Classic!
Written by: Art Baltazar and Franco
Art by: Art BaltazarCover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 23, 2016
I was a huge fan of Art Baltazar and Franco's Tiny Titans because of it's huge cuteness factor, but also because of the care and respect that both of the creators showed for the property. Sure, it had the look that would appeal to children, but it also was a great stepping stone to learning about the characters in the DCU...and that there is something everyone can enjoy! Maybe I'm saying that because I am a middle aged man and loved the crap out of it, but I am not embarrassed to say that one bit. So, when DC announced that they were putting out this Super Powers mini, I jumped at the chance to be the one to review it. Did I like it as much as what came before? Let's find out...
The issue opens in Gotham City with the familiar Bat Signal cutting through a rainy night until...Superman arrives?!? It seems that Batman has gone missing and Commissioner Gordon needs some help with some of the more colorful of Gotham's bad guys. We quickly find out the circumstances around Batman's disappearance (which is great), but the real fun is watching Superman take care of business in Gotham. It's funny seeing the villains wish for the good old days of having a non-powered vigilante on their case!
This was a fun beginning, but if you are like me, the smile on your face is from seeing the great art and the awesome lineup of characters. How fun is it to see Superman in Gotham? The answer to that question is "a ton"!
Next, we head to Themyscira and see Wonder Woman, who looks...wonderful! Here we find out some more background on our villain and his surroundings before heading there. I really don't want to spoil things too much because the fun of this book is the excitement of seeing who shows up.
By the end of the issue, we get the Trinity together, kicking butt and taking names. While we get some really good moments with Batman and Wonder Woman, this is a very Superman-centric story so you can probably guess some of the characters who show up. To narrow that sown, it's a very classic Superman story which I love.
The issue ends with a cliffhanger that leaves the Trinity wondering what's really going on, but not the reader. Nope, Baltazar and Franco show us the real evil and it's yet another thing that left a huge smile on my face. Classic!
If you have a little one that wants to get into comics and loves Batman, Wonder Woman and/or Superman, this issue is a no brainer. The art style makes it easy for a kid who loves things like Teen Titans Go! or the DC Super Hero Girls to jump right in, but there is a bit more to it. Art Baltazar and Franco make these books a fun history lesson that kind of tricks you into learning about the characters. Really, learning shouldn't be this much fun!
I already mentioned the art style a couple of times, so I will just end by saying that I love it soooo much! Everything looks great, but also is pretty damn accurate even if it is a cartoony style.
Bits and Pieces:
While this book is very easy to recommend for children, it is one of those things that is equally great for adults as well. The art could put a smile on the sourest face while the story and characters are fun, well laid out and great to teach anyone a little DC Comics history.
8.5/10
I guess I thought this came out this week (11/30/2016), because I don't remember seeing it last week; but I love this. It's what we were promised at Rebirth; the heroes acting like their old selves. While it's a kids' book, it's one of the best reads I've had in a while, simply because it was FUN without being nonsense. I'm definitely hooked for the ride on this title.
ReplyDeletei loved it as well...did you ever read tiny titans? It's also by Art Baltazar and Franco and it was so much fun!
DeleteI always thought about it, but never picked it up. I need to get those trades digitally the next time DC includes them in a sale
ReplyDelete