Like It or Not, One Titan’s Unstable Powers Make Them a Threat To the DC Universe

Warning: Spoilers for Titans #19

The Titans have earned their position as one of the best superhero teams in the DC Universe, but one member among them is holding them back. Fan-favorite hero Raven is struggling to keep her powers in check as her empathy goes haywire. Raven’s lack of control over her magic endangers the Titans, as well as the entire world she’s meant to protect.

In Titans #19 by John Layman, Serg Acuña, Matt Herms and Wes Abbott, the titular team is attempting to enjoy a snow day, but Arsenal can’t help but share his concerns about Raven with his friends. Roy informs Nightwing and Donna Troy that Raven has become unstable, claiming that “having her in the field is a liability”.

Arsenal isn’t wrong about Raven, even though his teammates disapprove of his harsh words. With her unpredictable powers, Raven is putting the whole DC Universe in danger – and this would be far from the only time she’s been a hazard to herself and those around her.

Raven Loses Control of Her Powers, Becoming a Liability to the Titans

With Raven’s Emotions Going Haywire, She’s More Vulnerable Than Ever

Raven possesses enhanced empathy, which allows her to connect deeply with the emotions of others and feel them herself if she wishes. However, in the current Titans run, these powers are malfunctioning and causing Raven to experience others’ feelings in much more intense mood swings against her will. In Titans #18, she lashes out at her teammates over their petty squabbling, catching them all off guard. Raven displays more irrational behavior throughout the issue, such as when she sheds tears while the other Titans battle Shimmer and Mammoth, and thus proves that she is in no shape to fight.

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Arsenal makes the controversial argument that Raven is hindering the Titans, and unfortunately for her, he has a point. Her newfound weakness makes her susceptible to being controlled, as demonstrated in the previous issue when Roy takes advantage of Raven by manipulating her emotions so she will fight the target of his choice. If one of her teammates is capable of using her vulnerable state against her, then her enemies could do much worse. As much as the Titans value their friendship with Raven, they should listen to Roy and admit that she poses a genuine threat to their well-being.

Raven’s Emotional Instability Is the Result of Her Villainous Transformation

Raven’s Dark-Winged Queen Form Gives the Titans Hell

Raven’s chaotic empathy is a consequence of her recent transformation into the Dark-Winged Queen, a horrifying entity who follows in the wicked footsteps of her demon father. This form is the culmination of Raven’s dark destiny to take over the world, emerging after her demonic half separates from her core being to trap her “good” self and take over. The evil Raven tricks the Titans into believing she’s the version they all know and love, then absorbs the powers of her brothers and the Spectre to access unforeseen magic. Raven takes a nightmarish turn in this story, unleashing the dark side that bubbles beneath her surface.

Of course, Raven’s descent into villainy doesn’t last forever, and the Titans successfully snap her out of it. Beast Boy brings the two Ravens together, encouraging them to fuse into a single entity rather than severing themselves into good and evil halves. By merging, she taps into new levels of power and re-introduces her White Raven costume to DC continuity as a visualization of her synthesis. All is not as perfect as it seems, though, as Raven’s union serves as the catalyst for her emotions getting scrambled. Just when one disaster caused by Raven draws to a close, another appears, as per usual.

Raven Has Endangered the Titans Many Times Throughout DC History

Despite Her Bond With Her Teammates, Raven Is Often Their Enemy

As beloved as Raven is by readers and characters alike, it cannot be disputed that she tends to do more harm than good as a member of the Titans. Trigon, her father, is a monstrous demon who often seeks her out in an effort to recruit her to his vile cause. His persistent influence on her has correlated directly to her numerous backslides into darkness, because she may resent him, but she nonetheless is not immune to his control. While obeying commands from Trigon, Raven has betrayed her Titans allies on several occasions and left them with no choice but to fight her.

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Through battles with Raven as she becomes Trigon’s thrall, the Titans have firsthand experience with combating her magic. Raven has earned her status as one of DC’s most powerful heroes, and succumbing to evil only elevates her impressive abilities to the point where she’s nearly defeated her teammates. She has even shown that she can overcome Superman in Superman / Batman #61 by Michael Green, Mike Johnson, Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato – and in this instance, she’s brainwashed. Raven’s constant vulnerability to external forces drags the Titans down, as she’s been an enemy so frequently that her positive contributions can’t measure up to the harm she inflicts.

Raven Is Taking a Dark Turn and Putting the Titans at Risk Yet Again

Would the Titans Be Better Off Without Raven? Sadly, We Believe So.

Trigon was killed by Raven at the conclusion of the “Dark-Winged Queen” saga, yet the risks she brings to the table as a member of the Titans continue to persist despite his absence. Raven is an emotional wreck, and other villains are rising up and taking her father’s place to chip away at her already fragile condition. Psycho-Pirate has made a shocking return to DC lore with his sights set on Raven, which spells trouble for the Titans. He’s shown off his ability to instill paranoia within victims through turning Killer Frost against the Justice League, and Raven appears to be his next target.

As Raven once again attracts danger to the Titans’ doorstep, a critical question must be asked: should the Titans keep this treacherous hero on their roster? She is undoubtedly an asset in terms of magical prowess, but the cons of her membership outweigh the pros. Frankly, the Titans would be better off operating without the fear of Raven’s betrayal hanging over their heads, and Arsenal’s complaint could be the wake-up call they’ve been waiting for. If Raven does remain part of the Titans, she needs to get a better handle on her powers before history repeats itself.

Titans #19 is available now from DC Comics.

Teen Titans

Teen Titans is a superhero animated TV series based on the DC Comics team of the same name. Airing from 2003 to 2006, the show follows five young heroes—Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy—as they battle villains while navigating adolescence. The series was widely praised for its blend of action, humor, and character development, and it spawned a popular spin-off, Teen Titans Go!.