Raven

Raven is one of DC Comics' most compelling and complex characters, a half-human empath whose very existence sits at the intersection of darkness and heroism. Born to the demonic conqueror Trigon and a human mother named Arella, Raven was raised in the pacifist interdimensional realm of Azarath, where she trained to suppress the terrifying power she inherited from her father. Her debut came in DC Comics Presents #26 (1980), a landmark issue that also marked the formation of the New Teen Titans — making it one of the most sought-after bronze age keys in the entire hobby. Written by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by George Pérez, that first appearance launched an era that would define DC's teen heroes for decades.

Raven's significance exploded almost immediately with The New Teen Titans series, where she became central to some of the most celebrated storylines in DC history. The 'Terror of Trigon' arc (New Teen Titans vol. 2 #1–5) brought her father's apocalyptic invasion to full fruition and remains essential reading for any Titans collector. Her soul-self — a shadowy astral projection capable of healing, phasing through matter, and carrying others across dimensions — became her visual signature, and Pérez's iconic depictions of her dark form surrounded by swirling energy set a standard that artists have chased ever since. Her internal struggle between inherited evil and chosen heroism gave writers rich material across multiple volumes and relaunches.

Over the decades, Raven has been killed, corrupted, reborn, and reinvented numerous times — each transformation generating key collectible issues. Her appearances in identity-shattering storylines like 'Titans Hunt,' her involvement with the One-Earth Regime in the Injustice continuity, and her recurring role in Justice League Dark showcased the character's versatility far beyond teen sidekick territory. Her alias Rachel Roth became prominent in later storylines and the wildly popular live-action Titans television series, introducing her to an entirely new generation of fans who then began hunting back issues in earnest.

For collectors, Raven's books represent a perfect storm of bronze age keys, high-demand Pérez artwork, and sustained modern relevance. DC Comics Presents #26 is the crown jewel, but New Teen Titans #1 (1980), Tales of the New Teen Titans #2 (her solo issue), and the first New Teen Titans direct market series all carry strong collector demand. The character's enduring popularity in animation, television, and DC's ongoing publishing line means her key issues are unlikely to cool off anytime soon — making Raven one of the smartest long-term holds in any DC-focused collection.