Gotham Academy #5 Review

Written by: Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher
Art by: Kark Kerschl
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 25, 2015

Killer Dance

Anybody close to our site or podcast will know that I've put off reviewing this book as a bit of an informal protest.  It's not that I don't like Gotham Academy...that's the problem, I love it.  However, after giving it high marks and singing it's praises on this site, on ours and other podcasts, writer Brenden Fletcher told me not to talk to him anymore.  It really made me sad.  Sure, it was all about Eric and his Batgirl reviews, but it still hit me hard.  So, I decided not to read or review this issue. That's the benefit of having your own site, you can do what you want, when you want.  Well, now that I've simmered down and let the hate flow out of me, I'm ready.  I'll admit, a little spot buried deep in the dark part of my soul was hoping this issue was bad so I could rip it apart.  Shake your head all you want, but don't judge me because I'm honest.  Did my dark desire come true?  Let's find out...



The issue opens up with Olive and her new bestie (or beastie?!) Killer Croc.  Let's just call him Croc because while this animated series version is certainly "killer", he is there as a friend of sorts.  In fact, he promised Olive's mother that he'd keep an eye on her.

One of the things I love about this book is the clever inclusions of DC characters, both heroes and villains.  Having Croc responsible for all the "ghost" problems is cool, but knowing he's been watching out for Olive is awesome.  It helps that I'm a big Croc fan and this version looks stupendous.

I'm also a huge fan of Maps.  Where was she when I was in Middle School?  Her obsession with Dungeons and Dragons was so endearing and yes, I said "was".  Having more Maps this issue was a dream come true, but Cloonan and Fletcher lay on the D&D references heavy here.  Too heavy, if you ask me.  Thankfully, it's over quickly and she is pure awesomeness for the rest of the issue.

Speaking of the rest of the issue, it's simply great.  Everything I wanted for a book like this is here.  A school dance, a secret plan, a great diversion and answers.  What answers?  How about who and what Tristan is, what happened to Olive last Summer , how Maps would look in a tuxedo...I'll spoil the last one, she looked so cute.  Then we get a cliffhanger that didn't really surprise me, but makes so much sense.  I can't wait for next issue.

Okay, my protest is over.  I don't care if Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl burn my house, steal my car, drink my liquor from an old fruit jar, they can do anything that they want to do, but uh-uh,  honey...I don't know what came over me, just keep giving me issues of this book guys..

As far as pretty pictures go, I love Karl Kerchl's art.  It is an animated movie on the page and just gives me a happy feeling while reading it.  Seriously, this book is so good at taking me out of my humdrum life for a little bit each month and Kerschl's art is such a big part of that.

Bits and Pieces:

Personal protest aside, I loved this issue and I continue to love every bit of this book.  How could I not?  I love the characters, setting, story and art.  Like I said, I love every bit of this book.  If you haven't been reading yet, jump on in.  Unless you have some dumb, personal protest or something.

9.5/10