Like most caped crusaders, there have been a lot of different iterations of the Teen Titans over the years. Having first gained mainstream popularity thanks to a fondly remembered animated series in 2003, their enduring popularity has led to numerous small screen successors taking up their mantle over the years: some more successfully than others.
But which version is the best? Which iteration of these beloved characters stands out amidst the rest? Which ones are even worth watching in the first place?
4) Teen Titans Go! — Those that were introduced to the team via their original animated series, like myself, can’t seem to stand this version of the team. Whereas the first series made sparing use cartoony animation and situations, this popular series went all-in on that premise. Eschewing strong character development, spanning story arcs and dynamic team interactions for slapstick, this series lacks the emotional depth and strong writing that made the team a household name in the first place.
While most older viewers seem willing to write it off wholesale, even I have to admit that there are some choice bits — every great once in a while — that are worth sticking around for. The season 2 episode Lets Get Serious lampoons the idea that they need to be less cartoony in the first place, contorting the teams bodies into exaggerated mask of realistic detail in order to win the approval of the generally better-regarded Young Justice team. It’s not worth working through the entire series for, but is genuinely fantastic when taken in isolation.
3) New Teen Titans — After the first series was canceled, the team was resurrected as a series of animated shorts for the DC Nation animation block. Although each short only lasts about 90 seconds, the seventeen episodes produced run the gamut of villains, situations and character moments that most half-hour or longer series fail to achieve.
New Teen Titans splits the difference between Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go!, mixing the tone and character dynamics of the former with the art style and comedy of the latter. While it does come off as a bit silly compared to other versions of the team, the short run time keeps any one gag from outstaying its welcome and the focus is always on the teammembers first and foremost. The fact that its entire runtime could fit into a half-hour time slot doesn’t hurt either.
2) Teen Titans (DC Animated Movies) — Given time, I have no doubt that this will become my favorite version of the Teen Titans. The animation is superb, the movies’ concise length keeps the focus exactly where it needs to be and it does a better job than any other version of the franchise at establishing the characters as part of a larger universe.
Whereas most versions of the Teen Titans tend to stick to the roster established at the start of the century — with Robin (Dick Greyson), Starfire, Cyborg Beast Boy and Raven — this version had no problem mixing things up. Although Dick Greyson and Starfire do play an important role with the team, they’ve aged out of the Teen Titans and mostly act as outside help or adult supervision. Cyborg, here a member of the Justice League, is replaced by Blue Beetle, who is an all-around more interesting character. The Robin included on the team is Damien Wayne, Batman’s son by Talia Al Ghul, who is a better fit for the team than Dick Greyson’s Robin, who always seemed about ready to strike out on his own.
1) Teen Titans — It’s hard to beat a classic. For now, the original animated version of the team is by far its best iteration: striking the perfect balance between silly, low-stakes episodes, intense character episodes and far-spanning plotlines. By taking inspiration from Japanese animation styles and emphasizing the action, the show became a memorable experience that has yet to be topped.
Although I maintain that Damien is a better Robin for the team dynamic, Dick Greyson — this specific version of Dick Greyson — is easily my favorite take on the character. Although he is often too similarly written to Beast Boy, Cyborg is as fun a character to watch as any, and his “heavy” character-centric episodes are made all the more intense by how they contrast his normally silly personality. It is as excellent show as DC has ever produced.
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