WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Titans #18!
DC’s ALL IN initiative has brought major changes to the DC Universe, including the revival of theJustice Leaguewith a drastically expanded roster that now includeseveryhero on Earth, rather than the select elite it has traditionally featured. This bold decision has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some less than thrilled by the idea—and it seems even some of the Titans aren’t entirely on board with the Justice League’s controversial new direction.
Such actions would not only damage the League’s reputation but also highlight a dangerously simplistic and punitive approach to justice.
John Layman, Pete Woods, and Wes Abbott’sTitans#18 finds the team officially settling into a new era as they adjust to recent changes brought by the creative team. These include Roy“Arsenal”Harper joining the roster, Nightwing passing the leadership mantle to Donna Troy, and the Titans relocating from Blüdhaven to New York—specifically to an underground base Arsenal has sarcastically dubbedthe Titans Tunnels.
This new base has become a point of contention among the group, especially given the alternative option of moving to the Justice League’s newly unveiled Watchtower. However, Donna has made it abundantly clear that,despite their membership in DC’s premier superhero team, she’s not entirely eager to go all in with them.
DC Fans & Donna Troy Voice Criticisms Over the New Justice League
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Cully Hamner forTitans#20 (2025)
When the Justice League’s reunion was unveiled in Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere’sALL IN Special#1, fan reactions were split between excitement and skepticism. The most significant criticism revolved around the ambitious decision to offer every hero on Earth a place among the team’s ranks.Fans argued that this all-inclusive roster undermined the Justice League’s identity as a group of DC’s most elite heroes—the best of the best, chosen from a select few. WhileMark Waid and Dan Mora’sJustice League Unlimitedseries has been met with widespread acclaim, some fans remain unconvinced about the inclusive nature of the team, longing for the exclusivity of the previous status quo.
However, it’s not just fans who are questioningDC’s new Justice League.Donna Troy has voiced her own criticisms, though her concerns differ from those of the fandom.Rather than focusing on the inclusive roster, Donna’s qualms center on the League’s operational methods and oversight. While some of her criticisms are valid, others come off as overly harsh or counterintuitive. Yet, one of Donna’s remarks is particularly shocking, as it implies something about the Justice League that could be slightly terrifying if true.
Donna Troy Criticizes the Wisdom in the Justice League’s New Headquarters (& She’s Not Wrong)
Donna Believes the Justice League Is Overstepping in Their Oversight of the Titans (& She IS WRONG)
As previously mentioned, Donna vetoed the idea of relocating the Titans to the Watchtower—where the rest of Earth’s heroes are based—and instead moved them to an underground base in New York. The rest of the team were less than enthusiastic about the change, but Donna’s reasoning is undeniably valid. She argued that concentrating all of Earth’s most powerful heroes in one locationmakes the Watchtower a prime target.If disaster were to strike, it could wipe out the majority of Earth’s defenders in one fell swoop.By keeping the Titans separate, Donna ensures they’ll still be around to save the day, even if the worst happens.
Furthermore, Donna’s dislike of the Justice League’s oversight becomes apparent when Red Tornado—the League’s mission coordinator—offers to send reinforcements to assist the Titans. Before he can finish, Donna cuts him off and shuts down the communication link. Her internal monologue reveals her reasoning:“They still think we’re the kids, the sidekicks, in constant need of help. We have to show them otherwise.”This moment underscores Donna’s frustration with what she perceives as the League’s overbearing involvement in the Titans’ operations.
However, Donna’s reaction can be seen as overly harsh. Red Tornado’s offer of assistance likely came from good faith, reflecting the League’s current standard operating procedure rather than any belief that the Titans are incapable. This perspective is further supported by Nightwing’s response to Donna’s abrupt dismissal. Dick suggests they should have at least heard Red Tornado out to better understand who or what they’re about to face. While Donna’s concerns about the Watchtower are valid,her issues with the League’s perceived oversight seem to stem more from her pridethan from any substantive flaw in their approach.
The Titans Are Just as Tough As the Justice League, And One Villain Knows It
The Titans have become a formidable team of adult heroes in the DC Universe, and one major villain is preparing to respond accordingly.
Donna Troy Calls the Justice League Out on the Mistreatment of Villains
“The League Wants to Toss Enemies into the Phantom Zone and Leave Them."– Donna Troy inTitans#18 (2024)
Donna’s most shocking and perhaps most notable criticism of the Justice League goes beyond mere critique—it’s a serious accusation. After the Titans’ battle with Shimmer and Mammoth, Arsenal suggests taking the incapacitated Shimmer to the Watchtower, noting that the League has a secure holding facility. Donna immediately shuts this idea down, saying,“No. I was serious. We’re going to help her.The League wants to toss enemies into the Phantom Zone and leave them. If—and when—those enemies get out, they are twice as motivated to get revenge.”This statement implies that the League is seriously mishandling its approach to dealing with foes.
As of the release ofJustice League Unlimited#2(2024) by Waid and Mora, there is no evidence that the League uses the Phantom Zone as a standard solution for handling enemies, making Donna’s accusation significant. However, the lack of disagreement from the other Titans adds credibility to her claim. If true, this revelation is deeply concerning.The Phantom Zone, one of the harshest punishments in the DC Universe, being used without a trial, jury, or judge raises serious ethical questions. Such actions would not only damage the League’s reputation but also highlight a dangerously simplistic and punitive approach to justice.
Will Donna Troy Be Proven Right About the Justice League?
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Karl Kerschl forTitans#19 (2025)
As the Titans' story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Donna’s views on the Justice League evolve, as this seems poised to become a central theme in Layman and Woods’ run. This could play out in one of two ways: either Donna’s pride and stubbornness will put the team at risk, forcing them to collaborate with the League, or the narrative will continue to emphasize Donna’s determination to assert the Titans’ independence. Regardless of which path the story takes, it promises to be an exciting exploration of theTitansfinding their place within the DC Universe’s new status quo.
Teen Titansis a superhero animated TV series based on the DC Comics team of the same name. Airing from 2003 to 2006, the show follows five young heroes—Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy—as they battle villains while navigating adolescence. The series was widely praised for its blend of action, humor, and character development, and it spawned a popular spin-off,Teen Titans Go!.
