Batman Incorporated # 0 2012 VF/NM

Batman Incorporated #0 (2012) is a special prequel issue published by DC Comics on September 26, 2012. Released as part of DC's company-wide "Zero Month" event during the New 52 era, it provides an origin story detailing how Bruce Wayne initially structured and recruited his global army of vigilantes.

While the overarching story of Volume 2 is plotted by Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham, this specific issue features striking, surreal guest artwork by penciler and colorist Frazer Irving.

Core Plot & Structure

The issue acts as a dense, reference-heavy vignette that jumps around the timeline and the globe to show how the foundations of Batman Inc. were built: 

• The Fateful Bell: The comic opens with a meta-callback to the climax of the classic The Black Glovestoryline before flashing back even further to Frank Miller's Batman: Year One. It revisits the iconic moment where a bleeding, defeated Bruce Wayne sits in his study and decides to ring the bell for Alfred Pennyworth, altering the context to frame his decision to never fight his war alone.
• The Boardroom Pitch: It transitions to a Wayne Enterprises board meeting where Bruce formally pitches the corporate concept of "Batman, Incorporated". This segment includes a brief interruption by Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne, who drop in to arrest a corrupt board member for embezzlement. 
• Global Recruiting Runs: The narrative then jets around the world, showcasing how Batman and his British counterpart, Cyril Sheldrake (Knight), evaluate and assemble their international lieutenants. It heavily spotlights Johnny Riley as he transitions into his role as the new Dark Ranger of Australia, alongside quick updates on global heroes like El Gaucho (Argentina), Nightrunner (France), and Jiro Osamu (the Batman of Japan).

Key Highlights

• Surreal Aesthetic: Frazer Irving’s highly stylized digital art gives the issue a distinct, dreamlike atmosphere that sets it apart visually from Chris Burnham's work on the surrounding issues.
• Eccentric Villains: The global vignettes pit the international heroes against bizarre, minor antagonists, including first appearances by oddities like Veiniac and Doubleface. 
• Continuity Bridge: Despite taking place during the New 52 reboot, the issue doubles down on pre-reboot Morrison lore, functioning as an intentional bridge to make sure readers understood the original 2010 Batman Inc. setup was still largely intact.