1. The Arcs Thus Far; Part Three - Year Zero
Year Zero actually began quite a while back in Batman #0, where much of the story elements were set up alongside a quite heart-warming tale about some of Batman's future sidekicks and their lives before the Bat. Unsurprisingly the idea of telling a story before Frank Miller's definitive Year One has stirred up the detractors once more, but this story is still in it's early days and it seems some of the critics of the other arcs are willing to come back and give this arc a chance. If there ever was a point where it was good to jump on board the Batman title then this would be it. The previously explored theme of hubris is carried over, or is that taken back, to this story. Bruce's fervent desire for justice frequently proves to be his downfall, almost to the cost of his own life on several occasions. What is interesting to note is that this run seems to play with the conventions of noir that it had used to great effect previously, particularly through it's use of mise en scene. Gotham before Batman is actually a bright colourful place, even at night, and a lot of the action seems to take place in broad daylight. Perhaps in itself a comment on how terrible things have become. As a Joker fan this writer is intrigued by the handling of the Red Hood and where that will go, but this writer is also surprisingly equally intrigued by the fresh take on the Riddler, as are many others, particularly those that had derided prior efforts by Snyder and his team. So in closing if they're willing to give out seconds chances perhaps so should you? Furthermore it is hoped that this articles exploration of just what might lie below the surface of the New 52 Batman has at least made you somewhat curious enough to form your own opinion rather than reiterate the rhetoric of others, especially if you yourself have not read any of it.