Author's note: Yes, I'm aware that Jericho and Ravager are both Slade's children in the comics. In the show, however, Jericho's parentage was never referred to (TTU continuity is different in many places from the DCU), and will be ignored here as well.

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BEAST BOY LEFT VOID THAT TAKES TWO TO FILL

-By FRED WILLIAMS

Replacing a dead man is no easy task. In the case of the late Teen Titan Garfield "Beast Boy" Logan, two new members are required to do so.

Jump City, say hello to your new Titans! One is Jericho, the mysterious mute who participated in last year's "final stand" against the Brotherhood of Evil, as part of the crack team of operatives that was led by Beast Boy himself. The other is Ravager, a relative newcomer to the scene, whose concealed past has given rise to rumors circulating linking her to the villainous Slade!

When asked if he had any doubts about Ravager's heroic intentions, Robin, the Titans' leader, said: "Absolutely not. Both new members were chosen after a rigorous screening process and in-depth evaluation. Since her initial appearance and subsequent induction to the Teen Titan network, Ravager has proven herself time and again on missions, especially clandestine ones whose details I cannot reveal."

"Ravager is further proof that you don't have to let how you were born or how you were raised define your destiny," opined Cyborg, the team's strongman and tech genius. He declined to elaborate on his comment further.

This is the first time the Teen Titans have been a six-person team since the induction of Terra--and readers will recall how well that worked out. However, in the words of Starfire, the team's extraterrestrial beauty, "We felt that they both had items to bring to the [table]." And certainly, both new members seem capable of replacing Beast Boy in the Titans' combat against crime.

But the big question is: can they replace him in fans' hearts? As the attached poll graphs show, reactions are mixed, with Jumpers slightly favoring Jericho, a better-known quantity and holder of a popularity base among teen-aged girls. Only time will tell if they can reach the slain Titan's approval level.

While posing for publicity shots, both new Titans were asked if they had anything to say to the people of the city they, too, have chosen to protect with their lives, if necessary.

Jericho: "I always enjoy new challenges. I hope our affiliation with you will be advantageous for all."

Ravager: "I'm not afraid of anybody or anything. If the bad guys think they can stir up trouble here, watch out!"