Gotham Academy is regularly one of DC Comics’ most fun, exciting releases, but next week’s issue sees a big tonal shift for a story about grief. Olive Silverlock’s mother has passed away, and Olive’s classmates want to comfort their friend but aren’t quite sure how. It’s a big departure from the lighthearted adventure that has defined past issues, but sadness is a part of the teenage experience, which makes it a valuable emotion to explore in a teen-centric comic. Writers Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher understand that a lot of times these moments of sorrow are observed in silence, and this preview of Gotham Academy #8 is primarily concerned with creating solemn atmosphere.