The History of The Teen Titans: DC is known for its comics which are usually dark in nature. But with changing times the Comics giant has also stepped into the motion pictures and movie line. It hasn’t been as successful as its counterpart and arch rival ‘Marvel’. However, the DC Universe has been able to produce some amazing animation series like the Justice League and Teen Titans. Whereas Teen Titans is arguably DC’s most popular animation tv series with multiple seasons and several spinoffs. The tv series has created a separate fan base and its popularity has only increased with time. Seeing the success and legacy of the show, DC released an animation film named ‘Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse’ in 2022. Where DC Super Hero Girls was combined with the iconic team of Teen Titans.
The History of The Teen Titans
The team of Teen Titans first appeared in the 1964 comic book ‘The Brave and The Bold’ #54 which was created by the duo of Bob Heney and Bruno Premiani. Where the trio of Robin (Dick Grayson), Aqualad (Garth) and Kid Flash (Wally West) teamed up to defeat ‘Mister Twister’ who was a weather-controlling villain in the 54th volume of The Brave and The Bold. This was a refreshing and positive change in the DC comics line. The decision was welcomed as it gave an opportunity to many so-called sidekicks to come out of the shadows of big and popular superheroes like Superman and Batman. The superheroes who mainly played the second fiddle now had a greater exposure and opportunity to showcase their characters & potential.
Members of the Team
The Teen Titans has had several runs, rebirths, revival and spin offs which has resulted in creating a long list of superheroes who have joined or have been a part of the iconic DC teen team. The initial team had superheroes like Robin (Dick Grayson), Kid Flash, Aqualad, Wonder Girl, Hawk and Dove to name a few. In this phase Robin lead the team. While in the 80’s DC’s New Teen Titans team had Beast Boy, Raven, Starfire, Cyborg, Terra and Robin (Jason Todd). There have been a lot of superheroes in the Teen Titans’ team but few characters like Raven, Beast Boy, Robin and Cyborg have created a special place in the hearts of the DC fans.
The Popular Animation TV Series
DC’s Popular Animated Superhero Series ‘Teen Titans’ was created by the trio of Glen Murakami, Sam Register and David Slack. The American animated superhero television series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics. And was aired on Cartoon Network on the 19th of July in 2003. The kids animation show’s initial seasons (first two seasons) were also aired on Kids’ WB. The final episode of Teen Titans “Things Change” was aired on the 16th of January in 2006. The kids animation series had a 5 season long run with 65 episodes in total. The animation show was followed by a movie named ‘Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo’.
Teen Titans Go!
‘Teen Titans Go!’ was launched after seeing the success and popularity of the ‘Teen Titans’. However, the animation series had little to no storyline continuity to the original Teen Titans animation series. There were just a few references in the comic punches for fans that were derived from the original animated show. Teen Titans Go! had a unique animation style.
The show is known for its different animation style and brilliant comedy. The kids animation series was created by the duo of Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. It aired on Cartoon Network on the 23rd of April in 2013. The slapstick Sitcom is a huge hit and still is one the popular kids animation series out there. Teen Titans Go! has eight seasons and has telecasted more than 350 episodes till date. The show is so successful that even a feature film named ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies’ was released in theatres on the 27th of July in 2018.
Future of the Franchise
With rise in demand for Superhero cinema and the coming of multiverse & crossovers. There are many opportunities for the revival of many old storylines or characters. Teen Titans is a popular and successful brand which can be utilized very well by DC in any storyline or crossover. It will be interesting how the DC Universe will use the potential and popularity of the teen superhero team.
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