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Gotham Academy: Second Semester
Gotham Academy Second Semester, Volume 1: Welcome Back
GOTHAM ACADEMY is back for its second semester!
When you're Gotham Academy student Olive Silverlock, winter holidays can be a drag. Luckily, when a new student shows up at Gotham Academy to keep her company while the other students are away, Olive finds what could be a brand new friend...or a whole lot of trouble. And when Maps, Kyle, Colton, Pomeline and the rest of the students of Gotham's #1 prep school return for a new semester, the adventures are twice as mysterious and twice as dangerous!
Collects GOTHAM ACADEMY: SECOND SEMESTER #1-3, 5-8.
When you're Gotham Academy student Olive Silverlock, winter holidays can be a drag. Luckily, when a new student shows up at Gotham Academy to keep her company while the other students are away, Olive finds what could be a brand new friend...or a whole lot of trouble. And when Maps, Kyle, Colton, Pomeline and the rest of the students of Gotham's #1 prep school return for a new semester, the adventures are twice as mysterious and twice as dangerous!
Collects GOTHAM ACADEMY: SECOND SEMESTER #1-3, 5-8.
144 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2017
15 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Brenden Fletcher
184 books184 followersBrenden Fletcher is a writer who's worked on DC Comics titles including the bestselling Batgirl of Burnside, Gotham Academy, and Black Canary.
He contributed the acclaimed Flash story to the Eisner and Harvey Award winning Wednesday Comics and has recently launched a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink series for Boom! Studios.
He contributed the acclaimed Flash story to the Eisner and Harvey Award winning Wednesday Comics and has recently launched a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink series for Boom! Studios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
September 9, 2020
The Good: Wow, I can't believe how much better this was than previous volumes. The story was much more focused and interesting. The background paintings by Michele Assarasakron were gorgeous. After seeing this, I'm not sure why DC hasn't given her her own book to illustrate. With Adam Archer's pencils in the foreground it gave the book an animation feel to it.
The Bad: Did not like Amy's deal at all. I saw where the story was headed the second she appeared and dreaded every panel she appeared in.
The Ugly: I didn't care much for the ending at all. Hopefully they'll right the ship in the next volume.
Received an advanced copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Bad: Did not like Amy's deal at all. I saw where the story was headed the second she appeared and dreaded every panel she appeared in.
The Ugly: I didn't care much for the ending at all. Hopefully they'll right the ship in the next volume.
Received an advanced copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2017
Gotham Academy is a fabulous series that can be read both by kids and grown-ups. This is the second volume I've read in this series and I totally loved it. Honestly, I could sit down and re-read it, both for the stories and for the wonderful art.
For those of you that don't know anything about Gotham Academy will I tell you this: It's a school with strange teachers, secret passengers, kids with abilities (not all of them, but some) and now and then a guy called Bruce Wayne shows up.
My favorite character is Maps, she is a young Asian girl that reminds me of Jubilee from Marvel and she loves adventures and mysteries. Of course, I like the rest of the characters to Silverlock, Kyle, etc. But, it's just something about this spunky kid that makes me truly love this series.
The art is marvelous, this is the kind of art that I really, really love and I've added some screen caps for you all to see:
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
For those of you that don't know anything about Gotham Academy will I tell you this: It's a school with strange teachers, secret passengers, kids with abilities (not all of them, but some) and now and then a guy called Bruce Wayne shows up.
My favorite character is Maps, she is a young Asian girl that reminds me of Jubilee from Marvel and she loves adventures and mysteries. Of course, I like the rest of the characters to Silverlock, Kyle, etc. But, it's just something about this spunky kid that makes me truly love this series.
The art is marvelous, this is the kind of art that I really, really love and I've added some screen caps for you all to see:
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
December 21, 2023
It's been a year since I read the last volume of Gotham Academy, Gotham Academy, Volume 3: Yearbook. So it's time to pick it back up and finish it off, even though it's going to be sad when I have no more new volumes to read 😢 @DCComics make a new Gotham Academy series!!
February 22, 2018
3.5
Welcome back to Gotham Academy, home to all things creepy and mysterious. The gang is all back together in this issue to combat more mysteries involved around Gotham Academy, but it doesn't quite seem right. New friends and selfish intents could pull the group apart at the hinges, will they be able to overcome and save Gotham Academy once again?
This follows the same group of quirky characters in the Detective Club at Gotham Academy as they combat the disappearance of a teacher and some other strange happenings. Olive gets a new roommate, Amy, who is definitely not a team player and Olive is being pulled into 2 different directions. After the break all the kids are ready to get back to learning, but at this Academy learning does not seem to be a priority, instead mystery ensues at every turn of the corner, with the first being that 1 teacher has not returned from break...where could she be?
The art is fantastic as always, and this is a great series for teens and young adults as well since this is set in a private high school and focuses mainly on the relationship of a group of friends solving mysteries (not quite Scooby Doo because in this instance the monsters are real). I will say that while this is Vol. 1 because it is Gotham Academy Semester 1, I think it should have a disclaimer that it is Gotham Academy # 4 total, since it follows right after the events of the first 3 volumes in the Gotham Academy series. Since it has been a while since I read the first 3 it did take me awhile to get back into the story, but I definitely think the story is starting to pick up from where the last one ended.
The rating for this story definitely got bumped up due to the fantastic ending which held a major cliffhanger. The entire graphic novel is filled with twists and turns that will have you trying to guess what will happen next throughout it. An enjoyable read overall.
Welcome back to Gotham Academy, home to all things creepy and mysterious. The gang is all back together in this issue to combat more mysteries involved around Gotham Academy, but it doesn't quite seem right. New friends and selfish intents could pull the group apart at the hinges, will they be able to overcome and save Gotham Academy once again?
This follows the same group of quirky characters in the Detective Club at Gotham Academy as they combat the disappearance of a teacher and some other strange happenings. Olive gets a new roommate, Amy, who is definitely not a team player and Olive is being pulled into 2 different directions. After the break all the kids are ready to get back to learning, but at this Academy learning does not seem to be a priority, instead mystery ensues at every turn of the corner, with the first being that 1 teacher has not returned from break...where could she be?
The art is fantastic as always, and this is a great series for teens and young adults as well since this is set in a private high school and focuses mainly on the relationship of a group of friends solving mysteries (not quite Scooby Doo because in this instance the monsters are real). I will say that while this is Vol. 1 because it is Gotham Academy Semester 1, I think it should have a disclaimer that it is Gotham Academy # 4 total, since it follows right after the events of the first 3 volumes in the Gotham Academy series. Since it has been a while since I read the first 3 it did take me awhile to get back into the story, but I definitely think the story is starting to pick up from where the last one ended.
The rating for this story definitely got bumped up due to the fantastic ending which held a major cliffhanger. The entire graphic novel is filled with twists and turns that will have you trying to guess what will happen next throughout it. An enjoyable read overall.
July 11, 2019
Me once I finished Gotham Academy: Second Semester, Vol 1
Reasons why this got 4 stars
Can I just say that I’m really surprised that this wasn’t an absolute disappointment?! After reading Gotham Academy, Vol. 3: Yearbook I figured there was no hope for this series to redeem itself but I WAS WRONG! Second Semester, Vol 1 reminded me of why I loved this series to begin with and I can’t wait to read the next one to see how everything plays out. Vol 3 actually had a great and strong storyline that was enjoyable and easy to follow. We finally get a bit of development with Pom’s character! Katherine changing into I don’t even know what (an orange flubber?) to help Pom and Colton was the funniest and cutest thing LOL. And honestly, Olive and Maps are friendship goals.
Reasons why this didn’t get 5 stars
Yet again I’m left with more questions than answers...
- I’ve always wondered what was Eric’s purpose and finally we got an answer. Well, sort of? I’d say we got an answer with no further explanation. Like tada this is what Eric is obsessed with and what he believes is his purpose but we won’t give you any further information on why or how this came to be. Cool.
- Pom...yes, I was happy we got more development with her character but I need more! With getting to know why Pom was so obsessed with finding that book we learn of the connection with Pom and Olive and Amity and Alienor. And poof that’s it. I really would love a prequel of that focused on Amity and Alienor with a clear picture of what actually happened.
Lastly, I just realized that Gotham Academy: Second Semester, Vol. 2 is the last vol and I don’t know how I feel about this. I feel like I won’t get all the answers I need and that’s a frustrating thought.
Reasons why this got 4 stars
Can I just say that I’m really surprised that this wasn’t an absolute disappointment?! After reading Gotham Academy, Vol. 3: Yearbook I figured there was no hope for this series to redeem itself but I WAS WRONG! Second Semester, Vol 1 reminded me of why I loved this series to begin with and I can’t wait to read the next one to see how everything plays out. Vol 3 actually had a great and strong storyline that was enjoyable and easy to follow. We finally get a bit of development with Pom’s character! Katherine changing into I don’t even know what (an orange flubber?) to help Pom and Colton was the funniest and cutest thing LOL. And honestly, Olive and Maps are friendship goals.
Reasons why this didn’t get 5 stars
Yet again I’m left with more questions than answers...
- I’ve always wondered what was Eric’s purpose and finally we got an answer. Well, sort of? I’d say we got an answer with no further explanation. Like tada this is what Eric is obsessed with and what he believes is his purpose but we won’t give you any further information on why or how this came to be. Cool.
- Pom...yes, I was happy we got more development with her character but I need more! With getting to know why Pom was so obsessed with finding that book we learn of the connection with Pom and Olive and Amity and Alienor. And poof that’s it. I really would love a prequel of that focused on Amity and Alienor with a clear picture of what actually happened.
Lastly, I just realized that Gotham Academy: Second Semester, Vol. 2 is the last vol and I don’t know how I feel about this. I feel like I won’t get all the answers I need and that’s a frustrating thought.
November 22, 2017
Probably my favorite of the Gotham Academy series. though the plot was kind of all over the place at times
January 16, 2018
There's not a lot to say about this.
The story is fairly weak and not well-written, jumping all over the place and not really following a logical flow.
The illustrations are still fun and adorable.
I'm still here, still reading so I guess that says something, right?
The story is fairly weak and not well-written, jumping all over the place and not really following a logical flow.
The illustrations are still fun and adorable.
I'm still here, still reading so I guess that says something, right?
September 14, 2017
I really loved learning more about the history of the silverlocks and arkhams.
August 22, 2017
4 stars. This series is finally getting back on track! This was definitely my favorite volume since the first one. The artwork was back to being consistent and vibrant which I was so happy to see after the mess of the last volume. The story was a whole lot of fun and took a turn that I was not expecting with Olive’s character and I’m so excited to see where it goes next. The action and adventure was exciting and just served as a reminder of why I love this series so much. I’m definitely looking forward to the next volume and I hope they don’t lose this momentum.
August 25, 2022
Wow! I missed reading Gotham Academy and with the Second Semester I remembered how great this story was! The artwork is stunning, the storyline is very intriguing and I couldn't put this tradepaperback down and read it in one go! Very interesting story and finally we get to see a bit more about Olive's family history and the darkside of it.
October 12, 2020
WOW. The plot of this one was great, the art was exceptional. The characterizations were so strong in this that when a character annoyed me it made me squirm internally. The twist at the end was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC and I need to track down the next volume stat.
September 17, 2017
As always, I love the artwork, and the stories this time were pretty good. Looking forward to the next.
July 2, 2017
I'm going to need my parents to adopt Maps and Jesus Christ, Pomeline is the Slytherin schoolgirl of my dreams. Another excellent volume in the series! This one really starts to bring a lot of the past threads together and I can't help but think we're heading for some kind of conclusion. Still, hoping this runs for a long while from now, I love it so much!!!
October 4, 2017
Gotham Academy: Second Semester picks up on Olive's story, which they had decided to ditch in Vol. 3, Gotham Academy: Yearbook.
Unfortunately, I didn't really care for it. I'm still interested in Olive and Amity, etc, but I wasn't in love with this volume.
But Batman makes an appearance, so that's cool.
So, anyway, I actually found it pretty boring, up until the end.Cue Batman.
One thing that bothered me was that Colton has a crush on Kyle (which was hinted at in Yearbook), and since homosexuality is against my religious beliefs, it was another reason for me not to like it.Besides, I'd kind of been hoping he and Pomeline would be a thing.
So, yeah, it's not for me. But the art is still as cute as ever, so there's that.
Unfortunately, I didn't really care for it. I'm still interested in Olive and Amity, etc, but I wasn't in love with this volume.
But Batman makes an appearance, so that's cool.
So, anyway, I actually found it pretty boring, up until the end.
One thing that bothered me was that Colton has a crush on Kyle (which was hinted at in Yearbook), and since homosexuality is against my religious beliefs, it was another reason for me not to like it.
So, yeah, it's not for me. But the art is still as cute as ever, so there's that.
April 4, 2018
Maps is still the best. I'm not as thrilled with Second Semester as I was with the initial run of the series, but it's still pretty fun.
July 16, 2017
[Read as single issues]
I love Gotham Academy. It's one of those Bat-Books that carves out a little niche that no other book manages to find and really goes for it, roping in continuity and characters from all over the place (like the 60s Batman show and the 90s Animated Series) so that fans of Batman in general will get something fun out of everything involved. But it's also got a huge amount of heart and fun characters - which is why it's so sad to see them going through the wringer in this volume.
Olive's been left alone at Gotham Academy, and makes a new friend who seems to want to get her into trouble at every turn. Factor in a potential expulsion for Colton, trouble in paradise for Maps, and the usual Gotham Academy mysteries tying back into the history of Gotham itself - plus the reveal of the true culprit behind Calamity - and you've got some great storytelling.
The artwork is another part of this book that I love. We've lost Karl Kerschl on pencils, but Adam Archer steps in ably to continue. His style is a little more muted than Kerschl's, but colourist/background painter Mssyk keeps the gothic atmosphere and the very individual character designs front and centre. Gotham Academy has a very distinct tone, and the artwork is great at helping to sell that.
With one final arc of Gotham Academy to go, this one sets the stage for the ultimate resolution of all of the plot threads that we've seen so far, and it does it with style (and while kicking you in the feels too).
I love Gotham Academy. It's one of those Bat-Books that carves out a little niche that no other book manages to find and really goes for it, roping in continuity and characters from all over the place (like the 60s Batman show and the 90s Animated Series) so that fans of Batman in general will get something fun out of everything involved. But it's also got a huge amount of heart and fun characters - which is why it's so sad to see them going through the wringer in this volume.
Olive's been left alone at Gotham Academy, and makes a new friend who seems to want to get her into trouble at every turn. Factor in a potential expulsion for Colton, trouble in paradise for Maps, and the usual Gotham Academy mysteries tying back into the history of Gotham itself - plus the reveal of the true culprit behind Calamity - and you've got some great storytelling.
The artwork is another part of this book that I love. We've lost Karl Kerschl on pencils, but Adam Archer steps in ably to continue. His style is a little more muted than Kerschl's, but colourist/background painter Mssyk keeps the gothic atmosphere and the very individual character designs front and centre. Gotham Academy has a very distinct tone, and the artwork is great at helping to sell that.
With one final arc of Gotham Academy to go, this one sets the stage for the ultimate resolution of all of the plot threads that we've seen so far, and it does it with style (and while kicking you in the feels too).
July 27, 2017
Olive Silverlock stayed at Gotham Academy for the winter break. Before school started, a girl showed up in her room, claiming to be her new roommate. Amy convinces Olive to do bad things. They throw a rock through a window. They break into a house on the school property and then torment Eric. Then, a new club starts up, competing with Maps’s detective club. The new club is filled with witches who plan on burning the library books. Maps’s friends have to rescue her after she is brainwashed to join their club. But after saving her, Colton gets caught breaking into a classroom. The headmaster wants to expel him but he gets a trial first. He disappears during his hearing, so the rest of the gang set out to find evidence that he should remain at school and Olive has to face her past yet again.
This is my favourite book in the Gotham Academy series. It was cohesive from the first comic to the last. It followed one major storyline throughout. Some of the other graphic novels have started with one plot and then drifted off into something else. This one was very consistent.
The new characters also had a purpose in the story. In past graphic novels, some characters have been introduced but then they disappear. The new character, Amy, shows up for a reason which is revealed at the end of the story.
I loved this new volume of Gotham Academy. It’s the best one so far!
This is my favourite book in the Gotham Academy series. It was cohesive from the first comic to the last. It followed one major storyline throughout. Some of the other graphic novels have started with one plot and then drifted off into something else. This one was very consistent.
The new characters also had a purpose in the story. In past graphic novels, some characters have been introduced but then they disappear. The new character, Amy, shows up for a reason which is revealed at the end of the story.
I loved this new volume of Gotham Academy. It’s the best one so far!
December 17, 2017
A really nicely organized volume. We begin with a short investigation of the Witches Club. It reminds of us who the characters are and why we love them and their fun detectiving.
But in the latter half of the volume, things really rev up, and we're suddenly faced with a mystery much more crucial to the school and to our main characters. There are some beautiful reveals in this storyline that really pay off much of the book so far (and make me want to reread it). It brings things up to the next level.
I suspect the big climax in the next volume can't possibly match the mysteries of this one, but I'll still be happy to read it.
But in the latter half of the volume, things really rev up, and we're suddenly faced with a mystery much more crucial to the school and to our main characters. There are some beautiful reveals in this storyline that really pay off much of the book so far (and make me want to reread it). It brings things up to the next level.
I suspect the big climax in the next volume can't possibly match the mysteries of this one, but I'll still be happy to read it.
May 3, 2021
I accidentally skipped the first series of Gotham Academy, but it says something about the quality of these comics that I could just pick up at this book and feel right at home in the universe, despite not really understanding the lore.
I didn't immediately fall in love with the characters, but they grew on me quickly and the main plot of this volume is brilliantly executed. I'm intrigued to keep reading - for the plot, for how this all relates to the Batman we all know, and how these characters will develop into the future. This book is brimming with potential and I can't wait to see it all come to fruition.
I didn't immediately fall in love with the characters, but they grew on me quickly and the main plot of this volume is brilliantly executed. I'm intrigued to keep reading - for the plot, for how this all relates to the Batman we all know, and how these characters will develop into the future. This book is brimming with potential and I can't wait to see it all come to fruition.
September 11, 2017
5 stars
Nice to see Olive, Maps, and the rest of the Detective Club again. Olive's roommate being her great.....grandmother was quite interesting. Also, Olive is an Arkham. Hope the Detective Club will be able to stop Olive. Glad to see a cameo from Batman/Bruce Wayne.
Can't wait to read Gotham Academy Second Semester volume 2!!!!
Nice to see Olive, Maps, and the rest of the Detective Club again. Olive's roommate being her great.....grandmother was quite interesting. Also, Olive is an Arkham. Hope the Detective Club will be able to stop Olive. Glad to see a cameo from Batman/Bruce Wayne.
Can't wait to read Gotham Academy Second Semester volume 2!!!!
November 10, 2017
Once again I couldn't really remember the backstory or the characters, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this somewhat. There were times that I was kind of confused (and still am a little lost at that ending) but it was still enjoyable enough. I like the art, and the characters and their friendship. I don't really know what's going on, but I'll keep reading.
September 25, 2017
I started this one not expecting to like it too much...but I did! The story arc was fun and the art and layout is stellar. The mysteries, characters, flashbacks, etc. made this a really great read and I'm all in for the next one.
September 18, 2017
I enjoyed this new volume of the adventures of Detective Club.
June 25, 2018
I loved it!
July 26, 2017
YAAAAAAS!
This one was much better!
This one was much better!
September 3, 2017
This was awesome! One of my favorite volumes for sure! The plot was fascinating, the character development was interesting, the pacing was perfect, and I just had to keep flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen. There was a lot going on in this volume, but it never felt like too much and all of the elements were interesting, especially the hunt for the book and what it lead to! I can't wait to see what happens next with Olive!
February 22, 2021
Ugh, I wanted so much more out of this whole story, and I thought maybe it would get better with this Second Semester attempt, but it just didn't? The mysteries, the dangers, the lack of character development... everything fell flat and just didn't go anywhere near what I was wanting and needing out of this series.
July 22, 2017
I am not sure if Gotham Academy Second Semester is a spin off series for Gotham Academy or a continuation of the overarching story. All of our main characters return to a new semester. I was a bit hesitant to read this one since I was really disappointed with Gotham Academy Vol. 3, but ended up really enjoying this one. The plot and tension of this volume is a slow burn. Olive has a new roommate that starts to have a negative effect on her. We also have a small mystery where students have been brainwashed and kidnapped by a disgruntled teacher. At first glance I thought the graphic novel was pretty average since I figured the mystery early on but as I read on I was glad to discover a twist in the last half of the story. We get more background information on Olive's family history, what fuels her dark side, and there is a new romance development that I'm very curious to see where it goes. Luckily, the romance is not a love triangle. The volume does end on a cliffhanger so it might be a while to read what happens next. Gotham Academy Second Semester returns to the dark, gothic mystery setting that first grabbed my attention and made me curious about this series. I am glad that it is back on track.
August 27, 2017
Okay so this series is starting to make a lot of sense and we definitely get more insight into what's going on to Olive as a character. I thought the artwork was amazing and I must says that the plot left me wanting more. It was extremely intriguing and I really enjoyed it. I'm excited to see where the rest of the story is going to go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews