There are several characters across the DC multiverse who have used the name Killer Frost. Most of them have been villains, but the current one in the comics, Caitlin Snow, reformed to become a hero. However, a preview of Titans #19 suggest that she may have changed for the worst.
Written by John Layman, with art by Serg Acuña, the opening scene of Titans #19 centers on Killer Frost. Caitlin Snow was recruited for the new Justice League Unlimited, but doesn’t feel like she belongs there. These feelings of alienation apparently lead to the “cold snap” teased in the title, and Caitlin breaking bad.
The main cover and first four pages of Titans #19 may be viewed below.
(Image Source: DC / Pete Woods)(Image Source: DC / Serg Acuña)
The first Killer Frost, Crystal Frost, first appeared in 1978’s Firestorm #3. A aspiring scientist, Crystal had an unreciprocated crush on Professor Martin Stein. She acquired heat-draining powers after accidentally being locked in a cryogenic chamber. However, she died after draining more power than she could handle from Firestorm.
The second Killer Frost, Dr. Louise Lincoln, first appeared in 1985’s Firestorm #34. She was a student of Crystal Frost, who blamed Firestorm for her mentor’s death. This led her to recreate the accident that gave Crystal Frost her powers to seek revenge. This background was changed somewhat in the New 52 era. Here, Dr. Lincoln was a STAR Lab scientist, who gained her powers after a terrorist attack by HIVE on the Antarctica base where she worked as a researcher.
The current Killer Frost, Caitlin Snow, was created during the DC Rebirth era in 2016. She was also a STAR Labs scientist, who continued Louise Lincoln’s research. She was also transformed into a heat vampire, after HIVE agents attacked her lab. However, Caitlin had no desire to be a villain. After a brief stint in the Suicide Squad, she was recruited into the Rebirth era Justice League organized by Batman. She also served in the Justice League organized by Jon Kent during the Dark Crisis event.
Titans #19 arrives in comic shops everywhere on January 15, 2025.