2. Batman #24 By Scott Snyder And Greg Capullo (DC)
This was a close one - any other week and I'd give this the gold star, must-read comic everyone should pick up, but chances are you already know how awesome Snyder and Capullo's Batman series is and won't need me or anyone else to tell you to get it; you've already got it. Plus my comic of the week pick is an underdog publisher and this comic stars the world's most popular superhero, so let's let someone else take the spotlight, eh, Citizen Kane? First thing you're going to notice is that this is a double-size issue, so you're going to pay the price of a cheap graphic novel for a single-issue comic - but don't let that put you off because it's filled with amazing art and storytelling that makes it worth every penny. Oh, and it's also the origin of New 52 Joker - so there's that! Ever since Zero Year has started we've seen the Red Hood Gang terrorise Gotham, led by their charismatic leader, Red Hood One. As the Red Hoods prepare for a massive assault on the city, to set off gas bombs at multiple locations at the same time, Bruce Wayne decides to take the fight to them, appearing at ACE Chemicals with a plan of pre-empting the attack a day early, bringing the media in tow. Things go to hell and soon the Dark Knight and the Red Hood are battling an inferno - and then the vats of green liquid begin opening up... Everything about this comic is note-perfect, and Batman fans will simply adore it, revelling in the detail and nuances from Batman's history that Snyder includes in this issue. From the opening scene which references the iconic cover of Detective Comics #27 from 1937, to Alan Moore's classic, The Killing Joke, this Batman book is chocabloc with Batman, Batman and more Batman. I mention The Killing Joke because of the Red Hood and ACE Chemicals but Snyder makes an important distinction between the Red Hood of Killing Joke and the Red Hood of Zero Year - the former is an innocent, bullied into a position he didn't want to take, while the latter is already a crazy gang leader sociopath whose transformation into the Clown Prince of Crime only changes his appearance, not his personality. While this issue is also about the beginning of Batman's greatest nemesis, it also marks the first time Bruce truly announces Batman to Gotham, through a series of prominently placed Bat symbols and starts construction beneath Wayne Manor of what will become the Batcave. Lots of great Batman action aside, I love that Alfred's right there with him during the action, helping him out - kind of like an older Robin before Dick Grayson appears. Capullo brings his usual A-game to the book - if I give him short shrift here, it's because I don't think I need praise him any more than I have done in other reviews of Batman. He is a master and his work on Batman is just incredible, every time. The issue also features too many great scenes and moments to go into here, but they're there, they're awesome and made all the better with Capullo drawing them. Just when you think that Snyder and Capullo can't possibly have anything left in the tank, that after 2 years of doing this, they must surely start flagging now, they go and do a double-sized issue that's one of the best issues they've ever done. That's Batman: Zero Year guys - I'd say go read it but you probably already have. And wasn't it great? 25 more issues on its way!