You know those books and graphic novels you cannot believe you've managed to snag? And you just kind of stare at them for hours on end before feeling like someone needs to pinch you? That's me with Gotham High. So, extra thank yous to my friends at DC Comics for sending me a free copy of this book! 

Spoiler alert: Gotham High is a delectable, vivid, diverse spin on some of the most iconic DC characters. AND. YOU. CAN'T. MISS. IT.

Gotham High
by Melissa de la Cruz;
Illustrated by Thomas Pitilli

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alex and Eliza and The Witches of East End comes a reimagining of Gotham for a new generation of readers. 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.

With enchanting art by Thomas Pitilli, this new graphic novel is just as intoxicating as it is chilling, in which dearest friends turn into greatest enemies--all within the hallways of Gotham High!






As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my participation in the blog tour/my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.  

DC comic fans, get ready! This is not a drill! Gotham gets the full blown Riverdale treatment in this colorful and modern origin story of its most iconic characters. Gotham High is everything I wanted it to be and then some. Between the picture perfect combination of dishy story telling, sprinkles of heroism and anti-heroism, and stunning illustrations that showcase the story's diversity, you can't really go wrong with this one. 

High school drama? Check. Snarky heroes? Check. Sizzling chemistry? Check. Intriguing bonds that just may be fragile enough to break? Check. The chance of danger, heartbreak and betrayal? Check, check, check. One thing is certain in Gotham High: anything can happen and your greatest friends just might be your biggest foes. 

In other words? Gotham High is deliciously energetic and the perfect groundwork for something new. Get ready for electricity. Get ready for a quick glimpse at the life of students at Gotham High, and embrace the mysteries at hand.

There's a new dynamic duo in town: Melissa de la Cruz and Thomas Pitilli are a match made in heaven. Every page of Gotham High is indulgent and wholly captivating. Gotham High is striking in many ways, but the biggest plus is the familiarity and newness of these characters. Longtime fans of DC comics will be able to acknowledge old favourites, with a glimmer of something new. They're still your favourites--only updated in a way that is smart and incredibly diverse. 

AND. I. AM. OBSESSED. 

(No, really.)

For me, the best of Gotham High lay beyond its artistic merit and entertainment value. (Which are 100% there. Both de la Cruz and Pitilli truly shine in their respective contributions.) It's in the effort to updated and diversify these characters in a way that feels right. (Bruce Wayne, for example, is half Asian, and his guardian is none other than Alfred. And Alfred's husband, John. Why, yes, I AM IN FACT SQUEALING IN EXCITEMENT.) 

Ultimately, Gotham High will stun new and old fans alike. This is a highly engaging graphic novel with artwork that will truly blow you away. You can never go wrong with a good DC story, and Gotham High definitely takes these characters to new grounds. This is the absolute perfect stepping stone for new DC readers to begin--and will absolutely hit it off with fans of Gotham, Gossip Girl and Riverdale.