After a highly successful run throughout the '80s and '90s, the Teen Titans entered the new millennium with an animated show on Cartoon Network, acquiring newfound popularity and a new generation of fans. Nowadays, they are one of DC's flagship teams, almost as recognizable as the Justice League itself.
Despite the overwhelming popularity, the Titans aren't safe from criticism. Indeed, many fans have a few rather controversial opinions about them, and they take to Reddit to express them. Not every take is hostile necessarily, but they are all divisive enough to make them unpopular in the fandom.
Beast Boy & Raven Are Not A Good Couple
The 2003 cartoon introduced several new concepts including the idea of a Teen Titans romance between Beast Boy and Raven. There was never a hint of it in the comics; however, since the animated series aired, the ship became very popular among fans, eventually making its way to comic book continuity.
Not every fan believes they are a good couple, though. Reddit user ravenfreak thinks that the pair wasn't a match in the 2003 series because "Beast Boy is too immature for her." The user does have a point because Beast Boy is very childish, especially compared to Raven's stoicism. However, it's precisely their opposing personalities that make them so compelling in the first place.
Most Writers Don't Get Raven
Raven is arguably the most powerful member of the Teen Titans. A half-demon empath with abilities tied directly to her emotions, Raven exists in a constant state of tranquility, else her immensely destructive powers will literally bring hell to Earth.
The 2003 show and most subsequent adaptations portrayed Raven as stoic and somewhat violent. However, Redditor RunRayven believes that characterization is wrong. "I think the definitive Raven has only ever been written by (original New Teen Titans writer) Marv." The user argues that Raven is a pacifist who, rather than suppress her emotions to use her power, actually leans into them. It's an intriguing argument, and there's some truth to it. However, like many other comic book characters, Raven has different interpretations over the years, so it's impossible to consider any of them the definitive one.
Raven Is Overrated
When comparing the members of the Teen Titans to each other, Raven wins most of the time. Her unique powers and distinctive personality make her among the most popular DC characters in years. She's also part of two massively beloved ships, and that always helps.
Redditor Apprehensive-Fail663 believes her popularity often gets out of control, though. "I wish she didn't overshadow the other characters in the fandom." It's hard to argue with the user because Raven is arguably the most acclaimed character among the Teen Titans. However, all other members also get their time in the spotlight. Cyborg even got upgraded to the Justice League in the DCEU, so there's enough love for everyone.
Adam Glass' Teen Titans Run Is The Best Since Geoff John's
Damian Wayne is one of those Batman heroes that fans hated. Introduced as the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul, Damian debuted as a spoiled and entitled brat before suffering a gradual but considerable change. However, Rebirth regressed Damian's personality to his early stages, erasing much of the progress he achieved.
Fans were logically angry at the character's regression and decried the series. However, Redditor Zombombie613 is one of the few who actually likes the run, considering it the best since John's. "Glass' run was kind of a breath of fresh air for me," the user says, arguing that nothing interesting came before or after it. Most fans wouldn't agree, so the user is alone on this one.
Teen Titans Rebirth Was Consistently Good
DC Comics has an infamously convoluted timeline. Over the years, the company experimented with several events and relaunches to try and course-correct, but most received mixed receptions at best. Fans and critics liked Rebirth more than the controversial New 52, but the Teen Titans series still struggled, especially after its universally panned New 52 run.
However, Reddit user ConferenceAmazing liked the Rebirth run of Titans, calling it "really enjoyable" and "consistently good." Most fans agree that the title was an improvement over the mess that came before, but hardly anyone would call it "consistent." Recently, the TT title stands out because of its extreme nature, suffering jarring shifts in quality throughout its run.
Terra Doesn't Work As A Sympathetic Character
The Judas Contract is the Titans' most famous storyline, by far. It featured Deathstroke and Terra as the antagonists, cementing their place as two of the most powerful Teen Titans villains ever. The storyline presented Terra as a full-on and nearly irredeemable villain, although her characterization evolved over the years, turning her into an anti-hero.
While most fans recognize her as one of DC's best anti-heroines, Redditor Molemanninethousand believes she doesn't work as a sympathetic character. "She was created specifically to shock and disturb readers with the revelation of her nature after being introduced as a supposed hero." The user makes an excellent argument, but adding more layers to Terra's motives makes her a more nuanced and compelling character.
Robin From The 2003 Teen Titans Series Isn't Dick Grayson
Robin leads the Teen Titans in every iteration. Dick Grayson is a founding member of the Titans, but even after becoming Nightwing and leaving the team, a Robin figure is still the leader, whether it's Tim Drake or Damian Wayne.
The Robin constant can be confusing for some fans. Reddit user LEGOsrule99 thinks that the Robin from the 2003 show is more Tim Drake than Dick Grayson. "He doesn't really have Dick's charm, and he seems very tech-based." Comic book Dick, especially as Nightwing, is famous for being wholesome, sassy, and charming. However, he did go through a more stoic phase during his early days with the Titans, fitting the personality the 2003 show gave him.
The 2003 Teen Titans Cartoon Is Too Watered Down
The Teen Titans comics are notorious for having their fair share of controversial moments. Some of their storylines are very mature and even problematic, from featuring Robin and Starfire in bed together to portraying a physical relationship between Terra and Deathstroke.
The animated series stayed away from most mature storylines for obvious reasons, and Redditor mew-poo didn't appreciate it. "The more I read the comics and other DC source material, the more I realize how watered down the show and a lot of its characters are." The show was never going to address some of the source material's more serious issues, what with it being aimed at children and literally airing on Cartoon Network. So even though the user is right about the character's being toned down, changes like those are common in animated shows.