I had the pleasure of reading the first issue of The Might Titan a few months back. This installment picks up a month after the events of the first one. Readers now know the identity of Titan, and it’s quickly revealed that our hero is afflicted with brain cancer. There’s some interesting twists story-wise, and as one would expect, this issue is much darker in tone. Aside from the real-world connection with cancer and the grim implications it can have, the traditional superhero tale quickly gets thrown on its head in this issue. Titan’s alter-ego doesn’t have insurance, a reality many Americans face today. In an act of desperation, Titan reveals his identity to authorities to get help for his illness. His request is granted without question, but the implication of such an act, and whether or not it will leave him vulnerable to his nemesis, Trench-mouth, was very intriguing.
From the issue of insurance, to glimpses of the Google logo on computers, the biggest thing I love about this series is that it seems believable. Yes, there’s a superhero that can fly and a villain that makes robotic suits to combat his rival and wreak havoc.
But its the way it’s all woven together that makes The Mighty Titan so different from traditional superhero yarns.
I also love that in this installment we see Titan struggle and downright fail. Again, this is something rarely seen in superhero comics. In many stories, the hero seems to constantly win and triumph. Not so in The Mighty Titan. Cancer is throwing off our protagonist’s game. In this issue, we see Titan’s troubles have disastrous consequences as a character from the previous issue is outright murdered. Our hero’s frustration is almost palpable and somehow, relatable.
Titan’s battle with illness is affecting his ability to do his job – i.e., defend the city of Chicago. Though none of us share such a responsibility, I think many can connect with the character, whether or not they’ve personally dealt with such illness or witnessed it in some way. Even if you haven’t, I bet many can say that there’s been times in their life when things happened that were completely out of their control. That frustration is beautifully conveyed as we’re given a glimpse of a hero who seems human because he’s vulnerable. I think that’s what makes The Mighty Titan so special. Not because we know it contains kernels of truth, but because we’re being shown a character who seems spectacular and fantastic, but clearly isn’t. Deep down, he’s a regular joe like you and me. And that difference is what makes him so special and unlike any other hero out there.
I’m definitely interested to see where the story will go. We still don’t know the origins of Titan’s power (or even if it is the cause of his cancer), though we are shown what he does to “change.” So many questions have been left unanswered. But the story’s steadily moving forward. And when Titan faces Trench-mouth again, I’m certainly concerned that he’ll be in a weakened state. The fact that such questions come to mind is a testament to the magic of this story. I’m hoping the creators continue to write from the heart and push us to that uncomfortable place that really makes us think and squirm. Stories that do that stay with you.
Until then, check this one out as it’s certainly worth your time. The story’s moving forward at a solid clip, the art and coloring have gotten tighter, and the world has enough connections via pop culture and character to make it relatable in a way few works of fiction (particularly main-stream comics) are actually able to pull off. Story-wise, more breadcrumbs are steadily being laid at our feet, leading towards something that I imagine will make for some damn fine entertainment.
This review was based off a copy of The Mighty Titan #1 provided by Joe Martino. You can check out more on The Mighty Titan at their Facebook page or via Red Anvil Comics.
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