Monday, January 30, 2006

The Complete Rose Wilson History

This March, Rose [Ravager] Wilson will be joining the Teen Titans after the one year leap. Many readers may be familiar with Rose through the latest Titans series, but she has actually been around for over 10 years.

The long-lost daughter of Deathstroke the Terminator, Rose Wilson joined the Titans after her mother was killed and her precognitive meta-human abilities began to manifest. Despite Rose's cynical attitude, she did find some solace in her time as a Titan. But Slade shattered any chance of happiness when he kidnapped Rose and brainwashed her to become the new Ravager at his side.

Rose's story began in Deathstroke #15 [1992]... take a look at Rose history before joining the Titans. It's on the Rose Wilson History page!

Learn more about the Daughter of Deathstroke! See how she became a Titan, her fall-out with her father, and Impulse's unrequited crush. It's all there, as originally presented!

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Paul Dini Comments on JLU and Teen Titans

Paul Dini recently commented on JLU and Teen Titans on his livejournal: "I did an on camera interview with Bruce, David (Jimmy Olsen) Kaufman, Glen Murakami and Alan Burnett last night for the next (and last) SUPERMAN DVD set. Afterwards we went to dinner where Glen confirmed the end of TITANS, and Bruce said pretty much the same about JLU. There has been some talk about the JLU episodes airing earlier in the states, but that was still being debated at Cartoon Network. I forgot to ask Bruce how my Supergirl episode came out. Maybe I can get a preview if I'm at WB any time soon."

"I had heard people were getting more territorial with certain DC characters (no more Joker in JLU, for instance) but I didn't know the details. I knew two years ago when I left, that as heroes (and their villains) got snapped up in live movie options, it tended limited their appearances elsewhere."

Fates of Tempest, Dolphin & Cerdian

New Aquaman writer Kurt Busiek has been graciously answering fan question on DC Comics Message Boards. Many Titans' fans have wondered about the fate of Tempest, his wife Dolphin, and son, Cerdian.

Kurt gave some answers, hints and teases.... First, Kurt settled the confusion regarding Cerdian's gender; Cerdian was mistakenly referred to as Tempest's daughter in AQUAMAN and INFINITE CRISIS. Kurt joked, "Unless those Atlantean wizards have been getting kinky, Cerdian's a boy."

AQUAMAN #39 featured deaths of Koryak and Vulko; In INFINITE CRISIS, Atlantis was destroyed and Tempest went missing. So who survived and who is dead?

On the fate of Dolphin and Cerdian, Kurt noted, "I didn't know any [characters] were going to die -- as noted, when I came on board, [AQUAMAN] #39 was under way. But now that I am on board, deciding any of the cases that have been left questionable is pretty much up to me. I can tell you, for instance, that Dolphin and Cerdian are fine, and that they found Cerdian's penis in the rubble and have had it reattached."

And what of the missing-in-action Tempest? Kurt only answered crypticaly: "I think the rule of "No Body No Cry" applies here. That said, just what happened to Garth is something that'll have to be expored in time, because we've got too much else to do starting out..."

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Flashes In Crisis

Dan Didio reveals the new Flash creative team: "With Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo and Ken Lashley as the team of The Flash, Didio’s pretty sure he’s got the “different and fresh” angle covered."

Didio only hinted at who's behind the Flash mask: "Okay – and finally, we did push Didio for some teases about the new series, as well as the hero’s identity, and got two bits for the new series – which Didio characteristically twisted. First off, expect legacy to play a major role. “The series is built on the concept of ‘legacy.’ It is the recurring theme of Flash, it is the strength and the weakness of the character,” Didio said.

"And number two? Perhaps we were premature in wondering who the person under the mask might be. That is, wrong in the sense that we wondered about a “person” in the singular. “The costume will be very familiar,” Didio said with a chuckle, “Although you may not want to get too attached to the first Flash you see…”

Check out the full Newsarama article here.

Tony Daniel's Kid Flash

Tony Daniel has posted some of his initial Kid Flash sketches on his blog: "Hey guys. This is a Kid Flash Sketch sheet from sometime about a year ago. I was sketching all the characters out, trying to get a feel for them."

Check out the Tony Daniel blog to check out Tony's art.

Speedy Appears on Upcoming JLU

Speedy makes an animated appearance in the upcoming JLU episode, Patriot Act, as one of the Seven Soldiers of Victory! Comic book fans will recall that Speedy was a member of that Golden Age team of superheroes.

Here's how Cartoon Network describes the episode: When an out of control super soldier threatens Metropolis, Green Arrow leads seven non-powered Justice Leaguers, including Crimson Avenger and Shining Knight, in a battle they can’t hope to win.

Speedy's animated look on JLU is essentially a more grown-up version of his Teen Titans design. For images, check out Toon Zone's Speedy Bio for JLU. The episode has only aired in the UK, and is not yet scheduled to air in the United States. An interesting note: The JLU Speedy is voiced by Mike Erwin, who provided Speedy's voice on Teen Titans. This adds to the Teen Titans/JLU synergy established by Michael Rosenbaum voicing Flash on JLU and Kid Flash on Teen Titans.

Could Teen Titans and JLU actually exist in the same continuity? The way I figure it, TEEN TITANS is actually a prequel to BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES. It takes place during Dick Grayson's high school years. And oh, it's told from Beast Boy's point-of-view, which accounts for the slightly skewed wackiness of the series. What do you guys think?

Titans Death Toll

[spoilers for Infinite Crisis #4]

In last week's Infinite Crisis, Superboy-Prime attacks Superboy. Superboy calls on his Titans allies to subdue his Kryptonian doppelganger. The misguided Superboy-Prime inadvertently decapitates Pantha and slaughters Baby Wildebeest and Bushido; He then freezes Red Star into crystal ice and rips off Risk's right arm before being pulled into the Speed Force by the combined might of the super-speedsters.

It's been confirmed that Pantha, Wildebeest and Bushido are really most sincerely dead. Red Star, however, still lives... which is good news for fans of the Russian super-hero. As for Risk... we should all start calling him Lefty Driscoll.

Among the Titans' missing, Tempest is MIA; Atlantis was attacked by the Spectre, who was driven mad when he lost his human host. As Spectre razed Atlantis to the ground, Tempest and several Atlantean mystics unsuccessfully tried to combat him. With Atlantis destroyed, only Tempests' tattered costumed was found - leaving his fate in question.

Wally West, his wife Linda and his twin children raced to parts unknown in Infinite Crisis #4.

Stay tuned for more Crisis carnage... we aren't out of the woods yet... not by a long shot!

Friday, January 20, 2006

Eddie Berganza Talks Titans

Newsarama recently chatted with Teen Titans Editor, Eddie Berganza: "This week we continue with a conversation with Group Editor Eddie Berganza. [...] One of DC's most prolific editors will be moving on from the Superman family, and his current line-up includes Teen Titans, Supergirl, Ion, Superman/Batman, and the upcoming Justice League of America... Oh yeah, he also edits a little something called Infinite Crisis."

On Teen Titans One Year Later: "There will be new members, one is an all-new character developed from an existing character that I'm getting very fond of already. I know the names of the team may be out there, but I don't want to confirm anything. The book will be having some surprises. Geoff [Johns] and Tony Daniel are really getting into it. The new stuff Tony is doing is amazing."

On Doom Patrol: "Doom Patrol is very different from what's been seen before, but flows perfectly out of Titans, especially when you meet some of its members."

On Titans East: "Titans East is gonna be a surprise for everyone. [...] one character will be more like the future version we saw in "Titans of Tomorrow" and it evolves very nicely from things set up in Teen Titans that have come to a boil in Infinite Crisis."

For the full article, click here.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

The Truth About Tempest's Son

Fans of Tempest have started to worry about Tempest's son, Cerdian, since Aquaman #37. In that issue, Tempest refers to his baby daughter. The daughter reference continues in Infinite Crisis #3 and Aquaman #38. So what gives?

In a recent Newsarama Crisis Counseling, Dan Didio was asked: "Was the change in Garth's son's gender from male to female (as mentioned in IC#3 and Aquaman#37 and #38) a mistake or was it purposely done to show some time anomalies happening already in the DCU? Maybe a reference to Garth's daughter from Kingdom Come/The Kingdom, Aquagirl a.k.a. Tula?"

Didio answered: "The great part about Crisis is that all mistakes and retcons become time anomalies."

I guess Tempest still does have a son after all. Let's hope they keep this stuff straight in the future!

Dan offered one more hint about Donna Troy's fate One Year Later: "She has a long way to go before appearing One Year Later…"

The Future of Teen Titans and JLU

Newsarama has published a very interesting article on WB Animation: "DOING THE LEAGUE JUSTICE: Timm & Tucker Talk About New Season…And Just What’s Up With WB Animation?" by Steve Fritz

Here's a segment from the article concerning the Teen Titans: "Here’s what I also know. When questioning both Warner Bros. and CN regarding the end of both the Teen Titans and the Justice League, both groups jumped on the defensive. CN, in particular, didn’t want me to think things were done with the Titans no matter what was being said. As proof they pointed out how the Titans had been moved to their new slot on the Miguzi afternoon block. As one of the channel’s most popular shows that does give me cause to pause."

"Personal speculation, supplemented by sources, makes me think we will be seeing more Titans and JL in some form or another. What will determine the future of the League will be the ratings of this upcoming season. As for everything else, I’ll be sitting back and waiting."

"On one final note, the Warners did tell me there is going to be a lot of announcements, in fact three sets of them, coming from them in the very near future. The first will be delivered during WonderCon this February 24-25. The second will be during the upfront sessions that will be held by Kids WB and CN on March 1. The last set will be around the middle of the March. "

But don't start throwing "Happy Blorthog" Parties yet! Keep in mind, much of the article is speculative; Also, I know for a fact that a few of the "development" projects Fritz talks about are in error. Some details are off, so I questions his sources a bit. Also, Warner's could be referring to "Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo" DTV - which is a done deal and at the end of production.

The best thing EVERYONE can do is KEEP WRITING! Obviously, they are beginning to notice!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Teen Titans in April

DC Comics has provided silverbulletcomics.com with April Solicits.

TEEN TITANS #35
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Tony Daniel & Sandra Hope
Part 2 of “The New Teen Titans!” In an attempt to expose the insidious plans of the Brotherhood of Evil, a new member may sacrifice his or her life! Meanwhile, a strange romance begins to blossom and the secret below Titans Tower deepens. Plus, wait until you see which former Titans are involved with the new Doom Patrol — and why!
On sale April 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US

The solicit image for Teen Titans #35 features a blanked out cover and Beast Boy's new costume, which reflects his animated look. New artist Tony Daniel has confirmed that the cover features the new Doom Patrol; And, the image of Beast Boy may not reflect his final costume. Check out the cover image here.

Also be sure to check out the Teen Titans in ROBIN, Twin Nightwings in NIGHTWING, Robin & Superboy in SUPERMAN/BATMAN and Nightwing in OUTSIDERS.

Newsarama Collects Titans News

Newsarama has collected some Titans news from Geoff's site and Tony's blog.

At his blog, Teen Titans artist Tony Daniel revealed that he's redesigning the Teen Titans and the Doom Patrol when the DC Universe moves forward One Year Later (OYL) this spring.

“Okay, here's the solicitations version of Teen Titans #35. I know people are already speculatin' on whose in the background behind Gar and we aim to keep the speculatin' going for as long as possible. Actually, I'm redesigning the Doom Patrol costumes and I have only begun to sketch them out for Geoff [Johns]. So those outlines you see in the background were just a bunch of shapes I threw in there so the colorist can make the team outline.

“So there is a spot for each character, but that's it. I hope to have everyone designed this week so that I can have the cover completed soon. (As long as it's done with the pages from 35, I can take my time).

“In fact, I may even toy around with Gar some more here. It is in pencil, so tweaking him is highly likely. But I hope this cover gives enough so that people are eager to read it.”

Most of what Newsarama has reported has been covered here; But feel free to check out the Newsarama article here.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

"Titans Together" Notes & Images

The episode guide has been updated with full episode notes and screenshots for "Titans Together"; Be sure to check out all the comic book references and record number of screen shots! Check out the animated site and go to the episode guide!

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Getting Real With Tony Daniel

Tony Daniel has updated his blog with an image from an upcoming Teen Titans issue: "Hi folks. I finished issue 34 this past week and am about to start 35. One thing that should be noticeable right off the bat (I hope) is my new approach to the characters. Me and Geoff feel that the OYL issue is a fresh starting part for the book, the team and us as well. I've been given the enviable opportunity to redesign the Teen Titans (and Doom Patrol). Also being redesigned is the way I'm going to be portraying the characters. They'll have a little more realistic style than I've drawn before. Not so much in the vein of Bryan Hitch, but more realistic than I'm accustomed to or that people have seen from me."

Check out Tony's blog for a more in-depth look at his new 'style.'

Geoff Johns Teases Future For Titans

On his message board, Geoff Johns has given some hints to the Teen Titans series after the one year leap in March: "Most of you have seen Tony's unbelievable pencils for TEEN TITANS #34 -- at least Robin. He kicked *** on our ONE YEAR LATER issue and I can't wait for everyone to read it. I think it's the start of something really fun -- and it's definitely Tony and I taking the Titans in a new direction that I couldn't be more excited about.

The key to GREEN LANTERN and TEEN TITANS for me during this ONE YEAR LATER was to re-examine how I approach monthly books. I want them to be the ones you see on the stands and can't wait to tear into. I wanted to create an extremely character-driven direction with more mysteries, action and forward movement than we ever have. You'll see new characters mixed with old. Some glimpses of strange Titans that will create a dozen threads on this board. Action, humor and romance and above all emotion.

And if you think you know who Ravager and Kid Devil are...you don't.

With our first arc in #34 - NEW TEEN TITANS -- we'll be introducing our new team (at least the start of it)...a new supporting cast some might find familiar...new costumes...a Brotherhood of Evil member...getting a glimpse of the new Doom Patrol...and a cliffhanger to make you sweat with anticipation for next issue.

We also have a new member coming to the team later this year that will drive a few people insane."

To see a page from #32, click here. Todd Nauck did the art for #32 and #33!

Friday, January 13, 2006

The More Things Change...

The upcoming episode, THINGS CHANGE, is the last Teen Titans episode of season five - and most likely the final episode of the Teen Titans series. After the final battle with the Brotherhood of Evil, what lies ahead for our favorite Titans characters?

Well, here's how the network describes the episode: “The Teen Titans are finally back home. But a walk through the city reveals that things are no longer as they remembered. And while Beast Boy wants everything to be just like it was in the past, he has to face the fact that in life things change.”

THINGS CHANGE is written by Story Editor Amy Wolfram. Expect the episode to contain a few small surprises. Amy revealed, "The way that I wrote that press blurb was very specific. It was written fairly vague, on purpose, because that will probably be our last episode. And it’s a wonderful, different way to end a season rather than doing a two-part fight."

Producer David Slack added, "Yes, that’s a nice little coda. Or, I should say, a nice big coda. Glen [Murakami] was talking about that episode back in season three. And ultimately, I think we couldn’t have found a better spot for it in the run of the series."

And Amy had some final thoughts on the season five closer, " It’s a nice way to remind us of who our characters are. I don’t know that’s it’s necessarily an end, a beginning or a middle. But it shows the characters, after having traveled a whole season, finally returning home. So it’s a nice way to go."

Look for THING CHANGE to air Monday, at a special time [4:00pm EST], on Cartoon Network.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Titans Together!

In CALLING ALL TITANS and TITANS TOGETHER, there’s a lot of characters converging and battling; So is it challenging to write episodes like that and balance all the characters? Amy Wolfram, writer of CALLING ALL TITANS, as well as Story Editor, was quick to answer with a resounding, "Yes!"

Amy added, "For part one, CALLING ALL TITANS, that was definitely a challenge to have 54 characters fighting each other – and to have it build in a way that’s satisfying. So we used a trick from that old shampoo commercial, ‘so she told two friends, and he told two friends, and so on…’ So it’s constantly building exponentially, which I think was really cool."

So how were each of the face-offs created? Amy revealed, "The mixing and matching [of the characters] from my scenes came a lot from the board artists; They’d say, 'Wouldn’t it be cool if…' So I would say, 'Yeah. Let’s go for it.'"

Story Editor Rob Hoegee shared some of the process in creating the elaborate character-shuffling: "When we were doing the season finale episodes, you should have seen us. We got the big conference room here at the studio, which has a table that’s like 25 feet long. And the table was full of note cards - and had the artists draw a little picture of the character on each note card. So were literally mapped out where each character was at what point and what they were doing. It was really quite daunting."

The conclusion of the ambitious storyline airs Saturday in TITANS TOGETHER, written by Rob Hoegee. Here's how the network describes the episode: All seems lost for young heroes across the globe: they have been spread far and wide, their lines of communication have been severed, and one by one, the Brotherhood of Evil takes them down. But as The Brain claims his victory is assured, one brave hero manages to slip thorough the Brotherhood of Evil's grasp.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

"Calling All Titans" Episode Notes & Images

The episode guide has been updated with full episode notes and screenshots for "Calling All Titans"; Be sure to check out all the comic book references and record number of screen shots! Check out the animated site and go to the episode guide!

Monday, January 09, 2006

The Challenge of Animating Jericho

Comic book hero Jericho just made his animated debut in CALLING ALL TITANS. Jericho seems to be problematic to adapt for the purposes of the show – he’s mute, uses sign language, his power is to possess people… and he’s Slade’s son. Many of those elements appear challenging to translate well; Was Jericho a challenge?

Story Editor Rob Hoegee kindly provided some answers: “There was a great deal of discussion about Jericho and how we might be able to use him – and whether he was worthy of an episode. Everyone agrees he’s an interesting character – but it would be difficult to focus a whole episode on him. Since Jericho uses sign language, there were concerns that wouldn’t animate well. We wanted to do justice to the character, but it just didn’t work out to center a whole episode around him. But we do see Jericho. And he does play a big part in wrapping the season up.”

Look for Jericho – and many more Titans – in TITANS TOGETHER, airing this Saturday!

Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo

A few months ago, titanstower.com reported the title of the upcoming Teen Titans Direct-To-Video upcoming movie: Teen Titans: Tokyo. It appears there's been a title change, according to insiders. The new title is Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo. Look for more news on this project soon!

Friday, January 06, 2006

"Calling All Titans" Episode Details

This Saturday, Cartoon Network airs the third-to-last Teen Titans episode. "Calling All Titans." Here's how the network describes the episode: The final game has begun. While the Titans are spread out throughout the globe on one last mission, Brotherhood mastermind the Brain makes his move. Robin has a strategy of his own, but as ALL the villains begin taking down ALL the superheroes ALL at once, will it be enough to save his friends?

Look for a bunch of surprises, including cameos from new and old Titans alike! Characters like The Brain, Monsieur Mallah, Argent, Bushido, Pantha, Kole, Gnarrk, Hive Five, Titans East, Madame Rouge Lightning, Overload, Thunder, Steamroller, Instigator, Atlas, Kardiak, Psimon, Kyd Wykkyd all make appearances. Also look for a sly reference to a locale from the 1960's era Teen Titans.

Comic book fans: Look for the animated debuts of Titans favorites like Argent, Bushido and Pantha - possibly more. "Calling All Titans" is written by Amy Wolfram.

Also, take a look below at some new model sheets - including Bushido! Check 'em out at the animated site.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Sneak Peek of Teen Titans #31

Tony Daniel's blog offers a sneak peek at Teen Titans #31: "Figured I'd show a pencil version for what we see in tomorrow's issue." Check out the image here.

The level of detail is amazing; I was staring at this image for 5 minutes. I think Tony's art gets even better each issue! Can't wait to see his Ravager & Kid Devil!

Season Five Schedule Update AGAIN!

I think Larry The Titan is running the Cartoon Network schedule. Yup, it's changed yet again! The remaining season five episodes will air of the following days:

Saturday, Jan. 7th: "Calling All Titans"
Saturday, Jan. 14th: "Titans Together"
Monday, Jan. 16th: "Things Change" at a special time

Monday, January 02, 2006

DVD Season One Sneak Peek

Comics Continuum reports some news on the upcoming Teen Titans DVD release: "Warner Home Video has provided The Continuum with a preview of Teen Titans: The Complete First Season, a two-disc DVD set that will arrive in stores on Feb. 7.The "Finding Their Voices" featurette spotlights the cast of the show, along with producer David Slack and voice director Andrea Romano. The cast members talk about how they arrived at the voices for their chraacters, and Slack reveals that those choices also influenced the writing of the show. "

Click here for screen images from the DVD!

As always, you can help support this site by ordering the DVD through the link below. It also offers a great savings - the entire season for only $13.99! Plus a FREE Shipping option!