For the first time in nearly half a century, DC Comics is extending an olive branch to a villain in a chance for them to find true redemption. While the DC Universe is lousy with villains that are bad to the bone, fans know that not every villain has to stay that way forever. Those like Catwoman, Black Adam, and Harley Quinn might find themselves playing fast and loose with the rules of heroism, but in recent years, they’ve all found themselves on the side of the angels and, in some cases, members of super-teams like the Justice League.
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I’m the type that likes to believe that most, if not all, villains are capable of finding redemption (well, except for a few obvious cases like Darkseid). But I’ll admit, it is frustrating seeing villains attempt to walk the straight and narrow only to backtrack and go back to committing crimes. That’s why I reacted so strongly when the last issue of Titans came out. It looked like DC Comics was retreading ground with one particular foe. But as of the latest issue, I’m starting to think the team’s most infamous traitor is actually getting a real shot at redemption.
The Titans are Bringing Terra Back into the Fold
In Titans #32 by John Layman, Pete Woods, and Wes Abbot, a flashback reveals the titular team discussing how best to handle the evacuation of Earth during the DC K.O. tournament. However, complicating matters is the Titans’ old nemesis, Terra, who is back and, once again, antagonizing her former teammates. Raven proposes bringing Terra with her and Nightwing to Gemworld to assist in the evacuation, believing that a more compassionate approach can be the catalyst to helping Terra change for the better. Despite the misgivings, the Titans agree to make Terra a part of the mission.
Back in the present, however, Terra has captured Nightwing and Raven. She’s stronger than ever, her geokinesis thriving among the minerals of Gemworld. The heroes refuse to fight Terra, who tries her damnedest to get them to retaliate. But Raven, who arguably has the most complicated relationship with Terra, tells her that goodness isn’t beyond her. They offer Terra a choice, saying that she can take complete control of Gemworld, ruling over Earth’s refugees, or she can start over, releasing everyone captured by Jinx’s attack on the world and showing everyone that she is, in fact, a hero.
Terra doesn’t believe them at first, saying the rest of the Titans are just going to want her out when they discover she’s helping the Titans. But Raven and Nightwing assure her that the Titans voted on this, believing that Terra can change for the better. So Terra agrees to help with the resettlement, aiding those who have fled Earth. Raven later has the Titans meet telepathically, aided by Terra, who enhances the magic crystals of Gemworld to increase Raven’s range. The Titans reflect on everything they’ve done, including turning one of their most bitter enemies into an ally.
Terra is Long Overdue for a Redemption
Whether you read the “Judas Contract” comic arc or even just watched the second season of the 2003 Teen Titans animated series, Terra’s betrayal of the team defined her character for generations of fans. And later uses of her really lacked any kind of nuance to the character, emphasizing her petty and vindictive nature. It’s kind of a hard thing to come back from since it seemed like very few creators, if any, were interested in exploring the idea of Terra trying to become a better version of herself.
And that’s what makes this development so interesting. This issue could have gone for the old ‘Terra betrays the Titans’ angle again, and none of us would have been surprised. But having the Titans actively working to break the cycle? Offering someone who clearly needs people to believe in her a chance to prove herself? These are much more interesting directions for her. I can’t say whether or not this will actually stick, but I do have to give credit to the creative team for deciding to do something more with Terra other than beat a dead horse.
Redemption can be a tricky thing in superhero stories, a genre infamous for rarely deviating from the status quo. But for the first time in close to 50 years, we’re seeing DC try something new with one of the Titans’ most iconic enemies. Judging by the solicitations for future issues, it looks like Terra’s really going to give this the old college try and frankly, I’m excited to see it. Hopefully, this change will stick, and we’ll be seeing a more heroic Terra for years to come.
What do you think about Terra working with the Titans as a hero? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts on the ComicBook Forum!
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