Gotham Academy Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: NetGalley
Publication Date: June 17th 2015
Publisher: DC Comics
Point of View: Feminine
Recommended Age: 11+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult/Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mystery, Superheroes, Comics
BLURB:
Gotham City’s most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It’s got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by…like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange as the students!
Like, what’s up with Olive Silverlock? Is she crazy or what? Where did she go last summer? And what’s the deal with her creepy mom? And how come that Freshman Maps is always following her around? And is she still going out with Kyle? P.S. Did you hear the rumor about the ghost in the North Hall?!
Collects Gotham Academy #1-6
REVIEW:
I guess we could say that this wasn’t a huge hit for me, if what I enjoyed most about the comic was looking at the illustrations. I’m all for beautiful visuals and details, settings that are original and extremely graphic – easing your way into the story – but, at the end of the day, I want to read a good story.
And this was okay… I mean, it wasn’t bad, sketchy or anything, but I felt as if the characters always knew more about everything happening than I did. And I didn’t like this feeling. The narrator might have been the main character – Olive – but she kept secrets from us. It makes of this a mystery comic, indeed, but there were so many thing happening and entangled together that, when we were offered some enlightenment, this latter brought up some other new secrets altogether.
I also didn’t like the atmosphere. Thank god we had an enthusiastic character – Maps – that was often present, otherwise Olive would have bored me to death. I don’t even remember her smiling once, less telling a joke. This is when I realize how secondary roles are important too. Very.
I’m curious to see where the story is going, but only because of the dumbfounding cliff-hanger. That was some smart thinking, including that kind of ending, because it’s almost impossible not to want to read the next volume.
I think I definitely want to add this to graphic novels i want to try. If it doesn’t take too long after it’s release to end up at the library. I think this was a good review especially because I’m still learning to write them myself! Thank you for no spoilers=]
LikeLike
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it 😦 I saw the art online and was so drawn to it! I think I’ll give it a try anyway but I’ll definitely be more wary :/m
Great review!
LikeLike
That’s too bad. I agree with you though. Gorgeous graphics don’t make up for a “meh” storyline.
LikeLike
Even if you didn’t love the storyline at least you did like the illustrations so much! Lovely review Lola. 🙂
LikeLike
Sorry to see it wasn’t more for you but it sounds nice.
LikeLike
I’m not typically drawn to graphic novels but it’s still a shame ot hear that you didn’t end up enjoying this one very much. Hopefully your next graphic novel read is more interesting Lola!
LikeLike
it does sound visually well done, but sorry it wasn’t otherwise what you’d hoped
LikeLike
Yeah, you really do have to have those strong secondary characters. Sounds like Maps almost dominated the story, even as a secondary.
LikeLike
Ahhh, I really should start reading graphic novels. I’ve been meaning to start but can’t find the time. 😦
LikeLike