Writer: Brenden Fletcher
Artist: Adam Archer
Gotham Academy 18
We’ve reached the end of another school year at Gotham Academy. It could also be the end of the line for Robin and his shenanigans.
Last month Robin took off with Maps scrapbook without her permission and now she’s in hot pursuit. But she’s not alone; Olive is also accompanying her. During the chase Gotham Academy writer, Brenden Fletcher, catches us up on loads of previously unknown back story. He also includes bits of comic relief by sharing funny incidents from the past year. The first back story pertains to Tristan Grey’s enrollment and the mysterious disappearance of Professor Milo. Next we’re enlightened about an odd request from overzealous shop class professor, Mr. Silversmith and a talent show mishap involving Maps and Pomeline. Fletcher’s insights are rounded out by a humorous tale of Maps first driving lesson.
Although Robin proves to be a slippery character, Maps and Olive stay close enough on his heels to eventually force him into ditching the swiped scrapbook. But that’s not all he leaves behind. To Maps delight he also leaves a personal gift—a first edition Serpent & Spells —tagged to her.
Robin the Thief
The writing for this “last semester” issue was good enough to hold my interest. The same was also true of the artwork. Although I appreciate the effort put forth by the Gotham team on the “Yearbook” arc these past few months, most of the issues felt generic to me and didn’t finish the school year with anywhere near the customary Gotham Academy spirit as I would have hoped.
Gotham Academy, like its students, will take the summer off. It will return in August with a single one-shot issue and then in September will kick off a completely new storyline.
If the Gotham Academy summer hiatus is news to you, don’t fret. DC Comics is set to give us all we can handle this summer starting in June with the much-anticipated REBIRTH relaunch of its entire line of monthly superheroes. Enjoy your summer!
My Rating: 
