DC's ALL IN initiative marked a new era for the DC Universe in October, bringing big changes and exciting developments, including the debut of Justice League new Watchtower. Bigger and better than ever, this new headquarters serves as home base for all of DC's heroes – well, everyone except the Titans, who refuse to make the Watchtower their home for one extremely valid reason.
…bringing Earth's heroes together in one location creates a dangerous vulnerability.
John Layman and Pete Woods' Titans #18 follows the Titans as they move into their new headquarters – sarcastically dubbed “Tunnels of the Titans” by Arsenal – after abandoning Titans Tower in Bludhaven. This change comes due to the complete upheaval of Bludhaven, with escalating gang wars, a newly militarized police force, and a mysterious weapons manufacturing company that targets heroes.
With a giant target on Nightwing's back, Donna Troy, the new leader of the Titans, made the decision to move the team from Bludhaven to an underground base in New York City. However, this decision was unpopular with several members of the team, especially since they were given the opportunity to move to the Watchtower instead.
Donna Troy has an important criticism about Watchtower (and it's more than valid)
Titans No. 18 (2024) reveals how the Watchtower is a “Mature target”
Titans #18 opens with Roy “Arsenal” Harper lamenting the missed opportunity to move to the Watchtower, subtly blaming Dick for the decision. He implies that Nightwing's connection to the team was what put his tower at risk, leading to the change. While true, Donna quickly sets the record straight, reminding the team that the decision to move into the tunnels was hers – not Dick's. She explains her reasoning: “Have you ever heard the phrase 'don't put all your eggs in one basket'? I'm not crazy about the world's most powerful heroes ALL based in the SAME place. Talk about a mature target.
Donna's decision to reject the Justice League's offer to make the Watchtower the Titans' new base is rooted in a solid understanding of the risks involved, exposing a critical flaw in the Watchtower's design. Following the events of Absolute powerThe Justice League's roster has expanded to include all of Earth's heroes, with leaders like Flash, Superman, and Mister Terrific repeatedly emphasizing that the Watchtower is not just a base, but a home for those who choose to reside there. However, Bringing Earth's heroes together in one location creates a dangerous vulnerability. The Watchtower becomes a prime target, and a successful attack could wipe out a large portion of the world's most powerful heroes.
The Watchtower has already proven to be a huge liability
Justice League fighting Darkseid in the Watchtower – Panel comes from DC ALL IN Special #1 (2024)
While one might consider the Watchtower to be the safest place in the universe, given that many of Earth's heroes operate from it at any given time, Donna's criticism remains valid. It would only take one successful attack to decimate the hero population. Some might argue that the new Watchtower was built to withstand such attacks – as revealed in DC ALL IN Special #1 by Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere — the Watchtower was built using Kryptonian and Thanagarian technology, with The Question leading its security. This suggests that the Watchtower is heavily protected by some of the most advanced technology in the universe.
However, the DC ALL IN Special it also demonstrates that the Watchtower is still vulnerable. When Darkseid emerges inside the satellite, a battle between Earth's heroes and the New God begins. Although the Justice League prevails, defeating and killing Darkseid, it is later revealed that Darkseid wanted him dead. This raises the possibility that Darkseid was not fully invested in the fight. Therefore, the outcome does not necessarily reflect what would happen if a villain actually intended to destroy the Justice League and the Watchtower – the consequences could have been much worse. Even though Darkseid had given his all in the fight, This encounter proves that the Watchtower remains vulnerable to potentially catastrophic attacks.
Donna Troy's decision to reject the Watchtower because her new base is generating tensions
Cully Hamner cover B card variant for Titans #20 (2025)
There's no denying that Donna's reasoning for refusing to house the Titans in the Watchtower is more than valid, and perhaps even demonstrates a level of foresight that surpasses the Justice League's leadership. Housing all of Earth's heroes in one place is a disaster waiting to happen. However, despite the validity of his reasoning, it is clear that several Titans – including Arsenal, Cyborg and Starfire – are unhappy with the decision, as their comments reveal. Additionally, Nightwing suggests that some members of the Justice League are also unhappy with Donna's choice, alluding to the growing tensions both within the Titans and with the League.
Titans #18 is available December 18, 2024, from DC Comics!