Back in 2018, Warner Bros. Digital Networks and DC Entertainment partnered to release an original streaming service focused on content based on DC Comics. The service, titled DC Universe, had its first television show released in October of that year, based on the popularTeen Titanscomic. The show was appropriately titledTitans,and focused on the beginnings of the titular team of superheroes in the fascinating world of DC.
Originally focusing on four central characters of Dick Grayson (Robin), Rachel Roth (Raven), Koriand’r (Starfire) and Gar Logan (Beast Boy), the show has evolved to include more characters and storylines throughout its four seasons. From utilizing familiar comic plots including Deathstroke, to an original spin on the character of Brother Blood,Titanshas boasted a large cast of characters and an excellent mix of stories.
With each new season,the rather violent showhas developed most of its cast through many highs and lows. While this writing approach has divided fans, the show’s utilization of certain characters has made it a memorable adaptation among DC fans. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 of the best characters in DC’sTitansseries, ranked.
Article contains some spoilers
10Dawn Granger/Dove
Portrayed by Minka Kelly,Dawn Grangeris a former ballerina who lost her mom in a car accident. After attending a support group, Dawn quickly fell in love with Hank Hall and became the vigilanteDove, alongside her boyfriend. Known together as Hawk & Dove, the duo fought crime in Gotham City before joining the Titans team.
Why They Make the List
While Dove’s character does not have a noticeable amount of growth in the series, she is one of the show’s most compassionate souls. Dove isone of the most relatable characters in the series, sharing her knowledge and love for helping others with the entire Titans team. Her characterization somewhat resemblesthe role of mentor, especially for the team’s younger members, but she is also a great friend to those of her age. Even though her traits have not placed her higher on the list, she is still one of the show’s brightest lights.
9Slade Wilson/Deathstroke
When it comes to the deadliest characters in the DC Universe, it is hard not to nameDeathstrokeas one of the pivotal roles. Also known asSlade Wilson, Deathstroke is the archenemy of Dick Grayson and the Teen Titans in the comics. InTitans, Esai Morales portrays the character in season 2 where he serves as the season-long villain. The character’s arc involves enacting revenge on the original team of Titans and eradicating them for good.
There have been numerous adaptations of Deathstroke in DC-related media, but his depiction in DC’sTitansis one of his most threatening and intense portrayals. Morales manages to utilize the writing of the character to great effect, becoming the menacing character DC fans have grown to love to hate. While the show’s development of the character was not the best, Deathstroke was ultimately one of the show’s greatest villains.
8Hank Hall/Hawk
The other half of the Hawk & Dove duo,Hank Hall(Alan Ritchson) was a former football player who, along with his brother Don, experienced sexual abuse from their coach. After the loss of their mother, Hank and Don eventually became the first Hawk and Dove duo to combat the sexual predators in their area. However, a car accident took the lives of his brother and Dawn’s mother, which brought the two together. This connection eventually led to a romance and their team-up with the Titans.
What makesHawkstand out among the cast of Titans is his tough, hard demeanor. The character is a stark contrast to his partner Dove, perceived as the more stoic figure between the two. However, the show offers a deep exploration of Hank’s character throughout the series that centers onhis struggles with his past. Once Hank’s hardened personality is slowly revealed, the true intricacies of the character are displayed and make one of the show’s most sympathetic characters.
7Connor Kent/Superboy
Originally named Subject 13,Conner Kentis the genetic clone of Lex Luther and Superman created by Cadmus Laboratories. After escaping Cadmus, Conner meets the Titans and slowly comes around to become one of the key figures of the team.
If there ever was a muscle for the Titans team, then Conner Kent akaSuperboywould be it. After being revealed in one of the show’s highest-rating episodes (season 2, episode 6), much of Conner’s early arc centers on his accumulation into the Titans team. Conner’s endearing personality catches the eye of Komand’r/Blackfire, sparking one of the show’s unique romances. Even though he did tap into his dark side in the show’s final season, it is hard to place the show’s loveable jock any lower.
6Tim Drake/Robin
Tim Drakeis a former resident of Gotham City who is a huge fan of Batman and his sidekicks. After discovering Nightwing’s identity and encountering the team, Tim eventually becomes a member of the Titans and the nextRobin. The show explores his character arc from his beginnings as an inexperienced fighter.
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Despite only appearing in the last two seasons ofTitans, this version of Tim Drake left a positive impact on the show. The overly optimistic teenager-turned-superhero is a trope thathas been utilized before, but the show manages to do it decently with Tim. His first interaction with a supervillain unfortunately ends in his death, but Tim’s character growth was still a joy to watch. He quickly learns under the tutelage of Nightwing, the team and a distant Jason Todd to become a pivotal member of the team in the finale.
While all of Tim’s storylines were not handled the best (i.e. his relationship with Bernard),Titansmanages to weave the pure excitement of a fan turned into a superhero into Tim’s other prominent arc — and it was a joy to watch.
5Rachel Roth/Raven
Rachel Rothis a teenage girl who is the daughter of the powerful demon Trigon. The show’s first season sees Rachel struggle with the death of her adoptive mother and the eventual arrival of her father at the hands of her biological mother and her lover. The show’s first season and its focus eventually leads toRavenbecoming a member of the Titans, developing a strong relationship with the original trio of Titans in the process.
Titansis a show that has massively divided fans due to its varied handling of central characters, the most egregious of which happens to be the characterization of Rachel. Starting the show as one of the best characters, Rachel’s absence in later seasons hindered her growth as a powerful character in theTitansuniverse.
Still, the show’s tackling of her heartbreaking origins combined with her channeling of her strong abilities makes up for the character’s losses. She is one of the team’s most confident and determined fighters with a warm heart to match.
4Donna Troy/Wonder Girl
Half-Amazonian and half-human,Donna Troywas the sidekick of Wonder Woman before joining the original Titans team after befriending Dick Grayson. Donna eventually forms a relationship with Garth (Aqualad), an original member of the Titans who was killed by Deathstroke. The resulting death led to the Titans disbanding before reuniting once Deathstroke returned.
Like many other characters in the show, Donna Troy was not fully utilized to the best of her abilities. Take, for example, her sudden death in season 2’s finale, which angered many fans. Regardless, Donna’s subsequent resurrection in season 3 and characterization in the other seasons helped to make her one of the show’s best.
Donna is firm in embracing her heroic nature, aiming to do anything to help those in need, regardless of her situation. She is a resilient and competent fighter, as well as one the Titan’sstrongest fighters in terms of pure strength.
3Gar Logan/Beast Boy
Garfield “Gar” Loganis the name ofBeast Boy, a shapeshifting metahuman who was a former member of the Doom Patrol at Niles Caulder’s house. After finding and rescuing Rachel in a nearby forest, Gar decided to join the Titans team to try and live a normal life as well as embark on more adventures.
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Beast Boy has always been a loveable character in the many television showshe has appeared in, and his portrayal by Ryan Potter inTitansis no exception. Gar is one of the show’s kindest characters, acting like a brother to many of the show’s other characters. He is the comedic relief of the team, and his wholesome charm often permeates throughout the show. Gar is a character that many fans find relatable, for good reason, and his portrayal inTitansshowcases that well.
2Koriand’r/Starfire
Koriand’ris an extraterrestrial princess from the planet Tamaran with solar energy-related powers. She was sent to Earth to enact the destruction of Rachel, aka Raven, but eventually overcame the prophecy once she befriended Raven and the Titans. This change led to her staying as a member, aiding the team in any future battles.
The de-facto co-leader of the Titans, Koriand’r is one of the most deeply explored characters inTitans. Kory’s cosmic origins and Tamaran identity were integral to many of the show’s most intense storylines, mostly centering around her destruction of Raven. Koriand’r actively combats this negativity throughout the show, becoming a more hardened and storied character in the process.
Alongside her nature as a hero, Koriand’r also plays a motherly role for many of the younger Titans. She helps many of them with their issues, often finding ways to figure them out herself, and becomes a crucial member in making each character better.
1Dick Grayson/Nightwing
The leader of the Titans team,Dick Graysonis the adopted son of Batman who became an orphan after the deaths of his parents in a trapeze accident. In an attempt to rid himselfof the Robin moniker, Dick embarked on a mission to establish the Titans team and become a bonafide leader of his own. Once the original team disbanded, Dick restarted the team to protect the young Rachel Roth from the harm of the sinister group, The Organization.
It should be no surprise to see the show’s central protagonist and most developed character make the list’s top spot. Dick Grayson’s arc throughout the show centered around his struggles to lead a superhero team on his own and escape from Batman’s shadow. By the end of the series,Nightwing’sestablished nature as a true crime-fighting superhero helps make him worthy of his leadership role and power in theTitansuniverse.
