10 Reasons Why New 52 Batman Was The Best Ever

In a post-“Year One,” post-“Batman Begins” world, this comic had the pluck to present its own retelling of Batman’s origin. And somehow it was fantastic. This was a slow, accumulative origin, something unique in comics. In “Zero Year,” Bruce doesn’t become Batman over night. He acquires the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of Batman piece by piece.

While some may complain that the sprawling tale doesn’t digest as easily as other superhero origins, I think that very aspect is its true strength. It gives the myth more time and space to grow. It infuses Batman's whole iconography with the breath of life.

Equally earth-shattering was when Scott Snyder revealed Gotham City’s alternate history— preyed upon by hidden Owls all along. Then, he finally addressed the question of Joker’s immortality, something only hinted at before. He followed that up by making Jim Gordon Batman for a year. 

The whole series is studded by surprising developments. The Joker invades the Batcave and scatters the Bat Family. Bruce Wayne's long-lost evil brother shows up, and it's actually awesome. An amnesiac Bruce Wayne sits on a park bench with an amnesiac Joker, and they talk as strangers. These are the most exhilarating additions to the Batman legend since Damian Wayne showed up a decade ago, and they are sure to echo in the character's history for years to come.