Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero introduces readers to new comic book hero Willow Zimmerman and the courageous sixteen-year-old has something to say. In her big vv debut and origin story, Whistle takes a closer look at the daily life of Gotham teen and superhero Willow and her loyal dog companion, Lebowitz, in the unexplored neighborhood of Down River.
When she’s not on the streets protesting City Hall’s neglect of her run-down Gotham neighbourhood, Willow’s working nights at the local dog shelter. But as much as she does for the world around her, she’s struggling at home taking care of her sick mother. Without health insurance and money running out, a desperate Willow reconnects with estranged family friend E. Nigma — ex-addict, party promoter and real estate tycoon. Nigma opens the door to an easier life, offering Willow a new job hosting his glamorous private poker nights with Gotham City’s elite. Now, Willow is able to afford critical medical treatments for her mother. Plus, the job gives her a taste of the high life she’s never had… but is it more than what she bargained for? And what’s a hero without her villains?
In this first look, Whistle offers a new take on classic villains E. Nigma/The Riddler, Poison Ivy, and Killer Croc. But are the contemporary versions of these villains any match for a young girl from Gotham with brand new superpowers, big aspirations, and an even bigger dog?
The upcoming young adult graphic novel is written by New York Times best-selling author E. Lockhart (Genuine Fraud, We Were Liars) with art by Manuel Preitano (The Oracle Code). E. Lockhart is known for her books Again Againand the New York Times bestseller and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist Genuine Fraud. Her novel The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks was a Printz Honor book and a National Book Award Finalist. Whistle is her first graphic novel.
“I love the Gotham City rogue’s gallery and it was a challenge to choose the villains who would be the best dark mirrors for Whistle’s heroism. I picked the Riddler because I love puzzles and word play, and gave him a back story that connects him to my hero’s family history. He’s a complex villain with a sweet side readers may not have seen before! Poison Ivy is a villain who crusades for something she believes in, “ said Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero writer E. Lockhart. “As an academic and an activist (of the most destructive sort), she serves as both a mentor and an antagonist for Whistle And Killer Croc — well, a girl with dog-related superpowers would naturally go up against a crocodile man! And my version of Croc, like Whistle, sees himself as a protector of their Down River neighborhood. Only Croc protects it by going on a murder spree, while Whistle uses more positive methods.”
Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero will be available digitally and at participating bookstores on Tuesday, September 7.
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