DC UNIVERSE #0
© DC
Comic Series: DC Universe
Authors: Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns
Publisher: DC
Price: $0.50
Comic Review: DC UNIVERSE #0
By: Kurt AmackerDate: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns—accomplished scribes, both—have an enormous challenge in DC Universe 0, in which they must overcome the continuity knot created by Countdown in anticipation of the forthcoming Final Crisis and its tie-ins. The story begins with an unnamed narrator, who passes through the world of the dead into that of the living and sets the stage for several of DC’s main characters. While the issue ostensibly serves as a primer for fans both old and new, it still sits firmly in the muddled continuity that has plagued DC for the past several years. At the same time, for those somewhat familiar with the DC Universe’s event books from the last few years, DC Universe 0 offers enough to prepare for Final Crisis.
The identity of the narrator presenting this issue has been spread across both the print press and the Internet already, but this reviewer will refrain from spoiling it. Regardless, the mysterious presence describes a gradual resurrection, giving him time to comment on the events leading up to Final Crisis. Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes fight Superman Prime’s forces. Batman confronts the Joker at Arkham Asylum about those conspiring against him. The Greek gods of the DC Universe plan to displace Wonder Woman as Earth’s protector via an army straight out of Frank Miller’s 300. Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns investigate the explosion of a transport full of extraterrestrial super-villains. The Secret Society of Super-Villains rallies around a new rogue named Libra, who promises to bring the group leadership and a cultish new religion. DC Universe 0 serves as not so much a standalone story, but a collection of highlights and CliffsNotes meant to prepare anyone that abandoned Countdown. While the narrator gives the reader a moving view of the sheer scale of the DC Universe, the issue fails as a story worth buying for anything other than a means to catch up before Final Crisis. Both diehard and casual DC fans should probably buy DC Universe 0 before reading that crossover. At $0.50, there’s really no excuse. But, new fans will probably feel lost.
Eight different artists contributed to this issue, including original Crisis on Infinite Earths artist George Perez. He is accompanied by Ed Benes, JG Jones, Ivan Reis, Phillip Tan, Aaron Lopresti, Doug Manhke, and Carlos Pacheco. The consortium of artists has produced an attractive book that maintains consistency while showing the individual talents of each penciller. From the dark swamps where the Spectre extracts his vengeance, to Wonder Woman’s bright island of Themyscira, DC Universe 0 never looks less than amazing.
DC Universe 0 will work best for those at least somewhat familiar with DC Universe continuity from the past few years. Though the book tries to introduce an epic, it uses a strong narrative voice to play catch-up with continuity so dense that only the most committed fan can follow. It features some amazing art and at the cover price, it’s well worth a look for those planning to read Final Crisis. For those fans entirely new to DC, this issue won’t give them a clear grasp on its universe.
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