Animal Man # 0 2012 NM-

Animal Man # 0, published by DC Comics on September 5, 2012 (with a November 2012 cover date), is a pivotal "Zero Month" issue for the New 52 initiative. Written by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Steve Pugh, the issue reimagines Buddy Baker's origins, revealing a deeper, more mystical connection to "The Red" as the series approached the "Rotworld" crossover event. 

"Red Birth" 

The story provides a new history for Buddy Baker, set five years before the start of the 2011 series. 

• The Fallen Avatar: The issue opens in the Congo, where the previous avatar of The Red is killed by Anton Arcane, the avatar of The Rot.
• The Temporary Champion: The Totems of the Parliament of Limbs realize the true future avatar has not yet been born. They decide to grant powers to the future avatar's father, Buddy Baker, to serve as a temporary protector.
• The Ruse: To prevent Buddy from going insane, the Totems create an elaborate illusion of an alien spaceship crash. This leads Buddy to believe his powers come from extraterrestrial "Tailors" who abducted him, a nod to his classic Silver Age origin.
• The Legacy: The issue reveals that Buddy's daughter, Maxine, is the true intended avatar of The Red, and Buddy's role is primarily to protect her until she is ready. 
• Writer: Jeff Lemire.
• Artist/Inker/Cover Artist: Steve Pugh.
• Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski.
• Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher.