INTERVIEW: Kami Garcia On Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven

A young woman with shoulder length black and purple hair raises her head to look into the eyes of a young brown-skinned man. They are close enough to kiss... but will they?

The third entry in author Kami Garcia’s Teen Titans graphic novel series, Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven serves as the meeting point for both Beast Boy and Raven after their own individual stories bring them together in person for the first time. Here, Garcia tells us about what it’s been like working on the series with artist Gabriel Picolo since 2019 and what some of the process has been like.

The cover for Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven. Beast Boy has an arm wrapped around Raven's shoulder and he is holding a cell phone in his other hand while Raven looks at the phone with a smirk.

With the previous two books giving both Raven and Beast Boy updated backstories individually, what was it like to work on the story where they finally meet?

That was always the plan when pitched the series and individual origin stories to DC. But I wasn’t sure if Gabriel and I would get to do Beast Boy Loves Raven. I think we have the readers to thank because they supported the first two books in the series. Working on this book was truly a dream come true. [Editors Note: Check out our reviews for Teen Titans: Raven and Teen Titans: Beast Boy.]

There’s definitely been a positive response from readers of the series. What are you most excited for readers to see in the new book?

I’m proud that Gabriel and I focused on the friendship between Raven and Gar as the foundation for their relationship. They support each other and accept the other person for who they are. It’s a healthy relationship that isn’t based on the unrealistic expectations that we often see.

Panel art for Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven - Written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo
A page from Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven

Now that you’re on the third book of the series, what was the creative process like for you now that you’ve been through it as a team? How has the process evolved?

Gabriel and I are really collaborative. The books are a reflection of both of us. It’s fun to work with the same person for a long period of time. You trust that person and their creative vision on such a deep level.

I know in the past you’ve said that you wanted to make sure that readers could pick up any of the books and get into the story no matter which one it was. How has that idea factored into the creation of this third book?

We try to provide enough information for readers who start with Beast Boy Loves Raven, but I definitely think there are lots of special bits and pieces readers will pick up on if they’ve read the first two books.

What are some of your favorite modern updates that you’ve added in?

I love the fact that the characters don’t wear costumes and they look like the rest of us. I like imagining that Gar could be a kid at your school and you wouldn’t know it.

Lastly, what do you hope readers can take away from Beast Boy Loves Raven?

The fact that love is built on friendship and respect. And that some of the most intimate moments you can have with someone else might not involve touching them physically.


Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven is available now from DC Comics

 

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Paige Lyman

Paige Lyman

Paige Lyman is a freelance writer and journalist who covers culture and entertainment. She has contributed stories to Digital Trends, The New York Times, Wired, StarWars.com, Women Write About Comics, and more.

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