Strong characterization, compelling mysteries, and evocative art are just some of the highlights of a thoroughly enjoyable issue of a series that continues to sustain its brilliance. “Gotham Academy” #3 surprises in many ways, with Gotham history and ghosts (both real and personal) combining expertly to create a compelling book with depth and humor.
Written by Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher
Illustrated by Karl KerschlIf you thought getting detention was a pain, just wait till you see detention Gotham Academy-style!
The newest issue of “Gotham Academy” continues to entice us with the mysteries that haunt the grounds of Gotham City’s preeminent high school as well as its students’ psyches. Olive Silverlock, who is the narrator and star of the book, continues to draw us in to her world. We are only given hints of her tortured past, yet the journey toward future revelations remains just as compelling as those untold secrets. In just one issue, Olive becomes entangled with questionable students (which, as we know, is always a possibility during high school years), struggles with family and romantic dilemmas, and must hunt an elusive ghost with her compatriots.
We become embroiled in the lives of Olive and the Academy’s students because so many plot threads and character interactions are packed seamlessly into one issue. Writers Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher are expert storytellers because the pacing of their tale is quick without neglecting the very personal story being told. The supernatural mingles with the “real” world issues that any teen is bound to confront in their high school career. Action and adventure are well represented and only add to the jumble of genres that are fitting for such a unique and infectious book.
The rich assortment of personalities of the entire cast of characters add to the tone of the issue and transform the story and book into something that feels very much alive. Maps, who is Olive’s friend and Kyle’s sister, has been an endearing character since she appeared in the first issue. She continues to bring that innocence and wide-eyed wonder to the book that also infuses Cloonan and Fletcher’s story with occasional humor. Through her eyes, she perceives life as an adventure to be had around every corner. Maps is evidence of each individual having such a distinct personality and adding an element to the book that not only enhances the story, but the relationships as well. If it wasn’t for Maps, Olive would remain a brooding high schooler. Instead, Maps inspires a protective and sisterly aspect of Olive’s personality to naturally develop between them and allows Olive to have some fun.
Cloonan and Fletcher, despite the issue’s fast pace and quick wit, reveal much about their characters through quiet moments that spotlight the intense emotions that are relatable to anyone of any age. In one of the issue’s best scenes, Olive and her boyfriend Kyle have a discussion about the status of their relationship at the dock of a lake. Their dialogue, like in the entirety of the issue, is very natural and very human. Misunderstanding, fear, love, and empathy are just some of the emotions expressed in just one two-page scene.
The scene with Olive and Kyle would not be as powerful if it wasn’t for the attention to detail that artist Karl Kerschl lovingly renders in it and every other scene of this issue. The expressive faces and subtle body language of the characters are the essential elements that give poignancy to the scene on the dock. Both Olive and Kyle close their eyes when their discomfort is clearly expressed in both words and on their faces. Glances of shock and sadness are so clearly manifested in their expressions that it would be easy to take in their interaction without reading one word of dialogue.
Kerschl is also an expert at building scenes that aren’t quite as “calm”. He is able to magnificently bring settings of a supernatural nature to eerie life. Mysterious eyes peek through a slit in the wall of a building. The unlikely gang of characters meet up for a night of adventure, with the Academy’s old buildings becoming scary characters themselves. An abandoned room has never looked scarier, with the shadows of our “heroes” entering before their physical bodies. In the final moment of the issue, a splash page that contains elements of both horror and fun will make the reader both recoil in fright and inspire a huge grin.
Continued belowThe coloring by Geyser, Msassyk, and Serge LaPointe is gorgeous to behold throughout the issue. Colors are utilized to highlight action or emotion happening in a particular scene. During the conversation between Olive and Kyle, the colors of the sky are painted in such a way that light and dark congeal to create a haunting atmosphere. The watercolor textures of both the sky and water are appropriate and breathtaking in their simplicity and richness. The colorists prove their versatility when bright yellow and orange colors brilliantly illuminate a scene between Olive, Pomeline, and Heathcliff. The colors match the tone that both the writers and artist are attempting and succeeding at conveying through their book.
“Gotham Academy” is the perfect Batman comic book that doesn’t star the titular hero. Like any great Bat comic, intriguing mysteries invade every nook and cranny of this issue. Detective work is required and supplied in abundance. And, most importantly, psychological depth brings characters to life. The talent behind “Gotham Academy” are invested in the success of this book and are building a world that feels like it is slowly being born right before our eyes. We care about these teenagers and hope for their survival (as well as the book’s survival!).
Final Verdict: 9.0 – “Gotham Academy” is one of the best new series of 2014 and the third issue continues to prove why it deserves that distinction. With characters and a story that are worth becoming invested in, this book should appeal to any person of any age.
