Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12 The Final Issue – Review

Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12 The Final Issue

Story by Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan, and Karl Kerschl
Script by Brenden Fletcher
Pencils by Adam Archer
Inks by Sandra Hope
Colours by MSASSYK
Letters by Steve Wands

Review by Hafsa Alkhudairi

Here it is: the final issue of Gotham Academy! Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12!

This is both something to celebrate, for the writers ended the story how they wished to, and to cry over, for it is the end one of the most awesome series! Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan, and Karl Kerschl created the first superhero comic series I’ve ever read. I am very happy to say that the quality from the beginning of Gotham Academy to this final issue has never failed. Furthermore, the art style and lettering is also consistent except for the miniseries in between semesters, Yearbook.

Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12 ends happily and finishes the Olive Silverlock saga, although Maps’ story could be continued. (MAKE HER ROBIN!) The experience of the ending makes the story very satisfying and gives the readers the closure needed. The art and style of the visuals is very influenced by the fire surrounding, giving the right mood for the events unfolding.

I would also like to point out the different typefaces used to portray different voices; they are pretty awesome and eerily fitting for their owners. Moreover, someone completely unexpected — but also very much expected — resolves the story with a heroic gesture. They are unexpected because the story does not follow the usual plot where the knight in shining armour saves the damsel in distress. They are expected because their actions follow through with the promises the narrative has been laying down.

Finally, my favourite scene in Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12 is the spread that appears right after the action resolves. It shows how the characters and the school are getting along in the aftermath. It combines the fiery red/yellow of the issue with ideas of renovation and sunlight. Hence, the perfect happy ending for this awesome narrative.

Verdict
Buy it! Heck, buy the whole series. Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12 was the best ending I could expect from a series that gripped my thoughts, with characters that gripped my heart. It is a happy ending, despite the chaos leading up to it. All the questions we had were resolved, leaving nothing as a plot hole. Furthermore, I like how the story ends with friendship winning and saving the day.  All this wasa reinforced with beautiful art and lettering that matched the different voices. It was great and I will miss this series!