Teen Titans #27 (June 1970)



"Nightmare In Space!"

Script: Bob Kanigher
Pencils: George Tuska; Carmine Infantino (pp. 2-13, 19-21)
Inks: Nick Cardy
Colors: ?
Letters: Ben Oda

grade: A


Two issues into this new approach for the team, there is already a clear tension present. The letter column is full of wary responses from readers and assurances in reply that "...things ain't gonna be what they now seem", the cover attempts to suggest a sci-fi conflict that isn't present within (the aliens pictured on the cover literally show up for two peace-loving pages and appear to have been tacked on after the fact, having no bearing on the plot) and we have the first usage of that cover framing piece with the classic Teen Titans line-up in their familiar costumes, as if to assure readers that nothing has really changed. Kanigher will be off the title as of next issue, and the Titans will be back in costume, so I guess nothing really did.

Which is too bad, as the story within is actually a really solid one. It's just neither a superhero nor high-fantasy science fiction adventure. We begin with a semi-meaningful conclusion to Mal's plight in the previous issue, stowing aboard an unmanned rocket to Jupiter in order to prove something to himself and to the world.



It's a beautiful sentiment, especially coming from a black male in 1970 while the space program was still the ultimate dream for white kids everywhere. It is odd though that Mal is never reprimanded by anyone for taking this risk, whether the Titans (though they do ostracize and practically cast out Lilith for not stopping him?) or the space program itself, which launches what must be a multi-million dollar program to rescue him.

However, gone is any suggestion of a romantic connection between Mal and Lilith. Perhaps that was too progressive for the pages of a DC comic? Instead, all worrying about Mal is transplanted onto Wondergirl for some odd reason while Lilith is inexplicably less concerned all of the sudden.



Man, that artwork is gorgeous. I just wish it made sense.


I think my favorite part about the Mal portion of this story is when Wondergirl goes to comfort Mal's little sister. It's a stunning moment you don't normally get in a superhero comic of the time period.




But the second half of the story, in which the rescue is launched, is straight science fact. It's pretty astonishing how technical the story is and how much attention is given to the actual technicalities of space flight. Every tension that enters the story from this point forward is a legitimate risk of space travel, from plotting trajectories correctly, to oxygen deprivation-induced madness, to the sheer emotional and psychological repercussions of being on the moon. Wondergirl feels overwhelming loneliness, Dove fears he will lose his mind, and even Hawk pauses to take it in a bit.




It's a really really well done space adventure; sci-fi in the classiest of ways. But it isn't a Teen Titans adventure, nor a superhero story in any respect, and clearly this foray into new genres, no matter how well done, wasn't getting the reception DC had hoped for.



Worth Noting:


- This is now the second time the Post-Mr. Jupiter Titans team is referred to as "The New Titans." That's going to be a little confusing in another ten years.

- The Titans line-up on the cover is completely inaccurate. Lack of costumes aside, Robin appears nowhere in this story and is no longer on the team (for the moment). Meanwhile, Hawk, Dove, Lilith and Mal ARE on the team.

- We are provided with a two page recap, midway into this issue, for any readers who may have missed the big shake-up in issue #25:



There are three interesting things to note in this recap.

1. It is now clearly stated that the Titans CAUSED the death of Dr. Swenson, accidentally pointing the gunman's gun at the victim while trying to wrestle it away. That was not clear in #25.

2. It is now Mr. Jupiter's idea for the Titans to discard their powers and costumes. This was not the case in the actual story.

3. Even in spite of these other revisions, the second page of recaps explicitly makes it clear once again that Mal doesn't get a costume or identity until he feels he has proven himself.

- This issue features a one page back-up of single panel space gags. Another effort to make this book appeal to an older readership that preferred magazines to comics, perhaps?



Plot synopsis: The Titans lead a daring rescue mission to retrieve Mal. They do. Meanwhile, they run into some peaceful aliens on the moon who have nothing to do with anything, and we are teased about an upcoming story as a girl stumbled upon two shadowy figures who are apparently in the process of doing something horrific.