If you ever wondered what Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern and a handful of other DC Comic characters were like as kids, the independent comic book artist Yale Stewart of Little League Tumblr has created an entire back story for each of these superheroes.
The webcomic series begins with Batman getting ready for his first day of elementary school. He's already unhappy with the costume that he has to wear, so this negative attitude follows him throughout the rest of the day. At school he clashes with just about everyone, especially the overly positive Clark Kent and the new kid in class, a soft-spoken Martian Manhunter. He even accuses Wonder Woman of giving him cooties!
The webcomic is an extremely cute interpretation of the DC Comics franchise, although it's not related to it in any way. It all stems from Stewart's imagination, and new strips are posted every Monday and Thursday on Little League Tumblr.
Child Superhero Comics
The Little League Tumblr Takes Viewers Back in Time
Trend Themes
1. Child Superhero Fan Art - The rise of fan-made comics and art based on beloved superhero characters as kids offers new opportunities to explore less-explored narratives and characters.
2. Nostalgic Pop Culture Storytelling - The trend of revisiting beloved superheroes and characters from the past and giving them childlike personalities presents an opportunity for new creative work as well as licensing and merchandising deals.
3. Webcomic Platforms for Independent Artists - The growth of audience and cult following of original content published on webcomic platforms such as Tumblr, offers opportunities for independent artists and creators to gain exposure and make a name for themselves without mainstream outlets.
Industry Implications
1. Comic Book Publishing - DC and other big publishers can consider taking more risks, deviating from established storylines and franchises, to tap into and monetize the emerging trend of child superhero fan art and storytelling.
2. Licensing and Merchandising - Companies can explore new licensing and merchandising opportunities based on the childlike versions of iconic superhero characters as depicted in fan-made comics.
3. Digital Media and Entertainment - The rise of webcomic platforms as a source of original content and independent artistic expression presents an opportunity for digital media and entertainment companies to tap into new audiences and talent sources.