Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #1
Writer & Artist – Art Baltazar
Writer – Franco
Review by Joey Braccino
The Titans Treehouse is… GONE!!!
I remember watching ROFL-ing with the Teen Titans(and singing the theme song) cartoon series way back when in the earlier 2000-sies. Now, I know Art Baltazar and Franco’s Tiny Titans isn’t exactly the same as the Teen Titans comic book or cartoon, but the zany, All-Ages four-colored fun is very much in the same vein. Just like those classic Teen Titans and Batman and X-Men cartoons served as a gateway to comics for at least two generations of kids, I definitely think that All-Ages comics like Tiny Titans and Li’l Gotham from DC are another viable pathway in for new readers.
Tiny Titans first debuted back in 2008 and ran for a total of 50 issues on Art Baltazar and Franco’s direction. This new six-issue mini-series, Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse, captures the humor and fun of the original series while also demonstrating a more refined storytelling approach. Whereas the original run (and most other “li’l” books like Itty Bitty Hellboy and KISS Kids) presented a series of short stories each issue, Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #1 tells a single cohesive story over the course of its 20+ pages. Superboy and Supergirl discover that the Titans Treehouse has “disappeared,” so they team up with Robin to seek it out. Meanwhile, Raven, Terra, and Beast Boy are still in the treehouse while it’s “disappeared,” so hilarity ensues all over that side of the story as well. By eschewing the short story format, Baltazar and Franco tell a more traditional superhero adventure replete with continuity and running gags.
The obvious draw for Tiny Titans is the artwork. The cartoon styling of Art Baltazar is one of the driving forces behind the current aesthetic for most All-Ages comics. A cursory glance at any other comics series on the stands aimed at children will reveal the influence Baltazar has had on that side of the industry. Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse is no different. Baltazar is in top form here, and there is just something wonderful about his figurework and dynamic, simplistic storytelling. And keep an eye out for some surprising DC cameos throughout!!!
Verdict
Buy. Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse is All-Ages comic book that actually is enjoyable for ALL ages. You’ll laugh, you’ll chortle, you’ll have a great time. Read it with a friend!!! #FreakinClowns
