DC Comics: Nightwing steps down, Donna Troy steps up

It’s a new age for heroes in DC Comics. Amanda Waller’s moves before and during Absolute Power showed everyone that things needed to change. It’s one of the reasons the Justice League Watchtower was brought into play (Absolute Power No. 4 and DC All in Special). However, the return of the Justice League left a burning question on what’s next for the Titans. 

After DC Comics Dark Crisis, Nightwing was put in charge of world protection. Instead of leading the Justice League, he brought the Titans to the forefront of saving everyone. Of course, there were hiccups. Every team has them. Unfortunately, Nightwing couldn’t help but notice that his time trying to improve Bludhaven distracted him.

During Titans No. 16 (the first issue by the creative team of writer John Layman and artist Pete Woods) Dick Grayson says Waller could have been stopped earlier if he was more present with the Titans. That thought led him to step down as leader and put Donna Troy in charge.

"None of us can question her leadership ability, her connection to the Titans, her courage, and her mind for strategy." -Nightwing abut Donna Troy

This is a new run with a different creative team. It makes sense that John Layman would start with something fresh. Donna Troy has been a member of the Titans since they were the Teen Titans. She knows each of her teammates’ weaknesses, strengths, and powersets. We also can’t forget that she’s an Amazon. She’s had the same kind of training Wonder Woman had in Themyscira. And, to add more to the story, Nightwing knew that Donna would replace him as the Titans’ leader.

Back in Tom Taylor’s Titans (issue No. 2), Nightwing tells his teammates that Donna will lead an emergency mission in Borneo. Donna is hesitant but agrees and heads a successful mission. When the team returns home, Donna asks Starfire if they can talk about Dick putting her in charge. Starfire says absolutely not because she trusts her friend and teammate saying, “If you’re leading, I’m following.”

"You came up with a brilliant strategy to put out the fire in minutes, Donna. You're a brilliant tactician." -Starfire

This is the first issue of the new Titans series and it ends with Donna being the last one standing as an upgraded Clock King takes her team out. Her first test is against someone with a new powerset that can bring Donna into past traumatic moments. A smart move by the creative team to show her mental and physical toughness and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Stay tuned to Caped Crusades to see what that is.

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