Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - A League for Justice #1

Obviously set within the world of Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, after an introduction by Adam Strange about Kryptonians and search for artifacts in this world (summarizing events from the Kryptonian Age mini-series) for those unfamiliar with the world, Gotham by Gaslight - A League for Justice begins with Batman, Wonder Woman, Alan Scott, and the Martian Manhunter (with the latter two having  issues with each other to work out) in a stand-off with Superman on the dirt streets of Smallville. Apparently all arriving separately, the group breaks into private squabbles with some helping Superman with the Victorian Age versions of various DC villains robbing the local bank and Batman fading into the night with what he came for.

For those not familiar with the story continued from the original 1989 Elseworld graphic novel, it may take a bit to get into this, but the comic does find ways to get all these various pieces to fit (including Lex Luthor in a transforming robotic train) while still leaving plenty of room for the various individuals to form anything resembling a cohesive team. The art is good, and there's something fun seeing each of these characters reimagined in this time and place. I'm not sure I'll stick around for all six issues, but the style alone may bring me back for issue #2.

[DC, $4.99]

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