, this could be thrown to kids a little younger and they can enjoy it.
Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo make a killer team. I’ve been following Gabriel’s art on Instagram for years, and his art blends so well with Kami’s story telling. Their Teen Titans series is one of my favorite versions of all the teen titans stories, and Robin is no exception. It focuses on the relationship between new brothers - Damien Wayne and Dick Grayson - both Robins to the Batman. Damien feels like Dick wants to take his place as Bruce’s son. While sorting through these feelings, Damien and the rest of the super gang are hiding out from H.I.V.E and training for their next fight. I appreciate how the story has balance between internal feelings and external pressures. I can’t wait to read what’s next!
I love this series! Having grown up one the original Teen Titians cartoon series I love how this pair is imagining this group of kids. I especially loved the conflict between Bruce's sons. It was a little strange to me how he seemed to have so many kids around Wayne manor who were totally cool with each other, no rivalries etc. I love that Dick has been added into this crew. I think he has a lot to offer the team. My only beef with this book is that I wish it was longer!!
This series never disappoints. I really appreciate how the author works in a form of a re-cap that effortlessly reminds the reader where the story left off from the last book. The illustration design is one of my favorite features of this series and a reason I always enjoy it! The storyline builds with each book, and my only complaint is that I have to wait a year before the next release. If you're a fan of the first books in this series, you'll enjoy this one as well! It was more of a character driven plot than action this time around, but is setting the stage for another character addition (Starfire?) and for epic adventures to come.
The adventure continues in Volume 4! With little previous knowledge of Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne, I found myself slightly confused in this Robin-centric storyline; however, I’m sure longtime fans will be unfazed. This definitely felt like a “middle book,” picking up where we last left off but not advancing terribly far. As always, though, love the artistic style.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC! Coming March 2023!
Received an early copy from DC Comics via Netgalley.
So, I had not read the four Kami Garcia - Teen Titans volumes before this one, but found it to be a solid jumping on point.
PRO: Fun take on a classic team for a younger audience.
CON: Some weird dialogue at times, like Damien referring to Bruce Wayne , as "Daddy"...
PRO: The plot wasn't overly complicated, which makes good for new DC readers.
CON: New characters like Daniel's girlfriend is a breath of fresh air. This book would've benefited from introducing more new characters or spotlighting more under-utilzed DC teen heroes like Miss Martian or Is Osiris
PRO: Very clean art and remained consistent
CON: There's a silky storyline with a tracker. When it goes off, Dick assumes the person is in trouble lol Or maybe they found the tracker that was placed out in the open? Lol
Final thoughts : This was a fun story and a fresh take on these characters , but not a unique one. Considering they've been retold 100 times, this is just okay. If you watched the recent Titans tv show, then there's probably nothing extra in this book for you as a reader. The volume doesn't have a complete plot nor a cliffhanger, it just fills like a sluggish transition for book #5
Grade: 3 Stars
C+
*An ARC of this title was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Receiving a copy in no way influenced my review*
A great continuation of the story. I do wish it was longer, but I feel that way about all of the books in this series so far. They're great stories that always leave me wanting more. I liked the look into their training and how they are developing their powers and also growing as people. I think we saw a lot of character development in this story which is always very refreshing. I also like the change in group dynamic and how, while the group itself it growing, they are clearly getting closer and learning to trust and rely on each other.
3.5/5 ⭐
Damian, Gar, Max, and Raven continue hiding from H.I.V.E. and Slade Wilson with the help of Max’s mother Natalia. Natalia takes the time with them to help train Gar, Max, and Raven with their powers. Along the way Dick Grayson joins the group; he is determined to get to know Damian better. After all, they are brothers, even if Damian doesn't see it that way.
I enjoyed the group dynamics and the support they give each other. I'm intrigued about H.I.V.E. and why they are experimenting on teens with powers. However, I would've liked this book to have concentrated on Dick and Damian's stories, similar to the previous Raven and Beast Boy books.
Thanks to DC Comics and Netgalley for the ARC.
While I enjoyed this volume more than the last one, it still feels like as the plot progresses, we're losing some of what made the first two volumes really good. As more characters and backstories are added, the plot becomes more rushed, and often it feels like the writers are focusing on the wrong parts of the narrative (for me at least). This volume picks up right after the third one, with the group on the run from H.I.V.E. With the help of their family members, they lay low for a while, and the plot focuses on them trying to train and figure out their next move, neither of which was really dealt with well. We also have the added issue of the Robins and their backstory, Damian was introduced at the end of the last volume, but Dick Greyson is also present as the adopted son of Bruce Wayne. The conflict between the two was really interesting, but not as fleshed out as i'd like, and I hope more time is given to their characters and backstories in the future. Not a lot happens in the volume, there's a pretty distinct lack of action, though with where things leave off, the next volume promises to be more exciting.
After escaping from H.I.V.E., Gar, Raven, Max, and Damien retreat to an island in Georgia where Max's mom helps train them. Meanwhile, Dick Wayne gets concerned about Damien when his tracker goes offline. He tracks the group down, but Damien isn't happy to see him. Gar reunites briefly with his parents to determine what they know about H.I.V.E. When Slade gets too close, the group makes a run for it and also try to find Cori Anders, a name that came up when they hacked H.I.V.E.'s records. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I got approved for this and then immediately read it. I've been on a nostalgia kick with DC media and these books are a new take on the Teen Titans. I'm excited to see where the rest of the story goes!
I could live without the romantic side plots, but it's fun to see the team come together and learn to use their powers and work together.
Thank you to NetGalley and DC Comics for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley, DC Comics, DC Entertainment, Kami Garcia, and Gabriel Picolo for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having read the majority of the previous books in this Teen Titans series, I am happy to say it continues to run strong.
This volume focuses on the four teens on the run, with a hone-in on the relationship between Dick and Damien. With competitions to prove who is the better of Bruce's protege's, the two boys find more in common to their disgruntles relationship than they expected. All the while, Slade is in hot pursuit, and the Teen Titans need to work on their next move before he strikes.
I absolutely love this line of Teen Titans comics. The art is realistic and beautifully colored, and the story is appealing to a more contemporary audience that may not have grown up with the original comics or TV show. Yet another excellent installment with promise for more.
I love and adore this series!!! Thank you greatly for allowing me to read this one early. THE APPEARANCE OF DICK GRAYSON!!! Yesssss!!!!! Ugh I am so excited to get into more of these. The Titans are one of my favorite teams in DC, and the cartoon was such a favorite of mine years ago. This is an amazing to nod not only to that cartoon, but to the comics!! I can’t wait to recommend this to anyone who will listen!