Review: Justice League vs. Teen Titans

After disobeying orders during a mission with the Justice League, Robin is reprimanded and sent to learn about teamwork from the Teen Titans. Though he clashes instantly with the group of teenage heroes, Robin is drawn to the enigmatic sorceress Raven. It’s through this connection that Robin is convinced to help the team as they are drawn into a battle with the demonic villain Trigon.

Justice League vs. Teen Titans is a 2016 animated film directed by Sam Liu and features the voices of Stuart Allan, Taissa Farmiga, Jerry O’Connell, Jason O’Mara, and Rosario Dawson.

The storyline for Justice League vs. Teen Titans is loosely adapted from The New Teen Titans #4-6 by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. In both versions, the Teen Titans race against the clock to prevent Trigon from entering into our dimension and turning the planet into a hellish wasteland. Where they differ is in the film’s lack of cohesion and the divergence from the canon. Justice League vs. Teen Titans essentially tries to be a sequel to Justice League: Throne of Atlantis and Batman: Bad Blood and a spin-off for the Teen Titans. The product that director Sam Liu and screenwriters Bryan Q. Miller and Alan Burnett put together feels like a cobbled together mess of two films crammed into one. The presence of the Justice League throughout feels unnecessary, especially since there’s a forced continuation of the relationship between Superman and Wonder Woman that takes away precious screentime from the film’s true stars (the Teen Titans). Furthermore, the absence of Aquaman, Green Lantern, and Shazam isn’t addressed in a satisfying way.

This film is at its best when it focuses on the Teen Titans and is actually really entertaining when it actually explores the interpersonal relationships between the characters. The rivalry between Robin and Beast Boy proves to be rather amusing, which culminates in a (somewhat dated) scene where they compete against one another in a game of Dance Dance Revolution. Similarly, Robin and Raven make for an interesting duo. The sullen bird-named heroes both have villainous father figures (an actual father in Raven’s case). There’s also a sense that Robin may have the inklings of romantic feelings for Raven, which is admittedly kind of cute. Unsurprisingly, Robin and Raven are the standout characters of this film, the latter especially due to her having a fully developed character arc. That said, there is an uncomfortable exchange between Raven and one of the male members of the team when she retells the story of her conception. Whether it was Miller or Burnett who wrote the dialogue, their flippant approach to making a punchline out of an instance of implied sexual assault is disgusting.

The same, however, cannot be said about Blue Beetle and Starfire. Blue Beetle is a rather obvious stand-in for Cyborg, whose status as a Titan was nullified by being a founding member of the League instead. He’s given very little to do throughout and there’s not much to convey that he has a personality. With Starfire, who has a couple of eyeroll worthy fan service moments, she comes across as a glorified babysitter who seems to be constantly hovering around the team. In fact, it was a major misstep to have her serve as the team’s mentor. This is probably more of a personal preference than an objective criticism though. For one thing, Starfire is portrayed in this film in a rather dippy manner, especially giving the lilting tones that Kari Wahlgren uses. As such, it seems her characterization draws more from the 2003 cartoon than the comics. Furthermore, all of her lines and the role itself would have been more effective had they been given to Donna Troy. She’s a better leader, a far more nurturing individual, and would likely not have been portrayed as if she had nothing but air rattling around between her ears. Quite frankly, the continued mistreatment of Donna at the hands of Warner Brothers and their employees is irritating and is disrespectful towards the legacy and importance of Wonder Woman. The legal red tape is no more, so stop leaving her in the dustbin. She’s an amazing character, one of the best you all have, so start putting her in adaptations!

Justice League vs. Teen Titans is one of the weakest entries into the DC Animated Movie Universe, which is a shame because it’s adapted from such a seminal comic book series. The character designs, performances (Rosario Dawson in particular continues to shine as Wonder Woman), and direction overall is quite good, but it’s the writing that drags the quality down. It juggles one too many subplots and has an unwieldly large cast that is woefully underdeveloped. It would have been more effective as a film had it stuck closer to the source text (this means having both Donna and Wally as part of the cast) and if it kept the Justice League members to cameos. As it is, Justice League vs. Teen Titans is a bit of a mess with occasional stints of compelling character moments.

RATING: C+

Review: Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 5 - The Big Picture

After facing off against Ra's al Ghul and his League of Assassins, Red Hood and the Outlaws take a much-needed break. All goes well until a group of alien mercenaries hijack Starfire's ship… with Arsenal still inside. Red Hood and Starfire must then travel into space in order to find their friend. The question is, will he still be alive by the time they get to him?

Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 5: The Big Pictures collects Red Hood and the Outlaws #27-31, as well as DC Universe Presents #17-18.

The Big Picture picks off where the previous volume left off. Ra's al Ghul has been resurrected and Red Hood is seemingly the only person with the power necessary for defeating them. This singular issue concludes the arc started by James Tynion IV, so it's a little puzzling as to why it wasn't collected in the preceding trade paperback. It disturbs the flow of the trade here, but otherwise it's an excellent issue. Tynion IV bids farewell to the book in the following issue, which sees the dissolution of Red Hood and Isabel's relationship. Though their relationship was never particularly interesting or well-developed, it's a bit bittersweet to see one of the few supporting characters they had go.

The bulk of this collection is a three-part story that sees a group of aliens stealing Starfire's spaceship and venturing off into space with Arsenal in tow. Red Hood and Starfire, who were left behind, must find a way of trailing their friend and rescuing him before he can be killed by his captors. One-time Catwoman writer Will Pfeiffer handles these issues. By and large, the narrative works as a way of bringing together the team after they'd been driven apart in the previous arc. They don't trust one another anymore, but they still obviously care about one another. This is especially evident given the lengths Red Hood is willing to go in order to rescue Arsenal.

While the scope of this three-parter extends into the stars, it does feel a little rushed and doesn't quite reach the epic scope it needs. The use of Lobo as the story's antagonist is a stroke of brilliance, as he compares and contrasts nicely to our protagonists. However, he's not particularly well-developed in these issues and the overall action ends way too quickly. Nevertheless, there are some great moments of humour and it's quite refreshing to see Arsenal save the day with his gadgets, rather than seeing his companions do it with muscle.

Red Hood and the Outlaws has always been one of the most interesting titles from the New 52 initiative. At times, it's exciting and original. At others, it feels rushed and unimportant. The inconsistencies that plague this title are evident here, but that doesn't mean that the reading isn't enjoyable. It is, but it's comparable to a nice fluffy dessert. It's sweet, but it's not exactly going to leave you feeling full.

RATING: B-

Review: Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 4 - League of Assassins

Having had his memories wiped from his mind, Red Hood is thrown into the middle of a conflict between the League of Assassins and the Untitled. He's told he has the secret to ending the impending war, but has no recollection of what that could be. Meanwhile, Arsenal struggles with his relationship with Starfire and makes a potentially dangerous alliance with the enemy. Can this once great team get their act together in order to prevent the Untitled from gaining supreme control of the Earth?

Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 4: League of Assassins collects Red Hood and the Outlaws #19-24 and Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #1 written by James Tynion IV.

After having its plot derailed in Death of the Family, Red Hood and the Outlaws finds its feet again in this collection. An amnesiac Jason Todd is spirited away by the League of Assassins just as Arsenal and Starfire are attempting to help him regain his memories. The League is certain that Jason holds the key to defeating the Untitled, but Jason is weary of allying himself with such a shadowy organization. To make matters worse, Arsenal's relationship with Starfire is crumbling and this is but one of the reasons he decides to help the Untitled in the upcoming battle against the League of Assassins.

Though not nearly as fun as the earlier issues in this series, League of Assassins features the international intrigue and pulse pounding action that made Red Hood and the Outlaws so addictive. There's also a return to focusing on character-driven narratives, as Tynion IV explores Jason's desire to be a good guy and Arsenal's unwavering desire to keep the team together. However, the real stars of this collection are the League of Assassins. Its line-up here consists of fan-favourites like Lady Shiva, Cheshire and Bronze Tiger. Though I'm a huge Lady Shiva fan, even I'll admit that Cheshire is the standout in this collection. She's wild and totally unpredictable. Her design is pretty cool, as it further references her namesake, and she's given the ability of teleportation (again, like her namesake). Her interactions with just about every character are hilarious and totally memorable. That's not to say Bronze Tiger and Lady Shiva aren't deserving of attention. The design for the former is rather nifty and his relationship with Jason Todd provides a much needed emotional reference point within the narrative. Shiva, meanwhile, has a bit of a strange get-up, but she's every bit as dangerous as she's ever been.

League of Assassins is a breath of fresh air, as it returns Red Hood and the Outlaws to form. It's a little grimmer than previous issues, but that's to be expected given how heavy Death of the Family was. The League of Assassins are admittedly a little less intimidating than they usually are, but this makes them much more relatable. Furthermore, Tynion IV takes great care to make this arc into a character study of who Jason Todd is. More often than not, he's portrayed as an emotionless gun-toting anti-hero by other writers, but here we see a more tender side of him. It's also worth mentioning that for those who really hated Starfire's costume in the New 52, this is around the time that artists started experimenting with it and providing more coverage. Tynion IV also gets bonus points for giving us glimpses of Talia. It's just too bad she wasn't involved in the main action of the story.

Rating: B

Review: Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 3 - Death of the Family

Convinced that having a family has made Batman soft, the Joker plots to eliminate all of Batman's partners once and for all. When he kidnaps Red Hood and Red Robin, Starfire and Arsenal must team up with the Teen Titans to find their missing teammates.

Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 3: Death of the Family collects issues #0, 14-17 of Red Hood and the Outlaws and issues #15-16 of Teen Titans.

Much like Batgirl and Catwoman, Red Hood and the Outlaws was one of many books that was forced to collide with the Joker-centric "Death of the Family" arc from Scott Snyder's Batman flagship title. Unlike Gail Simone's Batgirl, writer Scott Lobdell struggles with creating an organic way for working the Joker into the overall narrative of his book. The effort comes across as hackneyed and disturbs the overall flow, especially following such an epic space-faring arc in the preceding issues. There's little to no character development, Starfire and Arsenal get very little panel time (largely because they are forced to share it with not only the Joker, but also the Teen Titans). By the end of it all, you're ultimately left feeling cheated by having to read such a disposable story.

That said, there are some moments that stand strong. We get glimpses of Arsenal being a leader, as he becomes the de facto commander for the combined efforts of the Outlaws and the Teen Titans. The continued push to highlight the character as a resourceful and remarkably intelligent character has helped in washing away the frat boy persona that made him so detestable early on, which is further aided by Starfire's confidence in him. Similarly, Wonder Girl's position as the Titans' second-in-command suits her. She's much more confident and sassy than she was in previous incarnations, which is great. She's not the weepy schoolgirl mooning over Superboy that we used to know and loathe. The final two issues collected also show some rather touching moments between Batman and Red Hood.

All in all, Death of the Family marked a shocking drop in quality for a title that had established itself as such a fun and insane book. This paint-by-numbers approach to writing a tie-in feels too unimportant and expected. Truth be told, it'd probably be easy to skip over this volume and immediately go onto the fourth.

Rating: C

Review: Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 2 - The Starfire

When she and her teammates are spirited off into space, Starfire learns that her home planet is being invaded by a destructive alien race known as the Blight. She reluctantly agrees to help the very people who once turned their back on her, even when it means confronting her own flesh and blood.

Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 2: The Starfire collects Red Hood and the Outlaws #8-14, written by Scott Lobdell with art by Kenneth Rocafort and Timothy Green II.

As a whole, Red Hood and the Outlaws is a wild and unpredictable ride full of heart stopping action and clever dialogue. The Starfire is definitely not an exception to this. Characterization remains at the top of the list of what makes this series such a joy to read, largely because of how well this rag tag team of anti-heroes play off of each other. 

Through the use of internal dialogue, we see Arsenal's thoughts towards Starfire and it helps to shape not only our perception of him as a character, but his relationship with Starfire as well. This is a surprisingly healthy relationship that seems to be rehabilitating both characters, helping them to become the best versions of themselves. 

Additionally, Arsenal and Red Hood's brotherly teasing continues to delight. It's in these interactions where you see that this isn't just a book with mindless action, it's a book about a makeshift family finding their way in the world.

The meat of this collection is the space-faring adventure that takes the titular heroes to the planet Tamaran as they attempt to overthrow the invading forces of the Blight. While Lobdell borrows elements from Marv Wolfman and George Perez's introduction of Blackfire in the pages of The New Teen Titans, he subverts the narrative by redeeming Starfire's older sister and presenting her as a victim of circumstance. This is arguably the biggest change to Starfire's background and it's difficult to judge whether this decision was good or bad. On the one hand, Blackfire was one of the most devilish villains DC Comics ever had and her dark soul made her the ultimate nemesis for a heroine whose heart was so full of emotion. On the other, it celebrates the power of familial bonds by rejecting the notion that sisters must be in competition with one another. A part of me does feel like the story would have been more thrilling and complex had Blackfire been the villain, but the other feels that the story works more effectively because it doesn't rehash what we've already seen several times before.

Despite all of this, The Starfire should be praised for being a fascinating character study of Starfire as a character and as a hero. Through the eyes of others, she is presented as an incredibly complex woman who is equally as self-serving as she is compassionate and loyal. More than ever before, we also see Starfire as a capable leader. She was once the commander of her own ship, with a crew that trusted and respected her tremendously. This speaks volumes about her and helps to establish her as someone who is not to be underestimated as being merely a pair of giant orange breasts. My one wish, however, would have been to have been able to have Starfire's perspective. Red Hood and Arsenal continue to dominate the narrative, with both providing constant commentary through interior dialogue. Starfire is denied this opportunity, which seems a little unequal.

Aside from the main narrative, The Starfire collects three one-off stories. The first involves the team taking down the grossly overweight gangster Suzie Su, the second sees them involved in a conflict between the Court of Owls and Mr. Freeze, while the third has them duking it out with Superman. The quality remains high across the board with these stories, particularly with the latter. The fight that breaks out between the titular heroes and the Man of Steel is so ridiculous that it takes a civilian to point out just how incredibly immature they're all being. Of the three, the weakest is the tie-in to Night of the Owls. As with most of the other tie-ins for this Bat Family event, it feels forced and interrupts the overall flow of the narrative. The other problem is that it leaves the reader confused if they're unfamiliar with the event. Red Hood may have once been Robin, but there's no reason to be involving this book in Batman crossovers.

The Starfire offers a whole lot of crazy fun. It's fast-paced and funny, which is perfect for a reader who is looking for a story with great action and well-written characters. Its space setting is also great for fans of sci fi. While the jury is still out on the characterization of Blackfire, it's hard to deny that Scott Lobdell delivered an incredible story that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Rating: B+

Review: Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 1 - Redemption

When the ancient mystics known as the All Caste are struck down, it's up to Red Hood to find the assassins responsible for murdering his former mentors. With the alien princess Starfire and the down-and-out archer Arsenal by his side, he must travel the globe piecing together the mystery of the fall of the All Caste.

Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 1: Redemption collects Red Hood and the Outlaws #1-7, written by Scott Lobdell with art by Kenneth Rocafort.

As one of the launch titles for DC Comics' The New 52 initiative, Red Hood and the Outlaws was a brash and ambitious series that birthed one of the most unusual trios in the world of comic books. The chemistry between Red Hood, Arsenal and Starfire is electric, which makes them very familial in their interactions. The sibling-like in-fighting between Red Hood and Arsenal is hilarious, while Starfire's teasing of Arsenal is sure to make quite a few readers snicker. Beyond the humour, there's also a heart to this team. They're loyal to one another and are so close since they're all each other has.

Scott Lobdell does a great job writing this book. It's fast-paced, features plenty of character development and offers a 007-esque globe-trotting adventure. In fact, it's quite reminiscent of Gail Simone's first run on Birds of Prey. The exposition is minimal, but essential. We're thrown into this series without much explanation of who these characters are and why they're here. Lobdell fills in the holes as best he can, often through flashbacks or references in dialogue. This helps in keeping the focus on the primary story, which is actually really interesting. Lobdell offers us a world of ancient mystics, assassins and aliens, which blends the world of science fiction and fantasy together in one brilliant package. It's a testament to the writing that by the end of this first arc, I wanted to know more about the All Caste and the Untitled.

Kenneth Rocafort is quite possibly the superstar of this book. His art is so vibrant and full of colour, with expressive characters and intense action. He really knows how to compose all kinds of scenes and conveys body language impeccably well. I'm also particularly obsessed with this take on Starfire. Rocafort captures her essence in a way many other artists have not. He knows how to style her out of costume and draws her hair so magnificently that you're left staring at it long after you've finished reading the dialogue.

While on the subject of Starfire, it's nearly impossible to review this collection without acknowledging the controversy surrounding this series and the apparent sexist treatment of the character. In the first issue, there is a spread where she steps onto the beach wearing a minuscule bikini and the art lingers a little too much on her breasts and behind. Moments later she has sex with Arsenal, just hours after meeting him. Starfire's appearance and actions sparked a firestorm of controversy, with many calling her a "slut" and shaming Lobdell for treating her in such a way. 

For longtime readers, this treatment of Starfire was nothing new. She'd been dressed in scantily-clad costumes for decades and had been sexualized so heavily that there were occasional post-coital scenes involving Starfire and Nightwing. Yes, the bikini shots were admittedly gratuitous, but the scene does take place on the beach and she's a character who sustains herself by absorbing solar energy. Is she supposed to wear a nun's habit? 

The controversy points towards people's tendency to "slut shame" women who defy the accepted norms of sexual propriety. After all, no one was making a stink over the fact that Arsenal slept with her after just meeting her. Why is it okay for a man to have sex with a woman hours after meeting her, but it's not okay for a woman to do the same? These ridiculous double-standards are exactly why Starfire is such an important, but divisive, character. She is an alien to this world and does not adhere to the societal rules that have been placed on humans. We see this not only with her sexuality, but also with her aggressiveness and desire to kill enemies instead of locking them up in jail.

Thankfully, Lobdell addresses all of these concerns and redeems himself in issue #6, which recounts the first meeting of Red Hood and Starfire. When Red Hood becomes agitated over seeing Nightwing's costumes in Starfire's ship, she makes a very profound statement that proves just how far she's come as a character. She says, "I'm aware that if I ever needed anything beyond myself to validate my existence, then I would already be giving away my power to be self-defining. […] I do not define myself by the men I have known… or by their clothes." This is a brilliant piece of dialogue, as it takes aim at the previous depictions of Starfire and at the critics of Lobdell's writing. For decades, Starfire was defined by her relationship with Nightwing and it became the sole focus of her character, even when it veered into emotional abusive territory. Many also judged her solely based on what she wore (or what she didn't). Here we have her saying that she does not define herself by her relationships or by what she wears, to do so would take away her power and sense of self. That's deep.

(As a side note, for all the bitching regarding Starfire's sexualization, it's worth mentioning that Red Hood spends much of issue #6 wearing nothing but leaves covering his crotch.)

Redemption is a brilliant start to one of the most memorable team books in recent comic book history. This is a trio that works well together and has a family dynamic that makes them easy to relate to. The book is fun, quick-witted and is brimming with pulse-pounding action. It also helps that it has some of the most stunning artwork around. As far as the New 52 is concerned, this was truly one of the best launch titles and continues to stand as one of my personal favourites.

Rating: A-

Top 10: Greatest Women of DC Comics

In 1941, DC Comics revolutionized the world of comic books when they introduced the very first female superhero -- Wonder Woman. After her triumphant debut in the pages of Sensation Comics, Wonder Woman became a hit amongst readers and she would go on to inspire the creation of countless other superheroines.

Consequently, DC Comics has remained dedicated to promoting their heroines by placing them in the spotlight and giving them the chance to shine through a plethora of ongoing solo series.

This article focuses on the ten greatest women of DC Comics as chosen through The Women of the DC Universe Poll.

10. Huntress

Real Name: Helena Wayne (I), Helena Bertinelli (II)
First Appearance: All Star Comics #69 1979 (Wayne), The Huntress Vol. #1 1989 (Bertinelli), Huntress Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Archery, Martial Arts, Marksmanship

On the alternate Earth known as Earth-Two, Helena Wayne was the only daughter of Batman and Catwoman. By day she was an unassuming attorney, but at night she was the costumed vigilante known as the Huntress. Motivated to take up crimefighting after the tragic death of her mother, Huntress used her keen sense of morality and killer aim to dish out her own brand of justice.

Following the soft reboot of the DC Universe in the mid-1980s, Huntress was revamped as Helena Bertinelli. As the heiress to a mafia dynasty, Helena was the sole survivor of a massacre that all but eradicated the Bertinelli family. Vowing vengeance, Helena took on the mantle of the Huntress to destroy the mafia.

As one of DC Comics' most enduring heroines, Huntress has become a modern icon and fan-favorite who has gone on to headline several mini-series. She has also been a key member of the beloved Birds of Prey comic and has been adapted into such hit series as Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Brave & The Bold and Arrow.

09. Starfire

Real Name: Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran
First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #26 1980 (Classic), Red Hood & The Outlaws #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Durability, Energy Projection, Flight

Princess Koriand'r was the youngest daughter of the royal family of the planet Tamaran. During a conflict with a neighbouring planet, she was used as a bargaining chip to reach an agreement. After years in captivity, Koriand'r escaped her imprisonment and fled to Earth where she became the superheroine known as Starfire.

As one of the new characters introduced in Marv Wolfman and George Perez's seminal The New Teen Titans, Starfire's free-spirited nature and Amazon-like appearance made her an instant hit. Despite this, the character wouldn't really reach A-list status until she was adapted for the children's cartoon Teen Titans. While this adaptation made her a household name, it also created a lot of misconceptions about her due to the extreme liberties they took with her. Regardless, Starfire is currently the sole female member of the Outlaws and is more powerful and independent than she's ever been.

08. Power Girl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #58 1976 (Classic), Mister Terrific #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

As Superman's cousin from another reality, Kara Zor-El found herself stranded in a strange land. Never one to be comfortable in the shadow of her more famous relative, she would go on to blaze a trail for herself as the brash and bodacious heroine known as Power Girl.

Perhaps best known for her controversial cut-out costume, Power Girl has established herself as both a sex symbol and problematic feminist character. Despite the divisive nature of her physical appearance, she continues to be a fan-favourite due to her sassy personality and relatable persona. Whether she's debuting cutting edge technology as the CEO of Starr Industries or chilling at home watching horror movies, Power Girl has readers hooked.

07. Supergirl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: Action Comics Vol. 1 #252 1959 (Classic), Supergirl Vol. 6 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

After years of believing himself to be the only survivor of Krypton's destruction, Superman discovered that one other Kryptonian had survived when his cousin Kara Zor-El crash landed on Earth. Bearing the familiar S-shield, Kara proved herself as the champion Supergirl through a series of trials and has established herself as one of Earth's greatest heroes.

As one of the earliest examples of a female version of a prominent male hero, Supergirl set the standard for plucky teen heroines. Her popularity led towards her headlining the pages of Adventure Comics, as well as several self-titled ongoing series. While her origins may have fluctuated over the years, Supergirl's status as an icon is undeniable and has only been further bolstered by her appearances in Superman: The Animated Series and Smallville, not to mention a planned live-action series based off of her adventures.

06. Zatanna

Real Name: Zatanna Zatara
First Appearance: Hawkman Vol. 1 #4 1964 (Classic), Justice League Dark #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Sorcery via spells spoken backwards

As the only daughter of the legendary magician Giovanni Zatara, Zatanna followed in her father's footsteps and became a popular stage magician. Her mystical abilities also led her down the path of heroism, using her unique talents to investigate magical mysteries and fight crime as a member of the Justice League.

Despite being one of the most prominent female members of the Justice League, Zatanna was inexplicably relegated to the fringes of the DC Universe for decades. Due to her appearances in Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited and Smallville, as well as her role in the controversial limited series Identity Crisis, interest in the character was renewed. This increased recognizability helped establish her as an A-lister, leading towards her critically-acclaimed self-titled ongoing series and membership within Justice League Dark.

05. Catwoman

Real Name: Selina Kyle
First Appearance: Batman Vol. 1 #1 1940 (Classic), Catwoman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Acrobatics, Thievery, Martial Artist

Orphaned at a young age, Selina Kyle turned to thievery to survive on the streets. She perfected her craft by stealing from the rich, using these spoils to lead a new life as a pampered socialite. Inspired by her affection for cats and the vigilante known as Batman, Selina donned a catsuit and became the master thief Catwoman. A constant thorn in Batman's side, Catwoman has been both the Dark Knight's foe and ally.

Debuting a full year before Wonder Woman, Selina Kyle began her career as The Cat. From these humble beginnings, she would go on to become Batman's most prominent female antagonist. Earning the moniker of the feline fatale, her enigmatic persona and undeniable sex appeal made her a favourite amongst readers. Multiple incarnations and adaptations later, she has earned the right to be considered a true comic book legend.

04. Harley Quinn

Real Name: Dr. Harleen Quinzel

First Appearance: Batman: Harley Quinn 1999 (Classic), Suicide Squad Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Psychology, Gymnastics

Once an ambitious young psychiatrist, Harleen Quinzel sought to establish a name for herself by helping to rehabilitate the sociopathic Joker. Persuaded by his lies and manipulations, Quinzel fell for the villain and gave up her life to become his costumed associate Harley Quinn. Harley's toxic relationship with the Joker wouldn't last, encouraging her to strike out on her own and becoming a key member of the Suicide Squad.

Originally created for the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn won audiences over with her hilarious antics and quirky persona. Her popularity saw her official introduction into the comics, where she's become one of DC Comics' most prominent villains. She has since gone on to become a modern icon thanks to appearances in video games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Injustice: Gods Among Us, as well as her roles in television adaptations like Birds of Prey and The Batman. If that weren't enough, she's also set to be one of the leads in the upcoming Suicide Squad film.

03. Black Canary

Real Name: Dinah Lance

First Appearance: Flash Comics Vol. 1 #86 1947 (Classic), Birds of Prey Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Canary Cry, Master Martial Artist

Trained from a young age in the ways of hand-to-hand combat, the heroine known as Black Canary has used the combined might of her fists and distinctive sonic scream to fight crime as a vigilante. As the field leader of the Birds of Prey, she has taken down terrorists and supervillains alike.

As one of DC Comics' earliest heroines, Black Canary has kicked more collective ass than most other superheroes (male or female). She's been a member of the Justice League, the Justice Society and has led the various incarnations of the Birds of Prey for nearly three decades. She's also become a favourite amongst casual fans due to her numerous appearances in adaptations, some of which include Justice League Unlimited, Smallville, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, Young Justice and Arrow. This is one birdie you can't keep down.

02. Batgirl

Real Name: Barbara Gordon
First Appearance: Detective Comics Vol. 1 #359 1967 (Classic), Batgirl Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Martial Arts, Eidetic Memory

Inspired by the exploits of Batman, Barbara Gordon donned the mantle of Batgirl in pursuit of bringing peace and justice to the streets of Gotham City. Though she was crippled for several years by the Joker, Barbara recovered and resumed her career as the thrill-seeking Batgirl.

Barbara Gordon is easily one of DC Comics' most inspirational and recognizable feminist heroes. Whether swinging from rooftops as Batgirl or hacking sophisticated computer systems as Oracle, she has proven herself to be an independent woman who is the equal of her male contemporaries. From her iconic portrayal in the live-action Batman series to more recent incarnations in Batman: The New Adventures, The Batman and Young Justice, Batgirl continues to be a household name whose exuberance and spunky personality have earned her a devoted fanbase. 

01. Wonder Woman

Real Name: Princess Diana of Themyscira

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #8 1941 (Classic), Wonder Woman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Durability, Speed, Reflexes, Agility and Stamina, Flight, Enhanced Healing Factor, Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant

As the daughter of the Queen of the Amazons, Princess Diana left her island home to fight for truth and love in "Man's World" as the costumed heroine Wonder Woman. Known for her compassion and strong sense of morality, Wonder Woman believes wholeheartedly in equality and works tirelessly to promote world peace.

There's no disputing that Wonder Woman is the most iconic superheroine of all-time. Her impact is undeniable, having inspired the creation of countless others over the years. She has proven that women can be taken seriously as heroes and that they can be just as captivating as their male counterparts (if not more so). Her recognizable star-spangled costume and her unique accessories make for an instantly iconic look, while her ideals have endeared her towards the LGBTQ and feminist communities. It's no wonder she's number one.

Review: The New Teen Titans Omnibus, Volume 2

After two years on The New Teen Titans, Marv Wolfman and George Perez had a bonafide hit on their hands. With their unique cast of characters and thrilling stories, this dynamic duo faced the challenge of keeping readers engaged and helping their creations to grow. The New Teen Titans Omnibus: Volume 2 collects Wolfman and Perez's third and fourth years on the title. In this magnificent oversized volume, the Teen Titans face off against deadly aliens, betrayal, and growing up.

While the first volume in this series featured stories of varying qualities, this collection is a genuine page turner. In the first arc, the Titans come up against the threat of the sinister Brother Blood. As far as villains go, Blood is terrifying and seemingly unstoppable. Wolfman and Perez carefully tackle the subject of cults and religion with this character, as well as the influence such factions have on the media and youths. However, it is not Brother Blood that stands as the most menacing villain in this collection. That honour goes to Starfire's sister Komand'r. In the most thrilling adventure available in this volume, Komand'r kidnaps her sister and subjects her to the most inhumane tortures imaginable. Dubbing herself Blackfire, Komand'r manipulates her allies and establishes herself as one of the Titans' greatest enemies. All of this leads towards one of the most epic battles ever witnessed in comic books. At the climax of this arc, Starfire and her sister face off in a duel to the death. It is bloody, violent, and solidified Starfire's status as a true survivor.

The narratives that follow Starfire and Blackfire's battle in space lead up to the much-loved "The Judas Contract" storyline. This four-part tale of suspicion and betrayal changed the status quo for the Teen Titans. The Titans had recently invited the young hero known as Terra into their ranks, not knowing that she was a mole planted on the team for Deathstroke. As Wolfman and Perez peeled back the layers of the character, it became evident that Terra was one of the most unfeeling and psychotic figures ever depicted in the pages of a comic book. It was a stroke of genius for the creative team and made The New Teen Titans one of the most groundbreaking comic books of all time. Beyond that, "The Judas Contract" is notable for Dick Grayson becoming Nightwing and Wally West giving up his title of Kid Flash.

The New Teen Titans Omnibus: Volume 2 is a must-have for any comic book fan and is especially necessary for lovers of Starfire. This collection is a non-stop thrill ride with surprising twists and turns. The characters are intricate and complex, which makes them incredibly relatable. Perez's art is gorgeous and expressive, making this not only a great collection of stories but also an artistic masterpiece. Do not pass up on a chance to read these stories, they're influential for a reason.

Rating: A-

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Top 10: Comic Book Friendships

Whoever said that women can't get along in fiction clearly has never opened up a comic book. Over the years, the big two companies (DC Comics and Marvel, for comic virgins) have written some of the most fascinating and relatable friendships. Some the longest lasting of these partnerships have been between women. Forged in the middle of the battlefield, these heroines have bonded over their shared love of justice and penchant for tights. To celebrate these gal pals, here is a list of the top ten comic book friendships.

10. Batgirl and Supergirl

As one of the earliest female partnerships, Batgirl and Supergirl's friendship dates back to the 1960s when the pair teamed up to bust an all-female organization of thieves. In this Pre-Crisis continuity, Barbara Gordon and Kara Zor-El would band together several times until Kara's death in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Years later, Stephanie Brown fostered a friendship with Supergirl while she was using the Batgirl title, thereby keeping the legacy of girl power alive and well.

09. Marvel Divas

In 2009, Marvel published a four-part mini-series titled Marvel Divas hoping to draw in a larger female audience. This series was a play off of Sex and the City and featured the romantic misadventures of D-list heroines Firestar, Black Cat, Hellcat, and Monica Rambeau. While it failed to garner major critical acclaim, Marvel Divas emphasized the importance of female friendship and demonstrated just how far women will go for each other. The series itself is a must-read for any female readers.

08. Fire and Ice

The late-1980s saw the introduction of what is known as the Justice League International era. Largely spearheaded by J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen, the JLI was a more light-hearted approach to superhero comics. At the centre of these books was the friendship between the heroes. One of the most notable was that of Fire and Ice. As complete opposites, the sassy Fire and the sensitive Ice were the epitome of what it meant to be girlfriends.

07. Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain

Much like Fire and Ice, Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain were polar opposites. The pair met back when Stephanie was Spoiler and Cassandra was Batgirl. These two became fast friends and would see each other through thick and thin. When Cassandra grew weary of being Batgirl, it was Stephanie who took up the mantle and continued her legacy. Truthfully, these two illustrated how teenage girls should treat each other -- with love and respect.

06. Jessica Drew and Carol Danvers

When Carol Danvers was brutally attacked by the mutant Rogue, it was Jessica Drew who saved her after she was tossed off the Golden Gate Bridge. This was the beginning of a friendship that would span decades. The pair have been on the Avengers together as Spider-Woman and Ms. Marvel and Jessica has made appearances in a supporting capacity in both Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel.

05. Starfire and Donna Troy

While the cartoon may have made people think that the gal pals of the Teen Titans are Starfire and Raven, the reality is that it's Starfire and Donna Troy's friendship that has stood the test of time. When Starfire first came to Earth, Donna opened her doors to the alien and helped her adjust to life in New York City. She helped her get a job as a model and used her as her muse for many successful campaigns. Beyond that, Starfire and Donna would hold friendly competitions with one another in order to hone their skills. Their friendship was so strong that Starfire was one of Donna's bridesmaids at her wedding to Terry Long.

04. Huntress and Power Girl

Likely inspired by the partnership between Supergirl and Batgirl, the parallel Earth heroes Power Girl and Huntress became the best of friends in the pages of All-Star Comics. This friendship is one of the earliest examples of a permanent partnership between women in comics and would last until the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths. Over 30 years later, their friendship has been revisited in the pages of Power Girl/Huntress: Worlds' Finest in DC Comics' New 52 line. This title places their friendship at the forefront and makes it one of the only female-centric buddy comics in publication.

03. Storm and Jean Grey

Female empowerment and solidarity has long been a recurring theme with the X-Men. There are many notable female friendships which have occurred over the years, but none is as memorable or as touching as that of Storm and Jean Grey. The pair met for the first time when Storm and other new recruits rescued the original X-Men from the menace of the living island of Krakoa. After these events, Jean helped Ororo to adjust to life in America and this would blossom into a friendship that would outlast Jean's various resurrections.

02. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy

As the only villains on this list, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn prove that even bad girls can get along. Their friendship dates back to Batman: The Animated Series, where they teamed up after the Joker kicked Harley to the curb as his gun moll. Ivy subsequently took her under her wing and the pair became an unstoppable criminal duo. This was later brought over to the comics and their friendship has since become the subject of speculation that the two may be lovers. The important thing to take from these two is the need for love and support between women (even the bad ones).

01. Birds of Prey

When it comes to girlfriends, no comic book has ever done so much for female friendship as Birds of Prey has. The original series centred around the partnership between Oracle and Black Canary, but evolved to include the vigilante Huntress. Birds of Prey focused on the healing powers of friendship and the importance of companionship. Under the careful pen of Chuck Dixon and later Gail Simone, these ladies proved that when sisters do it for themselves they can accomplish a whole lot. This series has managed to be so influential that it has been cited as a gateway comic for many readers and has been the subject of many adaptations. If you haven't read Birds of Prey, I'd say it's about time to start!