WARNING: Potential Spoilers Ahead for Titans #18!
DC’s innovative ALL IN initiative is reshaping the landscape of the DC Universe, most notably by revamping the Justice League. This newly expanded team now features a more inclusive roster that invites every hero from Earth, diverging from the traditional selection of elite figures. This paradigm shift has elicited a mixed response among fans, with some displaying dissatisfaction towards this broader approach, which has left even members of the Titans skeptical of the Justice League’s newly charted course.
The ramifications of this inclusivity not only threaten to tarnish the Justice League’s venerable reputation but also raise concerns about an overly simplistic and punitive framework for justice.
In the latest issue of Titans, crafted by John Layman, Pete Woods, and Wes Abbott, the team begins to navigate this new era marked by recent changes. Significant developments include the induction of Roy “Arsenal”Harper, the transfer of leadership from Nightwing to Donna Troy, and the Titans’ move from Blüdhaven to a subterranean headquarters in New York, humorously referred to as the Titans Tunnels by Arsenal.
The decision to establish their base underground has become a contentious topic among the members since an alternative—a move to the Justice League’s newly unveiled Watchtower—was on the table. Donna has made it crystal clear that, even as part of the leading superhero team in the DC Universe, she has reservations about fully committing to the League.
DC Fans & Donna Troy Critique the New Justice League
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Cully Hamner for Titans #20 (2025)
When the Justice League’s renewal was revealed in Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere’s ALL IN Special #1, reactions from the fanbase varied widely, split between anticipation and hesitation. A substantial critique has emerged around the decision to include every hero from Earth in the Justice League, which many believe undermines its prestigious identity as a collective of DC’s finest. While the series Justice League Unlimited by Mark Waid and Dan Mora has garnered acclaim, a segment of the audience longs for the exclusivity historically associated with the League.
However, the skepticism surrounding the Justice League extends beyond the fanbase; Donna Troy has also articulated her concerns. Yet, while fans primarily critique the roster’s inclusivity, Donna emphasizes the League’s management practices. Though her points have merit, some appear excessively critical or misguided.
Donna Troy Questions the Justice League’s New Headquarters (& She’s Not Wrong)
Donna Believes the Justice League Is Overstepping in Their Oversight of the Titans (& She IS WRONG)
As noted, Donna rejected the idea of relocating the Titans to the Justice League’s Watchtower and opted for their new underground residence. The decision provoked ambivalence among the team, but Donna’s rationale is compelling. She articulates that gathering the world’s most formidable heroes in a single location renders the Watchtower a prime target. If calamity were to strike, it could compromise the majority of Earth’s defenders in a single incident. Her choice to keep the Titans in a separate location ensures they remain operable in the event of a significant crisis.
Donna’s aversion to Justice League oversight further manifests when Red Tornado—the League’s mission coordinator—offers assistance to the Titans. Before he can elaborate, she interrupts and severs the communication link. In her inner thoughts, she reflects, “They still think we’re the kids, the sidekicks, in constant need of help. We have to show them otherwise.” This interaction highlights her discontent with what she perceives as the League’s excessive involvement in the Titans’ affairs.
Nevertheless, some may view Donna’s response as excessively severe. Red Tornado’s offer likely stemmed from genuine intent, reflecting the League’s current operational norms rather than a belief in the Titans’ inability to manage on their own. Nightwing’s feedback to Donna’s abrupt dismissal reinforces this, suggesting that it could be beneficial to understand the assistance being offered. While her concerns regarding the Watchtower’s vulnerabilities are valid, Donna’s issues with the Justice League seem to arise more from personal pride than from a critical flaw in their methods.
Donna Troy Challenges the Justice League on Their Treatment of Villains
“The League Wants to Toss Enemies into the Phantom Zone and Leave Them.”– Donna Troy in Titans #18 (2024)
Perhaps Donna’s most striking criticism of the Justice League goes well beyond mere opinion—it’s a serious allegation. Following a clash with villains Shimmer and Mammoth, Arsenal proposes taking the incapacitated Shimmer to the Watchtower, citing its secure holding facilities. Donna immediately intervenes, asserting, “No. I was serious. We’re going to help her. The League wants to toss enemies into the Phantom Zone and leave them. When those enemies eventually escape, they’re likely to return seeking revenge.” This accusation puts the League’s treatment of adversaries under scrutiny.
As noted in Justice League Unlimited #2 (2024) by Waid and Mora, there is no evidence suggesting the League commonly employs the Phantom Zone as a standard means of detaining foes. Thus, Donna’s claim carries significant weight. However, the absence of dissent from her fellow Titans lends credibility to her concerns. If true, this situation raises troubling ethical considerations: The Phantom Zone’s use—one of the harshest penalties in the DC Universe—without due process, jury, or trial poses serious moral dilemmas. Such practices could not only tarnish the League’s reputation but also underscore a dangerously reductive philosophy of justice.
Will Donna Troy’s Concerns Prove Valid About the Justice League?
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Karl Kerschl for Titans #19 (2025)
As the narrative surrounding the Titans progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how Donna’s perspectives on the Justice League evolve. Her views are likely to play a pivotal role in Layman and Woods’ storyline, which may unfold in one of two directions: Donna’s pride and inflexibility could endanger the team and eventually force cooperation with the League, or the plot may continue to emphasize her resolve in maintaining the Titans’ independence. No matter the trajectory, fans can anticipate an engaging exploration of how the Titans navigate their place within the transformed DC Universe.
Titans #18 is currently available from DC Comics!
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