Gotham Academy – Second Semester #4 (2016) đ«đŠ
Genre:
Supernatural Mystery, Teen Drama, Adventure
Main Characters:
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Olive Silverlock – The emotionally complex protagonist with a mysterious connection to the supernatural.
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Maps Mizoguchi – Olive’s adventurous and loyal best friend, always ready to explore.
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Colton Rivera – Tech-savvy and rebellious member of the Detective Club.
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Pomeline Fritch – Sharp-tongued but fiercely intelligent, with an interest in the occult.
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Kyle Mizoguchi – Maps’ older brother and Olive’s former love interest.
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Professor MacPherson – A faculty member who may know more than he lets on.
Writer:
Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan, and Karl Kerschl – A collaborative trio known for blending gothic atmospheres with relatable teen dynamics.
Artist:
Adam Archer (pencils), with layouts and breakdowns by Karl Kerschl. The artwork delivers a stylized, expressive charm that matches the eerie tone of the story.
Editor Details:
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Group Editor: Mark Doyle
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Associate Editor: Rebecca Taylor
Their careful curation ensures continuity in tone and pacing across the Gotham Academy series.
Publisher and Brand:
DC Comics
Under the DC You initiative, aimed at diverse, character-driven storytelling.
Release Year:
2016
Brief Plot Summary:
In this fourth issue of Second Semester, the Detective Club finds itself in crisis when one of its own is dragged before the school board for a trial that could lead to permanent expulsion. But this courtroom drama is only the beginning. As the rest of the crew tries to clear their friend's name, their investigation leads them down dark and winding corridors—both literal and metaphorical.
At the heart of their search lies the Book of Gotham, a mythical tome rumored to hold secrets buried deep within the city’s haunted past. What starts as a rescue mission becomes a descent into the unknown as the students uncover chilling truths about the academy they call home. đ°️đ
Notable Arcs or Storylines:
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The Book of Gotham Mystery Arc – Introduced here, the Book becomes a central object of intrigue, connecting the academy’s secrets to Gotham’s shadowy history.
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Olive’s Power Evolution – Olive's growing connection to her mysterious heritage and powers continues to deepen in this issue, paving the way for future revelations.
Fan Theories or Interpretations:
đ”️ Fans speculate that the Book of Gotham may be linked to ancient magical forces or even to the Court of Owls. Some believe it’s a magical artifact predating Gotham Academy itself, possibly connected to Arkham’s legacy.
đ Another popular theory is that the academy's staff are secretly grooming students to become protectors—or pawns—in a much larger Gotham conspiracy.
Review Summary:
Gotham Academy – Second Semester #4 strikes a compelling balance between emotional stakes and mystery. The writing remains sharp, with each character receiving meaningful development. Olive and Maps continue to shine as a duo, while the artwork complements the eerie, whimsical tone of the series with expressive panels and moody color palettes. The issue builds tension effectively, drawing readers into a broader narrative arc that promises more supernatural thrills and emotional payoffs. đđ
Verdict: A hauntingly fun read full of secrets, school drama, and suspense. Ideal for fans of teen mystery and the darker corners of the DC universe.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
