From the writer of Amazon’s Merry Little Batman film, Morgan Evans, comes a brand new adventure in that world. This time, the story takes place one month after Damian’s Christmas debut, with the hero struggling with normal life. Although, the calm doesn’t seem to last long. Let’s discuss below!
What’s Wrong Lil’ Man?
The Merry Little Batman universe is fairly unique. In the films, crime is virtually non-existent and Batman isn’t active very often in this adaptation. In fact, much of this directly relates to Damian’s existence. Upon knowing he was to become a father, Bruce singlehandedly defeats all of his villains, hoping to raise his son in a clean city. Surprisingly, it works and this version of Bruce ends up becoming a well-adjusted single parent. Although, it does imply that he could have done this the entire time.
During the course of the film, Batman repeatedly rebuffs Damian’s desires to become an eight year old superhero. In spite of the fact that the Joker’s use of “Batman Smells” implying that some version of Robin exists too. Considering his eight year old can fit into a duffel bag, Batman’s concerns are understandable. Still, the film ends with parent and child learning to trust that they are both ready for his inevitable foray into the “family business.” Now, despite beginning Damian’s training as “Little Batman,” it seems as if the kid has further lessons to learn in heroism and being a kid in general. In particular, Damian expresses his frustration with keeping his new exciting responsibilities secret, and the lack of excitement at all.
New Year, New Me
The look of the film faithfully carries over into the comic. Jon Mikel masterfully translates the whimsy of the film’s Charles Addams-like character design with more polish. Furthermore, the biggest change is Ian Herring’s use of a slightly melancholic color scheme. To the effect that it highlights more somber tones more often, and allows the happier moments to seem far brighter. Outside of the film’s Bearded Batman, shriveled Alfred, and doll-like Scarecrow, Mikel doesn’t design many new characters. Save for a few new citizens, the only major new character is a mysterious Asian woman suspiciously taking photos in the manor. Otherwise, the best bits of artwork lie in the detail of the children’s book-like illustrations and fine touches like Damian’s shadow taking the shape of a cowl.
Narratively, the ideas are fairly basic, strongly insinuating they intend to reach an eight to eleven year old target audience. Much like in the film, Bruce Wayne has rounded his edges so to speak. For readers new to this interpretation, his relaxed demeanor may be off-putting at first. Especially when it comes to the suspension of disbelief associated with the character. Luckily, the comic inherits the film’s cartoon logic, which can offset any weird lapses in practicality. Other interesting elements involves the mystery of Damian’s mother, whom the film confirms to be a criminal, likely Talia. Particularly, this book strongly hints at a Ra’s Al Ghul being his grandfather.
Recommended If…
- You love cartoons/comic strips.
- You had a good time with Merry Little Batman on Amazon Prime.
- Needing a good break from self-serious comic books.
Overall
Overall, it’s a fun and whimsical comic book about parents and their children. If you have kids, this would make a great gift or age appropriate comic book. Consequently, it is moral and emotionally warm in tone, despite the incredibly dark cover imagery. Traditionally, Batman goes to some dark places, but Little Batman‘s Calvin and Hobbes‘ style approach makes approaches the darkness using relatable subjects like fatherhood. So, if you don’t mind how silly it is, go out and pick this first issue up!
Score: 8/10
English (US) · 