Line #49 Webcomic/JL8


1	[[quoteright:264:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_tumblr_or2whrxrgs1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg]]
2	''[=JL8=]'' is a webcomic by Yale Stewart, featured on Website/{{Tumblr}} and his Website/DeviantArt page.
3
4	Done in the style of Sunday newspaper comic strip, [=JL8=] follows the exploits of a group of young students who just happen to be kid versions of the Justice League. A brooding, slightly bratty {{Franchise/Batman}}, a mischievous version of Franchise/TheFlash, Franchise/{{Superman}}, and many others deal with the typical pratfalls of school.
5
6	It was originally called Little League but due to trademark reasons, the author was forced to change the name of the strip to [=JL8=].
7
8	The deviantART page is no longer updated, stopping at [[http://yalestewart.deviantart.com/art/JL8-136-389900876 Strip #136]] there, while the comic continues on Tumblr and Limbero.
9
10	Can be found [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/ here]]. It's mirrored [[http://limbero.org/jl8/ here]] in a different browsing format as well.
11
12	----
13	!!Tropes featured in [=JL8=]:
14	* AdaptationalFriendship: While Power Girl and Wonder Woman have sometimes been allies in the DC Comics, in this LighterAndSofter webcomic their younger selves are best friends.
15	* AffectionateParody: Of the Justice League, and the DC Universe in general, of course.
16	* AlienCatnip: Oreos, for [[ComicBook/MartianManhunter J'onn]]. [[http://limbero.org/jl8/86 Just look at that reaction]]. [[http://limbero.org/jl8/95 Oh, and don't touch his plate]].
17	* AllGirlsLikePonies:
18	** Karen (Power Girl) and [[Franchise/WonderWoman Diana]] [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m419vamMht1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg do.]]
19	** Bruce knows how to use it [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/51600990111/jl8-127-by-yale-stewart-based-on-characters-in to his advantage.]]
20	* AllGirlsWantBadBoys: Bruce and Clark attempt to invoke this, but it doesn't work on Diana.
21	* ArsonMurderAndJaywalking: Among the things Bruce has studied are forensics, chemistry, sleight of hand, martial arts...and long division.
22	* ArtEvolution: The kid's heads used to be really weird shapes, but eventually Yale rounded them out. Especially Clark, whose head size has gone down a third.
23	* BadassAdorable:
24	** Pretty much all of the kids, but Diana especially managed to turn [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/image/29383953017 slamming a door]] into something epic when she demanded to know why Karen is giving her the cold shoulder.
25	** Then there was the time she managed to shut ComicBook/LexLuthor up (and by extension the kids-version of the LegionOfDoom) with nothing more than a DeathGlare.
26	* BadassCreed: Or BadButt Creed at any rate. The Green Lantern oath, recited by Hal's scout troop.
27	* BerserkButton:
28	** Do '' '''not''' '' insult Bruce's friends while he's around.
29	** Diana's mom does ''not'' appreciate arm punches as a sign of affection.
30	** Sinestro will not stand for anyone insinuating he isn't human.
31	** The villainous kids pushed a collective one by mocking Bruce's death of his parents.
32	* BigEater: Barry. At Diana's birthday party, she had a special table set aside for him, so that ''everyone else'' could get something to eat.
33	* BlownAcrossTheRoom: By ''[[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/55090815329/jl8-134-by-yale-stewart-based-on-characters-in straw paper.]]''
34	* BreakingTheFourthWall: Downplayed, [[http://limbero.org/jl8/60 by Bruce]].
35	* BromanticFoil: Clark and Bruce, of course.
36	* BullyingADragon: Schwartz Elementary School bully- Lex Luthor, a kid in a suit. His choice of victims- [[Franchise/{{Superman}} a godlike alien]], [[Franchise/{{Batman}} a master martial artist]] and [[Franchise/GreenLantern the wielder of the most powerful weapon in the universe]].
37	* TheCameo:
38	** Dream and Destiny of [[ComicBook/TheSandman The Endless]] in 79-81.
39	** Also Creator/NeilGaiman as a bookstore owner.
40	* CleavageWindow: Powergirl's mom is having [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7a26kiDEO1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg none of it]].
41	* ComicBookMoviesDontUseCodenames: Despite wearing their costumes (with the exception of J'onn), all the characters call each other by given name.
42	* ComicBookTime: Diana's party, lasting little more than the afternoon and early evening, started in August 2012 and ended in June 2013. Later, between June 2013 and February 2014 only a week had past in-universe.
43	** Barry comments that it felt like months ago that Bruce admitted to his crush on Karen, which was a week ago in-universe. Then again, he ''is'' the Flash...
44	* ComingOfAge: The story arcs tend to have this. Diana learning it's okay to be a princess, Bruce learning not to care what other people think, Clark learning to deal with his feelings toward Diana.
45	* CompellingVoice: While not an example of actual control, [[http://limbero.org/jl8/113 Hippolyta can put on a damned good one]].
46	* ComplimentBackfire: Bruce [[http://limbero.org/jl8/59 compliments Powergirl's shirt]], not knowing that her mother forced her to wear it.
47	* ConcealingCanvas: Bruce hides a stuffed Robin behind a poster.
48	* CrazyPrepared: As usual, [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me4wbaUYX51r7ni1io1_1280.jpg Bruce]].
49	* DeathGlare: Diana gives one to Lex and Len.
50	* DeliberateValuesDissonance: Played for laughs with J'onn, who - being an alien - is unfamiliar with much of Earth culture. When Hippolyta introduces J'onn to the concept of dipping his newly discovered oreos in milk, he punches her in the arm. When she gets angry, he says that he had been led to believe this was an earthly sign of affection by [[ThoseTwoGuys Hal and Barry]].
51	* DisappointedInYou: Alan Scott says this to [[spoiler: Hal, after he loses J'onn in the woods]]
52	* DopeSlap: [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzh6qij5oB1r7ni1io1_r1_1280.jpg Diana to Bruce]] when she hears he thinks she has cooties.
53	* DramaticIrony: Karen asks Diana, quite innocently, [[http://limbero.org/jl8/76 why any girl wouldn't want to be a princess]].
54	* EveryoneWentToSchoolTogether: The basic premise.
55	* EvilRedhead: ComicBook/LexLuthor, who's famously red-headed when he's not bald.
56	* FaceFault: [[http://limbero.org/jl8/20 Bruce does one after]] the GymClassHell.
57	* FacePalm: Diana after Bruce tells Karen that he owns horses, causing her to go from outright rejecting his profession of a crush to "owing it to ourselves to explore these newfound feelings."
58	* FlatWhat:
59	** [[http://limbero.org/jl8/217 One of the kids at the park]], following Diana batting a baseball into orbit.
60	** [[http://limbero.org/jl8/236 Lois]] after discovering that Clark has super-strength.
61	* GirlsHaveCooties: Bruce certainly [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz3z0jtVEw1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg thinks so.]]
62	* GirlNextDoor: What looks to be shaping up with [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/54257919856/jl8-133-by-yale-stewart-soundtrack-based-on Lois Lane]].
63	* GoodHairEvilHair: Diana wonders why all the workers at The Jelly's Lovers have DastardlyWhiplash mustaches.
64	--> '''Diana''': They look like they'll try to tie me to some train tracks.
65	* GymClassHell: With {{ComicBook/Darkseid}} as the gym teacher [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzv6p4C8eP1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg no]] [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m02v6pEEEF1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg less.]]
66	* HeroicSacrifice: A non-leathal variant. At Diana's Party, while playing "Truth or Dare" [[spoiler:Diana forces Clark to pick Truth when he takes Dare, and so throws her rope at him demanding to know who he has a crush on. Bruce pushes Clark out of the way and answers the question.]]
67	* INeedAFreakingDrink: A kid-friendly parody version -- [[http://limbero.org/jl8/55 "Root beer float. Make it a double."]]
68	* IncestSubtext: A significant subplot centers on Karen having a crush on Clark. It wasn't until after writing it that the author was informed that she's technically his cousin, since in the mainstream DC continuity Power Girl is (usually) an alternate universe version of Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}, who is Superman's cousin.
69	* InsultBackfire: Guy [[http://limbero.org/jl8/180 makes a couple of jabs at Flash's and J'onn's outfits]], and J'onn happily admits that his mother made his shirt for him.
70	* JustFriends: [[spoiler:Diana does this to Clark, not even realizing Clark had been crushing on her. She, instead, sees him like the brother she never had.]]
71	* KirbyDots: Of course, since it's an homage to the classic comics. For example, [[http://limbero.org/jl8/172 here]].
72	* LanternJawOfJustice: Naturally, scout leader Alan Scott has one.
73	* LastNameBasis: Sinestro's full name is actually Thaal Sinestro, but he prefers to [[http://limbero.org/jl8/171 just be called Sinestro]].
74	* LoveTriangle: Karen has a major crush on Clark, Clark has a crush on Diana, Diana's trying to set Karen up with Clark. [[spoiler: Became a LoveDodecahedron when it's revealed that Bruce has a crush on Karen.]]
75	* MathematiciansAnswer: As demonstrated [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/78006480076/jl8-157-by-yale-stewart-based-on-characters-in here.]]
76	* MomentKiller: After Diana yells at her mother for revealing to Diana's friends that Diana is a princess, and after Clark cheers her up, Diana returns to the party and apologizes to her mother. Their hug is interrupted by [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/50132342696/jl8-123-by-yale-stewart-based-on-characters-in Barry snarking.]]
77	--> '''Barry''': Aww! Check out this kodak moment!
78	* MoodWhiplash: A major instance occurs [[spoiler:in strip #260. Most readers start this strip excited to see J'onn finally use his telepathy powers to prove to Bruce that he, Hal, and Barry found Bigfoot. Partway through that happening, however, things go horrifically wrong when the vision abruptly shifts to Bruce's memory of his parents' murders. Because of this, most readers leave this strip feeling shocked and upset.]]
79	* MST3KMantra: Invoked by Hal when [[http://limbero.org/jl8/137 Jon wonders how Bruce]] can [[{{Hammerspace}} produce a full-sized butterfly net]] [[CrazyPrepared out of his utility belt]].
80	--> '''Hal''': We've stopped asking those kinds of questions.
81	* MundaneUtility: Hal uses his ring to get all his household chores done without leaving the couch.
82	* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: [[http://41.media.tumblr.com/cabe26fe3fc4cb87d5539cf3ef08e562/tumblr_nkaueya8DO1r7ni1io5_1280.jpg Hal after]] Sinestro and the others give him a WhatTheHellHero over his treatment of J'onn.
83	* MythologyGag: For the DC Universe as a whole... Part of the fun is spotting all the witty references.
84	** The children's teacher is longtime DC editor Julius "Julie" Schwartz.
85	** [[ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica Ted Grant]] was their former gym teacher.
86	** Creator/NeilGaiman runs a bookshop.
87	** The Lane family just moved into "[[Creator/JohnByrne the old Byrne place]]".
88	** [[WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries Jekko The Clown]] appearing [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/c4d637da74edecbabdab22c3ce919614/tumblr_mfq89b7HR71r7ni1io1_1280.jpg here]].
89	** Bruce's favorite tv show is The Grey Ghost, and for added giggles, his favorite episode is The Mad Bomber.
90	*** The Grey Ghost poster on Bruce's bedroom wall looks almost exactly like the [[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0b/Batman_the_Animated_Series_logo.jpg famous logo]] of ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries''.
91	** Little Lex derisively refers to Bruce as "[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat-Mite Bat-Mite]]" and Bruce later returns the insult by calling Lex and his gang the "{{Legion of Do\|om}}rks."
92	** Clark and Barry playing super-speed Tag is a minor one to all the Superman vs Flash races in DC comics' history.
93	** Alfred commands a sleeping Bruce to "[[Film/TheDarkKnightRises RISE]]".
94	** The Red Hoodie kid yelling [[Film/TheDarkKnight "Hit Me! Hit Me! Hit Me!"]] at Bruce before breaking out into manic laughter.
95	** Just like in the comics, J'onn develops an insatiable fondness for Oreos. (Although in the comics, the Oreo-like cookies were referred to as Chocos due to legal reasons).
96	** Bruce, of course, has a fear of [[ComicBook/TheJoker clowns]]...
97	** Diana steps on Bruce's head in reference to a memorable Creator/{{Greg Rucka}} Wonder Woman story
98	** Barry's gift to Diana, a chemistry set, is a sly wink at his day job as a police scientist with a brilliant knowledge of chemistry.
99	*** Likewise, Hal's gift to Diana is a model airplane, referencing his line of work as a pilot.
100	*** What's Bruce's gift for Diana? [[Recap/JusticeLeagueUnlimitedS1E2ForTheManWhoHasEverything Cash.]]
101	*** Finally, Clark's story could be seen as a reference to his own profession as a journalist.
102	** An early strip has Clark (ironically) annoyed at being called by the newspaper "{{ComicBook/Superboy}}". Additionally, Clark became Superboy (pre-Crisis) in grade school (at the age of 8).
103	** [[ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica Alan Scott]] is the troop leader for Hal's scout troop, [[Franchise/GreenLantern The Green Lanterns]]. Members include John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Thaal Sinestro.
104	*** Specifically, The Green Lanterns Troop 2814.
105	** When Barry and J'onn join Hal on a Green Lantern camping trip, they bring their own rings, so Alan Scott makes them honorary lanterns, and names them [[ComicBook/BlackestNight a blue lantern and a black lantern]] respectively.
106	** John Stewart wears glasses, in an episode of ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'' where the League are reverted to childhood, John Stewart needs to create glasses with his ring to correct his vision, mentioning that he needed glasses as a child
107	** When Sinestro quits the Green Lantern troop, his word bubble [[Characters/GLSinestroCorps turns yellow.]]
108	** The Red Hoodie Kid mocks Bruce by saying, "[[Memes/{{Batman}} My parents are deaaaaaaaaad]]!"
109	* {{Narcissist}}: How Clark sums up Luthor.
110	* ObliviousAdoption: [[http://38.media.tumblr.com/8437aac0648b2e1b906ebf9f93d5bbf2/tumblr_ncw2ymui8p1r7ni1io2_1280.jpg Of a sort.]] Sinestro knows he's adopted, but whether or not he's human seems to be a BerserkButton for him.
111	* ObviouslyEvil: Well, Obviously {{Jerkass}} anyway. Barry observes that Sinestro prefers to be called Sinestro, which tells you pretty much [[http://limbero.org/jl8/171 everything you need to know about him]].
112	* OffscreenTeleportation: Not actually, [[http://limbero.org/jl8/102 but poor Jekko was freaking out]].
113	* OhCrap:
114	** When Diana and Karen see Bruce coming over [[spoiler:after his forced confession]].
115	** After Clark gets hit on the head with a baseball and doesn't notice, some other kid (apparently with SuperStrength) chucks another ball at him. Diana catches it and gives him a ''mighty'' DeathGlare, resulting in his friends saying, "[[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/image/141275353781 Oh, #@$%*]]."
116	** Hal and Barry when [[spoiler:they realize what J'onn and Bruce saw in Bruce's mind.]]
117	* OnlySaneMan:
118	** Diana is easily the most mature of the main cast. Well, except in violent confrontations.
119	** Clark is very mature and level-headed as well. Especially around Bruce.
120	* ParentalSubstitute: As usual, Alfred is one for [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1ig4jfzKB1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg Bruce]].
121	* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: Martha Kent knows something is up when Clark ''tells'' her Bruce is staying the night rather than asking if he can.
122	* {{Pun}}:
123	** "[[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6keu8vaWt1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg I forgive you.]] Know why? Because I'm a '''WesternAnimation/{{super friend\|s}}.'''"
124	** [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3b8z3hvic1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg Play time is over.]]
125	* PunBasedTitle: On "JLA".
126	* QueenIncognito: Or princess at any rate. Diana's friends know she is an ambassador's daughter. They didn't know she was a princess and she was keen on keeping that a secret.
127	* TheReveal: In a game of truth or dare, it's [[http://limbero.org/jl8/127 revealed that]] [[spoiler: Bruce has a crush on Karen]].
128	* RocketPunch: Used by an action figure [[http://limbero.org/jl8/139 in this strip]], much to Barry's chagrin.
129	* SarcasmBlind: Clark.
130	-->'''Bruce:''' [[SuperSenses He can hear everything]] ''but'' sarcasm.
131	** J'onn has a bit of this too, as a result of being from Mars.
132	* ScrewTheRulesIMakeThem: While playing "Truth or Dare" [[spoiler:for Clark's Dare, she forces him to pick Truth. Bruce calls this out, but Diana replied "It's my party. I'll do what I want."]]
133	* SeriousBusiness: Bruce, Clark, and Hal [[http://limbero.org/jl8/28 don't appreciate being referred to as]] "kids/boys".
134	-->'''Bruce''': And the names they gave us... "'''Batboy'''". How intimidating.
135	-->'''Clark''': "Superboy", ugh.
136	-->'''Hal''': Apparently I'm "The Green Nightlight".
137	* ShoutOut:
138	** Apparently, [[http://limbero.org/jl8/143 Clark enjoys watching a show]] with [[Series/MisterRogersNeighborhood a "whole made-up world you get to by taking a trolley]].
139	** Clark's birthday gift to Diana is a copy of ComicBook/AnyasGhost.
140	* SpecialGuest: [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/image/31007661973 Neil Gaiman]].
141	* SpinOffBabies
142	* SpoiledBrat: [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5ikhzPoEs1r7ni1io1_r1_500.jpg Bruce can lapse into this at times]]. Usually when Diana's not around to DopeSlap some sense into him.
143	* StealthHiBye: Franchise/{{Batman}} is in it. You've [[http://limbero.org/jl8/40 gotta have at least one]]. [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/image/166811935868 Not even Barry going at superspeed can counter Bruce]].
144	* StealthPun: [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2rchu6agS1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg Lex's little group of friends.]] Most of them are obvious, but the kid in red bears no immediate resemblance to any prominent DC villains and...wait a minute. A hoodie. A red one. [[ComicBook/TheJoker Red Hoodie.]] To be fair, he ''does'' have the pointy nose and chin from the animated series as well.
145	* StuffedIntoALocker: [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/63705709370/jl8-146-by-yale-stewart-based-on-characters-in Oh, J'onn...]]
146	* SuperheroSchool: Surprisingly averted. The concept is child versions of DC heroes and villains going to school together, but beyond that it seems to be a normal school, they're never seen to train in their powers, nor is it ever suggested they're learning anything beyond a normal curriculum, it just so happens that most of them have superpowers, and they all attend school in full costume.
147	* TakeThat:
148	** The arc with Hal, Bruce, & Clark switching to their costumes from the ComicBook/{{New 52}} featured a couple.
149	*** To Flash's post-reboot costume being the same as before the reboot, only with a load of unnecessary lines added, by having a jealous Barry draw on his costume with a market pen.
150	*** DC making the universe DarkerAndEdgier, by having characters like [[TheParagon Superman]] acting like jerks.
151	* ThoseTwoGuys: Hal and Barry, [[ComicBook/BoosterGold Mikey]] and [[ComicBook/BlueBeetle Ted]].
152	* TrademarkFavoriteFood: J'onn and Oreos.
153	* TroubledFetalPosition: J'onn after [[spoiler: he runs away following his and Bruce's traumatic experience inside Bruce's mind.]]
154	* TwoGirlsToATeam: For the main cast, Karen and Diana. For Lex's gang, Priscilla and Pamela.
155	* {{Unishment}}: Batman [[http://limbero.org/jl8/11 rather liked Time-Out]].
156	* UnusuallyUninterestingSight: No one finds the fact that the kids dress like superheroes to be unusual except for [[http://limbero.org/jl8/102 Jekko]], who is baffled by the "Halloween costumes", and driven to madness at the slightest display of Barry's superspeed.
157	* TheUnsmile: [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/ed9249cb11bae0ab7881491b555efcff/tumblr_n1iihvpqnR1r7ni1io1_1280.jpg Oh, Bruce]]
158	* WeNeedADistraction: Bruce [[http://limbero.org/jl8/105 enacts one]] with a SmokeOut to allow Clark time to swap presents.
159	* YouGoGirl: A minor example. A boy at the park challenged Diana to hit a single baseball pitch, claiming that girls can't throw balls well and definitely can't hit a ball he throws, given his apparent SuperStrength. Cut to, he throws the ball as hard as he can... and [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/142267512776/jl8-217-p1-4-by-yale-stewart-based-on Diana casually bats the ball into orbit one-handed]], even taking the time to do a "bored yawn" before doing so.
160	* WeirdnessCensor: Nobody finds it even remotely unusual that eight year olds with superpowers are running around in costumes
161	* WhamEpisode: [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/image/51134805170 Issue 127]], where it's revealed that [[spoiler: Bruce has a crush on Karen]].
162	** [[http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/post/167981301156/jl8-260-by-yale-stewart-based-on-characters-in-dc Issue 260]], where J'onn mind melds with Bruce in an attempt to prove that [[spoiler: he, Barry, and Hal found Bigfoot aka Kilowog]], but instead [[spoiler: the vision morphs into Bruce's memory of his parents being murdered in front of him.]]
163	* WhoNamesTheirKidDude: Barry is incredulous that a member of Hal's troop is named [[spoiler:Sinestro]]. It turns out to be his surname, but still.

Context Webcomic / JL8