Just like high school can feel like an eternity for some students, in the School Spirits graphic novel, it literally is for the main protagonist, Maddie Graves. Maddie finds herself stuck in the confines of high school but with an added twist – she’s dead. However, the grim circumstances of her death remain shrouded in mystery.
Main Characters
Maddie is a spirited teenager who is in the process of adjusting to her unexpected afterlife at high school. Her memory fails her when she attempts to recall her death, leading her to believe that she was murdered, and leaving her with the singular objective – to solve her own murder mystery.
Among the characters, Charley plays a pivotal role as Maddie’s guide in her afterlife journey. Charley, a vintage character straight out of 1995, helps Maddie navigate the eternal high school afterlife.
Xavier is another key character who plays a significant role as Maddie’s boyfriend. Xavier is one of Maddie’s last memories before her untimely death, thus stoking her belief that she was indeed murdered.
The Plot
The story swirls around Split River High, where Maddie finds herself navigating a unique realm inhabited by teenaged spirits who also met their untimely demise at the school over the course of a century. One peculiar pattern emerges – while these other teen spirits can recall their deaths, Maddie draws a blank when she attempts to recall her fateful day.
Maddie’s quest to unveil her death’s mystery forms the central plot of the narrative. Maddie’s growing conviction that she has been murdered propels her to set out on an investigative journey in her purgatorial limbo, in hopes of liberation.
The Twist
A remarkable twist in this intriguing narrative emerges spoiler alert when it is revealed that Maddie is not dead technically. Instead, her body has been possessed by another spirit, Janet. Her spiritual form was expelled when Janet forcedly inhabited her body, lending a extraordinary aspect to the narrative.
Conclusion
The School Spirits graphic novel explores an engaging blend of otherworldly elements fused with relatable high school scenarios, underpinned by a compelling murder mystery. The narrative leaves the reader anticipating the daunting question – ‘Whodunit?’. The rollercoaster narrative ride doesn’t quite end with the revelation of Maddie’s possession, setting the stage for more chilling encounters and twisted revelations in subsequent chapters. With its unique premise and captivating storyline, School Spirits offers a deeply intriguing and darkly comedic perspective on the high school experience in the afterlife.