A major theme of the 2003 Teen Titans series is the line between good and evil, and that crossing it is a choice. Thus, the motives of both heroes and villains are often explored, their intentions frequently challenged for not aligning with their actions. The desires of the more powerful super villains, like Slade, are a mystery, but this absence of an explanation is what drives Robin to the brink of insanity. Like the Joker, another DC villain, Slade's lack of rationale is exactly what makes him dangerous- and maddening. He seems to want destruction for destruction's sake, and pulling it off only stokes his ego. However, to achieve his ends, he often recruits the help of those more moral and conflicted.