Willow loves her community of Down River in Gotham City. It isn’t a wealthy part of Gotham, quite the opposite, but she’s passionate enough about it to protest outside school for more education funding and for other causes that will help Down River. Gotham City is corrupt and rife with crime, and she’s keen to combat it however she can.

Another problem in Down River is the random attacks on local buildings. Overnight they become entangled in vines, plants and vegetation – dubbed being ‘greened.’ Who is doing this and why?

Trouble is at home too. Willow’s mum has a brain tumour and they are struggling with the bills. Willow takes on an overnight job, and along with her studies, fills much of her waking hours. A lifeline is offered to her through an old family friend. It can solve everything but goes against all that Willow believes in.

The new job offers high tips, but is also steeped in danger. One night she is attacked by a creature from the drains, leaving her and a friendly stray dog with strange new senses.

Can she use these new skills to counter the damage she is allowing through her high-paid job? Taking on a new name (Whistle) with her dog sidekick, The Hound, Willow must balance on a tightrope of good and evil to continue to pay for medical treatment for her mum and tackle the crime in Down River.

From the author of the epic We were Liars and Genuine Fraud, this Graphic Novel introduces a new super hero and also describes the origin story of one of her foes – Poison Ivy. Willow is a likeable character, doing all she can to help her community, then struggling with the weight of looking after her mother both physically and financially. This conundrum provides a great moral backdrop for the evil that abounds in Gotham.

A budding friendship / relationship is on the fringes, constantly pushed back as Willow battles her inner misgivings of crime vs cash for her mum, adding another layer to the story. 

Illustrated in hues of blue and orange, and bolts of green of course whenever Poison Ivy is involved; this new origin story/super hero duo is an intriguing one.

The Riddler makes an appearance too, grounding this further into the Gotham we know and love.

Author – E Lockhart

Illustrator – Manuel Preitano

Age – 12+

Graphic Novel

(2022, Penguin Random House, Gotham City, Super heroes, Super Villains, Good vs Evil, Poison Ivy, The Riddler, Animals, Dogs, Mother, Mum, Cancer, Chemo, Brain Tumour, Hospital, Gambling, Dog Shelter, Choices, Action, Animals, Courage, Crime, Family, Fantasy, Friendship, Romance, School, Secret, Graphic Novel)