DC Comics’ Future State initiative depicts one of several possible tragic outcomes of the recently concluded Death Metal crossover event. This bleak future timeline reveals hardships and casualties visited upon every superhero team in the DC Universe, including the youngest assemblage of do-gooders, the Teen Titans. Nevertheless, Nightwing and his motley crew of underage adventurers continue to fight the forces of evil in an attempt to save what remains of their planet. A preview released by DC this week teases the incorporation of a beloved television character and the final showdown between the Teen Titans and nemeses of Biblical proportions.
In Future State: Teen Titans #1, Nightwing, Red Arrow, Starfire, Raven, and Cybeast (a fusion of Cyborg and Beast Boy) are preparing for a decisive battle against an unnamed enemy. This preparation includes obtaining several powerful artifacts including the Spear of Destiny, the H-Dial, and Barry Allen’s Flash Ring. It is through the latter object that readers learn that Barry Allen has been battling Famine, one of the Four Riders of the Apocalypse, who has possessed Wally West in Future State: The Flash. By the end of Future State: Teen Titans #1, Nightwing has inexplicably donned Deathstroke’s mask and ed forces with Teen Titans animated series regular, Red X.
DC Comics’ preview for the Future State: Teen Titans #2 confirms that Red X was responsible for unleashing the Four Riders of the Apocalypse. Nightwing releases Red X from his cell in the Safe House, hoping that the he can put a stop to this nightmare. Kory and the rest of the team initially oppose the decision, but eventually acquiesce in the face of such staggering odds. The Titans forces with Shazam in his battle against the Four Riders, itself chronicled in the pages of Future State: Shazam #1. The seven preview pages released by DC for Future State: Teen Titans #2 are provided below.
The Four Riders of the Apocalypse are first referenced in the New Testament Book of Revelations. Red X’ origins are far less grandiose. The character first appears in the 2003 Teen Titans animated series when Dick Grayson, then Robin, dons the disguise in an attempt to outsmart Deathstroke. Later in the series, the costume is stolen by a mysterious thief, and the character reappears as one of the Teen Titan’s primary antagonists. Future State: Teen Titans is written by Tim Sheridan, with art by Rafa Sandoval. The issue will be widely available February 9.
DC Comics’ Future State initiative has seen several protagonists team up with their adversaries to combat existential threats. Dr. Arkham is recruiting inmates to fight the Magistrate in Dark Detective, and Lois Lane is voting to allow Lex Luthor into the United Planets in Superman vs. Imperious Lex. Now, Nightwing is pairing up with Red X. The first look at Future State: Teen Titans #2 creates as many questions as it answers. Who is Red X? How exactly did he unleash the Four Riders of the Apocalypse? How will he and the rest of the Teen Titans use the random items they’ve assembled to stop them? The answers to these and other questions will no doubt come as a revelation to loyal readers.
Source: DC Comics
