By Hunter T. Patrick

Finally. This is a word to describe the first story in DC’s anthology sampler in time for free comic book day. The trouble with this book though is it is a luxury item if you try to get it during free comic book day as it is the very large cost of 25 cents. Is it worth it? Beyond a doubt. If this review factored in price, then this will easily be a perfect score. This review does not, and instead will look at all three stories and grade them individually before the big reveal for the score of this issue!! (spoiler this issue is a 4/5).

After nearly fifty issues in Tom King has yet to use the Joker in his Batman run. Yes, he had that whole War of Jokes and Riddles, with Joker being the primary antagonist (like the Riddler could ever compete, psh), but that was all flashback Joker, now we get present day Joker. This is Tom King, just knowing that gives this a perfect score, but with art by Clay Mann that even improves it, being one of King’s best collaborators. The look of Joker is one of the most horrifying yet. Get this comic for this story alone, just a one off on the Joker. 5/5

Next story continues Brian Michael Bendis’ epic Superman run for a second teaser for Man of Steel. If you read his Action Comics 1000 story, then you know it was held during Man of Steel. This is the exact same thing, being held directly in the miniseries. It has even more teases than the Action 1000 story and even tells a fuller story, what is interesting is that Action 1000’s Bendis story is about Superman, this one is all about Clark Kent. This definitely feels like a set up for stuff past Man of Steel and continues with some shocks for the series. Having two prelude stories held in the middle of the event is way too much though, but keeping the Action 1000 story aside, this is interesting enough with great art. The trouble is this is just too much of a teaser than a memorable story. 3/5

The last story is for Justice League No Justice and has so much going on and an epic 20+ character story full of great art. It feels as if so much happens in this story, but similar to the previous story it feels we are sent right into the middle instead of a prelude. The point is teasing which this does very well. Great character interactions and action in just a few pages. I hope No Justice manages to live everything to its fullest and not just rush as this story felt like a rush trying to show everything offered for this comic. This story felt rushed due to it trying to get fans to buy No Justice with all it has to offer. Like the last story this is meant to be a teaser and reviewing just this it is way too little to go by, but great for what is there. 4/5

Get this comic. Artwork for each story if phenomenal and it presents so much going on that will make you want more from each story. If there is ever a Tom King one-off story that is when you know the comic is worth it. So much great offerings coming from DC and this comic show some great stuff coming, sacrificing some great stuff in here. Don’t worry though, this comic would be well worth the standard 3.99-dollar price. Being 25 cents is well worth it. 

Score: 4/5

DC Nation #0
DC Comics