Gotham Academy #3 Review

Written by: Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher
Art by: Karl Kerschl
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 3, 2014

Kids in the Hall

I love Gotham Academy.  If you ask me, it's a hit that has surprised even DC and proves that a brand new book with brand new characters can not only survive, but excel.  What is Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl's secret?  The hell if I know, but my guess is charm.  The art, story and characters just ooze it.   In fact, if that was really a thing, people would be running away screaming from the charm ooze monster dripping out of this book and taking to the streets once a month.  Of course, I'm a moron who believes (wishes) things like that were possible, but since they aren't, let's get on with the review.



This book has been all about mysteries.  This issue continues the trend, but we also get more information than in the first two issues combined.  After last issue, Olive has been attending detention and we get a little peek into who cool guy Colton is.  It's too brief (I want more) because everything is interrupted by a ghost sighting.

The idea that Gotham Academy is haunted has been hinted since the first pages of this book, but it's starting to feel like a real possibility.  Probably because Olive walked in while Pomeline was summoning said ghost.  Pomeline started out as the mean girl, but I'm really glad she has already turned into the potential best friend she's bound to be.  The two put a plan into motion which is a good opportunity to learn more about the gang.

My favorite part?  When Olive and Kyle get together.  The whole "what happened last Summer" thing between these two has been yet another mystery and while we don't get answers, we see these two are still in love.  The best part, though. was when Kyle tells Olive not to break Maps heart.  I love, love, love Maps.  My second favorite part?  The little bit we learn about Olive's Mother.  I kept wondering what big reveal her mother would be, but now I'm not sure it's as major as I first thought.  However, that doesn't lessen it any bit.

The rest of the issue involves Olive, Pomeline, Colton and Maps (yes!) heading off to see the North Hall for themselves.  Of course, Maps steals the scene since she does it every time she shows up, but we also find out Olive has a history in the Hall she didn't even know about.  Then the book ends on a crazy scary cliffhanger.  If I wasn't hooked before (I was, btw), I am now!

This issue is another winner.  Cloonan and Fletcher are slowly giving us more information and I love every bit.  I want to know more, I want it now and I want an animated movie based on this book.  I know, I want a lot.

This is where I gush about Karl Kerschl's art.  It's so good in a cartoony/anime way and it fits the story and characters better than any book I'm reading right now.  If the next big convention doesn't have Olive and Maps cosplay galore based on Kerschl's awesome art, I'll be so disappointed.


Bits and Pieces:

I don't know how many ways I can say it, I love this book.  Please do yourself and anyone you know a favor and read it.  It's a charming all-ages mystery with great characters and awesome art.  In other words, I love it.

9.5/10