the new team titans

i've posted previously, including an april fool's day post, that i used to read comic books. i particularly read dc releases, although there were a couple of marvel runs that appealed to me. the primary title in my collection was "the new teen titans". our lcs was also a comic book shop, and so we would make weekly pilgramages to pick up comics (with bags and boards, of course) as well as back issues we were missing.

anyway, seeing the 2023 topps chrome "titans" inserts featuring clayton kershaw

and mookie betts (his is from chrome update)

got me thinking about a dodger superhero squad.

first, kudos to topps for using two different views of dodger stadium on these two cards! the betts card, especially. it looks to me like the photo was taken from inside elysian park - perhaps at the helipad. i have doubles of each of those titans cards in my dodger stadium collection.

on to the lineup!

clayton kershaw (2021 topps platinum players insert)

kershaw's most prevalent nickname, as far as i know, is "kersh". according to baseball reference, another nickname for him is "the minotaur". for this group, perhaps he is "the platinum player". or i suppose he could keep "minotaur". that works, too. although his superpower would be along the lines of throwing weapons, so maybe minotaur doesn't make sense after all. 

russell martin (2008 bowman blue parallel)

martin brings an alpha flight element to the team, because, you know, he's canadian. the captain canuck moniker is taken, however. given that he is the field general (think nightwing) here, maybe he's just "dodger" for this squad.

nomar garciaparra (2008 ud premier)

nomar is our first baseman. he unlocks his super power by proceeding through a set series of movements with his hands and feet. once he has checked and re-checked his batting gloves - look out! he's at full power! oh - he goes by "nomah".

max muncy (2019 bowman holiday)

i will take a moment to note that this is a pretty nice card that i've also added to my dodger stadium collection. i really enjoy seeing the unocal/union 76 logo on cards! anyway, muncy is, i guess, just "munce". he has super strength, but poor contact skills, so it's hit or miss as far as his ability to get the bad guy.

justin turner (2020 panini absolute unsung heroes)

what an appropriate card for the post. turner's alter ego would be "redturn". his backstory would be similar to that of jason todd/the red hood, even though i don't care for that sort of revisionist story telling.

pee wee reese (2012 panini golden age mini parallel)

obviously, his alter ego is "pee wee". he would be the guy who was a sidekick but is trying to show his worth on his own. he would also provide the comedy relief, sort of like gar/beast boy/changeling in the ntt.

manny ramirez (2010 topps opening day blue parallel)

ramirez, known as "manny" just does "manny" things. like mash.

matt kemp (2013 panini father's day team pinnacle)

known as "the bison", kemp wouldn't necessarily appropriate other cultures, but his oklahoma roots would result in some sort of native american traditions that he would apply in a shaman-esque manner.

mookie betts (2021 panini donruss livestream insert rapture parallel)

betts is fast, so he's the speed guy in this ensemble. and, mookie is as good a name as anything.

yasiel puig (2013 topps chrome)

if kemp is "the bison", then puig is the "wild horse". he would be the newcomer to the team that is prone to wanting to do things his way to the detriment of the team. he's the guy that the villain would take hostage, thanks to his overzealousness.

kenley jansen (2021 topps significant statistics)

jansen's ability is in evading attackers. they only get a 14% hard hit rate on him, so he can duke it out with most villains. nicknamed "kenleyfornia", he's also the fish out of water of the group.

there are so many possibilities. and then there are other groups that this squad could team up with in crossover fashion. what about team tomorrow?

and the z team?

i'd read those books!