Gotham Academy (comic book)
Gotham Academy is a DC Comics series that debuted in 2014, set in a boarding school within Gotham City. Created by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher, and Karl Kerschl, the series focuses on a younger cast of characters, primarily Olive Silverlock and Maps Mizoguchi, as they navigate the mysteries and intrigue surrounding Gotham Academy.
The comic book distinguishes itself from many other Batman-related titles by focusing less on superheroics and more on character-driven drama, mysteries, and interpersonal relationships within the school setting. It draws inspiration from boarding school fiction and features a blend of gothic atmosphere, teenage angst, and supernatural elements. While Batman and other established DC characters occasionally appear, they play supporting roles to the central cast of students.
The series explores themes of friendship, identity, family secrets, and the search for belonging. The artwork style is distinct, often featuring a more cartoonish and expressive style compared to the grittier aesthetics commonly associated with Gotham City.
Gotham Academy has been praised for its diverse cast of characters and its unique approach to storytelling within the Batman universe, appealing to a wider audience beyond traditional superhero comic book readers. Several collected editions of the series have been published.