Gotham Academy #2 Review

Written by: Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher
Art by: Karl Kerschl
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 11, 2014

History and Mystery

Last month's Gotham Academy #1 took me by surprise.  I didn't just like it, I loved it.  I'm talking every thing about it.  The characters, story, setting and art all came together into one helluva comic that had me hooked and waiting for the next issue the minute I finished it.  Well, that issue is here and I'm glad to say that I still love it.  The mysteries are all slowly taking shape, the main characters are still charming as hell and Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher introduce a great character into the New 52.



Last month's issue was chock full of charm and mystery.  Like in the Harry Potter books (which this book is surely being compared, fairly or not) the School itself is a supporting character and rumors of haunting are passed along quicker than "do you like me Yes or No" notes.  The book opens with a possible explanation for the stories or maybe something more sinister.  Olive sees something out her window, but we quickly learn she has her own mysteries to contend with.

Maps may be my favorite new character in a long time and while we get to see her a little this issue (too little perhaps), we get a heavy dose of Olive.  That's fine with me.  Cloonan and Fletcher build her character by giving us a great combination of answers and more secrets.  What exactly happened last Summer? What is going on with her Mother?  Why won't she talk to Kyle?  I want to know ever answer now, but I love not knowing as well.

We also get a few new characters to watch out for.  Goth Professor MacPhearson, a young artist with a thing for Maps and Pomeline, a bully who seems to hate Olive and has some major skeletons in her closet.  Then there is the introduction of the Bookworm into the New 52.  I am a huge Batman '66 fan so seeing him on the page made me squeal with delight.

Cloonan and Fletcher give a perfect amount of payoff versus mystery to keep the reader guessing, anticipating and begging for more.  The only thing I didn't like this issue was not having enough Maps. I also want to hear more about Serpents and Spells right now.

Karl Kerschl's art is just outstanding.  It is so full of mood and character that after just two issues I can't imagine anyone else doing this book.  I don't think there is a better fit between story and art anywhere in the DCU right now.

Bits and Pieces:

Two issues in and I'm completely sold on this book.  There really isn't a more charming book out there and it's just getting started. The underlying mysteries surrounding the Academy and it's students (and teachers) has me completely under it's spell and I can't wait for more.  Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl have a winner on their hands and I can whole heartily recommend to almost anyone, comic fan or not.

9.5/10