I read a book recently that of all people, my husband recommended it. He's pretty big on reading but we definately don't have the same taste in books - but I have to give him some credit for recommending this one. The book is called Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace. It's a true story about a so called fairy tale marriage - turns into a tragedy - then a bunch of twists and turns after that. Without giving too much away - it's a very well written book. And the fact that it's a true story just blows my mind. I mean you could literally put yourself into that situation and it could happen to you... Scary... Anyways check Shades out - you won't be disappointed.

I dunno, I adore the Year One characterization of Aqualad. And Kerschl's new design for him is neat. Yes, he comes off as a wimp and a weakling, but I suspect they're building to something cool. In the meantime, we get some fun bits.

I detest the "new design" for Aqualad. It looks nothing like him. It looks nothing like an Atlantean. It's grotesque, ugly, poorly drawn, and just plain awful.

Nothing fun about it at all, for me. Just a series of stupid insults.

Did they search to find the person with the worst approach to drawing Aqualad? You can't have gotten much worse unless you invited Erik Larsen to do a re-design.

Thanks for the kind words, Laura! The next issue won't have anyone dying. It's a very upbeat issue.

The latest issue really took a toll on me. Stayed away from the art table for a very LONG time after it was finished.

Regarding YEAR ONE... I can see your point on the Aqualad design, but I have to say, that when TEEN TITANS GO first aired, I could not STAND the designs of all the characters... most notably, Beast Boy. I thought they were just goofy manga knock-offs and I refused to even watch the rest of the episodes.

Now that I've seen more episodes, I've come to adore this series. I think some things just need that settling-in period. I'm still not a fan of Aqualad's buck-teeth, but I DO love this series.

Heya Tom,

Yeah, Teen Titans Go does have some ... interesting designs. But none of them departed as dramatically from the core of the characters as the year one Aqualad has departed from the traditional Ramona Fradon/Nick Cardy version. I actually really like the Teen Titans Go version of Aqualad. But Year One Aqualad... it's just a bad parody.

Leah would've been scandalized.

And I'm looking forward to the next issue of TSSTG. I think you need some upbeat after the intensity of the last couple of issues!