Gotham Academy Annual #1 is a funny, exciting and delightful adventure story that takes the structure of Scooby Doo, places it in the world of Batman and then adds the best elements of characterization from modern-day YA novels. As such, it works brilliantly to introduce new readers to the concept and characters of the series while giving its fans something to tide them over until school's back in session next month. Read Full Review

I enjoyed my first look into Gotham Academy. I'm hoping the more I read the more I understand the dynamic between all these interesting people. Read Full Review

With Second Semester set to start in a few weeks, Gotham Academy remains one of the most fun books you're apt to find. Read Full Review

A fun mystery showcases the potential of the Pizza Club members as individuals. Read Full Review

This was a fun mystery with a complex storyline that came to a surprising, yet satisfying resolution. Gotham Academy continues to be an enjoyable title and an interesting diversion from DC's typical superhero stories. Read Full Review

This is the last issue beforeSecond Semester takes over.There are just enough stories that have been planted to create intrigue for what comes next. Colton is due for a major story arc, with the threads,the last half a year or so, that have been planted. Pomeline needs her own dose of reality for just how cruel her behavior can be to others. Maps remains fun-loving. Kyle is still a background character who exists only to obsess about Olive. It's the desire to see these character continue to grow and expand, more than this story alone, that will bring fans back for the new number one issue. Read Full Review

People obviously read comics for all kinds of reasons. This is not a sticky, lore heavy affair, nor does it pretend it's use of Gustav Decobra or Derek Powers is anything but fun and playful. Character is more important than plot throughout this annual - if you look at the plot too closely, things fall apart pretty quickly. The mechanics of the time travel aside, the mysterious illness is a bit of a plot contrivance. The character work here is what is remarkable, and justifies any plot element the comic might use. Jokes, decisions and even speculation are all rooted in who these characters are. Referential at every turn, and filled with character-driven humor, Gotham Academy Annual #1 offers a lot for DC diehards, but will prove enjoyable for even the most unfamiliar of readers. Read Full Review

My issues with the GOTHAM ACADEMY ANNUAL underscore my overall fears about the SECOND SEMESTER branding. I'm a bit worried that the series may veer into being a hollow version of itself. Still fun, with well constructed characters and plots, but without the heart that made the first twelve issues so memorable. However, I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet, as I still have faith creative team of Cloonan, Fletcher, and Kerschl (who's returning to the book as a co-writer), and will be first in line to celebrate if they prove my fears to be unfounded. Read Full Review

Overall, Gotham Academy is my favorite current comic book. It has the highest artistic standards and some of my favorite characters. The writing team is doing a great job developing the kids and I can't wait for the new Semester to begin in earnest. Because of the inconsistencies in art and very high expectations I have for this comic book I am going to be a little harsh with my rating. If any other book was this good I'd give it a much higher rating, but I expect Gotham Academy to be the gold standard every time out, because it can be. I'm sure I'll make up for it when school begins. Read Full Review

Gotham Academy Annual #1 is a thrilling young adult adventure that sees Detective Club get to the bottom of what's making Olive and other students ill. Read Full Review

For a first annual, this should have been better, yet it could have been worse. Seeing these characters in action one more time before they come back for their second semester is nice, and there's plenty here to like, just not an awful lot to love. It looks great, that's for certain, it just could have afforded to be shorter. Still, any excuse to visit the grounds of Gotham Academy is welcome, and I still love this series, warts and all. Read Full Review

There are fun ideas here but they're ones that would be better suited to a standard single issue done tighter and with a better singular artistic vision to it. There are some appealing scenes and layouts to the book and I love the color work as it's definitely appealing, but everything is just so drawn out that I found myself not really becoming engaged with the artwork because the story kept making me want to find something to latch onto and flipping pages faster as I kept losing interest. Read Full Review

I followed and enjoyed the first series of Gotham Academy and this annual is more of the same tightly scripted, well drawn adventures starring an eclectic group of teens. It's pure fun and while hitting similar joyous notes, the script is more complex than you'd find in the average Scooby caper.