The Teen Titans have seen many iterations throughout the years since their debut in 1964. From comics to animated movies and light-hearted cartoons we have seen these characters portrayed in many different forms of media. Most of the Titans may have started out as sidekicks but this band of heroes is anything but second best, and in honor of the DC Unlimited show Titans, we at Strictly Geek have pieced together the Top Five Teen Titans Comic Storylines to get you ready for the show.

No. 5

This was the reboot before the reboot for the Titans. Debuting in 1980 this run featured three brand new characters Cyborg, Starfire, and Raven, who had previously never been seen together. It also brought a former Doom Patrol member Beast Boy into the mix. This is the first time we see the makings of what is known today as the quintessential Titans roster and also introduced a few new villains namely, Deathstroke, and Trigon, that have since become major foes for the group. This run also began Robin’s evolution into Nightwing and can be seen as the birthplace of the modern Teen Titans.

No. 4

In this graphic novel reboot, we see a total reimagining of the roster as well as the origins of the yet to be known Teen Titans. Raven and Beastboy of previous Titans notoriety are joined this time by Terra, Wonder Girl, Tempest (Aqualad), Kole Weathers, and Wally West (Kid Flash). In this story, the teens have grown up feeling that they are different than their teenage peers. A true coming of age story, we see these would be superheroes not only navigate their blossoming powers but the teen angst of new found relationships as well.

No. 3

Throughout the years the Teen Titans franchise has really felt the sting of the DC reboot machine. Titans Hunt tries to fix the massive erasure and continuity problems that had previously plagued the Teen Titans characters. Set immediately after the Convergence this series set up what is now the modern-day Titans and leads into the Rebirth storyline.

No. 2

One of the most popular characters in the Titan universe Wonder Girl is ready for some answers to her mysterious past. In this storyline we find Dick Grayson helping Troy find the answers to her origins. This storyline is not only imperative to understanding this character but is also vital in how she plays such an important role to the other members of the Titan team.

No. 1

There are certain storylines that are so vital to a character’s mythos that their plots echo throughout the years. The Judas Contract is one of those storylines. Here we see the Titans infiltrated from within by one of their greatest foes with devastating results.

We hope this list helps you get a more in-depth look at the often confusing backstory of the Teen Titans. While each character can be found in other comic book storylines, with some even having their own spotlight series, the Teen Titans are here to show us that they are so much more than just sidekicks.