Review: Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract delivers a superb narrative in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU). The Judas Contract brings the story arc of the same name to the DCAU. Featuring a complex story, superb animation and voice acting, and loads of character development, The Judas Contract ranks among DC’s finest animated films.

A brief flashback recounts Starfire’s (Kari Whalgren) introduction to the Teen Titans. Dick Grayson as Robin, Kid Flash (Jason Spisak), Beast Boy (Brandon Soo Hoo), Bumblebee (Masasa Moyo), and Speedy (Crispin Freeman) save Starfire from her evil sister Blackfire (also Whalgren). Flash forward five years, and Starfire along with Dick Grayson, now Nightwing (Sean Maher) lead the Teen Titans. The Titans now consist of Robin (Stuart Allen), Raven (Taissa Farmiga), Blue Beetle (Jake T. Austin), Tara Markov (Christina Ricci), and Beast Boy.

The Titans hunt a cult led by Brother Blood (Gregg Henry). Mother Mayhem (Meg Foster) aids Blood in his quest to achieve a godlike state using a machine to glean power. Mercenary Deathstroke (Miguel Ferrer) helps Blood, entering a contract to deliver the Titans. His motivation derives mainly from a desire to gain vengeance against Damian Wayne, the new Robin.

There’s quite a bit of complexity which propels Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. It’s a rather relationship-driven film. Within the Titans, The Judas Contract explores the romance between Nightwing and Starfire, as well as Beast Boy’s pursuit of Tara. In the opening scene, Dick Grayson’s relationship with Starfire ignites. When he decides to save her, Kid Flash comments “And the fact that she’s hot has nothing to do with it.” Later, once she’s been saved, Starfire kisses Robin, then explains that kissing is how she learns languages. “Oh, by the way, I speak Spanish if you want to learn that,” Kid Flash coyly comments. “Second-year high school French,” adds Speedy. These relationships foster characters with deep motivations behind their actions.

There’s a pleasant development of the Titans individually and collectively. Subplots show Beetle struggling with his family, and Nightwing moving in with Starfire. Beast Boy progresses as a goofy kid that’s social media-obsessed, and a genuinely caring individual that pursues Tara. It’s fun to watch the Titans fight foes on their own, as well as how they collaborate in battles. Plus, The Judas Contract includes scenes showing the teens hanging out and simply playing foosball or engaging on social media. This further reinforces the notion that they are teenagers.

I really enjoyed the animation. It reminded me of Batman: The Animated Series in its hand-drawn style with a balance of dark and vivid colors. Additionally, there’s a mix of retro styling and futuristic tech. Character outfits are classic superhero garb, and I especially like Raven’s neon purple accents. Deathstroke is fantastically rendered and looks like the lovechild of Solid Snake and Deadpool. Brother Blood’s cult channels an old-school vibe with robes and a temple that are one part Blade and with a dash of Greek or Roman mythology. At the beginning of the film, when the Titans first infiltrate the H.I.V.E. nest, the H.I.V.E. soldiers use large loaders that look straight out of Aliens.

As the word “Judas” suggests, The Judas Contract does feature betrayal. This comes on multiple fronts. While the first gets telegraphed slightly, a few subsequent twists arrive as genuine surprises. I appreciated the maturity of The Judas Contract. Though it focuses on a cast of teens, it caters to audiences familiar with the comics. For instance, Jericho appears briefly, and there’s some assumed knowledge of character and story arcs. But Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is perfectly entertaining regardless of comic background. The plot mixes drama, action, and humor well. It’s refreshingly dark in spots, particularly with the ruthless Mother Mayhem and Brother Blood.

However, despite its depth, The Judas Contract does play it fairly safe. Although several scenes find the Titans collectively and individually in danger, there’s nary a moment when the viewer worries for their safety. A couple potential shocks resolve with predictability. Additionally, a couple subplots feel underdeveloped. Notably, Blue Beetle’s volunteer work seems rather rushed. Nevertheless, stellar animation, enticing relationships, and a narrative chock full of action and twists make Teen Titans: The Judas Contract one of the finest DCAU story arcs to date.

SCORE
8/10