The New Teen Titans #48

Published by DC Comics in October 1988, The New Teen Titans issue 48 stands as a pivotal moment in the series' history. Written by Marv Wolfman with art by George Pérez, the issue is perhaps most significant for introducing the character of Pantha. This period of the series was defined by the creative team's ongoing effort to evolve the team dynamics and narrative stakes, continuing the complex, character-driven approach that had revitalized the franchise throughout the 1980s.

The visual storytelling in this issue reflects the established aesthetic of the later years of the Wolfman and Pérez collaboration, which prioritized intricate layouts and dense, thematic plotting. At the time of its release, the series was navigating a shifting landscape in the comic book industry, where darker and more enigmatic characters were gaining traction. The introduction of the anti-heroine Pantha was received as an attempt to inject a more aggressive, mysterious energy into the Titans' established roster, cementing the issue's role in the lore of the post-Crisis DC Universe.