Oh, Con Air!

Reading Titans is breaking my heart.

Forced past childhood conflicts are… forced. 

Nightwing: Old Friends, New Enemies Action Comics (1938-2011) #618

“Take care, Roy… Though something tells me that from now on that won’t me a problem.”

That’s one of my favorite smiles Dick gives us.

Not because it looks dopey but because of what’s behind it. Just… omg and Dick pushing Roy around in a wheelchair and everything about this scenario. Can’t even.

From The Titans Secret Files and Origins #1 (March 1999)

omg precious darlings. I want this panel to go on forever.

But yeah. I’m weird but I genuinely applaud the majority of how Roy’s addiction and recovery was handled. I adore how it doesn’t get swept under the rug, even after his character is retooled to have his main characteristic being his status as a single father. Because that happens a lot — trading one “gimmick” for another.

But no, Roy’s drug addiction is hugely important to his development.

You know. Probably for the better that they pretty much overlooked Ollie’s reaction.

I always, always wanted this to be explained more thoroughly.

Like seriously.

Not that I can’t see how the Titans — especially early on like shown here — might not have been the most nurturing and stable environment for Roy given all the hell he was going through in his personal life, but there’s a story there about how it tied into his struggle. I’d love to see it.

omg Roy.

Also: we’re just ignoring the strawberry shortcake doll they used for Lian’s stunt double throughout this issue.

You know how everyone goes through phases? Especially when they’re younger? And they’re like super ashamed of them as an adult?

Well, throughout the 90s, I was kind of obsessed with Native American culture. I used to wear moccasins and buy those jackets with the “Native American designs” — I was still in elementary school and had little knowledge of the different nations and cultures of Native American, only peripherally aware of the horrors faced by them, and so on. But hey I’m one-sixteenth Black Foot!!!

I grew older and wiser with time. And I guess I was fourth grade and younger at the time. Not completely my fault.

But… see… that’s kind of what Roy’s origins were from his inception until, honestly, probably around the time Titans was a book in the late 90s. Lots of really uncomfortable incidental racism and stereotyping.

It’s unfortunate… but I like to think of it as being worth it for once he grows out of his “phase” and they do something beautiful with appreciating that heritage.

Secret Origins (1986-1990) #38

“I can’t believe these guys…”

Okay, I admit it.

The entire reason I own this issue is because of the Speedy backup that’s at least half Roy and Lian being the most adorable things possible.

I’m always confused about just how much of the Arrow family’s identities are on public record or not. Do the comics know for sure? I don’t. And I’m pretty good at keeping track of these things.

Usually.

Secret Origins (1986-1990) #38

“Here’s another one. Talk about my "idyllic boyhood of glory and adventure.” Obviously when they interviewed Ollie Queen for their background, he didn’t tell them about…"

In case people ever wondered what Roy and Dick’s friendship was founded on: random and unnecessary gymnastics while doing casual, everyday tasks!

Also, I can’t express to you how much I hate this word bubble placement.

Uh. excuse you. How could you put that where flexed tushies are supposed to go. I need it for my Dick Grayson-Comparison folder.

Heh.  gawwwwd. 80’s.

Arsenal inks by *DeanGrayson