This is such an important moment and it shouldn’t be glanced over. This is the first time someone in the entire series has said that Raven is beautiful. Look at her reaction to those words in the fourth panel. For a moment she looks absolutely vulnerable. In her experience people have always fawned over and adored Starfire for her beauty. But for once someone acknowledges her and says that she’s beautiful. As much as Raven says physical beauty doesn’t matter this shows that a part of her does believe it’s important.
This is why Malchior was able to manipulate her so easily. He knew exactly what she wanted to hear. She wanted to feel like someone understood her, that she wasn’t creepy, and that she was beautiful. And when he made her feel special she gave him everything he asked for without question. And in the end she paid dearly.
This episode should be seen by all teenage girls. This is the stuff boys will tell you in order to get what they want. And if someone as smart as Raven can get taken advantage of then obviously you’re just as at risk. Have confidence in yourself no matter how you look or what you like and when a guy tries to trick you with cheap words you’ll know better.
But don’t forget, not all boys are like Malchior. Some of them are like Beast Boy; the guy who no matter what you do and how bad you screw up he’ll still be there and tell you that you matter. He won’t ask for anything more than some of your time, some of your attention. He just wants to see you smile without any other ulterior motives. And he’ll let you know that even when you feel completely alone in the world you’re not. You’re only as alone as you choose to be.
