Warning: contains spoilers for Teen Titans Academy #15!

The "T" symbol proudly worn by the Teen Titans doesn't stand for what one may think. Starfire has revealed what the classic logo actually means in a commencement speech that shines a light on the values that bind together the ever-growing team of young heroes.

The Teen Titans have come a long way since their first incarnation. While initially they were just a team formed by five notable sidekicks, the Teen Titans grew to one of the largest organizations of heroes in the DC Universe. They've served as an incubator where more inexperienced crimefighters can cut their teeth in a dangerous world filled with supervillains. The team has been a stepping stone for a number of heroes such as Nightwing, Starfire, and Kid Flash, who now serve as guides to the next generation of costumed adventurers.

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In the Teen Titans Academy #15 by Tim Sheridan and Tom Derenick, Starfire has wise words for the next batch of heroes who have lived through their first year as true blue Titans. The freshman class has done the impossible and ventured to Apokolips to save Shazam, a teenage Black Adam and Nevermore. Despite the overwhelming odds, the motley crew of underclassmen are able to pull off their rescue and return home with not one soul lost. With their biggest mission successfully under their belts, the teen heroes return to the newly reconstructed Titans Tower for their graduation ceremony. Leading the commencement is Starfire, who has a few remarks on what the core of the Titans truly is. She looks on at the "T" logo and acknowledges that it means more than their collective name. According to Starfire, the symbol stands for the Titans' values like "Tenacity. Teamwork. Trust."

teen titans starfire speech

Starfire's commencement speech goes on as the reader sees the layout of the new and improved Titans Tower. As she points out, like the building, no matter what damages are done to the team, they always come back stronger, bigger and better than they were before. It's no coincidence that the final shot in the series is a view of the tower against the skyline since it's a giant "T" and, as Starfire describes, the letter symbolizes the values that have held the Titans together.

From untimely deaths to unexpected betrayals, few superhero teams have suffered in the way that the Titans have. While a lesser team would have disbanded for good, the Titans can keep coming back because they stick to the ideals that Starfire discusses. By working together, trusting one another and staying resilient, they can weather any storm the universe throws their way. The "T" logo that the Teen Titans use may not be the most creative of symbols, but it's a good reminder of what has kept the group of young heroes in business for so many years.

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