Teen Titans Go! (2013)

**"Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans"**: Enter the Mad Multiverse of the Teen Titans

This title refers to a crossover animated film where the characters from *Teen Titans Go!* meet their counterparts from the original *Teen Titans* series. The movie features multiverse chaos, action, and comedy as the two teams of Titans must work together to face a powerful threat.

Recently, I revisited last year's superhero movies and watched the DC animated film *Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans*. After seeing the *Teen Titans Go!* movie the year before, I became hooked on the series *Teen Titans Go!* (2013–). This animated show is not only hilarious and full of laugh-out-loud comic book references, but it also features plenty of surprise cameos from other superheroes. Overall, the humor and comedy in *Teen Titans Go!* make it stand out from the rest of DC's works.

In comparison, the earlier *Teen Titans* series (2003–2006) is much more serious than *Teen Titans Go!*, but it still has plenty of humor. If you're interested in the concept of parallel universes and can enjoy chaotic and absurd cartoon storytelling, you're sure to like and enjoy this movie.

One thing worth mentioning first is that this movie is quite similar to *Turtles Forever*, which came out ten years earlier. In *Turtles Forever*, the 2003–2010 version of the *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* teams up with the earlier 1987–1996 version, and they eventually join forces with the original comic book version of the Turtles.

Similarly, in *Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans*, the *Teen Titans Go!* version of Trigon teams up with the *Teen Titans* version of Trigon. The final battle features a gathering of over a dozen different Teen Titans teams from across the multiverse, including some bizarre and unexpected combinations. What’s especially fun is that earlier in the film, Cyborg and Beast Boy jokingly mention a few absurd versions of the Teen Titans — and sure enough, those versions actually show up in the climactic battle.

If you've seen the earlier seasons of *Teen Titans Go!*, you should have no trouble getting used to these wildly different versions of the Teen Titans. The overall style, structure, and humor of this movie lean more toward *Teen Titans Go!*, filled with self-deprecating jokes—such as an audience member claiming that *Teen Titans Go!* ruined his childhood, or a spontaneous song breaking out only to be immediately explained as a time filler.

By contrast, the 2003 version of the Teen Titans doesn't have particularly distinct personalities—they're just a bit more serious than their 2013 counterparts. As the movie progresses, all the Titans gradually become more cheerful. The battle between the two generations of Titans is a lot of fun, especially when *Teen Titans Go!*'s Robin is the first to get knocked out. Overall, the 2003 Titans are portrayed as having the upper hand in combat strength.

The main storyline of this movie is also quite interesting, as it takes a relatively serious look at the *Teen Titans Go!* version of Raven and her demonic side. In this version, she has sealed the demon within the gem on her forehead. In other versions, however, it's often Trigon who is trapped inside the gem—such as in *Justice League vs. Teen Titans*. That version of the Teen Titans also makes an appearance in this film, although it seems to be missing the Damian Wayne version of Robin and Blue Beetle.

In the movie, Raven temporarily gives up her powers and is forced to walk on foot, struggling with each step. For a moment, she completely abandons her demonic side and becomes cheerful and inspirational. But like in most stories, she eventually comes to terms with the demon within and stops trying to suppress it. Things more or less return to normal in the end.

Since this is a *Teen Titans Go!* movie, it naturally includes some bizarre elements and musical numbers, though the songs aren't really worth going into detail about. For example, the "Philosopher's Stone" song feels exactly like what they later explain it to be: just a way to pad the runtime. The "team-up" song, while pleasant, doesn’t stand out in any particular way.

What’s more enjoyable are the delightfully absurd moments—especially the epic action sequences, such as the wild time-traveling chase with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Another highlight is when the *Teen Titans Go!* version of Trigon devours the 2003 version, transforming into a larger, multi-limbed “Hexagon.” Meanwhile, *Teen Titans Go!*'s Raven defeats Hexagon by absorbing the powers of the other Ravens across the multiverse.

All in all, this animated movie is fun and hilarious. While Raven’s character arc adds a touch of seriousness, most of the film revolves around the two Teen Titans teams poking fun at each other.