Unlike Mini Marvels, the super heroes of Li'l Gotham
range from children to adults. Unlike Tiny Titans, you actually see the faces
of the adult characters. So, just what is Li'l Gotham? I consider it Gotham
Lite. Actually, since every story revolves around a holiday, maybe it should be
called Batman: The Long Halloween Lite?
Li'l Gotham features the dynamic art and
storytelling of Dustin Nguyen. All of
the characters are masterfully drawn, though the cast looks like they’re all
comprised of children or dwarfs. The series is geared for all ages, but unlike
most all-ages comics, it’s not cartoony. There’s fighting, ninja, gun-battles,
and crime- something you just don’t see in Tiny Titans. Plus, Li'l Gotham may
be a little more geared for ages 8 and up.
One unique thing about this series is how it draws
upon the lore of the Batman family without being PG, PG-13, or R rated. For
example, the serial killer Mr. Zsasz; in the adult books, he keeps track of his
kills on his body and is a gruesome murderer. In Li'l Gotham, the character is
turned into Mr. Zzzzzs, a lazy criminal who sleeps all day. Then you’ve got the
character of Batwoman. In the adult books, she’s the female version of Batman
and happens to be in a lesbian relationship with Rene Montoya. In Li'l Gotham,
she appears briefly but parents who don’t want to expose their children to
adult theme like sexuality won’t have to worry as her orientation isn’t ever an
issue.
Even the relationship between Bruce Wayne and his
baby mama, Talia, is handled with decorum. In this series, they’re a divorced
couple who couldn’t stay married because he’s an agent of justice and she’s the
daughter of a global terrorist. Yet, when it comes to Mother’s Day or Father’s
Day, the two parents are actually able to bury their egos and work together for
the betterment of their child, Damian. As a child of divorce, I can expertly
ask “why can’t divorce parents learn from these two?”
This holiday themed series is such a treat for
someone like me who enjoys collecting and reading holiday themed comics. I can’t
wait for the second volume. With its dynamic art, deft storytelling, and
respect for the history of lore of the Dark Knight and the DC Universe, it’s a
shiny example of what all-age comics should be like and how the industry best
needs to reach the next generation.
Worth Consuming.
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.
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