One of the advantages of my laptop sadly being out of
commission for the past few weeks is that it has given me a chance to look back
on DC’s #0 month as a whole.
Like most DC fans, I was looking forward to an easy entry
into titles not previously read, as well as reading up on the back stories of
my regular pull list. I was also hoping it would breathe new life into titles
I’ve cancelled over the last twelve months.
Whilst it is safe to say the reception has been mixed, I
would say it has been for a variety of reasons, with no single factor to blame
for its possible failure. Undoubtedly, some titles were plain not very good,
however that had to be expected when we were dealing with over 50 titles. Even
the most die-hard of DC fans must have thought that! My first problem though,
after reading over 20 issues, was whether all titles actually required a #0
origin tale in the first place?
Personally, it got to
the point where many titles merged into one and became very predictable as they
followed a standard storyline. Two generic plot templates emerged with the main
character either experiencing a tragic event in their early years or being
responsible for such an event through reckless behaviour. Through these events,
their new persona is used for either vengeance or a form of redemption.
I have no problem in DC using this as an excuse to pull in
new readers, using the #0 issue as an accessible entry way into a title,
however was there honestly a need for four Batman #0’s (Batman, Detective, Batman &
Robin, Dark Knight)? Granted, they concentrated on different aspects of Bruce’s
early days and they were all personal high-points for Zero month, but still
unnecessary. Additionally, a number of titles had concluded their arc with #12
anyway so the next issue could well be seen as a potential jumping on point for
new readers.
The titles that would likely benefit the most from Zero
month would be those that started back in September 2011 where the sales
figures have been steadily falling. Two titles where the #0 issue has been
detrimental would be World’s Finest and Earth 2. After only four issues
released prior to this September, both titles were still finding their way,
introducing new characters, and building a solid fan base. I think it was bad
timing here for both titles to go on a two month break before their stories
could resume. Staying with World’s Finest, one criticism of its #0 issue would
be in the art department. For a comic that deals with the sudden loss of a
parent, there was far too much of a cartoony feel which was completely out of
context with what was actually going on. 
The title that has induced the most geek rage in me, ever
since the re-boot in fact, was Green Arrow. As mentioned earlier, it is the
feature of some titles for the main character to be on a quest of redemption
for their past ill activities, however in my two years of reading comics, I’ve
never seen such an unlikeable character as this interpretation of Oliver Queen
as he shows no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
When comparing him to the Oli Queen from Identity Crisis, an
ageing cynical man looking to reconnect with his wife and children, it’s almost
painful to read this re-booted version and it is a title that was quickly
removed from my monthly list. It seems to be a homage to the Queen seen in
Smallville which doesn’t sound like a bad idea on paper, however the transition
to the comic book has just not worked. The #0 issue, showing him to be a rich
playboy at fault for a large explosion and the possible death of a friend, was
a bad choice as that’s not the kind of act someone can hope to come back from.
Aside from the Batman titles, I found Batgirl, Swamp Thing,
and Talon to be good reads but not enough to get the next issue although, with
the Joker storyline featuring heavily in Batgirl over the next few months, I
may quickly reverse that decision.
Perhaps the most striking point is my favourite #0 issue
turned out to be Green Lantern: New Guardians and that wasn’t an origin issue, instead
more of a reforming of the team prior to the Rise of the Third Army story.
On a side note, I have, over the past couple of months and
done the unthinkable in reading a few Marvel titles in Avengers vs. X-Men,
Gambit, and Hawkeye. As reluctant as I was, I have noted a considerable
improvement in terms of character and general dialogue. From these early
issues, it appears Marvel are more comfortable with their creations, developing
characters without betraying their origins. This is compared where many DC
titles just seem too forced in putting across their point and not giving their
storylines enough time to flourish. As an example, poor old Superman has had a
rough time since the reboot as he continues to find a worthwhile arc.
In conclusion, the effect of Zero month has been for me to
take up some Marvel titles as well as some upcoming Image comics that are
released in November so, personally, I suppose it hasn’t worked. I hope that DC
looks to Batman’s Court of Owl’s storyline and see, when given plenty of time
to develop, a title is more likely to succeed and I hope that happens over the
next 12 months.
