The 1980s were a whirlwind when you are talking about entertainment as whole. A decade filled with iconic cinematic moments but also genre defining comics as well. Not only did we see the comics history change from Bronze Age to Modern Age but we experienced so many revolutionary stories that still impact the medium to this very day. In some stories comics became more grounded thanks to Watchmen and Batman: Year One. In some ways, they became darker with The Dark Knight Returns or Frank Miller’s Daredevil. Comics were forever changed thanks to large cinematic events like Secret Wars and Crisis on Infinite Earths. Sometimes in the midst of all that change, there are still relatively significant stories that get lost among the way.
Marv Wolfman and George Perez were revolutionary in a different way. The duo relaunched and forever changed a group of sidekicks as we know them today – the Teen Titans. Wolfman & Perez gave us new characters like Starfire, Changeling (Now Beast Boy), Cyborg and Raven. Yet utilized the foundation as well with Robin, Wonder Girl & The Flash. Though, it’s their landmark story arc with the Judas Contract that shifted these characters once more. Not only that that but gave us the now iconic Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke. The Judas Contract spanned two titles and six issues in The New Teen Titans (issues 39 – 40) & Tales of the Teen Titans (issues 42-44 & Annual #3). The story took the team to new heights. Had a founding member leave, another change his alias and more.
The Judas Contract tells the story of the Titans infiltrated by a new member in Terra, who double crosses the team for Deathstroke. Who in return ultimately ends up turning the team over to the infamous H.I.V.E. It’s ashamed that this arc gets lost within the pantheons of its era, Judas is a game changer. Not only is it the launching point for Slade Wilson’s origin story but it marks the debut of Nightwing. It gives us Jericho as a character and marks the departure of Wally West. Wolfman manages to execute so much story in such a little space without ever feeling rushed or dragged. This is near perfect execution on the narrative’s part. For as good as it does feel, the central story never feels like it has a chance to breathe. Judas is a fast paced story that even when it’s slowing down to flesh out, it never truly stops all the way. In some ways, this is smart storytelling. In others, this feels a bit overwhelming and could turn readers off to the story.
The art by George Perez is still crisp, clean and bright. I would dare to venture that the main reason this story can get lost within the shuffle of its 1980s brothers and sisters is the tone of the art. Comics at this time were darker toned because the stories being told were darker by nature. Though, Judas might have darker themes, the colors are never really that dark. Perez creates a bright backdrop which in turns creates a nice juxtaposition. Which in turn allows these titles to have their own identity.
Overall, The Judas Contract, is an essential comic read for any fan. The storyline marks the departure of a founding member, the backstory of Deathstroke, the introduction of another titan and above all else marks the debut of Nightwing. The narrative is cleverly intelligent, well-thought out and engaging. Writer, Marv Wolfman, manages to craft a high-octane story that stops for no one. The story never really has time to breathe. It is exclusively focused on what needs to happen next. Not always a bad thing here. The art by George Perez breathes life into the book’s unique identity. Not quite as dark, subject-wise, as its legendary counterparts but still bordering the edge. The art manages to keep from the darkness with bright colors that give the book a unique identity. Fast & defining – The Judas Contract is a book worth the investment.
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