Gotham Academy 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy

I picked up GA vol 1 without knowing anything about it. It was on sale and I saw the Bat symbol against the main characters with bats flying around the edges so I bought it on a whim. Three months later I sat down to read it and did not stop till I was finished. I typically read Batman and Bat-family books so what does this novel have to do with Batman and the Bat-family? Well as it turns out, not so much...yet. This book is unique in that it is Scooby-Doo mixed with teen drama mixed with Harry Potter all in the Gotham setting. The way the story started was a little jarring. I'll admit I had to turn back to the cover to make sure I bought volume one. There are a few moments where the characters are in one setting and immediately in another on the next panel which made me wonder if I missed something. The story itself was just okay for me. There is a ghost haunting the school and Olive and Maps need to get to the bottom of it. You know something happened to Olive during the summer that has completely changed her and she has a huge dislike for Batman and that gets dragged on for awhile. There are some unanswered questions and a huge set-up for the next volume that has me interested in buying it and because of that this book is a success. It created interesting characters and puts them in a great location where possibilities are endless. Part of the fun is the characters that do show up because of the Gotham City location. The art in this book is different than I am used to but that is not a bad thing. I liked the distinct look of each character and it was great to see the concept art in the back of the book with descriptions of the process.Overall: This book is unique in the DC lineup with a great setting and art that makes each character stand out. The book's ending left me wanting more and I would recommend this book for all ages.

I began this series after being introduced to Gotham Academy through the Batgirl series. The lead character of Olive Sliverlocke is an intriguing protagonist. While it sometimes leans too heavily towards the soap opera-esque shenanigans of middle and high school, the overall storyline explored in the first volume is developed richly by the end of the text, incorporating at least one other notable DC character into the mix. Fans of Harry Potter or Lumberjanes will certainly see parallels in this series. It's well worth picking up if you looking for a fun and intriguing comic geared towards teens and young adults.

After nearly 4 years of not touching DC comics this brought me back and has me hooked on Gotham again. Examining Gotham's supernatural and historical mysteries through the eyes of a lovable cast of young characters who don't make me enjoy ever interaction has been a treat. Every aspect of this book is amazing; the writing, the art, and my god the colors! Very disappointing the colorist for this title did not win an award for this work, as it's striking and memorable.This book is also a perfect choice for a child. It's spooky while still being all-ages friendly and evokes the same whimsical mystery as the Harry Potter books, with the same hidden depths.

I have to admit I haven't followed DC comics books in quite some time so I had little to no idea of any current plot lines with characters so Gotham Academy made it easy to jump into the story, much like Marvel's Runaways, you only need small amounts of background information. The artwork is very nice. I love the coloring and the manga influenced panels. Olive is interesting as are the other members of the cast. Definitely worth a look through.

The book pulls you into the story Just like the Harry Potter novels. You become immersed in the story and the Academy. A great fantasy, the creative team that put this series together deserves a tip of the hat -

This one was a hit at our house. Perfect fit for me and the kids. I had to steal it back from my kids so that I could finish it. Set in the Batman universe with a teen POV, we follow Olive, a student at Gotham Academy. Something bad happened to her last summer, something she can't really remember. While checking out a ghostly presence at school, she discovers answers for her own personal problems (and tons more questions too, of course). Diverse cast, the illustrations are fantastic, and there was just the right amount of tension and danger. We will be reading more.

Do you like manga? it’s ok if you don’t, but I believe this particular graphic novel is more like manga, so that might change your way of looking at it if you simply aren't a fan. with that being said this is easily the best graphic novel I have read this year. it’s pretty crazy just how hooked I got on this. after I finished I was heartbroken it was over. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to read Manga/comic books.

Really great art, the dynamic panel layouts work really well and are clearly done with purpose and not just to be different. The last book I read that was able to use this type of dynamic layout so well was the first 'Danger Girl' series. The story is good as well, the pacing is great. I would say it's a great all-ages book. But I think it's probably more of a 13 and up read unless your child is pretty advanced.

I liked the cover but wanted to know more about the crazy action scene depicted so decide to get a compilation onibus book.This proved to be a cost effective way to enjoy the great twist on a Gotham theme.The Academy has some regular studentsand some..,er..,unregualr ones.It's these we get to follow as they create friendships and get embroiled in some weird adventures.There are 'secret' passages behind the school walls which house some unusual residents.However,not all are bad guys,apparently...Some of the other students have secrets and stories to tell.This is the premise for the adventurs,to find out the truth..,sort of.Plus of course some good old fashioned fun and frolicks,like dangling from rooftops on swinging ropes.Or telling scary stories using a torch to illuminate one's face only to be interrupted by a real scary event.Imaginations run riot here and not just the creators but the characters join in too,great stuff.Some pretty classic teenage rivalries too.Great artwork with good colours and shadows.I'm glad I bought the collected issues 1-6.

So I don't usually read graphic novels, and I have never read any batman stuff, I was a bit worried when I first started reading that I might not be able to pick up on little details that other fans could, I really needn't have worried. There were small things but I was able to get through easily enough. The characters were all varied and unique. I had a soft spot in my heart for a few of them. Olive and Maps were a loveable duo to follow, I badly can't remember Maps brother name, but he was the typical nice guy who would stick by you, and I also support him with Olive.I can't leave a review and not mention the art which is gorgeous, the facial expressions, colours, scenery, all perfect.I think it's safe to say I will be buying the second, and I can't wait to see what antics the Gotham academy students get up to next!

A Pure delight !!!! Full of in jokes, great characters, weird happenings and even weirder Characters, let alone the students. A true pleasure from start to end, I can't wait for number 2 ...... Print it now!! God damn you DC I am hooked !!!!!

Brilliant art. Good story. Fun characters. Batman TAS reference. What's not to like?

At first I was a bit worried that this was aimed too low on the age range but that was not correct and I soon got into it. The art is stunning.