DC Is Threatening to Nerf the Titans in a Way I Don't Think They Can Survive
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for TITANS #20!As a huge Titans fan, I literally gasped at what John Layman, the writer of the run, might be setting up. If he follows through, he’ll essentially be nerfing this powerhouse team—and the worst part? I see two possible ways this could happen, making it more likely than ever.
Layman and Pete Woods’ Titans #20 embraces the theme of love with plenty of smooches, but love isn’t the only emotion running high. Raven’s empathic abilities remain unstable—a lingering consequence of her embracing her darker half, the Dark Winged Queen, in Tom Taylor’s run.
Layman has steadily built up this struggle, with some Titans, particularly Roy “Arsenal” Harper, questioning whether she’s becoming more of a liability than an asset. Aware of her teammates’ concerns, Raven confesses to Beast Boy that it might be best if she leaves the Titans—a decision that would drastically alter the team, and not for the better.
“Maybe I Should Leave the Titans”: The Titans May Be Losing Their Most Powerful Member
Comic Page Comes from John Layman’s Titans #20 (2025) – Art by Pete Woods
Titans #20 follows Raven and Beast Boy as they take a stroll through Central Park, discussing her ongoing struggle with controlling her empathic abilities. She has become increasingly overwhelmed by the emotions of others, causing her to freeze mid-battle while also projecting her own emotions in ways that negatively affect those around her. During their conversation, Raven admits,“I’ve heard people talk. Even if I haven’t, I can feel what they are feeling. And maybe they are right. Maybe I should leave the Titans.”In this moment, she is seriously considering quitting the team—a decision that would have far-reaching consequences.
What makes this possibility so concerning is that Raven’s departure would be a major blow to the Titans. Not only is she a core member, but she is arguably the most powerful among them, possessing an exceptionally unique and diverse powerset. Losing her would fundamentally shift the team’s dynamic and strip them of abilities they have relied on countless times to save lives—and even the world. But beyond the loss of her powers, the Titans would also face a deeper, more consequential impact.
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Raven Leaving the Team Could Spell the End of the Titans
Cover B Cully Hamner Variant for John Layman’s Titans #20 (2025)
If Raven were to leave the Titans, it would undoubtedly trigger a domino effect within the team. Beast Boy would almost certainly follow her, as his love for and commitment to supporting his girlfriend would likely outweigh his sense of duty to the team. Additionally, her departure could create rifts and internal conflict among the remaining members, particularly given that Roy has been especially vocal about his disapproval of Raven participating in missions since she lost control of her empathic abilities.
Hence, some members may even blame Roy for making her feel like she needed to leave. This internal strife could further fracture the Titans, potentially leading to more members quitting. The most likely candidate would be Cyborg, given his deep bond with both Beast Boy and Raven, as well as his own teased personal struggles. If DC follows through with Raven’s departure, they would essentially be nerfing one of their most powerful teams by throwing them into a spiral of self-destructive turmoil.
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Raven Might Not Have a Choice in Leaving the Titans
Comic Page Comes from John Layman’s Titans #20 (2025) – Art by Pete Woods
As the issue progresses, Beast Boy manages to calm Raven down and persuade her not to quit the team. However, by the comic’s end, it becomes clear that her departure may no longer be her choice to make. The previous issue teased that Raven would be the next target of Deathstroke and Psycho-Pirate’s mental manipulations—a calculated move in their larger scheme to dismantle the Titans and, by extension, the Justice League. Titans #18 concludes with Psycho-Pirate seemingly preparing to put his plan into motion, making it feel all but inevitable that the Titans are about to lose Raven.
Titans #20 is available now from DC Comics!
- Created by
- Glen Murakami
- First Film
- Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans
