In Titans #22, the past refuses to stay buried—both literally and thematically. It’s a reminder that in the world of comics, villain deaths are more like extended naps, and team-up books are breeding grounds for resurrected enemies and long-term storytelling. Writer Tom Taylor continues to weave emotional undercurrents beneath explosive action, and while not every thread hits the mark, this issue sets up something with weight and promise for DC’s premiere superhero team.
The big headline here? Deathstroke is back. Yes, again.
Slade Wilson’s demise during the explosive events of Dark Crisis and his climactic battle with Nightwing felt like a definitive end. It had gravitas, finality—even a sense of legacy. But comic book deaths are rarely permanent, and Titans #22 revives Deathstroke with a murky explanation that seems more like a plot necessity than a story-driven decision. Is it satisfying? Not particularly. But is it effective in creating tension and raising the stakes? Absolutely. And to Taylor’s credit, the drama is amplified by the arrival of more villains joining Slade’s cause, setting up what could be an epic war for the Titans.
There’s a certain meta-irony in seeing Slade back in action so soon—especially after the comic had spent so much time building toward his demise. And while his return might frustrate readers craving new antagonists, his presence brings a sense of familiarity and danger that works for the tone of this arc. The Titans, after all, have always been defined by their bonds, their trauma, and their ability to face old threats with new strength.
Where this issue truly shines, though, is in its quieter moments and long-form storytelling. Killer Frost’s development continues to intrigue, with hints of internal struggle and questions about redemption. Beast Boy’s emotional weight adds depth, as readers are reminded of the trauma he’s been carrying since the events of Beast World. Even smaller nods to past character arcs show the creative team’s commitment to continuity, rewarding long-time readers with emotional callbacks and nuanced growth.
There’s also one character—unnamed here to preserve some mystery—who reenters the fold in a way that feels both earned and exciting. These plot threads, more than Deathstroke’s return, are what elevate Titans #22 above standard superhero fare. Taylor is planting seeds, and if past issues are any indication, those seeds will bloom in unexpected ways.
Art-wise, the issue is a visual delight. The action scenes are dynamic without feeling chaotic, and the characters’ expressions convey layers of emotion. The team’s chemistry is felt not just in the dialogue, but in how they move, stand, and react to one another. It’s a subtle art style that understands how to marry kinetic energy with character-driven storytelling.
That said, not everything lands. The resurrection of Slade feels a bit too convenient, and some plot beats come across as recycled. In a universe as vast as DC’s, it would be nice to see newer villains step into the spotlight. Still, the issue doesn’t collapse under its familiar tropes—it leans into them with enough self-awareness to make them work.
Titans #22 feels like a wedding of the old and the new. It brings back classic threats, but uses them to push the Titans into uncomfortable, uncharted territory. It’s a narrative balancing act: nostalgia without stagnation, progression without discarding the past.
More importantly, it reminds us that the Titans are no longer the sidekicks or the “B-Team” of the DC Universe. They’re leaders. They’re legends. And they’re learning that being at the top of the food chain means dealing with ghosts—some that never really left.
This issue may not reinvent the wheel, but it does set it spinning again in the right direction. With compelling character arcs, high-stakes conflict, and a few surprises still lurking in the shadows, Titans #22 is laying the groundwork for something big. Something bold. Something worth sticking around for.
While it doesn’t escape the comic book trope of reviving old villains with shaky logic, Titans #22 offers enough emotional payoff and narrative intrigue to keep readers hooked. It’s a story about history—personal, team, and villainous—and how facing it head-on is the only way forward.