Gotham Academy vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschal
Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: Olive Silverlock has secrets. Pulling away from her friends, she has become distant. Her classmate “Maps” Mizoguchi takes it upon herself to cheer her up by taking her to explore the creepier wings of prestigious Gotham Academy, ultimately leading them to the ghost of Millie Jane Cobblepot. Following cryptic symbols in the north hallway which lead them to Killer Croc and Batman, the students will uncover much more than they expected about Olive’s past and the connections between the Academy and the greater Gotham City legends.
My Review: If you set Harry Potter in the middle of Gotham City you would be pretty close to the feel of this book. One of the better titles to come out of DC comics “New 52” relaunch this book is refreshingly original. Rocking a unique and quirky art style, it is easy for those new to the DC universe to jump into but also has a few Easter eggs that old school fans will pick up on. I hope that this series both continues and is an indication of the future of DC comics titles.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!