Given the opportunity, would you attend high school with Batman, Catwoman, and The Joker? Following include five reasons to enroll at Gotham High.
Gotham High by Melissa de la CruzIllustrator: Thomas Pitilli
Published by DC Ink on April 7, 2020
Genres: Graphic Novel, Superheroes, Young Adult
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and The Joker, Bruce, Selina, and Jack were high schoolers who would do whatever it took—even destroy the ones they love—to satisfy their own motives.
After being kicked out of his boarding school, 16-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham City to find that nothing is as he left it. What once was his family home is now an empty husk, lonely but haunted by the memory of his parents' murder. Selina Kyle, once the innocent girl next door, now rules over Gotham High School with a dangerous flair, aided by the class clown, Jack Napier.
When a kidnapping rattles the school, Bruce seeks answers as the dark and troubled knight—but is he actually the pawn? Nothing is ever as it seems, especially at Gotham High, where the parties and romances are of the highest stakes . . . and where everyone is a suspect.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
5 Reasons to Attend Gotham High
- Gotham High features a diverse student body. Bruce is half Chinese (his mom’s from Hong Kong). In one scene, he visits what looks like a Chinatown, and he speaks Chinese with a shopkeeper. You don’t need to read Chinese to understand what’s going on, but it was a neat surprise for me. Selina seems at least half Hispanic (her full name is Selina Gomez Kyle), and she’s fighting to protect her father, who has Alzheimer’s. Jack Napier, the Joker, is neglected at home (his parents appear to be druggies), and has connections with the shadier population of Gotham.
- The girls continue the recent trend of strong heroines in YA lit. Selina and Ivy are fierce and can fend for themselves. Together, they define girl power. If I had any issue here: View Spoiler »
- Alfred returns . . . as Bruce’s uncle. No matter his appearance or relationship to Bruce, Alfred presents a reliable ally. Brother to Bruce’s mother, Alfred wasn’t always there for Bruce; grief over his sister’s death led him to send Bruce away. Now, he’s moved back to Gotham City to be there for Bruce, and he actively supports Bruce’s investigation of the recent incidents in Gotham. View Spoiler »
- Batman and The Joker team up. How often do you get to see Bruce and Jack work together for a common cause? The two teens come from different walks of life—this is apparent when the two introduce each other to a part of their respective worlds—yet Selina’s existence forms a bridge that results in an uncommon friendship between Bruce and Jack.
- Parties, gossip, and intrigue abound at Gotham High. There’s always a party to attend on the weekends. And now, a recent kidnapping shakes Gotham High. Bruce intends to find out what happened. The more he investigates, however, the more the intrigue builds. Can you solve the case before the dark knight does?
Rating PG-13
Bias Notes
I love superhero stories.
Related Content
- Read an excerpt of Gotham High on the DC Comics website.
- Read my review of Teen Titans: Raven, another graphic novel from DC Ink.
Let’s Chat
📚 Would you attend Gotham High with Batman, Catwoman, and The Joker?
📚 Who would be your bestie? (Feel free to name another DC Universe character.)
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I just read about this book on another blog, and it definitely sounds interesting!! Love your five reasons to read it.
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Nicole! It was a fun read.
ShootingStarsMag says
I enjoyed this one, and I love that they made Bruce half-Asian – it was a nice change from the original stories. And I’d want my BFF to be Harley Quinn.
-Lauren
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, it’s a nice change to have Bruce half Asian. Nice choice for BFF 🙂
Lindsi says
Jacob and I are Marvel people, but there’s something about Batman that’s hard to ignore. I’ve seen this one around, and the premise is interesting, but I’m on the fence about whether or not it’s one I’d enjoy. It definitely has a unique premise. 🙂
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 😷💬
Crystal (Kester) says
I agree. There’s something about Batman that catches our attention.
Ethan says
I love this take on the genre. Knowing how most of the students end up being villains, I’m not sure that I’d want to attend this school lol.
My go-to genre has always been mysteries, but I do love a good superhero story, especially in the movies!
Crystal (Kester) says
Haha…that’s true. Not to mention the high crime rates in Gotham!
Superhero movies are fantastic!