2. Batman #21 (The Zero Year, Part 1)
Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Greg Capullo
The comics crown this week undoubtedly goes to DC for their brilliant releases, two of the strongest being written by their current golden child, Scott Snyder. It was tough to decide who would get the top spot, especially as Batman is my favourite superhero, but it had to go to the other guy - its his week, heck, its his year (all 75 of em!). Which isnt to say this is a poor comic, far from it - Batman #21 is Snyder and Capullos best issue since Death of the Family ended. Its also the first part of the New 52 Batman origin story, The Zero Year. And what an amazing comic it is! 6 years ago... Immediately we see Batman and Gotham differently with Gotham somehow containing rivers in its subways and Batman, in short sleeves, atop a badass bike with a crossbow on his back! Theres a Killing Joke reference right away (another origin story) as Red Hood appears and Bruce (as another alter-ego) performs an amazing getaway from danger while saving everyones lives in a brilliant action sequence drawn to perfection, beat by beat, by the incomparable Greg Capullo. A very young looking Bruce Wayne is still figuring out his role as a vigilante and, though Alfred is with him, they have yet to set up shop in Wayne Manor and create the Batcave, so Bruce is working out of an ordinary house in a run-down neighborhood. Snyder and Capullo dot the comic with more and more references to the superhero Bruce will become such as the appearance of the giant penny and its origins, and the cowl-shaped Wayne Enterprises building. The best part of the book is young Bruces dialogue with his dad. In particular this line stuck out, after being asked by Thomas Wayne what he loves about Gotham - Bruce says: Because its a place where you can be anyone. Where I can be... NOT Bruce Wayne... The City lets me be anyone I want. Pretty ominous, eh? Snyder and Capullo manage to cram this issue with so much, there are so many layers that Batman fans will love to dissect in their own time. The appearance of a classic Batman villain at the end is the icing on the cake, as is the backup feature, written by Snyder and frequent co-writer James Tynion IV with art by Rafael Albuquerque, where we see a young Bruce learning his mad driving skills. Batman #21 is a brilliant start to this newly imagined Batman origin and feels larger and more ambitious than other origins. While for some Frank Miller and David Mazzuchellis Year One will always be THE Batman origin book, The Zero Year looks like its going to give that title a run for its money. If youre a Batman fan, you need to pick up this book immediately - its outstanding!