WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Titans #17!

It’s been quite some time since fans have seen Starfire’s villainous sister, Blackfire, in comics. That’s why her blink-and-you-miss-it return in the ongoing Titans series is more than welcome—especially since she’s sporting one of her best costumes to date. If this cameo proves anything, it’s that Blackfire is long overdue for a proper Titans comeback.

Reintroducing Blackfire would also shift the spotlight to Starfire, which feels overdue...

Titans #17 marks the second chapter of John Layman and Pete Woods’ run, and the creative duo wastes no time shaking up team dynamics and diving straight into the action. In issue #16, Layman and Woods delivered major bombshells: Wally West (Flash) quit the team, Roy Harper (Arsenal) ed the roster, and Nightwing stepped down as leader, ing the torch to Donna Troy.

The issue also introduced the main antagonist for the arc—Clock King. However, Clock King isn’t the only villain to steal the spotlight in Titans #17, as Blackfire makes her return in a way no one saw coming.

Blackfire Returns in Titans #17, Donning Her Iconic Horned Headpiece

Starfire and Blackfire Artwork by Stjepan Šejić

Issue #17 reveals that the Clock King the Titans are facing isn’t the D-list villain fans might expect. The events of Absolute Power have left Tockman with powers that allow him to manipulate time perception and memories. When he attacks the Titans, he traps them in various memories of their past. In Starfire’s case, she is thrown into a memory of battling her sister, Blackfire. Although this iconic Titans villain returns in a dream-like sequence rather than reality, even this fleeting appearance of Komand’r is a welcome surprise—especially with Woods illustrating her in one of her most stunning costume designs to date.

While Blackfire’s appearance in Titans #17 isn’t shown in the greatest detail due to the dream-like nature of the sequence, fans can immediately recognize her iconic look thanks to her unmistakable horned headpiece. A closer examination reveals she is wearing a swimsuit-style bodysuit paired with thigh-high boots—a design that has appeared across various storylines. This costume has been most famously depicted through the brilliant artistry of Stjepan Šejić and also appeared in Justice League Odyssey. As one of Komand’r’s best designs, it’s exciting to see it make a return, even in a less detailed capacity.

Blackfire Deserves a Permanent Place in the Titans Narrative

Blackfire’s Cameo in Titans #17 Could Be Teasing a Main Continuity Comeback

If Blackfire’s cameo in Titans #17 proves anything, it’s that she needs a more permanent place in the present-day narrative. Komand’r’s stunning character design alone is reason enough to bring her back, but her complex relationship with Starfire makes her one of the Titans’ most compelling villains. Reintroducing Blackfire would also shift the spotlight to Starfire, which feels overdue considering Tom Taylor’s Titans run heavily focused on Beast Boy, Raven, and Nightwing. Seeing Starfire and Blackfire take on a more prominent role in the series would be epic—and with Komand’r’s cameo potentially hinting at a larger return, this possibility feels more likely than ever.

Titans #17 is available now from DC Comics!