Break out your beach blankets and suntan lotion, work on your volleyball game, because it’s time for spring break.
I… has Garth ever been to the beach? Borscht? Ok then…
And wait, it’s January. Spring break is in, what, March? I don’t know, I haven’t had one in over a decade so I forget, but this is kind of a strange time to release this. Maybe it’s designed to make us thinking of warmer seasons? Who knows, but considering it’s something like 12 degrees even here in Texas that may not be a bad thing.
Anyway, the Titans head down to the beach for some rest and relaxation not even allowing a fight with a bunch of supervillains impede on their plans. No really: in the middle of a fight with the Brotherhood of Evil (Monsieur Mallah, the Brain, Phobia, Elasti-Girl Madame Rouge, and Plasmus), Robin’s alarm goes off to alert the Titans that spring break is here. They straight-up leave a French gorilla and a giant sludge monster… thing to go on vacation. Not their brightest moment, I’m sure.
But who cares?! Spring break has limbo, volleyball, borscht for some reason, and great friends having a great time.
Really, that’s about all that happens. The thing I love about Sholly Fisch on this and other all-ages books is his ability to find good humor in even the thinnest of plots, and this one is pretty meager. The real fun is less in the dialogue than in the situations, though, particularly when the Titans and the H.I.V.E. Five run into each other on the beach. They’re sworn enemies, but since it’s spring break they decide to just have a good time together.
Marcelo DiChiara always does fine work on this title, and combined with Franco Riesco’s colors the images really pop off the page. I particularly love the look they gave to the background characters, in that the designs are close to the classic Archie look: big eyes, bigger smiles, and clean lines. There are some fun sight gags and a volleyball game that’s actually illustrated really well, with great fluid movement and motion that rivals the best of fight scenes.
The story ends on a bit of a bum note, following up a routine fight scene with a joke that doesn’t quite stick the landing, but it’s still a good time. Kids will love it, of course, and even if you’re not a fan of these Titans it’s pretty restrained compared to the usual wackiness. Pick it up, stay warm, and enjoy, chums.
With… borscht. I guess.
Recommended if:
- You need a quick diverting read.
- You have kids who love the show, or you love it yourself.
- You can appreciate a few good gags and some great looking artwork.
Overall: Slight, kind of aimless, and over way too quickly; just like spring break. I mean, when you used to get one, anyway. Why this was released in January, I don’t know, but it’s a fun little read. The writing is pretty snappy and the pencils and colors look absolutely fantastic, and at just a buck that’s a pretty solid bargain.
SCORE: 7/10
