Beast Boy, despite having existed for nearly six decades, has never had an archenemy. Titans #13 attempts to rectify this, pitting him against a new villain, who was introduced during the Beast World event. However, despite first appearing in Nightwing #109, Apex Ava was tailor-made to be Garfield Logan’s nemesis.
Written by Tom Taylor, with art by Daniele Di Nicuolo, Titans #13 finds Cyborg and Beast Boy traveling to the nation of Kravia. Located in Eastern Europe, the one-time dictatorship recently elected its first President. However, they were almost assassinated by a talking green tiger. While not officially accused of the crime, Garfield Logan is a logical suspect, particularly in the wake of the Beast World event.
However, the real culprit is revealed to be Apex Ava. A former big game hunter turned assassin, Ava contracted Sakuita, the same rare disease that turned Garfield Logan into Beast Boy. However, she did not develop a connection to the Red until she consumed part of a Starro drone. Originally, Apex Ava could not shapeshift but could control animals and the beast-folk created during the Beast World event. Now, she can shapeshift, but only into animals she has killed.
Why Apex Ava is perfect foil for Beast Boy
Traditionally, a comic book nemesis acts as a dark mirror of the hero they oppose. They also typically have similar powers or methodologies. In the case of Beast Boy, Apex Ava is everything the animal-loving Garfield Logan loathes. She is a ruthless killer, a cannibal, and a loner, while Garfield Logan is a nature lover, a vegetarian, and defined by his friendships. In terms of power, however, there is no contest, and Beast Boy’s versatility allows him to easily handle Apex Ava without his friends’ help. This leaves Apex Ava green with envy, determined to kill Beast Boy so she can steal his power.
Titans #13 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
