Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero is published by DC Comics, written by E Lockhart and illustrated by Manuel Preitano. Available from 7th September 2021 either direct from DC Comics or from your local comic store.
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Willow Zimmerman has something to say. When she’s not on the streets advocating for her community, she’s volunteering at the local pet shelter. She seeks to help all those in need, even the stray dog she’s named Lebowitz that follows her around. But as much as she does for the world around her, she struggles closer to home—taking care of her mother, recently diagnosed with cancer. Her job as an adjunct professor of Jewish studies does not provide adequate health insurance—and Willow can see that time is running out.
When in desperation she reconnects with her estranged “uncle” Edward, he opens the door to an easier life. Through simple jobs, such as hosting his private poker nights with Gotham City’s elites, she is able to keep her family afloat—and afford critical medical treatments for her mother.
But when Willow discovers that Edward and his friends are actually some of Gotham’s most corrupt criminals, she must make a choice: remain loyal to the man who kept her family together, or use her new powers to be a voice for her community.
Review
Whistle is a charming story from E Lockhart around a young girl trying to make a difference in the world she lives in, which just happens to be probably the most dangerous place on the planet Gotham City.
In a world full of corruption and crime young Willow just wants to be heard but she’s struggling with life and needs a way out, which unfortunately leads her down a different path to what she was once used to as she makes contact with her estranged “Uncle” Edward or his most common name E Nigma (ring any bells?). The story is emotional yet poignant at the same time with Willow determind to do what she needs to do to keep her Mum in better care and keep the roof over their heads albeit illegally. As Willow finds her powers she is able to make a difference in a far better way.
Lockhart tells a heartfelt story of struggle with everyday life that some people have to deal with on a daily basis, I personally love the way she has made Gotham feel like a normal place making the story feel that much more relatable to the reader, the discreet cameos from some of the well known Gotham faces are a great touch to the book.
The illustrations from Preitano are great, I like how the artwork feels softer but dramatic when needed matching the story arc and bringing it all to life.
Verdict
A decent overall feelgood story, a great introduction to Gotham from a different perspective, great story telling and artwork, a fully recommended read.
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