The “0” issues that ran in the DC books throughout October 1994 were used to tell the origins of the series stars, with any alterations they wanted to make, in the wake of the new reality created at the end of Zero Hour. Because there were so many Bat-books at this time, each chose to focus on a different side of the Batman tale. In Detective 0, Dixon, Nolan and Hanna look at his early days in the costume.
Alfred is there from the start, of course, but now Lucius Fox is as well. In fact, this scene mirrors the way Lucius would be introduced in Batman Begins, in conjunction with Bruce seeking out Wayne technology for his car and weaponry.
I should mention that there is a framing device of Batman hunting down and beating up criminals in present day Gotham, but that’s really just an excuse for action scenes. More interesting, to me, was the use of the classic Batmobile, keeping that in the new continuity.
The story briefly acknowledges other supporting cast towards the end – Commissioner Gordon and Harvey Bullock. Dick Grayson’s days as Robin, and Jason Todd’s brief career. We see the Joker, Riddler, Two-Face, Scarecrow, and Ra’s and Talia Al Ghul.
Not great, not awful. About on par with most of the “0” issues.
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