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Teen Titans #1
Teen Titans: Raven
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2019)When a tragic accident takes the life of seventeen-year-old Raven Roth’s foster mom—and Raven’s memory—she moves to New Orleans to live with her foster mother’s family and finish her senior year of high school.
Starting over isn’t easy. Raven remembers how to solve math equations and make pasta, but she can’t remember her favorite song or who she was before the accident. When strange things start happening—things most people would consider impossible—Raven starts to think it might be better not to know who she was in her previous life.
But as she grows closer to her foster sister, Max, her new friends, and Tommy Torres, a guy who accepts her for who she is now, Raven has to decide if she’s ready to face what’s buried in the past...and the darkness building inside her.
From the #1 New York Times best-selling co-author of Beautiful Creatures Kami Garcia and artist Gabriel Picolo comes this first graphic novel in the Teen Titans series for DC Ink, Teen Titans: Raven.
Starting over isn’t easy. Raven remembers how to solve math equations and make pasta, but she can’t remember her favorite song or who she was before the accident. When strange things start happening—things most people would consider impossible—Raven starts to think it might be better not to know who she was in her previous life.
But as she grows closer to her foster sister, Max, her new friends, and Tommy Torres, a guy who accepts her for who she is now, Raven has to decide if she’s ready to face what’s buried in the past...and the darkness building inside her.
From the #1 New York Times best-selling co-author of Beautiful Creatures Kami Garcia and artist Gabriel Picolo comes this first graphic novel in the Teen Titans series for DC Ink, Teen Titans: Raven.
171 pages, ebook
First published July 2, 2019
About the author
Kami Garcia
101 books17.1k followersKami Garcia is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author. She is the coauthor of the BEAUTIFUL CREATURES series, which has been published in 51 countries and 37 languages, with over 10 million copies in print. In 2013, Beautiful Creatures released as a feature film from Warner Brothers. Kami is a cofounder of the YALLFEST kid lit book festival and the author of five solo novels, including her Bram Stoker Award-nominated novels Unbreakable and Unmarked (THE LEGION series) and The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos. Kami’s first graphic novel Teen Titans: Raven, with artist Gabriel Picolo, is the first book in her TEEN TITANS series for DC Comics and the adult series JOKER/HARLEY: CRIMINAL SANITY, from DC Black Label.
Find Kami online at kamigarcia.com, on Facebook @KamiGarciaYA, and on Twitter and Instagram @KamiGarcia.
Find Kami online at kamigarcia.com, on Facebook @KamiGarciaYA, and on Twitter and Instagram @KamiGarcia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,735 reviews
September 2, 2021
2.5 stars
A YA retelling of Raven that could have sucked a lot more.
To be honest, I almost DNF'ed it after the first issue because it just seemed stupid to me. I'm not a Raven/Titans expert, but nothing about this story was getting me excited. But then I ran out of shit to read, so I just kept going.
It kind of got better.
Amnesia, high school angst, & voodoo. What's not to love, right?
Anyway, in the first few panels, Raven's adopted/foster mother dies in a car wreck that also takes Raven's memories. She ends up in New Orleans with her mom's sister and her daughter. Bonds form, magic happens, and some of her questions get answered.
The voodoo stuff was cool, but I can't see myself going back for more of this sort of comic because it's just too teeny bopper for me.
Eh.
I'm not the target audience.
A YA retelling of Raven that could have sucked a lot more.
To be honest, I almost DNF'ed it after the first issue because it just seemed stupid to me. I'm not a Raven/Titans expert, but nothing about this story was getting me excited. But then I ran out of shit to read, so I just kept going.
It kind of got better.
Amnesia, high school angst, & voodoo. What's not to love, right?
Anyway, in the first few panels, Raven's adopted/foster mother dies in a car wreck that also takes Raven's memories. She ends up in New Orleans with her mom's sister and her daughter. Bonds form, magic happens, and some of her questions get answered.
The voodoo stuff was cool, but I can't see myself going back for more of this sort of comic because it's just too teeny bopper for me.
Eh.
I'm not the target audience.
January 8, 2021
Una buena inmersión en los Teen Titans.
Esta primera entrega de las novelas gráficas de Teen Titans guionizadas por Kami Garcia e ilustradas por Gabriel Picolo ha sido bastante gratificante de leer. La presentación de los conflictos y personajes están hechos de una manera magistral que te atrapa desde el primer momento.
Las ilustraciones de Picolo, de quien llevo siendo fan de sus dibujos en redes sociales bastantes años, son una delicia. En este caso, además, se juega bastante con el color. Raven no se encuentra a sí misma después de un accidente que le causa amnesia, por lo que se juega muy bien con los colores desaturados y dibujos que parecen no estar terminado, a dibujos con mucho color y muy vivos cuando las emociones están a flor de piel o hay algún tipo de recuerdo. Me ha flipado en ese sentido.
En cuanto a la historia... ¡Me ha encantado! Creo que podríamos haber conocido un poquito más de Raven, pero entiendo que es una presentación y que veremos cómo se desarrolla más adelante. Aun y todo no puedo evitar sentir que me han faltado unas cuentas páginas más, sobre todo para conocer más de Max. y Tommy. Todo el tema de sus orígenes reales, el tema del cuervo y SOBRE TODO lo del vudú en Nueva Orleans... chef's kiss.
El ritmo de esta novela gráfica está perfectamente medido. No paran de suceder cosas, pero no se deja de lado la introducción de personajes bien caracterizados, así como un conocimiento de la protagonista y lo que pasa por su mente en todo momento. Como he comentado, creo que la manera de introducir todos los elementos en este primer volumen ha sido impoluta. No solo engancha desde la primera página, sino en todas ellas por su buen ritmo, y te lo vas a terminar sin apenas darte cuenta.
Teen Titans: Raven ha sido una muy buena experiencia. He disfrutado, me he emocionado y me he quedado pegado a sus páginas sin poder separarme. Estoy deseando conocer más del personaje y, obviamente, del Chico Bestia.
Esta primera entrega de las novelas gráficas de Teen Titans guionizadas por Kami Garcia e ilustradas por Gabriel Picolo ha sido bastante gratificante de leer. La presentación de los conflictos y personajes están hechos de una manera magistral que te atrapa desde el primer momento.
Las ilustraciones de Picolo, de quien llevo siendo fan de sus dibujos en redes sociales bastantes años, son una delicia. En este caso, además, se juega bastante con el color. Raven no se encuentra a sí misma después de un accidente que le causa amnesia, por lo que se juega muy bien con los colores desaturados y dibujos que parecen no estar terminado, a dibujos con mucho color y muy vivos cuando las emociones están a flor de piel o hay algún tipo de recuerdo. Me ha flipado en ese sentido.
En cuanto a la historia... ¡Me ha encantado! Creo que podríamos haber conocido un poquito más de Raven, pero entiendo que es una presentación y que veremos cómo se desarrolla más adelante. Aun y todo no puedo evitar sentir que me han faltado unas cuentas páginas más, sobre todo para conocer más de Max. y Tommy. Todo el tema de sus orígenes reales, el tema del cuervo y SOBRE TODO lo del vudú en Nueva Orleans... chef's kiss.
El ritmo de esta novela gráfica está perfectamente medido. No paran de suceder cosas, pero no se deja de lado la introducción de personajes bien caracterizados, así como un conocimiento de la protagonista y lo que pasa por su mente en todo momento. Como he comentado, creo que la manera de introducir todos los elementos en este primer volumen ha sido impoluta. No solo engancha desde la primera página, sino en todas ellas por su buen ritmo, y te lo vas a terminar sin apenas darte cuenta.
Teen Titans: Raven ha sido una muy buena experiencia. He disfrutado, me he emocionado y me he quedado pegado a sus páginas sin poder separarme. Estoy deseando conocer más del personaje y, obviamente, del Chico Bestia.
May 9, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Raven is my favorite hero from the DC world (I am a Marvel fan to be honest), I remember the excitement I had when I was in middle school and I wanted to go back home to watch Teen Titans!
That's why I immediately ordered this when I saw it on Edelweiss (Thanks for the publisher for the E-ARC which does not affect my opinions on this).
It is also drawn by Gabriel Picolo who I follow on Twitter and is a fan of!
I feel that rating this is a hard task because it is written by Kami and drawn by Picolo. The art is perfect and I have no objections on it. A solid 4 or even 5 stars for the art.
The story however, was a little bit underwhelming. I feel like I already know this and that Raven deserves more. This was like a story of Raven discovering her powers and origin but Raven was not the Raven I know from the Teen Titans series.
So, in short: The art is amazing is expected but it could have used a better storyline!
Raven is my favorite hero from the DC world (I am a Marvel fan to be honest), I remember the excitement I had when I was in middle school and I wanted to go back home to watch Teen Titans!
That's why I immediately ordered this when I saw it on Edelweiss (Thanks for the publisher for the E-ARC which does not affect my opinions on this).
It is also drawn by Gabriel Picolo who I follow on Twitter and is a fan of!
I feel that rating this is a hard task because it is written by Kami and drawn by Picolo. The art is perfect and I have no objections on it. A solid 4 or even 5 stars for the art.
The story however, was a little bit underwhelming. I feel like I already know this and that Raven deserves more. This was like a story of Raven discovering her powers and origin but Raven was not the Raven I know from the Teen Titans series.
So, in short: The art is amazing is expected but it could have used a better storyline!
November 21, 2021
[✓When I have a daughter, this is the book I will read to let her know what kind of boys she must stay away from at school. Tooooooo cringy. Smooth talker stalker and pukey and the girl just fell for him straightaway. Girl, your character crashed in pieces just like that! This book is one of the most super annoying reads of 2019.
So much was hyped about in the first few pages regarding the past, some unknown magic, a dark world and something mysterious to come up. But heck, once the guy appears everything is hearts and roses and yes, the book is over. I don't really care about the sequel if the book is like this. ]
I like the art style. That's pretty much it. Otherwise I don't like any of the characters specially the main protagonist. She is always so confused and seemingly appears shallow. Ok, granted she is young and at an age where everything is confusing. And yes, something happened to her and she is struggling because of it. But....the hype of the first few pages does not last long. There's a lot of dragging on in between. And I got so damn bored. It got too repetitive and nothing much was happening.
The romance is so instant and assuming. The guy seems really desperate and creepy to me. It's not romantic at all. Seriously, what's the point of stretching so much to the point of killing all kinds of interest? It would have been much better as a 20 paged fast paced short read with all the paranormal elements introduced at the right time. The chemistry between the characters was so aloof and not working at all. Too superficial.
80 per cent of the book is only about 'oh I cannot remember anything' and just general talk. The important things are very much left out. Reading this one was like it's testing my patience. And yes, for no good. All it does focus on is teen drama and prom issues. Saywha?!
I change my mind. It cannot be 3 stars. 2 stars. A star for the cover. Another star for the art. The rest is trash.
***Congrats on entering my worst reads of 2019.
So much was hyped about in the first few pages regarding the past, some unknown magic, a dark world and something mysterious to come up. But heck, once the guy appears everything is hearts and roses and yes, the book is over. I don't really care about the sequel if the book is like this. ]
I like the art style. That's pretty much it. Otherwise I don't like any of the characters specially the main protagonist. She is always so confused and seemingly appears shallow. Ok, granted she is young and at an age where everything is confusing. And yes, something happened to her and she is struggling because of it. But....the hype of the first few pages does not last long. There's a lot of dragging on in between. And I got so damn bored. It got too repetitive and nothing much was happening.
The romance is so instant and assuming. The guy seems really desperate and creepy to me. It's not romantic at all. Seriously, what's the point of stretching so much to the point of killing all kinds of interest? It would have been much better as a 20 paged fast paced short read with all the paranormal elements introduced at the right time. The chemistry between the characters was so aloof and not working at all. Too superficial.
80 per cent of the book is only about 'oh I cannot remember anything' and just general talk. The important things are very much left out. Reading this one was like it's testing my patience. And yes, for no good. All it does focus on is teen drama and prom issues. Saywha?!
I change my mind. It cannot be 3 stars. 2 stars. A star for the cover. Another star for the art. The rest is trash.
***Congrats on entering my worst reads of 2019.
December 12, 2019
I'll just start off by saying this isn't Raven from the Teen Titans you know either from cartoons or comics. This is its own thing. Clearly from the foreshadowing in this, Garcia plans to put her own spin on the Teen Titans as a whole. Raven is still the same character at her core though. Her dad is still a demon trying to get into our world by corrupting her. She has similar powers. She's an empath, although I'm not sure Garcia knows what an empath is. She mentions it twice but then Raven's powers are more telepathic instead as she reads all her classmates thoughts instead of emotions.
This book oozes teen angst. Raven has lost her memory and her adopted mother. Plus, there's lots of boy trouble along with a trope-y, popular, mean girl who serves no purpose whatsoever. The book is REALLY drawn out. For what takes place in it, it could have been edited down to half the size. I'll probably check out Teen Titans: Beast Boy from the library when it comes out. Hopefully it'll have a little more substance.
I enjoyed Picolo's art and the muted color palette. (The muted color palette seems to be a thing across all these DC Ink books.)
This book oozes teen angst. Raven has lost her memory and her adopted mother. Plus, there's lots of boy trouble along with a trope-y, popular, mean girl who serves no purpose whatsoever. The book is REALLY drawn out. For what takes place in it, it could have been edited down to half the size. I'll probably check out Teen Titans: Beast Boy from the library when it comes out. Hopefully it'll have a little more substance.
I enjoyed Picolo's art and the muted color palette. (The muted color palette seems to be a thing across all these DC Ink books.)
May 18, 2019
What I liked:
I really liked the art style of this graphic novel, and Raven has always been my favourite of the Teen Titans. It was interesting to see a bit of her backstory.
What I did not like:
The writing was messy, and was pushed far too quickly. There wasn't any character development, and Raven's character which was so original throughout the tv show became a clich�� teenager with no depth. I also really did not like the integration of voodoo culture. It was poorly represented and had no connection to the plot. I wish the writer had been more thoughtful about what she chose to include in this story. It felt like this was written within five minutes, with little thought put into it.
I can say that this was a fairly quick read, I believe it only took me half-an-hour to read in its entirety. It was enjoyable at some moments, but it also had its fair-share of flaws, unfortunately. I was looking forward to reading this one, but it just did not come through for me in content.
I really liked the art style of this graphic novel, and Raven has always been my favourite of the Teen Titans. It was interesting to see a bit of her backstory.
What I did not like:
The writing was messy, and was pushed far too quickly. There wasn't any character development, and Raven's character which was so original throughout the tv show became a clich�� teenager with no depth. I also really did not like the integration of voodoo culture. It was poorly represented and had no connection to the plot. I wish the writer had been more thoughtful about what she chose to include in this story. It felt like this was written within five minutes, with little thought put into it.
I can say that this was a fairly quick read, I believe it only took me half-an-hour to read in its entirety. It was enjoyable at some moments, but it also had its fair-share of flaws, unfortunately. I was looking forward to reading this one, but it just did not come through for me in content.
August 19, 2020
I received an ARC of this book by DC Ink in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED THIS!! This story follows a seventeen-year-old girl named Raven. She loses her memory in a car accident that occurred. She now has to start over and live in a foster home, while also experiencing high school.
The art in this was STUNNING! I loved the grey, black, and purple color palette. The illustrations were overall extremely well done and expressive. The romance in this was also really nice! When they were trying candy bars together, I just thought that was adorable. The relationship Raven had with her foster sister was also so well done and so important. I loved seeing two females getting along and bringing each other up.
The ending fell a little flat for me but other than that I don't have much to complain about. I was honestly really impressed and found myself relating to this in a lot of aspects. I am looking forward to reading the next graphic novel in this series.
I LOVED THIS!! This story follows a seventeen-year-old girl named Raven. She loses her memory in a car accident that occurred. She now has to start over and live in a foster home, while also experiencing high school.
The art in this was STUNNING! I loved the grey, black, and purple color palette. The illustrations were overall extremely well done and expressive. The romance in this was also really nice! When they were trying candy bars together, I just thought that was adorable. The relationship Raven had with her foster sister was also so well done and so important. I loved seeing two females getting along and bringing each other up.
The ending fell a little flat for me but other than that I don't have much to complain about. I was honestly really impressed and found myself relating to this in a lot of aspects. I am looking forward to reading the next graphic novel in this series.
July 1, 2019
Raven’s back story in graphic novel format. Dark.
Great artwork.
Plenty of high school angst along with the supernatural.
I’ve had this on my shelf from a conference last year. I was asked this week by a teenager why I didn’t read graphic novels. In consideration, I now realize you need to take the time to appreciate the art and realize it’s more serial than encapsulated. Reading to me is a movie or my own visual. A graphic novel has its own artistry that I can appreciate but it’s a different experience. More theatre than escaping in a novel. At least for me.
Entertaining for sure.
Great artwork.
Plenty of high school angst along with the supernatural.
I’ve had this on my shelf from a conference last year. I was asked this week by a teenager why I didn’t read graphic novels. In consideration, I now realize you need to take the time to appreciate the art and realize it’s more serial than encapsulated. Reading to me is a movie or my own visual. A graphic novel has its own artistry that I can appreciate but it’s a different experience. More theatre than escaping in a novel. At least for me.
Entertaining for sure.
July 13, 2019
Ugh. Waiting for the next installment is gonna be torture :(
July 23, 2019
2.5 stars
"I'm seeing things and hearing voices . . . what if there's something wrong with me?" -- Rachel 'Raven' Roth, page 21
I guess I'm just too much of a fan of voice actress Tara Strong's signature and often humorous vocal fry-styled performance of Raven in the animated Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go! series for this new interpretation to fully win me over. (Obviously it's not the most fair comparison at all, but that's the indelible version of the character kicking around in my mind.) Although I liked both the Mera and Catwoman titles from 'DC Ink' the now-standard teenage / high school / relationship melodrama this time around felt more conventional, and also seemed a little tiresome. It wasn't that it was bad, just not good enough. The bright spot was the inclusion of a Teen Titans: Beast Boy sneak preview.
"I'm seeing things and hearing voices . . . what if there's something wrong with me?" -- Rachel 'Raven' Roth, page 21
I guess I'm just too much of a fan of voice actress Tara Strong's signature and often humorous vocal fry-styled performance of Raven in the animated Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go! series for this new interpretation to fully win me over. (Obviously it's not the most fair comparison at all, but that's the indelible version of the character kicking around in my mind.) Although I liked both the Mera and Catwoman titles from 'DC Ink' the now-standard teenage / high school / relationship melodrama this time around felt more conventional, and also seemed a little tiresome. It wasn't that it was bad, just not good enough. The bright spot was the inclusion of a Teen Titans: Beast Boy sneak preview.
August 13, 2023
In 2018, Kami Garcia, a writer of young adult fiction, co-writer of Beautiful Creatures with Margaret Stohl, proposed writing some Teen Titans stories and DC Comics gave her the graphic novel format as a platform. Immediately, Garcia said she wanted to explore Raven first. DC creative did a wise thing by pairing her up with newbie Brazilian artist Gabriel Picolo. With both being new to the comics industry, neither were complacent about what they were endeavoring. Both wanted to demonstrate their best, and it shows in the work.
The graphic novel re-imagines Rachel Roth as just a normal adopted teen who also happens to be the daughter of a demon. Raven can be more than one thing — the way all teens are more than one thing. The 80s Raven was a morose character who as an empath absorbed emotion and pain. She was the Emo prototype that wore black nail polish, black clothes, and never smiled. Here she is a teen that loves clothes, favors purple, and is a fun-loving kid, trying to figure things out.
This is YA (something of which ordinarily I am not a fan) about as close to perfect as you can get. Kami Garcia tapped into a real-life truth about youth and translated it into a raw desire to belong. Gabriel Picolo draws with a light heart and heavy significance. The alchemical result between the two creators is trinitrotoluene explosive. If you trust me, you should check it out.
The graphic novel re-imagines Rachel Roth as just a normal adopted teen who also happens to be the daughter of a demon. Raven can be more than one thing — the way all teens are more than one thing. The 80s Raven was a morose character who as an empath absorbed emotion and pain. She was the Emo prototype that wore black nail polish, black clothes, and never smiled. Here she is a teen that loves clothes, favors purple, and is a fun-loving kid, trying to figure things out.
This is YA (something of which ordinarily I am not a fan) about as close to perfect as you can get. Kami Garcia tapped into a real-life truth about youth and translated it into a raw desire to belong. Gabriel Picolo draws with a light heart and heavy significance. The alchemical result between the two creators is trinitrotoluene explosive. If you trust me, you should check it out.
March 13, 2020
Teen Titans: Raven is a manga like comic book in a series of standalones for DC's Teen Titans. It's more book-like than a standard comic book trade and the art is simplistic.
Raven is a high schooler who has just lost her mother and her memory in a terrible car accident. She goes to live with an old friend of her mother's and her teenage daughter.
She attempts to remember who she is and starts to realize that she has some kind of telekinetic powers. She's an empath and can read people's thoughts and feelings as well as control some actions with her mind.
She has a dark family history that will be uncovered as the book goes on. She also finds out the interesting secrets of her adopted family.
Along the way she is protected by a raven shadow, a manifestation of her soul power.
With all of this supernatural craziness going on Raven still manages to find time for boy drama. She starts to develop feelings and he seems to like her back! Of course nothing is ever that cut and dry in high school.
Raven is the story about discovering who you are during the age you are truly the most vulnerable. Raven has the advantage of not fully remembering who she was already or what path she was on so she gets to start somewhat fresh.
The direction she is heading now though is solid. She is strong. She understands the importance of independence from toxic relationships and strengthening the good ones. She is a great role model for young women (and men) everywhere.
With all of that said, I am no longer the target demographic for this book. It is definitely aimed for a younger audience than me and I believe I would have loved it when I was goth teenager but as an adult it's just alright.
I definitely recommend it for the younger audience, I think it will strongly resonate with teens and young adults. If you're not a teen or a young adult it is still worth a read and it's a nice quick one at that.
Enjoy this story about a woman who discovers that her emotions shouldn't have to be repressed, they are way more powerful when they're experienced.
for more reviews and content please visit my blog amanjareads.com
Raven is a high schooler who has just lost her mother and her memory in a terrible car accident. She goes to live with an old friend of her mother's and her teenage daughter.
She attempts to remember who she is and starts to realize that she has some kind of telekinetic powers. She's an empath and can read people's thoughts and feelings as well as control some actions with her mind.
She has a dark family history that will be uncovered as the book goes on. She also finds out the interesting secrets of her adopted family.
Along the way she is protected by a raven shadow, a manifestation of her soul power.
With all of this supernatural craziness going on Raven still manages to find time for boy drama. She starts to develop feelings and he seems to like her back! Of course nothing is ever that cut and dry in high school.
Raven is the story about discovering who you are during the age you are truly the most vulnerable. Raven has the advantage of not fully remembering who she was already or what path she was on so she gets to start somewhat fresh.
The direction she is heading now though is solid. She is strong. She understands the importance of independence from toxic relationships and strengthening the good ones. She is a great role model for young women (and men) everywhere.
With all of that said, I am no longer the target demographic for this book. It is definitely aimed for a younger audience than me and I believe I would have loved it when I was goth teenager but as an adult it's just alright.
I definitely recommend it for the younger audience, I think it will strongly resonate with teens and young adults. If you're not a teen or a young adult it is still worth a read and it's a nice quick one at that.
Enjoy this story about a woman who discovers that her emotions shouldn't have to be repressed, they are way more powerful when they're experienced.
for more reviews and content please visit my blog amanjareads.com
May 30, 2024
One word to describe this book: underwhelming.
I've been following the artist on Instagram for a while and really become a fan of their "modernized" Teen Titans artwork. When the artist (@_picolo) announced that he was officially illustrating a comic for DC's character Raven, I was beyond hyped. However, I think I hyped up myself a bit too much cuz this comic was laaaaaame.
The beginning was really great. It starts off with a car crash that kills Raven's mom and makes all her memories disappear. It hypes up this mysterious past and dark magic but it doesn't last long. The plot of this whole book in a nutshell: Raven moves in with her mom's sister, goes to school, realizes she has weird powers and voices in her head, meets a cute boy (And instantly falls for him. Yay, instalove!), and then she goes back home. And the plot repeats that over, and over, and over again. Goodness, this book dragggggggggged!
Don't even get me started with that lame ass ending. The magic system in this book is basically nonexistent, so for it suddenly become the main part of the ending was the stupidest thing I have ever seen. While reading I kept thinking: "This feels like the ending battle of a Winx Club episode." Except Winx Club did it better.
It was then I realized that this book was authored by Kami Garcia (author of Beautiful Creatures. A book I DNF'd multiple times in middle school before I even knew what DNFing was) and is aimed at YOUNG young adults. The type of young adults that see this one on the shelf and read it for the pretty colors and the title.
Don't get me wrong the art in this is amazing! The color palate of purples, greys, and blacks are absolutely stunning. Too bad the art couldn't save the writing.
Where to get a copy: 📚
Amazon* - Barnes & Noble - Books-A-Million
ℹ Disclosure:
*This review contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. All proceeds will be donated to a local animal shelter at the end of the year. Thanks. :)
I've been following the artist on Instagram for a while and really become a fan of their "modernized" Teen Titans artwork. When the artist (@_picolo) announced that he was officially illustrating a comic for DC's character Raven, I was beyond hyped. However, I think I hyped up myself a bit too much cuz this comic was laaaaaame.
The beginning was really great. It starts off with a car crash that kills Raven's mom and makes all her memories disappear. It hypes up this mysterious past and dark magic but it doesn't last long. The plot of this whole book in a nutshell: Raven moves in with her mom's sister, goes to school, realizes she has weird powers and voices in her head, meets a cute boy (And instantly falls for him. Yay, instalove!), and then she goes back home. And the plot repeats that over, and over, and over again. Goodness, this book dragggggggggged!
Don't even get me started with that lame ass ending. The magic system in this book is basically nonexistent, so for it suddenly become the main part of the ending was the stupidest thing I have ever seen. While reading I kept thinking: "This feels like the ending battle of a Winx Club episode." Except Winx Club did it better.
It was then I realized that this book was authored by Kami Garcia (author of Beautiful Creatures. A book I DNF'd multiple times in middle school before I even knew what DNFing was) and is aimed at YOUNG young adults. The type of young adults that see this one on the shelf and read it for the pretty colors and the title.
Don't get me wrong the art in this is amazing! The color palate of purples, greys, and blacks are absolutely stunning. Too bad the art couldn't save the writing.
Where to get a copy: 📚
Amazon* - Barnes & Noble - Books-A-Million
ℹ Disclosure:
*This review contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. All proceeds will be donated to a local animal shelter at the end of the year. Thanks. :)
September 25, 2019
One of the DC Ink series written by Famous YA Authors, and Kami Garcia, author of the wildly popular Beautiful Creatures series, is surely one of those. As with Mera, which I also just read, the author must establish her superhero cred (her Mom made her a Wonder Woman costume for Halloween, which we get to see!). Ah, but then you actually have to write the thing, and for a comics audience.
I am not a Teen Titans reader, so can't judge that connection, really, but this is a story about Raven beginning anew, with amnesia, after a car crash that killed her Mom. She only remembers some things, some slowly coming back. What's one advantage of amnesia? You can forge a new, independent identity, and try to get beyond the whole Dad is a Demon thing that weighs you down.
"I belong to myself."
So, in a foster home with Max, befriended by hunk Tommy Torres, things seem to be heading in a good direction for Raven. As with Mera, the possibility for romance must be there, and become her own person, starting anew. Shout out to first time illustrator Gabreil Picolo, you did okay, GP!
I am not a Teen Titans reader, so can't judge that connection, really, but this is a story about Raven beginning anew, with amnesia, after a car crash that killed her Mom. She only remembers some things, some slowly coming back. What's one advantage of amnesia? You can forge a new, independent identity, and try to get beyond the whole Dad is a Demon thing that weighs you down.
"I belong to myself."
So, in a foster home with Max, befriended by hunk Tommy Torres, things seem to be heading in a good direction for Raven. As with Mera, the possibility for romance must be there, and become her own person, starting anew. Shout out to first time illustrator Gabreil Picolo, you did okay, GP!
November 3, 2020
3.7 stars.
If you had read other Kami Garcia's YA novels before, you will see a lot of familiar elements : New Orleans, voodoo myth, witchcraft, new girl in a new school, prom night, etc. If you are okay with these and you can tolerate typical teen's romance and school drama (haha, Queen Bee! Every school has to have a few of them...), I think you will be alright. Plus the artwork is nice too.
The story itself is clean-cut with a few nice twists and turns, I like how friendship among girls and relatives are highlighted. I also like how .
I don't think this YA comic about Raven's origin story brings many new things to the table, but it's still an enjoyable light read.
If you had read other Kami Garcia's YA novels before, you will see a lot of familiar elements : New Orleans, voodoo myth, witchcraft, new girl in a new school, prom night, etc. If you are okay with these and you can tolerate typical teen's romance and school drama (haha, Queen Bee! Every school has to have a few of them...), I think you will be alright. Plus the artwork is nice too.
The story itself is clean-cut with a few nice twists and turns, I like how friendship among girls and relatives are highlighted. I also like how .
I don't think this YA comic about Raven's origin story brings many new things to the table, but it's still an enjoyable light read.
January 10, 2021
Devamını merakla bekliyorum 💜
November 29, 2018
I received this graphic novel as an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Teen Titans Raven is a graphic novel written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. It will hit stores on July 2nd, 2019.
Rachel Roth (also called Raven) is a 17-year-old high school sophomore who was involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) with her adoptive mother. This results in a chain of events that leads Raven to her aunt, who is a voodoo priestess, and her cousin Max, who also possesses supernatural powers.
Raven suffers unfortunate side effects from the MVA that result in her questioning who she is. The novel takes us from the MVA into a journey where Raven begins to understand her past and make plans for her future.
The story also takes us through the development of Raven’s relationship with a boy from her local high school named Tommy. This relationship is not what it seems and results in conflict.
The novel starts with a bang (literally) and keeps my attention until chapter 15. I greatly appreciate the diversity inclusion throughout the novel. We see illustrations of Latina, lesbian, and African American women (i.e., army of ghosts). I also appreciated the integration of Dracula, the 1897 Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker.
The main characters are likable and relatable. The dialogue and interactions between the teenagers are appropriate and developmentally correct. The illustrations are on point with cool trendy clothing, hairstyles, and electronic gadgets.
On a side note, for Saga readers, the cat in the tarot reader’s room reminds me of Lying Cat from Saga!
The reason this graphic novel did not earn five stars begins on chapter 15. Raven just has too many powers and they are introduced too quickly. She can read minds, make things happen, and now has astral projection! We also find out who her biological father is, and that is also surprising. All of this made the story muddy for me and slightly rushed. Although, I greatly appreciate the inclusion of diverse characters, I would have made the illustrations of the army of ghosts a bit ghostlier. I clearly saw and felt the historical context, but it wasn’t eerie enough for my liking.
Overall, I enjoyed this graphic novel so much that I will include it on my monthly subscription at my local comic book store. This a good read for young girls and women who are unsure about reading graphic novels.
Teen Titans Raven is a graphic novel written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. It will hit stores on July 2nd, 2019.
Rachel Roth (also called Raven) is a 17-year-old high school sophomore who was involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) with her adoptive mother. This results in a chain of events that leads Raven to her aunt, who is a voodoo priestess, and her cousin Max, who also possesses supernatural powers.
Raven suffers unfortunate side effects from the MVA that result in her questioning who she is. The novel takes us from the MVA into a journey where Raven begins to understand her past and make plans for her future.
The story also takes us through the development of Raven’s relationship with a boy from her local high school named Tommy. This relationship is not what it seems and results in conflict.
The novel starts with a bang (literally) and keeps my attention until chapter 15. I greatly appreciate the diversity inclusion throughout the novel. We see illustrations of Latina, lesbian, and African American women (i.e., army of ghosts). I also appreciated the integration of Dracula, the 1897 Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker.
The main characters are likable and relatable. The dialogue and interactions between the teenagers are appropriate and developmentally correct. The illustrations are on point with cool trendy clothing, hairstyles, and electronic gadgets.
On a side note, for Saga readers, the cat in the tarot reader’s room reminds me of Lying Cat from Saga!
The reason this graphic novel did not earn five stars begins on chapter 15. Raven just has too many powers and they are introduced too quickly. She can read minds, make things happen, and now has astral projection! We also find out who her biological father is, and that is also surprising. All of this made the story muddy for me and slightly rushed. Although, I greatly appreciate the inclusion of diverse characters, I would have made the illustrations of the army of ghosts a bit ghostlier. I clearly saw and felt the historical context, but it wasn’t eerie enough for my liking.
Overall, I enjoyed this graphic novel so much that I will include it on my monthly subscription at my local comic book store. This a good read for young girls and women who are unsure about reading graphic novels.
May 4, 2019
More like 2.5 stars, but I'll round up because I liked the last few pages.
Since I first read her debut back in 1980 (She's 39? Doesn't look a day over 17 here.), Raven has not had much of a personality, so it was nice to see someone at least try to make her human. The writing is a little cliched -- starting with the amnesia storyline, for instance -- and the art a little rough in places, but I'd pick up a second volume if one came along, which is more than I can say for the Super Sons: The Polarshield Project and Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass DC Zoom and DC Ink reboots I just finished.
Reviewed from an Advance Reader's Copy.
Since I first read her debut back in 1980 (She's 39? Doesn't look a day over 17 here.), Raven has not had much of a personality, so it was nice to see someone at least try to make her human. The writing is a little cliched -- starting with the amnesia storyline, for instance -- and the art a little rough in places, but I'd pick up a second volume if one came along, which is more than I can say for the Super Sons: The Polarshield Project and Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass DC Zoom and DC Ink reboots I just finished.
Reviewed from an Advance Reader's Copy.
November 4, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Fantastic YA graphic novel with the backstory of Raven from Teen Titans! It's compelling, rooted in realistic teenage angst and coming to terms with identity, family, and love. There is diversity in terms of race and sexuality among the characters, themes of found family and sisterhood, plus a strong dose of magical spirituality, New Orleans style. A lot of fun, and I hope we get another volume continuing Raven's adventures! This is definitely one of my favorites in this new line from DC Ink. I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Fantastic YA graphic novel with the backstory of Raven from Teen Titans! It's compelling, rooted in realistic teenage angst and coming to terms with identity, family, and love. There is diversity in terms of race and sexuality among the characters, themes of found family and sisterhood, plus a strong dose of magical spirituality, New Orleans style. A lot of fun, and I hope we get another volume continuing Raven's adventures! This is definitely one of my favorites in this new line from DC Ink. I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2020
The artwork was good.
The story was not bad; I just felt like I was missing something. Both her foster mother and Raven knew what she was but it was never shown how it was discovered. Maybe there will be a prequel someday.
It starts off with Raven's Foster mother dying the day before she is supposed to adopt her. Raven loses her memory and the rest of the story is of her trying to remember who she is and what is making her the way she is. Tons of teenaged angst. I think I will probably pass on the next installment.
The story was not bad; I just felt like I was missing something. Both her foster mother and Raven knew what she was but it was never shown how it was discovered. Maybe there will be a prequel someday.
It starts off with Raven's Foster mother dying the day before she is supposed to adopt her. Raven loses her memory and the rest of the story is of her trying to remember who she is and what is making her the way she is. Tons of teenaged angst. I think I will probably pass on the next installment.
March 9, 2020
I can't be the only one with a fat girl crush on her, right? Forever wishing Raven was my goth girlfriend.
In any case, Gabriel's art is impeccable as always. I just wish there was a little more to the story. I still recommend this though. Especially if you're a fan of the Teen Titans.
In any case, Gabriel's art is impeccable as always. I just wish there was a little more to the story. I still recommend this though. Especially if you're a fan of the Teen Titans.
May 23, 2019
My husband is a big time comics fan and has been for 40+ years. He has a rather extensive collection and knows the background story and facts about almost every character. DC, Marvel, Indy.....he's read them all. I enjoy comics, too. But I'm definitely playing catch up when it comes to my knowledge base. I wasn't allowed to read comic books (unless they featured Disney characters) as a child. My mother didn't approve of them. Fifteen years ago when I married my husband, suddenly I was surrounded by thousands of comic books....and I'm enjoying the experience!
Raven. Before I read this eGalley, I had never read anything about this member of the Teen Titans. Or any of the Teen Titans, to be honest. I read my copy of this book and then talked to my husband about the character. My only experience with the Teen Titans prior to this is the rather silly television cartoon. I'm glad I read this graphic novel. It changed my opinion of the Teen Titans. I'm anxious to read more!
Not sure what more knowledgeable Teen Titans fans will think of this book. As a newcomer to Teen Titans and Raven, I loved it! Not going to fall into discussions of continuity, character development, etc etc....because I knew nothing about Raven before reading this book. For me, the story was engaging. I like the character. And the story kept my full attention from beginning to end.
The basics: Raven Roth is 17 when her foster mother is killed in a car accident. Sent to live with her foster mom's sister, Raven has lost her memory. She doesn't remember who she is...she doesn't remember her foster mom...she doesn't even remember what food or candy she likes. She just knows something is wrong. Loud noise bothers her. And she can sense the emotions and thoughts of everyone around her. Traversing high school is very very very difficult when the very thoughts of the other students are a constant bombardment. Add in the visions, nightmares and feelings of dread, and Raven feels like she is going crazy. Who is she? Why can she do the things she does? As she slowly discovers the truth and learns to control her "gifts,'' she realizes there is a lot more to her powers than hearing thoughts.
I love the artwork in this book! Even in the unfinished pages of a digital galley copy, I could tell the art is just outstanding! It makes the story pop and conveys the emotions of a confused, lost teenage girl who doesn't understand what is happening to her.
I enjoyed watching this character develop from a scared teenage girl into a much stronger, determined fledgling super through the course of this story. She learns what family is....learns lessons on trusting people and betrayal....and discovers that she has more strength, intelligence and potential than she ever dreamed. Lovely origin story!
I am very much enjoying these updated tales about DC teenage superheroes. I recently read another new YA graphic novel about Catwoman that gave some new dimensions to the character. I liked this new look at Raven even more!
I'm glad I read this book! The art is outstanding....the plot line is awesome! I have officially changed my opinion of the Teen Titans now that I've read a serious story about one of them. I look forward to learning more about the other members of the team, and reading more about Raven.
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from DC Entertainment via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Raven. Before I read this eGalley, I had never read anything about this member of the Teen Titans. Or any of the Teen Titans, to be honest. I read my copy of this book and then talked to my husband about the character. My only experience with the Teen Titans prior to this is the rather silly television cartoon. I'm glad I read this graphic novel. It changed my opinion of the Teen Titans. I'm anxious to read more!
Not sure what more knowledgeable Teen Titans fans will think of this book. As a newcomer to Teen Titans and Raven, I loved it! Not going to fall into discussions of continuity, character development, etc etc....because I knew nothing about Raven before reading this book. For me, the story was engaging. I like the character. And the story kept my full attention from beginning to end.
The basics: Raven Roth is 17 when her foster mother is killed in a car accident. Sent to live with her foster mom's sister, Raven has lost her memory. She doesn't remember who she is...she doesn't remember her foster mom...she doesn't even remember what food or candy she likes. She just knows something is wrong. Loud noise bothers her. And she can sense the emotions and thoughts of everyone around her. Traversing high school is very very very difficult when the very thoughts of the other students are a constant bombardment. Add in the visions, nightmares and feelings of dread, and Raven feels like she is going crazy. Who is she? Why can she do the things she does? As she slowly discovers the truth and learns to control her "gifts,'' she realizes there is a lot more to her powers than hearing thoughts.
I love the artwork in this book! Even in the unfinished pages of a digital galley copy, I could tell the art is just outstanding! It makes the story pop and conveys the emotions of a confused, lost teenage girl who doesn't understand what is happening to her.
I enjoyed watching this character develop from a scared teenage girl into a much stronger, determined fledgling super through the course of this story. She learns what family is....learns lessons on trusting people and betrayal....and discovers that she has more strength, intelligence and potential than she ever dreamed. Lovely origin story!
I am very much enjoying these updated tales about DC teenage superheroes. I recently read another new YA graphic novel about Catwoman that gave some new dimensions to the character. I liked this new look at Raven even more!
I'm glad I read this book! The art is outstanding....the plot line is awesome! I have officially changed my opinion of the Teen Titans now that I've read a serious story about one of them. I look forward to learning more about the other members of the team, and reading more about Raven.
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from DC Entertainment via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
February 1, 2021
À quel point je n’ai jamais entendu parler de ce livre avant???????
December 19, 2019
Kind of rushed and all over the place, but the artwork's really beautiful !!
July 22, 2019
*this review contains strong bias*
Ok let's preface with this - I'm a Teen Titans fan. From the age of 13, I was in love with the CN show, comics and all the graphic novels - so this review is coming from someone who supports (most) Teen Titans content through and through. The first few pages of this book made me tear up, I felt like I was seeing an old friend again. (Yes, I know I sound a bit mad. Anyone who has had a long and unwavering obsession with something, especially something that helped them escape reality on dark days, will understand well)
I've followed Gabriel Picolo's work for years (thanks for keeping the obsession alive for us man) and couldn't even begin to explain how thrilled and proud of him I am on this achievement. He understands the Titans - how they move, how they speak, how their faces light up and switch off, what they would wear. Noone could have done a better job than him. And Kami Garcia did a great job writing Raven, adding a new spin on her story and introducing a new heroine who is BADASS and BEAUTIFUL and erm sorry but MAX WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL OUR LIVES
Picolo's careful use of colour is a beautiful thing. It fits Raven perfectly, and the colours are ramped up and toned back down as the mood of the story changes.
The plot didn't really blow my socks off, but I have to give it 5 stars anyway. I cannot WAIT for Beast Boy up next. How am I going to wait a year. The idea is making me ill
Ok let's preface with this - I'm a Teen Titans fan. From the age of 13, I was in love with the CN show, comics and all the graphic novels - so this review is coming from someone who supports (most) Teen Titans content through and through. The first few pages of this book made me tear up, I felt like I was seeing an old friend again. (Yes, I know I sound a bit mad. Anyone who has had a long and unwavering obsession with something, especially something that helped them escape reality on dark days, will understand well)
I've followed Gabriel Picolo's work for years (thanks for keeping the obsession alive for us man) and couldn't even begin to explain how thrilled and proud of him I am on this achievement. He understands the Titans - how they move, how they speak, how their faces light up and switch off, what they would wear. Noone could have done a better job than him. And Kami Garcia did a great job writing Raven, adding a new spin on her story and introducing a new heroine who is BADASS and BEAUTIFUL and erm sorry but MAX WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL OUR LIVES
Picolo's careful use of colour is a beautiful thing. It fits Raven perfectly, and the colours are ramped up and toned back down as the mood of the story changes.
The plot didn't really blow my socks off, but I have to give it 5 stars anyway. I cannot WAIT for Beast Boy up next. How am I going to wait a year. The idea is making me ill
November 26, 2019
You don't have to share the same parents to be sisters...
Just the same hear.
Disclaimer: I did not know the original Raven. This is our first introduction, and I am aware that it is a retelling.
I enjoyed this introduction to Raven and the Teen Titans by Kami Garcia.
Heartbreakingly, awesome Kami gives this story a different twist. Rachel has an almost adoptive mom, who tragically dies. She End up with her adoptive mother’s sister and daughter.
She still has to fight her demons, but she now has help form both aunt and cousin.
Entertaining and fun!
I love how Picolo uses the selective color to focus on the more important events. It gives the comic that extra tad of comprehensibility.
Just the same hear.
Disclaimer: I did not know the original Raven. This is our first introduction, and I am aware that it is a retelling.
I enjoyed this introduction to Raven and the Teen Titans by Kami Garcia.
Heartbreakingly, awesome Kami gives this story a different twist. Rachel has an almost adoptive mom, who tragically dies. She End up with her adoptive mother’s sister and daughter.
She still has to fight her demons, but she now has help form both aunt and cousin.
Entertaining and fun!
I love how Picolo uses the selective color to focus on the more important events. It gives the comic that extra tad of comprehensibility.
November 5, 2022
This was so good omg!
So we get to see Raven after an accident in which she loses her mom and being taken by her aunt Natalia and her daughter Max and in the process rediscover who she is and her origins and all that you would expect in a Raven story but what I like about it is its pace and you get the feeling you don't know whats happening and that sort of is exciting and then slowly discovering along with Raven. I like the magic touch they give to Natalia and Max and how they play an integral part in her story plus a good twist with love and all, which plays into the larger story here I think but its so worth it
So definitely recommending this, its fast paced, its like going on a good journey and by the end you end up loving the character, with solid art from Gabriel whose fantastic, plus hints of things to come which has me excited to continue reading further!
So we get to see Raven after an accident in which she loses her mom and being taken by her aunt Natalia and her daughter Max and in the process rediscover who she is and her origins and all that you would expect in a Raven story but what I like about it is its pace and you get the feeling you don't know whats happening and that sort of is exciting and then slowly discovering along with Raven. I like the magic touch they give to Natalia and Max and how they play an integral part in her story plus a good twist with love and all, which plays into the larger story here I think but its so worth it
So definitely recommending this, its fast paced, its like going on a good journey and by the end you end up loving the character, with solid art from Gabriel whose fantastic, plus hints of things to come which has me excited to continue reading further!
September 28, 2021
Surprisingly more than adequate. The emotional portrayal was decent enough to not come across as cringy and Raven wanted happiness enough to not come across as overly depressing.
I especially liked the twists at the end, although it was funny to see how yet another DC graphic novel fell into the trap of building up to that one fight at the end after a fairly obvious plot twist. Still, the art was beautiful (as was to be expected; it is Picolo after all) and the ending left me wanting more, so I'd call it a success.
I especially liked the twists at the end, although it was funny to see how yet another DC graphic novel fell into the trap of building up to that one fight at the end after a fairly obvious plot twist. Still, the art was beautiful (as was to be expected; it is Picolo after all) and the ending left me wanting more, so I'd call it a success.
April 23, 2021
Świetne rysunki Gabriela Picolo! Historia Raven może nie jest czymś specjalnie odkrywczym, ale tak bardzo się w nią wkręciłam, że czekam na kolejne części. Dodam, że przed zabraniem się za ten komiks nie znałam Raven. Nie miałam żadnego wyobrażenia na jej temat. Nie oglądałam serialu Titans. Nic a nic o niej nie wiedziałam :D Może dlatego tak dobrze mi to podeszło :)
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