Written by Archie Goodwin.
Art by (See Below).
Cover Art by Joe Quesada; Jimmy Palmiotti; Electric Crayon; Digital Chameleon; & Willie Schubert.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for October 1994, this issue utilizing a multitude of artists is simply entitled “Viewpoint.” On a dark and stormy night seventy miles outside Gotham City, sinister publishing tycoon Randolph Spire recruits a group of journalists-for-hire to his mansion. Spire’s most well-known tabloid is “Viewpoint.” Of all the celebrity legends he has supposedly exposed, Spire wants these journalists to bring him Batman’s secret.
Meanwhile, Batman is presently probing the explosive demise of a group of international business executives targeted at a Gotham City luncheon.
At Spire’s remote castle-like lair, one journalist among them lays out various (and seemingly demonic) perceptions of the Dark Knight, much to their host’s distaste. Yet, what grim fate awaits Batman’s latest adversary lurking among them?
This issue utilizes preview material (including their storyline titles) from future issues of Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight. The art team consists of: Vince Giarrano (pages 1, 4-5, 7-8, and 21-24); David Williams & Karl Kesel (pages 2-3); Tony Salmons (page 6); Mike Zeck (pages 9-10); Scott Hampton (page 11); Tim Sale (page 12); Mark Badger (page 13); Brian Murray (page 14); Joe Staton & Steve Mitchell (page 15); John Watkiss (page 16); Ted McKeever (page 17); Carlos Ezquerra (page 18); Frank Gomez (page 19 – pin-up only); and Phil Winslade (page 20: pin-up only).
Note: DC’s other three Bat-titles use their own Issue # 0’s to convey a jumping-aboard checkpoint by reviewing Batman’s origin. Specifically, those titles are: Batman; Detective Comics; and Batman: Shadow of the Bat. By comparison, this issue resembles an overview with a more sophisticated brand of storytelling.
REVIEW:
The main plot device is a noir genre cliché, but uncredited scribe Archie Goodwin, at least, delivers the necessary goods. Devising a narrative framework justifying its plethora of different visual looks, Goodwin frankly has the easy task. The real value of this Issue # 0 obviously comes from a festival of Bat-artists showcasing their own enigmatic takes on the Dark Knight.
Even if this tale’s grim plot twist is hardly a surprise, the issue still offers a welcome treat for Bat-fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The artistic credits reveal the specific visual source for each individual page. There is a two-page letters-and-answers column, including Goodwin’s brief tribute to his late colleague, Neal Pozner. “DC Universe # 20” depicts Clark Kent’s Daily Planet ‘front page’ exclusive signaling the end of Zero Hour.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
