Teen Titans – Review: Nevermore

Raven’s creepy tantrum of crackling black energy leaves Dr. Light begging for mercy, and the Titans see a new side of Raven- her temper. But, when
Cyborg and Beast Boy find a Mysterious Mirror in Raven’s room, they’re suddenly transported to a strange nightmare world that’s somehow connected to Raven.

Review by Bird Boy
Media by Bird Boy

Titans Voices
Greg Cipes as Beast Boy
Scott Menville as Robin
Khary Payton as Cyborg
Tara Strong as Raven
Hynden Walch as Starfire
Rodger Bumpass as Dr. Light
Keith Szarabajka as Trigon

Note: First time the theme aired in Japanese.

As the series progresses, it drastically improves, adding more depth and more suspense with each episode. “Nevermore” continues the trend “The Sum of
His Parts” began by having a creepy villain without losing that wit and wackiness that has hooked fans from the start.

I’ll admit, Dr. Light’s campiness toward the beginning put me off. There are just so many off-the-wall villains I can take as a viewer, but he served as an excellent example for other villains who cross Raven’s path. Her attack on the doctor was the single creepiest moment in this show’s short history (“What’s the matter? Afraid of the dark?”). If Dr. Light looked like he’d seen all seven circles of Hell after the other Titans saved him, imagine what would have happened to him if Raven had not been stopped.

Beast Boy starts to bring up points that are actually interesting after
Raven’s attitude at breakfast. If she’s so secretive and apparently dangerous, what makes them know they can trust her? And Robin responds with typical Robin logic, saying “She’s our friend. What more do we need to know?” Throughout the whole episode, Robin makes sure Raven’s privacy is respected. Perhaps a nod toward living with the secretive and broody Batman.

Beast Boy and Cyborg’s arrival inside Raven’s mirror marks more suspenseful moments. The ravens chanting “turn back” are like something out of a Stephen
King novel. The tone of the world is seriously ominous. Seems appropriate for Raven’s mind. I also appreciated Cyborg’s asking if that was where she was from. This refers to the issue on the Titans’ origins. It seems as if even they do not know where each one hails from or how they came to be.

Raven’s multiple personalities are fun and give her character the most depth. First we meet happy Raven, who sounds a lot like the Powerpuff Girl’s
Bubbles, also voiced by Tara Strong. She exhibits emotions that did not seem possible for Raven to emote. I think the point is to demonstrate how we all have various and surprising traits deep down inside.

Sad Raven is that little insecure voice inside of us all. (“You won’t like me anymore. He already doesn’t like me.”) Very apologetic and seeking assurance from others, she’s also a stark contrast from the usually proactive and tough Raven we’ve come to know. Brave Raven’s appearance comes as no surprise, though the “high fives” request was unexpected.

Most interesting of all would be Mad Raven/Trigon. We aren’t told how she came to be so powerful and take on the image of her father. It’s possible that the comics’ storyline is followed and she is actually a “seed” implanted at birth. At any rate, we learn that she cannot match the strength of the other personalities combined (“white robe Raven”).

Nevermore is definitely worth a look for fans of any incarnation of the Teen
Titans. This episode demonstrates how a series can keep the lightning quick pace that appeals to a younger crowd while telling tales that appeal to everyone. Bring on more!