I Admit It: Starfire and Raven Really Set the DC Universe's Friends Goals

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for TITANS #19!The latest issue of Titans delivered an epic scene that firmly establishes Raven and Starfire as the ultimate BFFs of the DC Universe. What starts as a heartfelt moment between the two quickly evolves into a jaw-dropping display of dual badassery, perfectly showcasing their bond and synergy. After witnessing this incredible dynamic, I'm more excited than ever to see what DC has planned for this duo moving forward

John Layman and Serg Acuña's Titans #19 continues this action-packed run where the team barely has a moment to catch their breath between epic battles. In this issue, a major twist unfolds as Killer Frost, recently inducted into the Justice League, reverts to her villainous roots.

She launches an attack on both the League and the Titans, leading to a high-stakes battle where Frost threatens to take down all of New York City. While the entire team steps up to face her, it’s Starfire and Raven who truly shine. Their unbreakable friendship becomes the key to defeating Killer Frost, proving that their bond is as powerful as any superpower.

DC FINALLY Returns Raven & Starfire’s Friendship to the Spotlight

Panel Comes From Titans #19 (2025) – Art by Serg Acuña

Fans of the Titans serieswill remember that Tom Taylor’s run featured Raven merging with her dark half, the Dark-Winged Queen. Now, in Layman’s run, the writer delves into the consequences of that fusion. The primary fallout is that Raven’s emotions are in chaos, leaving her struggling to control her empathic abilities. This instability causes her to become overwhelmed by the emotions of others, paralyzing her with inaction. Raven’s vulnerability first surfaced in Titans #18 and emerges again in Titans #19 during the fight with Killer Frost.

The team desperately needs Raven’s help in their battle against Frost, but she finds herself crippled by fear and self-doubt, unable to act. This leads to a poignant moment when Starfire momentarily steps away from the fight to approach Raven, offering her heartfelt encouragement.“Rachel, you’ve fought this sort of fight a hundred times or more. Be confident. I believe in you,” she says, grasping Raven’s hands. Raven thanks Starfire, and together they turn back to the fight. “C’mon. We can do this TOGETHER,” Starfire declares, and in an epically rendered scene, the duo blasts Killer Frost together, showcasing their incredible bond and teamwork.

Starfire Understands Raven In a Way That the Other Titans Don’t

Panel Comes From Titans #19 (2025) – Art by Serg Acuña

What I particularly loved about this moment between Starfire and Raven is how it highlights the iconic bond between the two women. While Raven may officially be the empath of the Titans, Starfire comes close to rivaling her in empathy. Instead of calling Rachel out on her newfound vulnerability or expressing frustration, as Arsenal has done in the past two issues, Kori approaches her friend with understanding, compassion, and unwavering support. Starfire’s reminder that Raven has handled fights like this a hundred times before also serves as a powerful callback to how long these two women have been fighting side by side.

I truly admire the dynamic between Raven and Starfire, as their friendship is one of the deepest and healthiest female friendships in the DC Universe, andserves as a testament to the significance of impactful female bonds. What made this moment even more powerful for me was Acuña’s stunning art. Seeing Raven and Starfire side by side, unleashing the height of their power in a full-page panel, was nothing short of epic. Their distinct looks and vibrant colors make them one of the most visually striking duos in the DCU, and Acuña’s emphasis on this visual brilliance elevated the scene, making the shared moment between the two women even more memorable.

Layman’s Titans Run Makes Me Hopeful We’ll Get More Starfire / Raven Moments

Cover D 1:25 Card Stock Variant by Yanick Paquette for Titans #9 (2024)

It had been quite some time since Raven and Starfire shared a meaningful one-on-one moment in the Titans narrative, making this scene a standout for me. While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the series since its start, I’ve felt their iconic friendship hasn’t been highlighted enough. This moment crafted by Layman and Acuña gives me hope that their bond will receive more attention moving forward. I’m excited to see Layman’s personal take on the Starfire and Raven relationship and hopeful he continues to develop it in unexpected ways.

Titans #19 is available now from DC Comics!

Starfire

NAME

Koriand'r (Starfire)

Alias

Koriand'r

Created By

Marv Wolfman, George Perez

POWERS

Flight, Starbolt energy projection, Super strength, Enhanced agility, Longevity

RELATIONSHIPS

Robin (love interest), Blackfire (sister)

HISTORY

Starfire escaped to Earth after being enslaved by the Citadel, meeting the Titans and joining the team. Over time, she became a fierce protector of her friends, known for her naivety about Earth customs but also her bravery in battle.

Starfire, also known as Princess Koriand'r, is a key member of the Teen Titans and originates from the planet Tamaran. With her bright, energetic personality, she is known for her fierce loyalty, optimism, and strength in battle. Starfire is one of the most powerful Titans, possessing the ability to fly and shoot energy blasts from her hands.

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