Penciler: Tony S. Daniel
Inker: Andy Lanning
Signed: Tony S. Daniel (lower right)
Geoff Johns’ celebrated Teen Titans run is widely regarded as one of the defining modern eras for DC’s premier young heroes, and this page centers on one of its most compelling new additions: Kid Devil (Eddie Bloomberg). The scene follows the brutal events of the previous issue, where Eddie is gravely injured during the Titans’ battle with Plasmus as the Brotherhood of Evil launches its latest assault. The injuries sustained in that confrontation leave him hospitalized, making this original art page the emotional aftermath of the battle rather than another action sequence.
This issue is also part of DC’s landmark “One Year Later” initiative, which followed the events of Infinite Crisis. Every DC title jumped forward one year, allowing readers to discover how the heroes and the world had changed during the missing time. For Teen Titans, that meant a roster shaken by loss, members who had matured, and a team forced to rebuild after one of the most turbulent periods in its history. Kid Devil’s recovery is symbolic of that transition. Like the Titans themselves, Eddie is physically and emotionally healing, making this quiet hospital scene a perfect reflection of the new status quo that Geoff Johns was establishing for the series.
The page features Robin (Tim Drake) visiting Eddie in the hospital. Their conversation is one of the standout character moments of the issue, as Tim checks on his teammate while Eddie, despite his injuries, jokes that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” quoting his mentor Blue Devil. The optimism is short-lived when Robin reveals he tracked down Blue Devil after finding him listed as Eddie’s emergency contact. Eddie’s understated reaction in the final panel speaks volumes, transforming what begins as a routine hospital visit into one of the issue’s most emotionally resonant moments.
Within the larger story, this page bridges the action of the previous issue with the emotional consequences of the Brotherhood of Evil’s attack. Rather than simply moving on to the next battle, Geoff Johns allows readers to see the physical and psychological cost of heroism. These quieter character moments became a hallmark of Johns’ Teen Titans run and are a major reason the series remains one of the most beloved Titans eras.
Kid Devil occupies an important place in DC continuity. Originally introduced as a fan of Blue Devil who made a fateful deal with Neron to gain demonic powers, Eddie Bloomberg evolved into one of Geoff Johns’ breakout characters. His journey from insecure outsider to respected Titan became one of the defining arcs of the series. The character has recently returned to the Teen Titans in DC’s current continuity, renewing interest in Eddie Bloomberg and making original art featuring him increasingly sought after by collectors.
Tony S. Daniel’s artwork is exceptional throughout this page. The large central panel is an impressive half-splash image of Kid Devil recovering in his hospital bed, showcasing Daniel’s dramatic anatomy and expressive storytelling. Andy Lanning's polished inks give the page the crisp finish that defined this era of Teen Titans, and the artwork is further enhanced by Tony S. Daniel’s signature in the lower right margin.
