8 Reasons Why Raven Is the Best Teen Titan Over Starfire

8 Reasons Why Raven Is the Best Teen Titan Over Starfire

The Teen Titans feature a roster of iconic heroes, but one character, in particular, reigns supreme as the team’s most significant powerhouse. While many may view Starfire as the strongest Titan, the truth is that Raven possesses unparalleled abilities that establish her as the team’s greatest asset. Her prowess extends beyond mere combat; Raven’s skills are equally valuable for supporting her teammates, making her a cornerstone of the Titans’ success.

Originating from the rich tapestry of DC Comics, the Teen Titans were initially sidekicks to eminent heroes. For instance, Dick Grayson evolved from Robin to Nightwing, while Wally West transitioned from Kid Flash to become an integral hero in his own right. Raven, however, is unique as she carved her niche as an independent hero. As the daughter of the formidable Trigon, she wields extraordinary magical powers, which underscore her supremacy among the Titans. In fact, her superiority is evident for numerous reasons, making a case that none of her fellow Titans—Starfire included—can rival her might.

8 Raven’s Empathy Connects Her to Her Titans Teammates

The Flash #245 by Alan Burnett, Carlo Barberi, Walden Wong, Richard Horie, Tanya Horie, and Steve Wands

Raven soothes the Flash's pain and turmoil via her empathy

Raven’s gift of empathy allows her to perceive and even influence the emotions of those around her. This capability enables her to form profound connections with her fellow Titans, assisting them in times of emotional distress. For example, when the Flash struggles with the emotional fallout of losing his powers, Raven uses her empathetic powers to ease his turmoil, effectively acting as the Titans’ emotional confidant.

Despite her upbringing urging her to suppress her feelings to control her powers better, Raven’s empathetic nature reveals a softer side that benefits her comrades. By sharing the emotional burdens of her teammates, Raven becomes an invaluable support system, helping them navigate their internal struggles.

7 Raven Can Manipulate Others’ Emotions, or Even Share Her Own

The New Teen Titans #31 by Marv Wolfman, Paul Levitz, Eduardo Barreto, Romeo Tanghal, Adrienne Roy, and Augustine More

Raven forces Brother Blood to feel her anger, filling him with unimaginable pain

Raven’s empathic abilities extend far beyond mere connection; she can alter and influence emotions at will. This has not only helped her unify the team but has also been weaponized against adversaries. Notably, she once manipulated Kid Flash’s feelings to bring him into the Teen Titans fold. Such a manipulation signifies her potential in controlling emotions for various outcomes—including coercion.

Furthermore, Raven can project her own emotional states onto others, allowing them to directly experience her feelings, as witnessed when she imposes her rage on villains like Brother Blood.

6 Raven Is More Powerful Than Superman, Offering a Strategic Edge

Superman / Batman #61 by Michael Green, Mike Johnson, Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato, and Rob Leigh

Raven imprisons Superman while being controlled

The extraordinary nature of Raven’s powers places her above most other Titans, including some of the mightiest heroes within the Justice League. An astounding display of her abilities is when she successfully subdues Superman, exploiting the character’s inherent vulnerability to magic. Such a feat may seem counterintuitive within the shared goals of heroes, where collaboration is key. However, there may arise situations where the Titans find themselves at odds with their Justice League counterparts, making Raven’s capacity to neutralize powerful allies a critical advantage.

5 Raven Serves as the Titans’ Healer by Absorbing Pain

The New Teen Titans #15 by Marv Wolfman, Eduardo Barreto, Romeo Tanghal, Adrienne Roy, and Bob Lappan

Raven heals a village suffering from sickness by absorbing their pain

Raven’s empathy extends into the realm of healing, allowing her to absorb both emotional and physical pain from others. During one notable instance, she cures a village afflicted with illness by taking on their suffering herself. This transformative ability, however, comes at a cost, as she temporarily endures more pain than any individual could bear.

As her powers have evolved, Raven has learned to facilitate healing without experiencing harm herself. This capability provides the Titans with a crucial resource—a healer who can restore health without detriment to her well-being, as illustrated when she healed Nightwing in Titans #15, written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by Lucas Meyer.

4 Raven Has Triumphed Over Trigon Multiple Times

Raven: Daughter of Darkness #6 by Marv Wolfman, Pop Mhan, Lovern Kindzierski, and Saida Temofonte

Raven sends Trigon back to hell

Raven’s most adversarial relationship stems from her father, Trigon, whose relentless terror has defined much of her story. Her ongoing confrontations with Trigon highlight her growth and evolution, showcasing her ability to overcome one of DC’s most formidable foes time and again. Over the years, Raven has creatively thwarted Trigon’s machinations, suggesting her rise as a superior force.

Her latest victory occurred in the “Dark-Winged Queen”storyline, penned by Tom Taylor and illustrated by Lucas Meyer, set to be released as trade paperback on February 25th, 2025.

3 Raven Can Seal Foes in the Phantom Zone

Titans #7 by Tom Taylor, Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain, and Wes Abbott

Raven sends Xand'r to the Phantom Zone in Titans #7

The Phantom Zone, a dimension typically linked to Superman, finds an unexpected ally in Raven. Unlike Superman, who relies on technology, Raven possesses the inherent ability to imprison others in this alternate realm.

When she ensnares Brother Blood within the Phantom Zone, her Titans teammates are left in awe. This not only indicates her formidable capabilities but also showcases her readiness to enact justice when mercy is not viable. Raven’s willingness to take decisive action makes her an essential component of the Titans.

2 Raven’s Soul Self Reveals the Depth of Her Magic

DC Comics Presents #26 by Marv Wolfman, George Pérez, Dick Giordano, Adrienne Roy, and Ben Oda

Raven reveals her Soul Self for the first time as a black astral form

Raven’s true potential is unlocked through her Soul Self, an extraordinary astral representation of her essence. First showcased during a dramatic confrontation against a marauding creature, Raven’s Soul Self allows her to wield vast powers, including manipulating darkness and teleportation.

This remarkable manifestation amplifies her magical capabilities, elevating her to an echelon that starkly contrasts with her teammate’s abilities when she fully engages it in battle.

1 Raven Can Integrate the Titans’ Powers into Her Own “Infinity Gauntlet”

Titans #15 by Tom Taylor, Lucas Meyer, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott

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Among her many feats, one of Raven’s most notable achievements culminates in the recent “Dark-Winged Queen”storyline. During a climactic battle against her dark counterpart, Raven harnesses unmatched strength by merging with her adversary. To finally defeat Trigon, she transforms her teammates into soul gems that adorn her crown. This powerful artifact enables her to wield the powers of all Titans at her will.

As seen in the current continuity of DC, notably in “Renaissance of Raven,”Raven’s ability to amalgamate her powers with those of her friends reinforces her status as one of the most potent heroes in the DC universe. With the combined might of the Titans—especially alongside formidable allies like Starfire—Raven presents a blend of unprecedented potential that surpasses many other heroes.

Through various trials and tribulations documented throughout her history, it’s clear that Raven is not only pivotal to the Teen Titans but also stands as the best among them.

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