A Fan-Favorite Batman Spinoff Series Officially Returns After 10 Years

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Inquire any fan of Batman, and they’d gladly share that DC Comics has a history of capitalizing on the popularity of the Dark Knight, creating numerous series revolving around this successful character. Among these are “Batman”, “Detective Comics”, “Batman and Robin”, and “Batman/Superman: World’s Finest”. There are also ensemble books like “Justice League Unlimited” where Batman makes an appearance. One lesser-known spinoff of Batman was published about a decade ago, but despite occasional revisits, it never sustained a long run. However, starting in October, this is set to change with the launch of a brand new series.

The six-issue comic book series titled “Gotham Academy: First Year” is set to launch on October 1st, signaling the much-anticipated comeback of the beloved teen saga based in Gotham. Like its predecessor, “Gotham Academy: First Year” reunites the talented creative team of Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, and Becky Cloonan, with the addition of interior artist Marco Ferrari. The first series of “Gotham Academy” was published on October 1, 2014, focusing on Olive Silverlock as she enrolled in a prestigious preparatory school. Readers quickly fell for the book and its captivating cast due to its unique setting nestled within one of the most crime-ridden cities in the DC Universe.

Fletcher expresses his eagerness to revisit the universe of Gotham Academy alongside Becky and Karl. It’s a pleasure for him to reunite with the original team, and he’s thrilled to have Marco Ferrari join them too. Ferrari’s artwork infuses these characters and the Academy with such vitality.

Fletcher remarks, “We’re returning to where everything originated,” referring to the start of the story. The graphic novel, “Gotham Academy: First Year,” delves into Olive Silverlock’s significant first year, unveiling the intriguing summer events preceding the main storyline, and for the very first time, it introduces one of Batman’s most famous adversaries to the series. We’re thrilled to welcome both returning and new readers on board this October, marking a full 11 years since the initial series was launched!



GOTHAM ACADEMY: FIRST YEAR #1

  • On Sale October 1, 2025
  • Written by Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, and Becky Cloonan
  • Art by Marco Ferrari, Eva de la Cruz (colors) and Steve Wands (letters)
  • Main cover by Karl Kerschl
  • Variant covers by Dustin Nguyen and Sweeney Boo
  • 40 pages
  • Cover price: $4.99 US
  • Set before the events of the original series, First Year traces Olive’s reluctant arrival at the school after a traumatic event involving her mother—and a fateful handoff between Commissioner Gordon and Bruce Wayne. Shuffled from crisis into campus life, Olive must adapt to cliques, secrets, and a system that’s less supportive than it seems.
  • Underlying everything, Olive has a problem—and it’s shaped like Gotham’s most famous vigilante: Batman. But how will she process the weight of her past while navigating school politics, unexpected friendships, and a growing connection to Gotham’s darker mysteries? Who will she share her first kiss with? And why is everyone obsessed with… maps? What’s with these rich kids? Does Gotham Academy have a cartography class??

In our enthusiastic appreciation for the launch of “Gotham Academy”, ComicBook was highlighted as a standout title that was “genuinely thrilling, without a doubt”. The characters Olive and Maps were singled out as authentic individuals, their friendship serving as the foundation for the series with its blend of humor and emotion.

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2025-07-15 19:43