Batman: Zero Year Reading Guide

Overview:

Batman: Zero Year is a comic book storyline published in 2013 as part of DC Comics’ “The New 52” initiative. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo, this arc reimagines Bruce Wayne’s early days as Batman, providing a fresh origin story for the character in Gotham. The story is set before the events of Frank Miller’s “Batman: Year One,” offering a more modern, high-energy interpretation of Bruce’s transformation into the Dark Knight.

The arc is divided into three main parts: Secret City, Dark City, and Savage City. Bruce Wayne faces off against major adversaries, such as the Red Hood Gang and the Riddler, who significantly shape his early journey as Gotham’s protector. The story is more expansive than most origin stories, diving deep into Bruce’s psyche and his development as a crime fighter.

Fan and critical reception was generally positive, with particular praise for Capullo’s dynamic artwork and Snyder’s ability to balance character development with action. Zero Year remains an essential Batman story for its new take on familiar characters and fresh approach to Gotham’s chaotic environment.

Best Way To Read:

Main Collections

• Batman: Zero Year
  • Collects: Batman (2011) #21-27, 29-33
• DC Comics: Zero Year
  • Collects: Batman (2011) #24-#25, Action Comics #25, Batgirl #25, Batwing #25, Batwoman #25, Birds of Prey #25, Catwoman #25, Detective Comics #25, The Flash #25, Green Arrow #25, Green Lantern Corps #25, Nightwing #25, Red Hood and the Outlaws #25

Alternative Collections

• Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo Omnibus Volume 1
  • Collects: Batman (2011) #1-33
• Batman Volume 4 Zero Year – Secret City
  • Collects: Batman (2011) #21-24, Batman Annual #2
• Batman Volume 5 Zero Year – Dark City
  • Collects: Batman (2011) #25-27, 29-33

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Herald
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature image from Batman #21 cover art by Greg Capullo and FCP Plascencia