Teen Titans (TV series)

Teen Titans
File:TeenTitansLogo.JPG Teen Titans Logo
Created by	Sam Register Glen Murakami
Starring	(see below)
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	65 (list of episodes)
Production
Running time	22 minutes
Original release
Network	Cartoon Network. See also International syndication for terrestrial run.
Release	July 19, 2003 – January 16, 2006

Teen Titans is an American animated television series created by Sam Register and Glen Murakami and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It premiered on Cartoon Network on July 19, 2003. Its last episode, "Things Change", premiered on January 16, 2006. The series lasted five seasons with a total of 65 episodes. DC Comics publishes the comic book Teen Titans Go!, which is based on the series.

Series run

Teen Titans is based on the DC Comics superhero team, the Teen Titans, primarily the stories told in the early-80s The New Teen Titans comic book series by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. The series revolves around main team members Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven. While it is an action cartoon, the series is also character-driven, with a focus on the main characters’ struggles with being teenage superheroes, their mutual friendships, and their limitations.

Seasons two and four are based upon two of the most popular New Teen Titans arcs, "Judas Contract" and "Terror of Trigon" respectively. Many characters from the comics, including Aqualad and Speedy, appear throughout the series. Unlike the comics, Jinx reforms and becomes a member of the Teen Titans. This is especially true in the final season which introduces many Titans from the comics into film for the first time as well as the Doom Patrol heroes and villains.

The team resides in a giant T-shaped Tower that is part high-tech command center, part dormitory, and part ultimate teen hangout. The Titans are based in a unnamed West-coast city, referred to as "Jump City" in the "Teen Titans GO!" spin-off comics.

Teen Titans frequently uses self-referential humor, and its animation style is heavily influenced by anime. On different episodes, the series' theme song's lyrics alternate between English and Japanese, sung by the J-Pop duo Puffy (called "Puffy AmiYumi" in the United States to distinguish it from Sean Combs).

In mid-November of 2005, TitansTower.com first reported the news that the prospects of a sixth season were looking extremely unlikely and fans were urged to express their support for the show to Cartoon Network. Several days after this initial posting, the word came that Cartoon Network had officially declined to order further episodes. According to Wil Wheaton, the actor who provided the voice of Aqualad, the series was canceled because new Warner Bros. Feature Animation executives decided not to renew the series based on the pitch for the sixth season. His story was contradicted by series story editor Rob Hoegee who stated that the decision not to renew the series came from Cartoon Network, not WB, being that the fact was that there were never any plans for a sixth season. Reports of layoffs at the WB studios in late 2005 were also speculated to be a factor in the show's cancellation.

After the series's cancellation, Warner Bros. Animation announced a feature called Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo. The film premiered at San Diego Comic-Con and was shown on Cartoon Network first on September 15, 2006. The DVD was released on February 6th, 2007. Also, Warner Bros. announced that they plan to make more Teen Titans direct-to-DVD films, depending on how successful the Trouble in Tokyo DVD sells. Though the animated series' future in any format is currently up in the air, Teen Titans GO! continues publication and carries on the spirit of the series. Plus, since the cancellation of Teen Titans in November 2005, fans of the show have started an online campaign to try and bring the show back for a sixth season. As of February 2007, however, this has had little to no effect.

Episodes

Main article: List of Teen Titans episodes

Secret identities

Unlike most other superhero television series, the Teen Titans characters maintain their superhero identities at all times, though the series hints at the concept of an alter-ego or secret identity but rarely explores. Robin was even shown sleeping in his costume.

In particular, some fans debated which of the comic book Robins leads the Teen Titans. While the series never explicitly states that he is original Robin Dick Grayson, this identity is often implied. For instance, in "Fractured", Robin's alternate dimensional counterpart Larry gives as his real name Nosyarg Kcid ("Dick Grayson" spelled backwards). In another episode where Starfire is thrust into the future, Robin has taken on Grayson's identity of Nightwing. Also, in the episode "Haunted" when Raven goes into Robin's mind, there is a clip of two acrobats falling from a trapeze, a reference to how Dick Grayson became Robin.

Producer Glen Murakami commented on secret identities:

"It was really important to me that little kids watching it could identify with characters. And I thought that the minute you start giving them secret identities then kids couldn’t project themselves onto the characters anymore. And that was important to me. I know it’s kind of important to have secret identities and stuff like that but we wanted everything to be really, really, iconic. Like, 'Oh, there’s the robot guy. There’s the alien girl. There’s the witch girl. There’s the shape-changing boy.' There's the we (sic) just wanted it really clean like that. We wanted it like old Star Trek. We just wanted it simple...

...And the whole 'Who’s Robin?' controversy is really kind of interesting to me. My big concern is just trying to make Robin cool. And just really set Robin apart from Batman. So if it seems like I’m avoiding the question, I sort of am. Because I don’t think it’s really important. My concern is how do I make Robin a really strong lead character without all that other stuff. And I feel that way about all the characters. How can I keep all the characters really iconic and really clean."

— Glen Murakami, Drawing Inspiration: An Interview with Glen Murakami, April 2004

The series briefly alludes to Batman: When Slade attempts to make Robin his protege, Robin remarks, "I already have a father," and a shot of bats flying through a dark sky is shown. This same episode also features a Wayne Enterprises building. In "Go!", a crook asks, "Aren't you supposed to be with-" but then is interrupted by Robin. Another allusion occures in the season 3 episode "Haunted," in the same sequence that featured the falling acrobats. It depicts Robin accepting a costume and taking an oath in what is assumed to be the Batcave. The sequence is in silouette, and very brief. Also, Batman's silouette is mostly obscured--even hiding the bat ears, however, his distictive cowl design could still be made out when the sequence is paused.

This "policy" is broken in the fifth season, in which Doom Patrol members refer to Beast Boy by his real name, Garfield; however, the Titans continue to call him Beast Boy. Starfire's and Cyborg's backgrounds and real names are alluded to in earlier seasons: Cyborg chooses the alias "Stone" in the episode "Deception", a nod to his name Victor Stone in the DC Comics, while Starfire's name, Koriand'r, is spoken aloud on-screen amidst a line of Tamaranian language in the episode "Betrothed." (The fifth season origin-episode "Go!" mentions that Starfire is a translation of her Tamaranian name.) The policy is never an issue with Raven, who never had a secret identity.

Continuity

Teen Titans has never been established explicitly to be a part of the larger DC Animated Universe or The Batman, a source of fan controversy. Indicating separation from the DC Animated Universe, series producer Bruce Timm stated the series would not cross over with Justice League Unlimited. There was a reference to the Teen Titans in one of the later episodes of Static Shock where Batman guest starred. The main character Virgil Hawkins asked Batman where Robin was, Batman answered " With the Titans " . When Virgil asked who they were Batman replied " You'll meet him someday " , But they decided to not let the cross over happen .However, it has been said that he had considered it, but decided against it due to the differences in style and presentation. Series creator Glen Murakami echoed Timm, saying the inspiration for the series is the 1980s The New Teen Titans comic book series, not the Justice League animated series. The Batman had Robin join him in the fourth season. However, it is unclear whether this is a younger version of the Teen Titans Robin. It is very hard to reconcile the world of "Batman: The Animated Series" and the lighter relaxed world of "Teen Titans" as its prequel. On the other hand, it is equally difficult to reconcile the lighthearted world of Static Shock with Batman: The Animated Series and yet, the two are in continuity despite different artistic license.

There are, however, many bits of tiny and loose “Easter Eggs” sprinkled throughout both series JL/U and TT that would support a linking between the shows:

• Michael Rosenbaum who voices the Flash in JL and JLU also voices Kidflash in the TT episode “Lightspeed”.

• Wally West’s age corresponds with Dick Grayson’s in the DCAU. Making Kid Flash and Robin’s appearances in Teen Titans consistent with the idea of it being in the past of the DCAU, before B:TAS.

• The Teen Titan’s version of the Kid Flash costume appears in the Flash Museum in the JLU episode: “Flash and Substance”

• Speedy appears in the JLU episode: “Patriot Act” sporting the same costume design and voice actor as he does in Teen Titans. He is animated slightly older however, which fits the chronological order of Teen Titans taking place in the past of the DCAU.

• The Pizza place the Titans often frequent in Teen Titans is occasionally seen in the background of JLU.

• In Teen Titans, the dimension that the Titan Jericho travels through is the same dimension the Morgan Le Fay and the other adults get trapped in the JLU episode: “Kid’s Stuff”

• A poster for the film “Wicked Scary” can be seen in the college kid’s dorm room in the JLU episode: “Wake the Dead”. This same film was featured prominently in the Teen Titan episode: “Fear Itself”.

• In the Static Shock episode: “Hard as Nails”, Batman refers to Robin being with the Titans. NOTE: While this is a reference to Tim Drake, it does however imply at least some form of the Titans existing in the DCAU, as well as Batman’s willingness to allow a young Robin to participate in such a team.

• Although, not a part of either show properly, in the Justice League Unlimited comic book issue #18, the Thanagarian's are represented exactly the same as they are in the Teen Titan episode: "Betrothed". It should be noted however that the show's comic book's continuity with the show's themselves can be at times very questionable.

• On the pop-up factoid feature of “Superman: TAS Volume One” Teen Titan’s is blatantly listed as being a part of the DCAU.

Additionally, Teen Titans cannot be placed in continuity with the show “The Batman” because of the dramatically contradicting interpretations of the villain “Killer Moth” in each show.

While most episodes are not connected with a central plot, each season features several episodes devoted to the series' mythology. The first season introduces Slade, an arch-rival of Robin and the Titans. The second-season adaptation of "Judas Contract" introduces Terra, who eventually betrays the Titans to Slade, just as she had in the comic books. The third season focuses on Brother Blood and the H.I.V.E. academy and ends with the creation of the Titans East team, based on the East Coast. The fourth season adapts the "Terror of Trigon" arc, showcasing Raven and her relationship with her father, the demon Trigon. Lastly, the fifth season focuses on the Brotherhood of Evil, longtime enemies of the Doom Patrol, the superhero team to which Beast Boy once belonged.

Criticism

Despite being popular with many viewers, some fans of the comics criticized the series for having a "childish nature". Some cartoon fans disliked the series for its hybrid of western and Japanese-style animation.

The series' creators stated that younger children were the intended audience for the series. Executive Producer and Cartoon Network V.P. Sam Register responded to such criticism:

"Justice League is awesome and Samurai Jack is awesome and we buy a lot of anime shows that're great, but those shows really are directed more towards the nine to fourteen age group and the six and seven and eight year olds, were not gelling with the Justice League and some of the more of the fanboy shows... The main mission was making a good superhero show for kids. Now if the fanboys happen to like the Teen Titans also, that's great, but that was not our mission."

— Sam Register, CBR News interview May 8, 2003

Cast list

Heroes

Teen Titans

File:TitansReadyforAction.jpg

Teen Titans from left to right:
Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg, Starfire, and Robin.

Role Actor Robin Scott Menville Cyborg Khary Payton Raven Tara Strong Starfire Hynden Walch Beast Boy Greg Cipes

Titans East

Role	Actor
Bumblebee	T'Keyah Keymáh
Speedy	Mike Erwin
Aqualad	Wil Wheaton
Más y Menos	Freddy Rodriguez

Honorary Titans

Role	Actor
Argent	Hynden Walch
Bobby	None
Bushido	None
Gnaark	Dee Bradley Baker
Herald	Khary Payton
Jericho	None
Hot Spot	Bumper Robinson
Lightning	Quinton Flynn
Melvin	Russi Taylor
Kid Flash	Michael Rosenbaum
Jinx	Lauren Tom, Tara Strong ("Titans Together")
Killowat	None
Kole	Tara Strong
Pantha	Diane Delano
Red Star	Jason Marsden
Teether	Tara Strong
Terra (Later becomes a villian and works for Slade)	Ashley Johnson
Thunder	Scott Bullock
Timmy Tantrum	Russi Taylor
Wildebeest	Dee Bradley Baker
Wonder Girl	None

Villains

Major villains

Role	Actor
Slade	Ron Perlman
Brother Blood	John DiMaggio
Trigon	Keith Szarabajka Season One
	Kevin Michael Richardson Season Four
Brain	Glenn Shadix
Monsieur Mallah	Glenn Shadix
Madame Rouge	Hynden Walch
General Immortus	Xander Berkeley

H.I.V.E Five

Role	Actor
Jinx (later becomes an Honorary Titan)	Lauren Tom
Gizmo	Lauren Tom
Mammoth	Kevin Michael Richardson
See-More	Kevin Michael Richardson
Private H.I.V.E.	Greg Cipes
Billy Numerous	Jason Marsden
Kyd Wykkyd	None

Before season 5, the series used a "villain-of-the-week" format, with most villains appearing in only one episode, while others appear as a main villain in multiple episodes. In the fifth season, however, most villains join the Brotherhood of Evil, making appearances in the season opener and the last three episodes before the season finale.

DVD Releases

Season Releases

DVD Name	Release Date	Ep #	Additional Information
The Complete First Season	February 7 2006	13	Finding Their Voices, Toon Topia bonus cartoons, Puffy Ami Yumi featurette and music video, Comic Creations: From Comic Book To Cartoon
The Complete Second Season	September 12 2006	13	Catching Up With Teen Titans
The Complete Third Season	April 10, 2007	13	Teen Titans: Know Your Foe
The Complete Fourth Season	TBA	13
The Complete Fifth Season	TBA	13

International syndication

• Belgium: Club RTL (French dub)
• Brazil: SBT
• France: France 3
• Germany: RTL II
• Ireland: TG4 (Irish dub)

See also

• List of Teen Titans episodes
• List of minor characters in the Teen Titans animated series
• Anime-influenced animation
• Teen Titans GO! comic book series
• Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo

External links

• Animated series information at TitansTower.com
• Teen Titans at Cartoon Network (USA)
• Teen Titans at IMDb
• Teen Titans at The World's Finest
• Teen Titans at TV.com
• Save Teen Titans campaign at Animation Insider
• News and Updates newest information about Teen Titans series, episode guide, transcripts etc.

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