There are many ways to tell a mystery story. You can mete out small details bit-by-bit, you can build a moody tension. You can build on a single concept, or you can overwhelm the reader with red herrings. Alternatively, you can team up with Karl Kerschel and just put out a naturally good story.





Becky Cloonan has, of course, gone with the latter option and provided us with four issues of Gotham Academy so far. She has laid the groundwork for an interesting mystery through creative use of characters and the backdrop of the Gotham Academy itself, all while maintaining the youth-centric vibe of the title. I’m a few years removed from my teenage self, and on occasion find myself irritated when a book veers slightly towards a younger character set. (Looking at you, Batgirl.) However, Cloonan’s voice throughout the issue has no pandering aspect to it. These characters feel more real in every aspect, because they do act their age. Maps in particular is a frontrunner for my favorite character in this book. She’s a delight to read. She plays the perfect foil to Olive’s somewhat reluctant detective. The side cast continues to surprise me as they all are fleshed out slowly but surely, evolving from their stereotype bases.





This issue kicks off after the resolution to the cliffhanger at the end of last issue, which was an interesting choice that really payed off for Cloonan. This was attempted in a similar manner last issue, with a flashback opening. I really enjoyed this take on the storytelling as it helps with the flow of the tension building. Instead of an immediate payoff, we get another buildup to another cliffhanger, something of a tease, but a welcome one that builds the mood. That, and as we are getting deep into this first arc, the ending is looking to be that much sweeter. Answers to the various mysteries are being revealed as the series begins to hit its stride. The eye behind the wall from the ending of the first issue? It’s here. The ghost seen around the dorm? She makes an appearance as well. The narrative is well thought out, and it shows. As the readers get more answers, more questions become apparent, smoothly moving the story forward.





Karl. Freaking. Kerschl. The man whose name I’ve had to double check multiple times. He’s just as much a part of the storytelling here as Cloonan, which is exactly what I want from a comic book. Not someone drawing someone else’s words, or someone giving someone something to draw, but a true partnership. The fun aspect of Gotham Academy comes to life with his character designs. They border on cartoonish at times, which adds to the effect of the story of Scooby Doo meets Batman meets Morning Glories. A great read all around. If you’re not picking this book up, you should give it a chance.





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Matthew can be found on Twitter as @mahargen. During this review he came to the realization that this year the children born after he turned 20 will become teenagers themselves.