Vol. 4: Zero Year - Secret City, Batman

This really gives more depth to Batman's past, and even introduces the Riddler. The book felt incomplete, which is why if you buy this you might as well buy Volume 5 as well.

I love this take on Batman. I love this take on Batman's humble beginnings as a vigilante, and I love The Red Hood's beginnings as well (Joker).

All in all, it's a very captivating read as are all of Snyder's Batman books. The Art seemed to lack what the predecessor's had, but it wasn't bad. It didn't detract at all and still made for a great read.

this book comits what i consider a deadly sin for batman writers and messes with the killing joke. some people will call it tribute i call it ruining a classic as it takes jokers possible origin and makes an official origin for a character who is ment to be a force of nature, a logical response to batman. yin and yang. on top of that the timeline is a complete mess as this story claims it takes place 6 years ago dispite damien who was concieved while bruce was batman being 11 years old currently. i dont recomend

Snyder and Capullo are fantastic storytellers. The best team that has worked on Batman since O'Neil and Adams. Batman's New 52 origin is a fresh take on the character that has you on the edge of your seat.

Scott Snyder's take on the Batman Mythos becomes even more complex with his new story "Zero Year." As of writing this, Zero Year is on issue 30, and I have to say, even though Part 1: Secret City may seem as a stand alone story... you'll be very glad it keeps going for another volume.

Snyder asks a three main questions in Zero Year. In Secret-City, Snyder asks why Batman, and better yet why Bruce, would even try to save Gotham city from itself. I won't say why, so that it not be spoiled. Part 2 asks; is Batman really doing more good than harm? And boy, does Snyder give you a very good reason to ask that question yourself. Note: he leaves you to make up your own mind.
It's not clear, yet, as for what part 3 will ask, however, judging by the history of his writing, I expect it will ask something. I would be disappointed if there wasn't a thematic escalation for the third part.

Oh, yes. I must mention the art. Oh yes.. Capullo ROCKS! Greg goes full on Batman TAS for this story. I already thought his Batman had a similar iconic-ness to it, but maaaan. If you grew up with that series, it will feel like coming home. Although it's more adult than the show. Keep that in mind.

This Batman story is as fine a jumping on point( <-- that there means "you can start here" if interested) as any. I mean, what better place to start other than the beginning? Unless you've already been reading Snyder/Capullo Batman, then you understand why they chose to do 'this' story' when they did(and still are).

5/5

It is unfair that the only thing holding this volume back from a five star rating is a comparison to the decade-plus old Batman:Year One. That book is an absolute must-read for any Batman fan (and every comics fan). Snyder here continues his very good run on Batman producing a very good book. I do recommend this book - but read Year One too!

This series is awesome. The writers put different stories throughout one book and it all ties together well. I find that sometimes the stories jump so drastically, it makes it hard to follow sometimes but overall, I love the series. This New 52 Batman series is my very first comic experience and it's so enjoyable. Batman is the best superhero out there and I'm glad this series just cemented that fact.