Cover Image: Teen Titans Vol. 2: The Rise of Aqualad (Rebirth)

Teen Titans Vol. 2: The Rise of Aqualad (Rebirth)

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Member Reviews

I love the art and the story. I’ve loved the titans since I was a child, so I’m a bit biased, but it was a fun read.

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The newest take on Teen Titans has been fascinating from the start, and I'm happy to report that the second volume maintains the promises made in this series. Now that I'm used to some of the changes made, I'm finding myself really enjoying this series! Though obviously I haven certain favorites...

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A decent take on the Titans, but something seems to not QUITE gel. Maybe it's because I'm not a regular Titans or DC or DC reboot reader. 2.5 or 3 stars

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I LOVE Teen Titans - mostly the early 2000's show but still. And I also LOVE rebirth Damian - especially in Super Sons.

I thought this was a fun volume, though more character than plot driven, as the villain and overall plot was a little weak, but it was an overall fun introduction to a new member of the Teen Titans and I'm excited to read more.

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ARC from Netgalley.
Determined to be better than the Justice League, the Teen Titans are making a name for themselves in San Francisco, stopping villains, deterring crime, and (especially Beast Boy) using social media to make themselves more known. But what will happen when King Shark unleashes an army of hybrid sharkmen? They may need someone new...
Jackson Hyde has water controlling powers. Tired of being ostracized by his mom and his town, he goes to San Fran in an attempt to join the team, and arrives just in time to help battle King Shark and his minions. Getting a uniform and some hilts to help focus 'water blades', Jackson (who they are jokingly calling "Squirt Gun") begins training in earnest with Robin and assists when King Shark returns again. The Teen Titans again make the news which draws the attention of Black Manta, who soon reveals himself to be Jackson's lost-gone father.
Also seeing the news story is Jackson's mom who comes to San Fran to see if he is ok. She begins to tell him his origin story, showing that she has water controlling abilities as well, and also is from Xebel (famous for water control abilities and being the homeland of Mera). This is when Black Manta strikes. Manta needs Jackson's Xebelian heritage to help him get 'the Black Pearl', a water controlling superweapon buried deep deep underwater.
Manta has the Pearl, the Titans attack, but it is Jackson who proves his worth finally when he begins to embrace the full power of his heritage and takes down Manta. Tempest is so impressed by his performance, he passes on his previous codename of Aqualad.
Teen Titans is an excellent example of what DC stories are currently like. Excellent art, story well driven and plenty of action and drama to link it all together. I look forward to seeing where this title continues to go.
High recommend.

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Ye gods and little fishes, this is two from two – surely a record when it comes to DC Rebirth titles. Everything about these books make me think they'll be awful – the childish, horrid cover art, the way Wayne al Ghul or whatever he's called looks like a ten year old gimp with anger issues and the world's largest mouth, the unfortunate references to Pirates of the Caribbean films, and Manimal… You also have to factor in the look of the baddies here. Yes, in the first two issues they're nothing but jumped-up, aquatic Mole Men, and are as naff as that sounds; beyond that we have someone we're obviously supposed to recognise, but as his design is so memorably bad I don't think I've met him before. But the book still works, just as well as the first in this title did. The balance of the bickering bruisers is a good one, pointless fighting and jibing is kept to a (comparative) minimum, and the drama just works a lot better than many Rebirth books out. I didn't even think I'd like Aqualad (stupid name, stupid premise, stupidly easy way to make him feel different – dress him up as gay), but I kind of did. That said, they can't possibly hit three from three, surely?

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The Teen Titans get a new member when Aqualad runs away from the desert and joins the Teen Titans. When Beast Boy brings in a reporter, sharks attack. Then Black Mantis comes for Aqualad and runs instead into his mother. Teen Titans end up in Pirates of the Caribbean territory with a hunt for a magical black pearl which grants power over the ocean. And then there is the teaser about Beast Boy to end the volume. Plenty of action and Robin gets a bit of a comeuppance to spice up the book!

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'Teen Titans Vol. 2: The Rise of Aqualad' by Benjamin Percy tells an origin story of sorts as well as having lots more going on.

Jackson Hyde is a young man with some secrets. He has super powers and a crush on another young man. He wants to use his powers for good, so when he sees an interview with Beast Boy at Titans headquarters, he knows where to go. Which is good, because Beast Boy's interview goes badly when the reporter disappears into the water and the Teen Titans have to fight King Shark. It also turns out that Black Mantis has an interest in Jackson as well.

This collects issues 9-11 and 13-14 of Teen Titans, but somewhere in the story, Kid Flash gets ousted from the team, and it's hard to figure out why. The art style is fairly consistent over the run, but I just had a hard time caring much for these characters, including the new team member.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

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This was a fun and interesting take on a known story. I wasn't so fond of the characterization of Beast Boy and Damian and I'm sort of lost on what happened with Wally exactly. But overall it was good and interesting and the art was really nice.

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Unfortunately I wasn't able to review this book,I downloaded it just fine and the next day when I try to read it it froze and wouldn't open again after that. All the other books on my app work except this one.
I'm a big Teen Titans fan, hopefully my library will get this in soon.
Thank you for the opportunity anyway!

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Story: Jackson Hyde is tired of hiding who he really is, he tired of hiding his powers and of his Mom not telling him the truth of who his Dad is and why he can control water the way he does, being gay doesn't make it any easier. Jackson goes to the only place he thinks he will be welcomed, Titan Tower. It started with a prison break out an entire section of inmates went missing soon afterwards people started to go missing all disappearing in and around the ocean. When Beast Boy is giving an interview out in front of Titan Tower and the reporter disappears into the water right in front of him shortly after that King Shark comes on T.V. announcing his wicked intentions. Jackson shows up and proves his worth with the Titans when he helps take down King Shark. But the story is far from over when Jackson's Mom shows with the truth about who he really is and why she hit it from him. King Shark was only the beginning.



Art: The art is pretty much what I expect when reading a comic.
It's well done, nice lines, and great action sequences. I liked that each of the conversation bubbles for the characters were unique to them so you knew who was talking and when.

Review: Overall, it was a good read. I love the Titans and each unique quality lends to the group and makes them stronger as a group. Starfire, as long as she's been on Earth still is naive and her innocence in that aspect lets her believe in the good of everyone. It was also nice to see her take charge when Damian was acting like a brat. Beast Boy who loves attention and getting famous in Hollywood only made it worse, and it has been hinted that it will lead to something bad. Raven keeps her distance because her empathy, but she gives great insight when needed. Her understanding of having a horrible father connects her to Kid Flash and that gives them a bond with romantic inclinations. And Beast Boy with Starfire, yeah I don't see that. And then there is Damian, he was raised to lead but being taught by R'as and then Batman he doesn't always understand working with the team and leading them. I like where this is going and I like Jackson.

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This was so much fun. I'm extremely sad to see that it was cancelled hopefully we'll see more of them soon

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The team dynamic is much better. It was cute to see Goliath and Damian playing. It feels a bit disjointed though if you're a major Aqualad fan, I think you'll like it. Aqualad and his family drama didn't have a satisfying family drama ending to me.

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Benjamin Percy's Teen Titans Vol. 2: The Rise of Aqualad introduces the Young Justice-style Aqualad Jackson Hyde to the DC Comics Rebirth universe. This book leans pretty far into Dan Abnett's Aquaman with great result. Between Suicide Squad and Aquaman, Black Manta has become one of my favorite villains, and his casual cruelty mixed with sincere honor makes for great interactions. Percy teases out Jackson's origins well, weaving in and out of Aquaman continuity, and I especially liked the revelation of Jackson's mother's powers.

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There is a new face in the Titan's clubhouse. His name is Jackson Hyde, and he's trying to find himself. He has tattoos that help him control water (he explains it as he can talk to the water). The team is already in flux, Wally having been kicked off and everyone chafing under Robin's "Leadership". And then they have to go against King Shark and then a bigger villain, Black Manta.

It was an interesting addition to the team, and I'm hoping that we see Wally soon again too.

I received this book via Netgalley thanks to DC Entertainment.

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The art style is lovely. Loved the reading about Aqua lads journey of self-discovery. I am such an anomaly as I adore Damian for his brashness rather than being a goody-goody two-shoes constantly trying to please everyone

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Images were blocked, only dialogue came through. Made it impossible to read and review.

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Teen Titans Vol.2: the Rise of Aqualad is beautifully drawn with and well written story. Jackson Hyde is on a mission of self discovery after never fitting in. Deciding his water powers would be perfect for the Titans, he travels to Titan tower. The Titans have issues of their own, Robin has fired Kid Flash. Damien Wayne's (aka Robin) controlling and domineering ways are threatening to end the Titans. Fighting bad guys and reigning in his new powers, Aqualad steps up to help the Titans against King Shark. New secrets come to light and Aqualad finds the truth brings unexpected answers. Starfire must intervene and lead the Titans to rescue Aqualad, ousting Robin temporarily. Beast Boy is comedy relief and Raven is on point and true to the character. An enjoyable chapter in the Titans with interesting back story for Aqualad, the novel is high speed action and a great read that is pleasing to the eyes. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

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Great. Loved the art, Story was good too. I really like the team interaction. Intro and origin of Aqualad to the Teen Titans.

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I’ve always loved Teen Titans so seeing the team come together with old and new members has been fun. There were a lot of empty bubbles, like pages of it, in the galley I read so I feel like I missed some key moments but overall the story was fun and interesting. Damien remains my number one in most obnoxious, Jackson was a delight and I can’t wait to see more of him and please, please let Starfire continue calling the shots.

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