Unanswered questions can nag at you. And Titans fans have got plenty o' nagging goin' on. There's all sorts of unresolved Titans plots out there... some aching to be answered and some just have us saying "Oh yeah, I remember that..."... and some only a Titans' fanboy could love... here's the best and worst of 'em...
Who Is Terra II?
The Time Trapper reveals the truth: Terra, Mirage and Deathwing are from this timeline!
From NEW TITANS ANNUAL #11 [1995]. |
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What's Dangling: Is Terra II really Terra I? If not, who is she?
What We Know: Titans Annual #11: The questions begin. Shortly after the team was reformed, a strange orb appeared, with messages for Mirage and Terra. The orb was sent by the Time Trapper. The Time Trapper revealed that Mirage, Deathwing and Terra were from this timeline, NOT an alternate timeline, as they had thought. That is why they survived the time crisis. Mirage was a runaway street urchin from Brazil. The Time Trapper kidnapped her and implanted false memories in her brain; she believed she grew up in Monarch's false timeline. The Trapper became aware of Extant's petty manipulations of time, and set up his own sleeper agents (Terra, Mirage and Deathwing) that would be able to fight Extant's programming. The Time Trapper also revealed that Terra was from this timeline as well. The Trapper explained: "Terra, you come from this time period. I found you moments befo--". At that point, Terra destroyed the orb, not wanting to know the truth about her past.
Terra was curious about what the Time Trapper's message might have said. She visited the first Terra's graveside soon after... only to find an empty coffin! Could this new Terra actually be the original, traitorous Titan? Was her origin in Chaos' false future a complete and utter sham? What was the Time Trapper about to reveal concerning her past? These questions have plagued this second Tara Markov, and she was unsure if she even wanted to discover the true answers. Shortly after this, the Titans group disbanded. Following that, Terra II took up residence in Markovia, the homeland of Terra I.
Marv on hints that Terra II is Terra I: "The editor at the time [Pat Garhhy] insisted we do that story. I didn't want to, even though it was agreed on in advance the new Terra would NOT be related in any way to the old. I just didn't see any reason to bring it up again. At about this time I asked off the title. My contract brought me to issue #130 and I saw no reason to bring up the Terra situation again in the limited time we had. "
Identity Crisis!
From NEW TITANS ANNUAL #11 [1995]. |
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Enter Titans Secret Files #2: Answers, but not final answers. While staying in Markovia, Terra II had the Markovian scientists conduct a D.N.A. test to discover, beyond a shadow of a doubt, if she was the original Terra. Terra II was frightened at the prospect that she could be this psychopathic traitor. Her 'brother' Geo-Force (Brion) received the test results. He mercifully tells Terra that the results are negative. As Terra leaves, Brion looks at the results: the D.N.A. test is positive. The most recent Terra is indeed the original, somehow rescued from death by the Time Trapper. At the present time, Geo-Force is the only one aware of this information.
Read It For Yourself In: New Titans Annual #11 [1995] and Titans Secret Files #2 [2000]
Fanboy Speculation: Titans Secret Files #2 [2000] was supposed to provide the 'definitive' answer. This is comics, however, and a D.N.A. test proves little; she could be a clone or from an alternate timeline [we only have Time Trapper's word that she is from this timeline]. Titans Secret Files #2 also featured the introduction of TITANS L.A., which Terra II was a member. Jay Faerber comments: "The reason there was so much set up for TITANS LA in the pages of TITANS SECRET FILES #2 is because, at that time, TITANS editor Eddie Berganza and his associate, Maureen McTigue, really thought the TITANS LA concept was going to get approved, and this was their way of putting out a little preview, to serve as a lead-in. But TITANS LA ended up not getting approved, so all the set up in TITANS SECRET FILES #2 was for naught. " So the revelation in SECRET FILES might have had a planned follow-up in that series.
Most fans think that making Terra II the original Terra just cheapens the impact of the classic "Judas Contract" storyline. Marv Wolfman agrees: "The real Terra is dead. Period. The one from Team Titans - which never should have been done as a book, by the way, despite my liking each of the characters alot, was someone who was changed to look like Terra and given new memories so she could be planted into the group. But she was not Terra. I don't know what any other writer has done since, but when I killed her she was dead dead. And I have never brought back a character I said was dead - as opposed to leading you to think its s/he's dead. And I did confirm Terra's death enough times."
Liklihood to Undangle: Likely. It's supposed to be sorted out in the Terra mini-series in 2008.
Here's the rest-- in somehwat chronological order...
Who Is Roy Harper's Mother?
What's Dangling: The identity, whereabouts and fate of Roy Harper's mom.
What We Know: Roy Harper senior was a forest ranger who rescued a Navajo medicine cheif from a massive forest fire. He then went back to the fire to look for more victims; He was never seen from again. Young Roy was barely two years old at the time, and Brave Bow, the man that Roy's father had rescued, raised the boy on the Navajo reservation. But no mention has ever been made of Roy's mother.
Read It For Yourself In: More Fun Comics #73 [1941]
Fanboy Speculation: None.
Liklihood to Undangle: Possible. It's one of those things no one has ever thought to address.
Who Was Aqualad's Mystery Girl?
What's Dangling: The story behind a mysterious woman encountered by Aqualad.
What We Know: Aqualad aids an exotically beautiful mystery girl against a seemingly extradimensional enemy, but both vanish before he can learn their true identities or the reason for the conflict. This plotline and the identities of the new characters are never resolved. The story - such as it is - is detailed in Teen Titans #36 [1972].
Read It For Yourself In: Teen Titans #36 [1972]
Fanboy Speculation: None.
Liklihood to Undangle: Extremely low. Does anyone care anymore? Maybe Kurt Busiek. Maybe.
Who Is Donna's Daddy?
What's Dangling: The identity of Donna Troy's biological father.
Dorothy Hinckley |
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What We Know: Dorothy Hinckley "found herself alone and pregnant." She was also diagnosed with cancer. Having nowhere else to turn, she decided to give her child up for adoption. She met with Elmira Cassiday of Willowbrook Orphanage in Virginia. Soon after, she gave birth to a daughter, who she named Donna [as detailed in NEW TEEN TITANS #38]. What was never revealed was the identity of Donna's biological father.
Read It For Yourself In: New Teen Titans #38
Fanboy Speculation: Since Donna Troy's origin has been visited more times than Madonna's bedroom, people have speculated that perhaps the identity of her biological father would shed light on her origins - or perhaps add a new wrinkle to them.
Liklihood to Undangle: Extremely low. This is the stuff on fanfic. And do we really need further complications to Donna's backstory? A scab that need not be picked.
The mysterious Azrael |
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Who Is Azrael?
What's Dangling: The identity and origin of Azrael.
What We Know: Azrael's origin is a mystery, even to Azrael himself. All that is known is that Azrael is an alien being whose spaceship crash-landed sometime in the past atop Mount Michelson in Alaska. Burying itself in the frigid Alaskan ice, Azrael's ship lay undiscovered for an undetermined period of time until scientists from S.T.A.R. labs discovered its icy tomb, and the cryogenically frozen body of the winged alien being which lay within. Using the research of the late scientist Elinore Stone, S.T.A.R. scientists successfully brought the spaceman out of his frozen state and into a world in which he didn't belong. Azrael possesses no memory of his former life, his planet of origin, his mission in space, or his true name. He was revived and soon met the New Teen Titans and Lilith, falling hopelessly in love with her.
Read It For Yourself In: Tales of the Teen Titans #51-53 [1985]
Fanboy Speculation: Not much. This was never too much of a plot point. Azrael worried more about chasing after Lilith than where he came from.
Liklihood to Undangle: Extremely low. Azrael has an extremely small fanbase. Seems like a topic not worth revisiting - especially for a character that hasn't appeared regularly in about 15 years.
Who Is Magenta's Mystery Boss?
Frances - or is it Frankie? - Kane goes bonkers in FLASH #80 [1993]. |
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What's Dangling: The identity of a mysterious character who employed super-powered sleeper agents.
What We Know: Dr. Alysia Demalis - a scientist at S.T.A.R. Labs - is hypnotizing super-powered beings to act as sleeper agents for an unrevealed person. She uses the Atomic Skull and Lightning. Later, a call is placed to Frances Kane; When hearing the 'trigger word', Rumplestilskin, Frances Kane responds as 'Magenta' and asks "Who do you want me to kill?" She is programmed to kill Thunder & Lightning, who pose a threat to Dr. Demalis' plans.
As Magenta battles the super-powered brothers, STAR security officer Tony Rocco exposes Demalis' plan. Magenta eventually confronts Demalis, still not in control of herself. She almost uses her powers to kill Demalis, but Rocco prevents her from doing so. Dr. Demalis is taken into custody. Frances talks to Rocco about her fear of her emerging powers, as they receive news that not only has Demalis escaped custody, but they have attempted to activate another assassin with the 'trigger word', Snow White. Rocco and Frances ponder the identitiy of 'Snow White'.
Read It For Yourself In: Teen Titans Spotlight On: Thunder & Lightning #16 [1987] and Teen Titans Spotlight On: Magenta #17 [1987]
Fanboy Speculation: None. But with Magenta's fractured psyche, this could be a piece in that puzzle.
Liklihood to Undangle: Low, but not totally out of the question. Frances Kane has shifted from sane to insane since she appeared in Flash #80-83. Outside influence COULD explain her fractured mind.
Is Kole Alive?
The death of Kole in CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS #12 [1985]. |
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What's Dangling: Whether Kole is alive or not. And if she's alive, what happened to her?
What We Know: Kole met the Titans and lived with Adeline and Joseph Wilson. She and Joseph quickly became close friends. Kole helped out the Titans on a few cases, although she was never officially inducted into the group. She died trying to save innocent bystanders from the Anti-Monitor's shadow demons during the Crisis. Her body was never found.
Kole mysteriously reappeared in Team Titans #8 [1993]. In that issue, the Teamers investigate a rash of vampire attacks and encounter a mysterious woman that bears a strong resemblance to the dead-Titan, Kole. This 'Kole' seemed to be the same Kole who allied herself with the Titans and perished in the Crisis on Infinite Earths. Kole made references to being 'nothing alive' - the implication being she may have been a ghost of some sort.
Marv Wolfman seemed to have something in mind when re-introducing Kole. When Phil Jimenez & Jeff Jensen took over the book, this plotline [and character] were swept under the rug. Kole did not appear again until the very end of the series. They simply explained her away as part of Monarch's manipulations. This was done in a very subtle way: Kole's body is seen hanging behind Monarch in his lair in Team Titans #24.
Phil Jimenez on Kole (from DC Message Boards): "We were told to write that this second Kole, as well as nearly every other character we introduced in TEAM TITANS, was a creation of Extant/Monarch, in order to lead the Titans down the path they would need to be super-powered assassins. So Kole was nothing more than an Extant-created construct."
The mysterious Kole from TEAM TITANS [1993]. |
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When the criminal organization called the 1,000 did a data search of the Titans, it located all Titans, dead and alive. The results of Kole's search read: Data Inconclusive. This hints that Kole may still be alive in some shape or form. [Titans Secret Files #2].
Read It For Yourself In: Crisis on Infinite Earths #12 [1985], Team Titans #8-12 [1993], Titans Secret Files #2 [2000]
Fanboy Speculation: Marv Wolfman always regretted killing Kole. During the INVASION! crossover, a crystal spire appeared after the meta-gene bomb ignited; some Titans fans thought perhaps Kole was awakened by the meta-gene bomb. Her reappearance in TEAM TITANS caused further questions - and was never fully explained. But the recent blurb in Titans Secret Files #2 [2000] indicates that Kole is more-than-likely still around in some form.
Liklihood to Undangle: Probable. The mention in Titans Secret Files #2 means that DC's creators havent forgotten Kole! But Kole later appeared in Teen Titans (third series) #30-31 [2005] as an undead zombie...
Who Is Deathwing?
Deathwing - under Evil Ravel's thrall - continues his sadistic interest in Mirage. It happened in New Titans #119 [1995]. |
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What's Dangling: The true identity of Deathwing.
What We Know: Originally thought to be a future version of Dick Grayson, the man who became Deathwing found that to be a lie. After the time crisis known as ZERO HOUR, all the beings from the Team Titans timeline were erased from existence!
Strangely enough, three people remained unscathed from Monarch's false timeline: Tara Markov (Terra II), Miriam Delgado (Mirage) and Deathwing (who was believed to be a future Dick Grayson). Terra and Mirage remained members of a new Titans team, led by Arsenal (Roy Harper). Shortly after the team was reformed, a strange orb appeared, with messages for Mirage and Terra.
The orb was sent by the Time Trapper. The Time Trapper revealed that Mirage, Deathwing and Terra were from this timeline, NOT an alternate timeline, as they had thought. That is why they survived the time crisis. Mirage was a runaway street urchin from Brazil. The Time Trapper kidnapped her and implanted false memories in her brain; she believed she grew up in Monarch's false timeline. The Trapper became aware of Extant's petty manipulations of time, and set up his own sleeper agents (Terra, Mirage and Deathwing) that would be able to fight Extant's programming. The Time Trapper also revealed that Terra was from this timeline as well. Deathwing's true identity was not revealed by the Time Trapper and remains a mystery.
The Titans eventually came into conflict with Raven once again. Deathwing remained in Raven's thrall, and adopted a new look: shaved head, body paint and leather attire. During this conflict, Mirage was captured by Deathwing. Deathwing took a sadistic interest in his unborn child. At this time, Deathwing told Mirage that he is aware of his true identity: "Some guy in a robe sent this orb - it told me the truth! And trust me Miri, you don't want to know what I was before I became Deathwing!"
Read It For Yourself In: New Titans Annual #11 [1995] and New Titans #118-121
Fanboy Speculation: A Hypertime Dick Grayson? An alternate reality Jason Todd? Dick Grayson's dark mirror image may have some story juice left.
Liklihood to Undangle: Low, but possible. As long as Nightwing remains a popular character, Deathwing could return to bedevil him yet again.
Pantha discovers Steve Dayton may be responsible for
her transformation in NEW TITANS |
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What Is Pantha's True Origin?
What's Dangling: The many mysteries surrounding Pantha's Origin.
What We Know: Pantha's backstory is still shrouded in mystery. It is unknown if the creative team had a definite plan, or were making some of it up as they went along. When Pantha was first introduced in the Titans Hunt, she searched for answers to her past. By the time she left the Titans, she had some answers, but the questions had changed...
Pantha is introduced in New Titans #74. The Wildebeests discover experiment X-24 [Pantha] has escaped. Deathstroke, Dayton, Pantha, Phantasm and the Wildebeests scuffle. Phantasm invites Pantha to join the hunt against the Wildebeests. She seems intent on two things: 1. Getting revenge on the Society. 2. Learning the truth behind her creation. As the Hunt continues, the emphasis seems to be on WHO Pantha was before she was turned into a cat-human. This hinted that pre-Pantha may have been someone with connections to the Titans or the DC Universe.
New Titans #98 provided more questions than answers. As Pantha searched further, she learned that Dayton technology was involved in her creation. She recognizes a manufacturers logo; it's the Dayton Industries "D". This triggers a flashback sequence during which she remembers seeing this very same logo on all the equipment in the Wildebeest lab where she was created. Pantha continued to search for the truth of her origins and began to wonder: Was she a human turned into a cat or a biologically altered cat? This virtually ignored the mystery of who she was before her transformation.
Pantha starts her own investigation into Steve Dayton in NEW TITANS |
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In New Titans #102, Pantha gains access to an Dayton's computer files and pulls up Project Hybrid, "Dayton's genetic tampering which merged people with animals." The mystery of Pantha's origins has shifted from "Who am I?" to "What am I and who is responsible?" Signs begin to point to Steve Dayton.
Pantha receives hints from the Technis in New Titans #106, revealing new leads in her search. In New Titans #110, Pantha tracks down the woman she believes is responsible for the actual experiment that created her. She is gone, having been 'paid off' by someone. Pantha confronts Steve Dayton. Dayton confirms that he sent the woman away and asserts that he won't tolerate anyone investigating his work. When Pantha pushes the issue, Dayton uses an energy blast from his hand to repel her attack. From Dayton, we learn that the mysterious woman was his Chief Genetic Researcher on Project Hybrid, a project he cancelled after he saw how dangerous it was. Dayton insists that she must've taken her research to the Wildebeests, and they created Pantha, not him. Pantha wonders why, if he's telling the truth, why would he work so hard to keep her and the woman apart ?
As revealed In Deathstroke #50, Steve Dayton had been going insane due to prolonged use of the Mento helmet - and became the scheming Crimelord. He became obsessed with experimentation. To this end, he continued his DNA experiments that he used to create the mutated super-group, the Hybrid. That same technology was used by the Wildebeests in their experiments – the same experiments that created Pantha. "I used the technology to create The Hybrid -- it was used for the Wildebeests and Pantha."
Still, many questions remain concerning Pantha. Who or what was she before her transformation? Did Dayton create Pantha, or did the Wildebeests? And what further answers could the female scientist provide? Whatever the creative team had in mind, we will probably never see in print.
Read It For Yourself In: New Titans #74, 98, 102, 106, 109-110 [1991-1994]
Fanboy Speculation: Some fans have tried to speculate on Pantha's pre-Pantha identity-- the female Wildcat or the Searchers Inc. associate Amber, among others.
Liklihood to Undangle: Low. Most of the players in the mystery are in comic book limbo or dead. Pantha? The Hybrid? New fans don't even know who these people are. Plus, Pantha's dead and all.
What Are Mirage's New Powers?
Mirage discovers some new tricks in NEW TITANS #126 [1995]. |
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What's Dangling: The full extent of Mirage's abilities.
What We Know: Mirage's powers began to expand beyond creating illusions around herself. In New Titans #116-117 [1994] Psimon revealed that Mirage had much untapped power, including psionic abilities. These abilities have surfaced on a few occasions, but Mirage has yet to explore the full extent of them. In New Titans #126, Mirage unconsciously creates the illusion that she looks like Arsenal, and later, Mongul. She also creates illusions that appear further away from her own body, which she couldn't do previously.
Read It For Yourself In: New Titans #116-117 [1994] and New Titans #126.
Fanboy Speculation: Not much. This would probably be explored more if the series wasn't cancelled 4 issues later. Still, if she ever appears anywhere else, this could make her powers more formitable.
Liklihood to Undangle: Extremely low. Chances that Mirage will appear anywhere on a regular basis are low.
What Happened To Kory's Baby?
Kory and Ph'yzzon and... baby? From the final issue - New Titans #130 [1995] |
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What's Dangling: Raven sensed Kory was pregnant, but it has not been mentioned since.
What We Know: Starfire returned to Tamaran, after a savage attack by an evil version of her teammate, Raven. Upon her return, she met and fell in love with a man named Ph'yzzon, a general in the army. After a quick courtship, Koriand'r and Ph'yzzon married.
The Titans reunited with their former teammates in outer space to destroy evil Raven utterly, and restore good Raven into a new spiritual golden body. Starfire decided to rebuild her culture on a new planet; many Tamaraneans were off-world during the explosion – enough to settle on a new planet dubbed New Tamaran. At that time, Raven also sensed another life in Starfire, and believed she was with child in New Titans #130. No other mention has ever been made of this, nor has Starfire acknowledged it.
New Tamaran was later destroyed by the Sun Eater – along with many of the remaining Tamaraneans and Koriand'r's new husband, Ph'yzzon. These events were detailed in Final Night Preview [1996].
Read It For Yourself In: New Titans #130 [1995]
Fanboy Speculation: Most die-hard Titans fans just wonder why this subject has been ignored; a passing comment would suffice. Adding to speculation was the release of KINGDOM COME, featuring Nightstar, the daughter of Nightwing and Starfire. Fans speculated that perhaps Kory had the baby - although it was Dick's child, not Phy'zzon's. And this little girl grows up to be Nightstar. Unlikely, but fun to consider.
Liklihood to Undangle: Unlikely. It's really just one line of dialogue. And perhaps the newly-restored Raven's powers were wobbly. Doubtful anyone would address, unless to explain it away as a mistake.
Does Loren Jupiter Have Psychic Powers?
What's Dangling: It's been hinted that Loren Jupiter MAY have
meta-human abilities.
What We Know: Having produced two children with psychic abilities
[Lilith Clay and Jarrod Jupiter], it is thought that Jupiter may possess
some (perhaps latent) psychic abilities as well. This is hinted at in Teen Titans #16 [1998] under Omen's character profile
page.
Read It For Yourself In: Teen Titans #12-16
[1997-1998]
Fanboy Speculation: He probably has some powers. It could explain
how he acquired his wealth; plus, Jupiter has always been a very private
person.
Liklihood to Undangle: Low. Will we ever SEE Jupiter again?
Before his reappearance in Teen Titans in 1996, his last appearance
was in 1980!
Who Is Lilith's Mother?
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Lilith reveals herself as Omen! Ever the mystery woman, the Titans still don't get the complete story... from TEEN TITANS (second series) #16 [1997] |
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What's Dangling: Lilith's full origin, and the identity of her mother.
What We Know: Dan Jurgens finally provided some answers to Lilith's shrouded past in TEEN TITANS, second series #12-15 [1997].
Mr. Jupiter had a mysterious advisor known only as Omen. Omen kept her identity hidden and remained a mysterious presence on this new incarnation of the Titans.
Soon, Jupiter gathered together the original Titans – Nightwing, Tempest, Flash and Arsenal – to combat the threat of his bitter, super-powered son Jarrod Jupiter (Haze). Haze kidnapped Omen, and used her psychic powers as a way to augment his own. During the battle, Omen was revealed to be Lilith, and her former teammates were shocked at the revelation. Lilith also revealed that due to the nature of her psychic powers, she retained a psychic imprint of people she knew, which was disconcerting to her friends. It was at this time that her fellow Titans learned that Mr. Jupiter was actually her father.. After this revelation, new and old Titans joined forces to defeat Haze. Lilith's friends eventually accepted the new developments in her.
It would seem that some time between the War of the Gods [NEW TITANS #81] and the formation of the Teen Titans team led by the teen-aged Atom, Lilith discovered her parentage. She met her mother, whose identity has yet to be revealed, and learned that Loren Jupiter was her father. (Making Jarrod Jupiter (Haze) her half-brother). Lilith's mother helped Lilith unlock untapped abilities including teleportation and enhanced mental/mystical abilities.
So although some answers have been given, many questions yet remain... and Lilith still remains a girl in search of a full origin.
Read It For Yourself In: Teen Titans, second series #12-15 [1997].
Fanboy Speculation: Lilith has always been shrouded in mystery. Lilith [and the readers] have been searching for answers to her past since the character was introduced in TEEN TITANS first series #25 way back in 1970! Jurgen's revisions have raised just as many questions as answers. Me, I think it'd be cool if Lilith's mum was Madame Xanadu!
Wishful fans may see the identity of Lilith's mother as a means to undo her death. What if the whole Omen persona was a mystical contruct? What if the real Lilith is alive somewhere? What if her mother sent 'Omen' and kept Lilith captive for her own unrevealed purposes? Reaching, reaching... reeeeeeaching.....
Liklihood to Undangle: Pretty unlikely. Poor Lilith is dead.
Who Are The Remaining H'San Natall Seeds?
What's Dangling: The identities of the Remaining H'San Natall Sleeper Agents.
The H'San Natall plan revealed
in the pages of TEEN TITANS #23 [1998] |
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What We Know: Seventeen years ago, the H'San Natall abducted nine women. Each were brought aboard a ship and subjected to scientific testing and impregnation. All but one of these women (Prysm's mother, who would later become Queen) were released with their memories wiped clean. Nine months later, on June 21st, the H'San Natall/human hybrids were born. These children were a new breed of sleeper agents. Their powers lay dormant until their sixteenth birthdays.
Around that time, the H'San Natall planned to abduct the children and bring them back to the planet Titans for mental conditioning. After that, they would return to earth and battle meta-humans of earth, defeating them before the H'San Natall would arrive to conquer the planet.
Nine children were meant to be a new breed of sleeper agents. The only agents accounted for are: Risk, Argent, Joto, Prysm, Fringe and Scorcher (of Dark Nemesis), leaving three H'San Natall/human hybrids unaccounted for.
Read It For Yourself In: Teen Titans (second series) #1-3, 21-24 [1996-1998]
Fanboy Speculation: A fan mentioned that Jurgens had plans for the new characters who tried out in TEEN TITANS #17. Solution, Kid Emotion and Sweet Sixteen. That would be THREE!
Liklihood to Undangle: Low, but possible. Jurgens' series has a definite fan base. Argent has been a strong presense on the Titans in the past few years. There are some story possibilities that could be explored.
Who Is Duela's Daddy?
Duela Dent makes her modern-day debut in JLA/TITANS #2 [1999]. Another wild claim is made in the pages of JLA/TITANS #3, shown here. |
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What's Dangling: Duela Dent's parentage.
What We Know: Harlequin reappeared in current continuity in the JLA/Titans mini series #2-3 [1999] as a former Titans ally. Harlequin aided the Titans again during the Technis Imperative conflict, which involved the Justice League as well as all Titans, past and present. Apparently, Vic's system automatically sought out all Titans allies, including Harlequin – even though she was in a mental institution at the time.
During the battle, Duela claims to be the daughter of the Wildebeest. Duela next appears in Titans Secret Files #1 [1999]. The team is gathered, and Duela Dent is ignored for membership; Here, she claims to be Doomsday's daughter. Titans Secret Files #2 [2000] reveals more about the costumed clown: "Duela Dent is a delusional and schizophrenic acrobat, and has (in her time) claimed to be the daughter of over a dozen super villains. Each lead turned out to be false. Each lead but one."
Read It For Yourself In: JLA/Titans mini series #2-3 [1999], Titans Secret Files #2 [2000]
Fanboy Speculation: The Joker's Daughter? The daughter of Two-Face [as she was Pre-Crisis]? Or a totally new wrinkle? Perhaps Duela's MOTHER is actually the famous supervillain.
Liklihood to Undangle: Probable. This recently introduced mystery seems like something that could be addressed.
Who Hired Epsilon?
Theta tells
Argent she was hired by her father in Titans #33 [2001] |
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What's Dangling: Who Hired Epsilon to infiltrate the Titans.
What We Know: The mysterious hero known as Epsilon insinuated
himself into the lives of the Titans. But his plans were thwarted when
he was possessed by by 13-year old DEO orphan Kevin Tanaka. Argent later
tracked down Theta - a female associate of Epsilon. Theta told Argent
that she and Epsilon were hired by Argent's father; Epsilon was supposed
to infiltrate the Titans and bring them down from within - and Theta
was his contact from the outside. Distraught, Argent confronted her
father with this information in the prison where he was sent for dealing
drugs. Argent's father denied any connection to Theta or Epsilon. Argent
was still not entirely convinced; Lilith scanned Epsilon's mind at Argent's
request but found only good and altruistic intentions. However, Lilith's
mental scan only revealed Kevin's intentions, not Epsilon's.
Epsilon eventually regained control of his body and destroyed
the Titans Tower. Epsilon later reunited with his lover, Theta, and
the two villains resolve to attack Kevin to exact revenge. Theta mentions
their mysterious boss, who is presumably giving the orders to insinuate
Epsilon into the Titans. When the question of their boss arises, Epsilon
interrupts the conversation before an answer is given. After a pitched
battle, Kevin inhabited the body of Argent and delivered a fatal blow
against Epsilon. Theta carried her lover's fallen body in her arms and
retreated. It appears Epsilon is dead, but this is not confirmed. The
identity of their boss and true mission remain a mystery.
Read It For Yourself In: Titans #31, 33,
38, 39 [2001-2002]
Fanboy Speculation: Not much. All signs point to Argent's father,
but the motive and mission seem flimsy.
Liklihood to Undangle: Extremely low. The whole DEO storyline
was not a fan favorite.
What Was The True Plan Of The Phantasmoria?
What's Dangling: What was the agenda of the hidden race known as The Phantasmoria?
What We Know: In Titans #45-46: Ghost sightings at Damage's Navajo reservation prompted him to call the Titans for aid. Jesse Quick answered the distress call and soon Jesse and Damage saw ghosts of their past. It became evident that there was more to these ghosts than apparent - when they shape shifted into alien-looking beings.
The other Titans arrived at the Navajo reservation to assist Jesse and Damage. They soon discovered that Damage's friend Sara Littlejohn was actually one of the Phantasmoria, a mystical race that remained hidden from the rest of humanity. The Phantasmoria appeared as ghosts to humans they encountered, for reasons not entirely clear.
One member of the Phantasmoria tried to destroy the Titans so their existence remained a secret - forcing the Titans to encounter apparitions of their fallen comrades. 'Sara' and the Titans were able to defeat him, resolving to keep the secret of the Phantasmoria. Damage elected to remain at the Navajo reservation to sort out his personal problems. As the Titans left, the Phantasmoria remark that their decption was successful, and the Titans remained ignorant of their true purpose... a purpose that remains unrevealed...
Read It For Yourself In: Titans #45-46 [2003]
Fanboy Speculation: None.
Liklihood to Undangle: Highly unlikely.
More Danglers
Here's some danglers that don't so much BEG to be answered [and likely
won't be]. Some are moot, and some have been ignored, or likely will
be.
What Is Bette Kane's Connection to Kathy Kane Post-Crisis?
Post-Crisis, Bat-Girl is re-imaged as Flamebird. Pre-Crisis, she was Kathy (Batwoman) Kane's neice Bette who became Bat-Girl. Post-Crisis, she is Bette Kane - a tennis pro who became Flamebird as a way to impress Robin, the Boy Wonder. These changes are detailed in Secret Origins Annual #3.
Kathy Kane's [Batwoman] Post-Crisis story is harder to determine; A woman named Kathy Kane was killed during the run of SUICIDE SQUAD is the late 80's. But in the BEAST BOY mini series, Bette refers to her 'Aunt Kathy' and it appears she is still alive. 52 brought the introduction of an all-new Batwoman. Her connection to Bette has not been made clear...
How did Slade Wilson age again?
Deathstroke #55-57 [1996], Slade
awakes in the hospital as a man some 20 years younger than he had been,
with no recollection of his past life. He remains de-aged until the
series is canceled with Deathstroke #60 [1996]. Deathstroke's
next appearances have him returning to his more mercenary ways. Slade's
next unmasked appearance in JLA/Titans #2 picture him with white hair.
Sometime between Deathstroke #60 and JLA/Titans #2, he has inexplicably
reverted to his true age.
Likely this will not be addressed; After all, the older Slade is way
cooler.
What Alien Threat Were Thunder & Lightning Preparing for?
In Titans Secret Files #2 [2000], there is a double page spread illustrating
a 'TITANS: Where are they now?' A criminal organization
called the 1,000 did a data search of the Titans, it located all Titans,
dead and alive. The results of Thunder & Lightning's search indicated
they were preparing for an alien threat in Asia. The nature and
severity of the threat has not been established.
What is Battalion's Real Name?
Never revealed... although doubtful anyone cares.
How Could Starfire be married to Ryand'r?
Heh. Sorry, old joke.
Did I miss any? If so, e-mail
me here!
